Portfolio guidelines: applying to study architecture

Applying for AUT's Graduate Diploma in Architecture or Master of Architecture (Professional)? Learn what to include in the portfolio you may need to submit as part of your application.

Portfolio format

The portfolio must be in PDF format and no bigger than 20MB.

You can develop your images and text in any format – like hand drawings, photographs, Photoshop, Word, CAD, etc – but then convert them into one PDF file.

Video files should be linked to YouTube.

What to include in your portfolio

You may be required to submit a portfolio as part of your application, showing evidence of your design and creative interests.

Make sure you include:

  • 12 to 20 pages of your own drawings, designs, models, compositions and/or other creative works that demonstrate your interest in buildings, spaces, landscapes, people or designed objects
  • Evidence of your design process - we want to see how you think.
  • You may also include evidence of interests in related fields like arts, design, sciences, technology, music, creative writing, coding or games, if appropriate
  • Evidence of a variety of techniques and media (could include different ways of designing, drawing, visualising and making, both by hand and digitally)
  • Any collaborative or group work should be clearly labelled as such and your role or contribution clearly stated too.

Include a cover letter

This one-page written statement should outline your background, interests and achievements, design aspirations or career goals.

This should be the first page of your portfolio.

Submitting your portfolio after applying to AUT

If you are not ready to submit your portfolio with your application to AUT, then you can upload your portfolio through your Arion account at a later date.

We recommend that you submit your portfolio alongside your online application to study the Graduate Diploma in Architecture or Master of Architecture (Professional).

To submit your portfolio through your Arion account

  1. Log in to your Arion account using the username and password sent to you by AUT.
  2. Go to Academic Details > Student Documents
  3. Click on Add Document
  4. Click on Browse - Select Portfolio - Upload

You will then be able to upload your portfolio to your application.

Log in to Arion

Problems uploading your portfolio?

If you have a problem uploading your portfolio (for example, due to file size limitations) contact the Student Hub.

The file size must not exceed 20MB.

For more information or assistance

Contact the Student Hub:

Ready to apply?

We recommend that you apply early if you're planning to study architecture.

Applying to AUT is easy – submit your application and portfolio online today.

Apply online

For more information or assistance

Any questions about our portfolio guidelines? We’re here to help.

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