Through the portfolio admissions pathway, you can showcase your creativity, design skills and potential through a portfolio of your work.
A successful submission may boost your selection rank and strengthen your application for an eligible undergraduate degree.
This page outlines everything you need to know about eligibility, portfolio requirements, key dates and how to apply.
The portfolio admissions pathway can help you gain entry into select degrees from the Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning if you achieve close to the required ATAR (or equivalent).
By assessing your portfolio alongside your academic results, the University can better recognise your creativity, skills and potential to succeed in architecture or interaction design.
If your ATAR or equivalent is just below the course requirement, the portfolio admissions pathway may still help you secure a place in your preferred degree.
Portfolio submission is via an online process and available for the following degrees:
Before submitting your portfolio, please carefully read all information about what to include.
To submit your portfolio you must meet the following criteria:
Submission Round |
Open Date |
Closing date |
|---|---|---|
Round 1 |
08 June 2026 |
31 July 2026 |
Round 2 |
01 August 2026 |
23 November 2026 |
The 2026 portfolio application period for Semester 1, 2027 is currently open. During the application period, you may submit your portfolio electronically as follows:
A short statement outlining your interest in studying at the University of Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning.
Your work sample is the central component of your application. It should present a focused selection of original work that demonstrates your capability and interest in your chosen degree.
What to include
Your work sample may include visual, digital or written work. You should submit one of the following formats:
This component should connect directly to your work sample.
Choose one of the following:
Option A: Artist/Designer Statement
Option B: Critical Reflection
Assessors review each application holistically. This includes your:
The work sample is the primary component, supported by your written materials.
Applicants are not expected to have formal training in design. We are interested in potential, curiosity and commitment, demonstrated through your work.
Criterion |
What we are looking for |
High performance |
Developing performance |
|---|---|---|---|
Creative Capability |
Ability to generate, communicate or explore ideas through visual, digital or written work |
Clear, original ideas; strong visual or conceptual thinking; evidence of experimentation |
Ideas are present but underdeveloped; limited exploration or originality |
Relevance to Chosen Pathway |
Alignment between submitted work and intended degree (Architecture, Interaction Design, or Architecture and Environment) |
Work clearly connects to the field; demonstrates understanding of relevant modes (e.g. spatial thinking, digital interaction, environmental issues) |
Limited or unclear connection to chosen field; work not clearly aligned |
Technical and Material Skills |
Use of media, tools or techniques appropriate to the work |
Confident use of chosen medium (e.g. drawing, digital tools, writing); attention to detail |
Basic or inconsistent skills; limited control of medium |
Breadth of Exploration |
Range of approaches, formats or ideas |
Evidence of varied approaches (e.g. sketches, digital work, models, writing); willingness to explore |
Narrow range of work; repetitive or limited scope |
Commitment and Effort |
Depth of engagement with selected work |
Projects are resolved, thoughtful and carefully presented; clear investment of time and effort |
Work appears incomplete, rushed or lightly developed |
Communication |
Clarity of ideas through presentation and supporting text |
Clear, concise explanations; strong connection between images and statements |
Descriptions unclear, minimal or not well connected to the work |
Reflection and Insight |
Ability to reflect on process, learning and outcomes |
Insightful reflection on successes, challenges and learning; awareness of future development |
Limited reflection; descriptive rather than analytical |
We recognise varied educational and personal backgrounds.
Your portfolio admission application should demonstrate two key qualities:
Show a range of skills, approaches or ways of thinking relevant to your chosen pathway.
Assessors will also consider the context of your chosen degree.
Architecture (Bachelor of Design in Architecture, Bachelor of Architecture and Environment)
Design (Bachelor of Design 鈥� Interaction Design)
Sustainable Built Environments (Bachelor of Architecture and Environment)
Select work that reflects your strongest effort and engagement.
In addition to the Portfolio Pathway, we offer a number of alternative pathways for domestic undergraduate applicants who wish to have additional factors taken into account alongside their academic results.
See the Alternative entry page for more information.
Yes. You may submit a portfolio for more than one course. However, each portfolio submission should be tailored to the specific course because portfolios are assessed differently for each course.
Portfolio submission outcomes are released via email after the closure date for each submission period. Applicants will be notified once assessment has been completed for that round.
Yes. If your portfolio submission is unsuccessful in Round 1, you may submit an updated portfolio in Round 2. You may also choose to submit a portfolio for a different course.
Due to the high volume of portfolio submissions received, staff are unable to provide individual feedback on portfolio submissions.
No. Students with successful portfolio submissions will be considered for Semester 1 entry only. Students may commence study in the Bachelor of Design (Interaction Design) in Semester 2, but portfolio submission is not available for that entry period.
