Professional Year (PY) program is designed to target specialized professional development. It combines both institutional learning and workplace experience for international students who have graduated from an Australian institution. PY programs usually run for 12 months and are currently available for:
- Accounting,
- The Information Communication Technology (ICT), and
- Engineering
PY programs are designed for students who want to have an opportunity to participate in Australian workplace. Successful completion of Professional Year can also give you extra points in terms of point based skilled visas.
PY is meant to help students develop industry-specific skills through study and work experience, preparing them for professional careers in the Australian workforce. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) only recognizes Professional Year Programs that have been approved by the Government.
Benefits of a Professional Year Program:
- Earn valuable work experience in an Australian company through an internship; as well as enrich resume
- Improve understanding of the culture and practices commonly found in the Australian workplace
- Learn how to communicate professionally within the workplace
- Receive five extra points on the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) ‘points test’ when applying for Permanent Residency Application.
- Help build professional network and enhance networking and professional communication skills.
To be eligible for the Professional Year program, students must:
- Have an Australian degree in Accounting, Computer Science or Engineering (or a closely related field) to be eligible for a Professional Year program
- Have a Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa
- Passport
- -485 visa or 476 visa (Engineering only)
- -Completion letter
- -Official Transcript
- -English certificate
- -Skill Assessment Successful Outcome Letter (Accounting & Engineering)
- -CV (Engineering only)
- -Application form
- * For Engineering PYP, personal documents should be certified within 3 months of the application by an authorised person such as Pharmacist or Lawyer.
- * The Engineering PY admission requires the approval from Engineering Education Australia (EEA) and completion of the Career Interview of providers.
For more details, please contact PFEC Global. We will lead you through every step of the system, making sure that you are well taken care of.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Professional Year (PY) Program
What is the Professional Year Programme?
Professional Year (PY) Programmes are designed specifically for international graduate to upgrade their employability in ICT, Engineering and Accounting professions. PY provides the practical job skills and training to enhance the career prospects of international students and upon successful completion; on can earn themselves 5 points towards permanent residency in Australia.
Why should I consider participating in a Professional Year Programme?
Below are given a few of the reasons why it might be an amazing idea to participate in a PY programme:
- To counsel and guide your career during and upon completion of program
- To encourage you to join relevant professional networks
- To enhance your resume
- To gain a special Professional Year (PY) Certificate
- To get help to gain 5 additional points that will eventually add up to Permanent Residency
- To get open access to various workshops
- To receive a certificate with nationally accredited qualifications
- To try and make use of your theoretical knowledge by putting it into practice
How long does this programme last?
It is usually a 44-week long program; of which there are 32 weeks of coursework regarding Business Communication skills and Australian Workplace skills training. This is followed by 12 weeks of an internship/ fellowship in an Australian workplace in the participant’s chosen profession.
When is the next intake for PY?
Every month has some intakes for every programme offering this choice. The dates might vary depending on courses and providers. PFEC Global has well-trained consultants who will be able to guide you easily regarding the next available intake during your consultation.
Who can enrol in Professional Year?
To be eligible, you must fulfil the following pre-requisites:
- Have graduated from a related higher education program within Australia (of at least 2 years duration or some Engineering graduates on visa SC476)
- Hold a subclass 485/476 Temporary Resident Visa for skilled migration/ show evidence of your application for a Bridging visa
- Have met the English requirements (varies from course to course):
- Accounting – an overall IELTS score of at least 6.0 (no band lower than 6.0) or equivalent
- Information Technology – an overall IELTS score of 6 (with no band below 5) or equivalent
- Engineering – an overall IELTS score of 6.0 (with no band below 5) or equivalent
- Skills assessment from a relevant professional association
I have been accepted into a PY programme. Which visa do I need to get?
Prior to joining a PY programme, you will need one of the followi
- Hold a subclass 485/476 Temporary Resident Visa (for skilled migration); or
- Display proof of your application by producing a Bridging visa
What is the duration of the internship?
The internship lasts for a period of 12 weeks. There is often a minimum standard of putting in at least 3 days of attendance every week.
Is the internship paid?
No. Since the internship really is the practical component of the program, it is not paid.
Which are the best providers for the programme?
Depending on what the student most wants to get out of the PY experience, PFEC Global could help you select the provider that will most closely cater to your needs.
Can I take a break while the programme is going on?
While it is not something that is usually suggested, this can vary depending on your programme provider. It is also known that it is best to discuss individual cases with the specific course providers.
Am I allowed to arrange my own internship?
Getting your own internship is permitted by a number of PY provider institutes. Should you wish to arrange for your own internship, it will be crucial for you to speak to the educational institute prior to starting the course. This will also help you to understand the involved process in clearer terms.
Once I have successfully completed the PY Programme, is it guaranteed that I will immediately get employed?
Sadly, the answer is a no. This programme is aimed to prepare recent graduates with the professional skills necessary for building a career in Australia. However, it in no way guarantees job placement of any kind. However, host companies (giving the internship) might often consider offering an employment opportunity to some chosen qualified candidate(s) based on their performance during the internship.
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