Are you an international graduate seeking to gain Australian work experience, secure a professional internship and enhance your skilled migration prospects?
Professional Year in Australia is a direct career development program that integrates structured industry training, powerful internship placement and exclusive job support. Our Professional Year Program is designed towards making you job-ready and competitive in the Australian workforce, whether you have graduated in Accounting, IT, or Engineering.
Are you an international graduate seeking to gain Australian work experience, secure a professional internship and enhance your skilled migration prospects?
Eligibility for a Professional Year in Australia
The Professional Year Program in Australia is designed for international graduates in ICT, Engineering, and Accounting who have studied in Australia and want to gain practical workplace experience, improve employability, and earn migration benefits. Upon successful completion, the eligible graduates can also receive 5 extra points in their Skilled Migration application which can provide an available opportunity to permanent residence.
Eligibility criteria vary slightly between ACS, EEA, and the previously available SMIPA program.
Here is a breakdown of eligibility, followed by professional year fees, program structure, and required documents for each program:
1. ACS Professional Year
Eligibility
To enroll in the ACS Professional Year Program, applicants must:
- Have completed an Australian bachelor’s degree or higher in IT, ICT, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or related fields.
- Hold a 485 Temporary Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work Stream) or a valid bridging visa with full work and study rights.
- Provide evidence of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS 6.0 overall or equivalent).
- Have a valid ACS Skills Assessment (provisional or complete).
- Have a valid ACS Skills Assessment (provisional or complete).
- Have a valid ACS Skills Assessment (provisional or complete).
Program Components / Structure – 44 Weeks (ACS)
Documents Required (ACS)
Cost (ACS)
- 32 Weeks of Coursework
- Australian workplace communication
- Professional ethics & conduct
- IT industry standards
- Job readiness, interview preparation & resume skills
- Project-based learning
- 12 Weeks Internship
- ICT-related placement
- Hands-on industry exposure
- Supervision & mentoring
- Passport bio page
- Australian visa grant notice (485 / Bridging)
- Degree completion letter
- Academic transcript
- English test results (IELTS / PTE / TOEFL)
- ACS Skills Assessment
- Resume/CV
AUD $11,000 – $13,000
(Cost may vary depending upon provider, location, and available promotions)
Requirements
Passport Copy
Detailed CV
Transcripts
Reference Letter
PaySlips
RPL
2. Professional Year Program Engineering
Eligibility
To enroll in the Engineering Professional Year Program, applicants must:
- Have an Australian degree (bachelor or higher) in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Software, Chemical, Structural, etc.).
- Hold a 485 Temporary Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work Stream) or a bridging visa with full rights.
- Demonstrate English language proficiency (IELTS 6.0 overall or equivalent).
- Have a positive or provisional engineering skills assessment (Engineers Australia).
- Have a positive or provisional engineering skills assessment (Engineers Australia).
- Have a positive or provisional engineering skills assessment (Engineers Australia).
Program Components / Structure – 44 Weeks (EEA)
Documents Required (ACS)
Cost (ACS)
- 32 Weeks of Training
- Engineering workplace communication
- Professional ethics & WHS training
- Engineering standards and practices in Australia
- Job readiness workshops
- 12 Weeks Internship
- Engineering-related placement
- Industry training under supervision
- Real project exposure
- Passport bio page
- Visa grant letter (485 / Bridging)
- Australian engineering degree certificate
- Official transcript
- English test results
- Engineers Australia Skills Assessment
- Resume/CV
AUD $13,000 – $15,000
(Cost may vary depending upon provider, location, and available promotions)
3. Professional Year Program Accounting
New enrolments for the SMIPA Accounting Professional Year Program were stopped as of March 5, 2025.
The program is now discontinued and no longer offered.
- Final Date: All program activities will end no later than 1 May 2026.
- Impact on PR Points: Individuals who complete the program before it shuts down will still be eligible for the 5 points towards permanent residency.
- Reason for Closure: Low enrolment numbers, lack of government support, and changing migration policies.
