The benefits of an Australian Professional Year Program

What is a Professional Year Program?

A Professional Year Program is a structured professional development program combining formal learning and workplace experience for international students who have graduated from a university in Australia. Professional Year Programs run for 12 months and are currently available in the fields of accounting, computer science and engineering — Australian industries where the demand for skilled graduates is high.
Professional Year Programs are primarily designed for students wishing to apply for permanent residency in Australia. They allow students to develop industry-specific skills through study and work experience, preparing them for professional careers in the Australian workforce. The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) only recognises Professional Year Programs that have been approved by the government (see below).

Why should you complete a Professional Year Program?

Completing a Professional Year has a number of benefits:

• You earn valuable work experience in an Australian company through an internship.
• You are able to improve your understanding of the culture and practices within the Australian workplace.
• You learn how to communicate in a professional manner within the Australian workplace.
• You are eligible to receive five extra points on the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) ‘points test’ when applying for a Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa.

Who is eligible for a Professional Year Program?

You will need to have completed a degree in accounting, computer science or engineering (or a closely related area) in Australia. You must hold a Skilled — Graduate (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 485), which allows you to remain in Australia for 18 months after the completion of your degree. To be eligible for this visa you must be under 50 years of age, have completed an eligible qualification within the last six months as a result of at least two years of study in Australia and possess the skills and qualifications required for an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List.
Engineering graduates who completed their degree at a recognised institution outside Australia are also eligible to complete a Professional Year Program in engineering. They must apply for a Skilled — Recognised Graduate (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 476).

Professional Year Program providers and further information

The following Professional Year Programs are recognized by the Australian Government:

Accounting

• CPA Australia Skilled Migration Internship Program: Accounting (SMIPA)
• Chartered Accountants Australi and New Zealand Skilled Migration Internship Program: Accounting
• Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) Skilled Migration Internship Program: Accounting
• Professional year in Accounting: Formally known as the Skilled Migration Internship Program Accounting (SMIPA) and developed by CPA Australia, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and the Institute of Public Accountants. The program consists of training and an accounting internship placement designed to improve the career prospects of international accounting graduates from Australian universities.

Duration: 44 weeks, 12-week Internship
Location: Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Perth, Sydney.
Industry: Accounting

Eligibility Criteria:

Currently, hold or apply for a temporary graduated visa (485)

Technology

One of the most appealing aspects of Australia for international students is the emphasis on scientific research. Australia is at the forefront of new technology and innovations. Students who study in Australia can take advantage of the country's impressive technology and resources.

With the validity of 12 months.

• Minimum IELTS score of 6 band Each
• Provide a valid skill Assessment for CPA.
• Have graduated from a related higher education program within Australia for a minimum of two years.

Computer Science / I.T.

• The Australian Computer Society Professional Year Program

• Professional year in IT: Developed by ACS to give international ICT graduates from Australian universities the skills and training they need to start their career. The program consists of training and an IT internship placement to provide a pathway from study to employment in Australia.

Duration: 44 weeks, 12-week Internship
Location: Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Perth, Sydney.
Industry: Accounting

Eligibility Criteria:

Currently, hold or apply for a temporary graduated visa (485)

With the validity of 12 months.

• Minimum IELTS score of 6 band Each
• Provide a valid skill Assessment for ACS.
• Have graduated from a related higher education program within Australia for a minimum of two years.

Engineering

• Engineers Australia Professional Year Program
• Professional Year in Engineering: Developed by Engineering Education Australia (EEA), the Professional Year in Engineering, prepares migrant engineers for the Australian workplace. It is the only work-readiness program for engineers legislated by the Australian government & provides a pathway from study to employment in Australia.

Duration: 44 weeks, 12-week Internship
Location: Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Perth, Sydney.
Industry: Engineering

Eligibility Criteria:.

• Currently, hold or apply for a temporary graduated visa (485)

With the validity of 12 months.

• Minimum IELTS score of 6 band Each
• Provide a valid skill Assessment for Engineer Australia
• Have graduated from a related higher education program within Australia for a minimum of two years.