Qualifying with the RIBA overseas
Royal Institute of British Architects offers a provision of the Part 3 course in Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates.
This means that those students who have successfully completed their Part 1 and Part 2 in the UK/EEA, together with the required practical training experience, but who are currently working overseas would be eligible.
This expansion to the current RIBA Part 3 provides a local route to complete your UK Education and upon successful completion of the course and examination should give you the opportunity to register with both ARB UK and RIBA (unless you hold RIBA overseas validated qualifications).
The demand for this opportunity has increased significantly with many UK post Part 2 students seeking work abroad and, importantly, the withdrawal of Tier 1 post study work visas which will affect the overseas students who have studied in the UK.
Individuals with at least five years' architectural qualifications from overseas may also be eligible to undertake this course and should check the eligibility section in the prospectus.
Please note: It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognise any qualifications to which this course may lead.
RIBA Part 3 - Hong Kong
RIBA offers a provision of the Part 3 course in Hong Kong, having gained registration from the Hong Kong Education Bureau (HKEB) on 22 May 2013. Course Registration Number: 352367
About the course and examination
The course commences in January each year with seminars delivered over two intensive weekends, giving individuals an in-depth professional education in practice and management, professionalism, procurement, and contracts as well as the regulatory environment for architecture following the RIBA/ARB Professional Criteria, the majority of which is applicable to international architectural practice.
ARB and HKIA Memorandum of Understanding
The course has been validated by RIBA and prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
Start date: January 2026
Location: Hong Kong
Fees: HKD 35,000
How to apply?
Register your interest for the Part 3 2026 Hong Kong course, and receive a copy of the prospectus and application.
Contact us
For further information or eligibility queries please contact part3@riba.org.
RIBA Part 3 - UAE
RIBA offers a provision of the Part 3 course in the UAE.
About the course and examination
The course commences in January each year with seminars delivered over two intensive weekends, giving individuals an in-depth professional education in practice and management, professionalism, procurement and contracts as well as the regulatory environment for architecture following the RIBA/ARB Professional Criteria, the majority of which is applicable to international architectural practice.
The course has been validated by RIBA and prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
Start date: January 2026
Location: Dubai, UAE
Fees: AED 16,095.85 + VAT (AED 16,943)
How to apply?
Register your interest for the Part 3 2026 UAE course, and receive a copy of the prospectus and application.
Contact us
For further information or eligibility queries please contact part3@riba.org.
