What is Professional Year ?

Professional Year Program, also known as professional development program is a well-structured training course for international students who have completed their Degree in Engineering / IT / Accounting (Minimum 2years) from Australian University.

Under PY program, work related training is provided to the candidates in their chosen career fields. This practical training gives them a chance to make use of their theoretical skills in a practical way and helps them in getting hands-on experience in performing different job tasks and other responsibilities.

The fact cannot be denied, for international students getting a job in Australia that matches with their skills and abilities is a gruelling challenge unless they don't have any local experience in their chosen profession.

Therefore, DIBP invented this training program to help international students so that they can grab some practical skills to perform various job tasks, build professional networks and get industrial references for their future endeavours.

The main objective of Professional Year Program is to provide a directive platform to the aspirants where they can learn about Australian Workplace culture and practices, business communication and how they can make use of their skills on practical grounds as an employee.

Profession Year Program

Accounting :

Developed by CPA Australia, ICA (Institute of Chartered Accountants) and IPA (Institute of Public Accountants, SMIPA (Skilled Migration Internship Program-Accounting) is a professional year program for accounting graduates. The program is aimed at helping international accounting graduates cultivate skills to excel in their career. Moreover, upon successful completion of the program candidates are eligible for 5 extra points on DIBP points test.

Information Technology :

Australian Computer Society (ACS) developed the IT professional year program to help overseas ICT (Information & Communications Technology) graduates acquire practical skills and fundamental training. Provision of regular counseling throughout the program also plays a vital role in helping students acquire extensive and practical knowledge.Initiated by the Department of Immigration & Border Protection (DIBP), the program is aimed at overcoming skill shortage in Australia. The program runs for 44 weeks, which includes the first 32 weeks of theoretical knowledge and communication skills training, while the remaining 12 weeks provide students an opportunity to apply acquired knowledge and learned techniques in practice through internship.
Successful completion of program also makes the students eligible for 5 extra points on DIBP points test which boosts their chances of permanent residency in Australia.

Engineering :

Professional Year Program in Engineering was developed by EEA (Engineering Education Australia). This 44 week program helps international engineering graduates gain vital insights into the Australian workplace demands, foster their employability skills and thus makes them employment ready.It is a comprehensive program comprising extensive training and an internship placement making students job ready in the Australian workspace. Moreover, upon successful completion of the program candidates are eligible for 5 extra points on DIBP points test.

Entry Requirements

To qualify for the Professional Year Program, you must :

• An appropriate undergraduate or postgraduate award from an Australian institution with a minimum of two years' study, in a relevant field.
• hold or applied for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485, either stream) with at least 12 months validity or ;
• hold an eligible Secondary Visa with work and study rights with at least 12 months validity
• Evidence of English language proficiency (minimum IELTS 6.0 in all 4 competencies or equivalent).
  • For ACS applicants a minimum IELTS 5.0 in all competencies or equivalent.
  • An equivalent PTE/TOEFL result.
• Eligibility for a 485 Visa or 476 Visa (Engineering only).
• A valid skills assessment from the relevant professional body :
  • Accounting: Provisional skills assessment
  • You need to apply for this visa within six months of graduation from your university course.

Offshore university graduates may be eligible to complete the Professional Year in Engineering on a 476 visa. For further information visit the Engineering Education Australia website.