As an international student and IT or Accounting graduate from an Australian University, you’re likely to be aware of Professional Year Programs (PY).

Completing a PY program will not only aid your efforts in become a permanent resident in Australia but importantly, and at the same time, help you grow professionally in your chosen career path

Performance Education’s PY program has an ingrained focus on those forementioned benefits but also a major emphasis on employability outcomes – something which we believe is incredibly important when entering the job market in Australia.

If you’re thinking about investing in your career by joining the 44-week PY course, there are a list of requirements you will need to meet to secure a place, and in turn, a few tips we can offer to have you prepared and ready!

English Language Requirement – Competent English

English exams are a critical requirement for visa and Professional Year purposes – these tests are often known as the IELTS, PTE, Cambridge (CAE) or TOEFL iBT versions.

Beyond being prepared and optimistic about achieving a great score, we highly recommend booking the test ahead of your PY enrolment date – luckily there are multiple campuses where the test can be taken Australia wide. Make sure you don’t leave it to the last minute, as it can compromise your PY enrolment and ultimately eligibility for the program if you miss out.

If you’re looking for guidance on which test has the quickest turnaround time, you’ve come to the right place!

• IELTS on a computer will deliver results within 2 to 5 days
• IELTS paper-based test will deliver results within 13 days after your test
• PTE Academic receive results within 2 days

You can still start your PY by meeting the minimum score (IELTS six with minimum of six in each band or equivalent for other tests) and, if you intend on trying the test once again later to achieve a higher result (i.e. to obtain more points for your skilled visa application) you can certainly do so! Please keep in mind, your English test must be less than three years old.

Skills Assessment (Accounting students)

Right now* a requirement for accounting students is a positive skills assessment from one of the noted Accounting Bodies:

• CPA Australia
• CA ANZ
• IPA

If you’ve completed a Bachelor or a Master in Professional Accounting in Australia, you’re likely to be eligible as you would’ve covered the mandatory competency areas during your course(s). There are also other requirements explore on the Accounting Bodies’ websites to ensure you have all bases covered. Furthermore, we suggest checking with your Migration Agent, Lawyer and/or directly with the Body that you meet the criteria.

While criteria are crucial, the timing of your assessment application can be equally as important. Currently processing times for ‘standard’ applications are between 15 to 35 business days, depending on the assessing body and on the volume of applications.

Our recommendation is to make a small investment of around $100.00 AUS and take the fast-track / express option. The speedy turn around will keep you application moving and we generally see turnarounds via CA or IPA assessments within 2-5 business days.

*Please note: This requirement will be removed as of June 1 2022.

Visas

We always encourage students to speak to a Migration Agent and/or Lawyer on anything relating to visas – advice from a professional and registered agent or lawyer will help ensure you meet all visa requirements. From a PY visa requirements, the most common visas are the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa. As soon as you apply for it and obtain a Bridging Visa A you would be able to enrol in the PY program if you meet the rest of the program requirements. Please note: You need at least 12 months (365 days) left on your visa from the date of the course commencement.

Passport

This small document is vitally important! You must hold a valid passport with 12 months (365 days) of validity to be accepted into a PY program. If your passport will soon expire, contact the local embassy or consulate. NB: Written proof of a new passport application by the legal authority may be considered as a valid document for you to begin the Professional Year. Please note the document must be provided in English.

Leave

We understand that life happens, and you may need to take leave from the program. Leave applications will be granted in cases of emergency or compassionate circumstances only and at the discretion of PE & governing bodies (ACS for IT and Accounting PYP for Accounting). Evidence will be required to substantiate the request.

Remember students can’t take leave without approval! And one to factor in – the longer you are on leave, the longer your course will be extended. It’s worth noting not all subjects are offered each month or on the same days, which may impact the length of your course.

Other Required Documentation:

• Your university completion letter
• Your university academic transcript

Entering a Professional Year Program with Performance Education will provide not only wide-ranging benefits but ultimately make you more employable in Australia.

Your application is the start of the process and while there are several requirements to meet it will hold you in good stead as you kick off your career. Remember the Performance Education team are here to help during your application journey, but a proactive approach is vital and in your hands!