- Future Alternatives: Accounting bodies are exploring new pathways for graduates to enter the profession.
Top 5 Professional Year Providers in Australia
Here are 5 best Professional Year (PY) Program providers in Australia:
| Provider Name | About | Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Navitas Professional | It is a large and well established provider offering PY programs in ICT, Engineering and formerly Accounting. It is known for its broad coverage and multiple intakes. | Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney |
| Monash Professional Pathways | It supports graduates who seek professional experience and careers in Australia. It has a wide network of internship host companies, across a wide range of industries. | Melbourne |
| Education Centre of Australia (ECA) | It provides professional year programs in IT and Accounting, known for their outstanding track record. It offers various programs with a practical approach. | Sydney, Melbourne, Geelong and Brisbane |
| Performance Education | It provides graduates with an exceptional opportunity to cultivate their skills through a combination of classroom training and a 12-week internship at an Australian host company | Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney |
| National Institute of Technology (NIT) | It has been offering the ACS PY program since 2015. It provides exceptional IT internships tailored to individual goals, along with personalized IT career support. | Perth |
Professional Year Program Services
BJay Education and Visa Services provides complete guidance of Professional Year Australia from enrollment to graduation.
Accredited Professional Year Program: We connect you with accredited Professional Year Programs throughout Australia provided by the most dominant industry providers. You can choose the Accounting, ICT/IT, or Engineering Professional Year Program, and we assist you in getting the correct course to increase the employability and migration chances.
Guaranteed Internship Placement: All the students will be offered a professional internship to obtain real experience within the Australian workplace in his/her field. This practice enhances your resume, increases your employability, and creates opportunities to get long-term employment.
Job Preparation & Ongoing Career Support: Our employment preparation program involves resume writing, interview training and soft-skill training based on the expectation of the Australian work place. We offer post program career support to help you to get meaningful employment even after you are done with your program.
Visa & Migration Assistance: We help students on visa matters such as 485 Temporary graduate visas and paperwork to join the Professional Year. Our migration assistance also assists graduates in knowing the ways the PYP can be used to earn skilled migration points, which are eligibility dependent.
Why do Students Choose Our Services?
- Partnerships with Top PYP Providers Across Australia: We cooperate with top approved providers of PYP to be able to access high-quality programs. Students have an option of reputable institutions that suit their study area and location.
- Competitive Pricing and Exclusive Discounts: Through our partnerships, we are able to provide competitive charges and special discounts that can be found nowhere. The program is made more affordable through flexible payment options.
- High Internship Placement Success Rate: We have a high history of placement of pertinent internships to our students. This will guarantee good Australian work experience and employment opportunities for internattional Students.
- Support for Regional, Metro & Remote Locations: Distribution of programs is found in the largest cities and in the regions, and students have a variety of location options. This flexibility assists them in aligning the studies with the lifestyle and visa
Who Can Apply?
Enroll in a Professional Year Program Today
The Professional Year Program is suitable for graduates who:
- Hold a degree in Accounting, ICT/IT, or Engineering
- Have or are eligible for a 485 Temporary Graduate Visa
- Meet the English language and provider-specific requirement
- Meet the English language and provider-specific requirements
Accelerate your career, gain local industry experience, and take the next step toward your professional goals in Australia.
Start your journey with the Professional Year in Australia and secure the career advantage you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Eligibility requirements may vary from field to field, but generally require:
- An Australian degree (IT, Engineering, or Accounting)
- A 485 Temporary Graduate Visa or an eligible bridging visa
- English language proficiency (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
- Relevant skills assessment (ACS, Engineers Australia, CPA/CA ANZ/IPA)
The Professional Year Program is 44 weeks long where 12 weeks of internship is included, combining classroom training with practical work experience.
No, the Accounting Professional Year (SMIPA) is not available, it has been discontinued after March 5, 2025.
The Professional Year fees typically range from AUD $10,000 to $15,000, depending on the program (IT, Engineering, or former Accounting) and the training provider.
