Professional Year Program Australia — What You Need to Know

What Is the Professional Year Program?

The Professional Year (PY) is an accredited, structured program designed to help international graduates transition from university study into the Australian professional workplace. It runs for approximately 12 months and includes formal training plus a mandatory internship with an Australian employer. Completing a Professional Year earns you 5 additional points in the study points assessment.

Who Is Eligible?

• Graduates in IT, Engineering or Accounting who studied in Australia
• Must hold a relevant qualification recognised by ACS, Engineers Australia or a CPA/CA-pathway accounting body
• Must currently hold a valid Australian visa with work rights (typically Temporary Graduate Visa)
• Must enrol in the PY within 4 years of graduating

Professional Year Programs by Discipline

IT — Australian Computer Society (ACS): 44 weeks including a 12-week internship. Covers professional skills, communication and workplace readiness.

Engineering — Engineers Australia (EA): Approximately 12 months including an internship component, delivered by approved providers.

Accounting — CPA Australia / ICAA / IPA: 52 weeks including a 10-week internship, available to graduates with CPA/ICAA/IPA-pathway qualifications.

The 5 Study Points Explained

Most competitive occupations require 90+ points for a career milestone. A Professional Year adds 5 points that — when combined with regional study (+5), partner skills (+5) or NAATI (+5) — can make the critical difference between receiving and missing a career milestone.