Internationally Trained Applicants

Internationally trained applicants are welcome to apply for membership in the OALA and follow the same pathway to Full Membership as applicants educated in Ontario.

Before applying, internationally trained applicants must confirm that their education and professional credentials are equivalent to Canadian landscape architecture program standards.

Education and Credential Assessment 

Applicants who do not hold a landscape architecture degree accredited by the Canadian (LAAC) or American (LAAB) accreditation boards are required to have their academic credentials assessed.

OALA requires a course-by-course degree evaluation to be completed through one of the following recognized organizations:

• Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC)
• World Education Services Canada (WES): International Credential Evaluation

Please note that the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) is not recommended.

The credential assessments must demonstrate:

• A four‑year or longer degree equivalent to a Canadian Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, or
• A three‑year or longer degree equivalent to a Canadian Master of Landscape Architecture

The assessment must be submitted directly by the credentialing firm to OALA as part of the application process. The responsibility for ensuring the OALA receives the documentation rests with the applicant.

Once academic equivalency is confirmed, the applicant may proceed with an Intern Membership application or, where eligible, the Senior Oral Examination.

Working in Canada

Applicants are responsible for ensuring they have legal authorization to work in Canada. Information on work permits and immigration requirements is available through the Government of Canada.

Visit the Government of Canada website.