Professional Year program

A Professional Year (PY) helps recent graduates move into the Australian workplace. You learn workplace communication and culture, professional skills for your field, and then complete an internship with an Australian employer. For skilled migration it counts for 5 points, as long as it is in your nominated or a closely related occupation, lasts at least 12 months and was completed within the 48 months before your invitation.

How the program is structured

Programs run for about 44 weeks. In the ICT program, for example, that is around 32 weeks of classroom training followed by an internship of at least 12 weeks. The program is approved by the relevant professional body: the ACS for ICT, CPA Australia, CA ANZ or the Institute of Public Accountants for accounting, and Engineers Australia for engineering.

Who it suits

• Recent graduates of an Australian qualification in accounting, ICT or engineering
• People who hold a visa that allows them to complete the program, often the Temporary Graduate visa
• Graduates who want local work experience as well as points

Is it worth it?

A PY adds 5 points and gives you Australian workplace experience, which can help with employment. It also costs money and time. Compare it with other ways to gain points, such as a higher English score or the NAATI CCL test, using our points calculator. Points rules can change in future, so plan with current rules.

How Immi Solution helps

We check whether the PY fits your occupation and visa plan, help you compare approved providers and coordinate it with your Temporary Graduate visa timeline.