Professional Year Program (PYP) : ACS and CPA

A Professional Year Program (PYP) is a structured professional development program primarily designed for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian university in the field of Accounting, IT & Engineering. It combines formal learning with practical experience, which prepares students for job readiness in the Australian workforce.

The Professional Year Program will run for 44 weeks, which includes in-class training, workshops, and a 12-week internship. Within this program, you will gain industry-specific knowledge, improve communication skills, and gain practical insight into the Australian workplace. This program also provides opportunities to engage with industry professionals and build relevant networks within their respective fields.

Joining the Professional Year Program (PYP) provides several benefits, including but not limited to:

• Individuals will gain an extra 5 PR points towards their application for Australian point-tested skilled visas.
• Individuals will get a Professional Year Certificate, which adds value to their CV/resume.
• This program will help develop professional skills through an internship.
• This program helps students understand the Australian workplace culture.
• Skilled workers will get the opportunity to build a network with industry professionals and peers.

To qualify for the Professional Year Program (PYP), students must meet the following requirements: 

• Individuals are required to have a bachelor's or master's degree from an Australian university in Accounting, IT, or Engineering.
• Must have applied for or obtained a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485).
• English proficiency test (at least 6.0 IELTS score in all bands or equivalent).
• A positive skills assessment result from professional authorities.

IT Professional Year program is developed by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) to help overseas ICT (Information & Communications Technology) graduates gain formal training and practical skills. ACS is the only professional body endorsed by the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) to provide the Professional Year in IT. It costs around AUD 8,000 to AUD 14,000.

Entry requirements for PYP in IT:

• Must have a bachelor's or master's degree in IT from a recognised Australian university.
• Must have already obtained or applied for a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) with a minimum validity of 12 months.
• Must have scored a minimum of IELTS 6.0 and a PTE-A score of 50 in all four components.

Accounting Professional Year Program is developed by CPA Australia, ICA (Institute of Chartered Accountants), and IPA (Institute of Public Accountants). Accounting PYP (formerly known as SMIPA) is designed to help international students who recently graduated from an Australian university in the field of accounting gain practical skills and fundamental knowledge. It costs around AUD 6,000 to AUD 14,000.

Entry requirements for PYP in Accounting:

• Must have obtained a bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting from an Australian university.
• Must have already obtained or applied for a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) with a minimum validity of 12 months.
• Must have achieved a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 and a PTE-A score of 50 in all four components.

The step-by-step application process for the Professional Year Program (PYP) is dissected below:

STEP 1: First, check eligibility status for the Professional Year Program (PYP), such as:

• Must have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting, IT, or engineering.
• Must have applied for or currently hold a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) with at least 12 months of validity.
• English proficiency test result (a score of at least 50 in PTE and 6.0 in IELTS).

STEP 2: Collect all the required documents before applying for the professional program, such as:

• Academic transcripts
• A valid passport and other identity documents
• Current visa status
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Positive skills assessment results from the relevant professional authorities

STEP 3: Research and choose a recognized professional year (PY) provider

STEP 4: Submit application form

• Skilled workers can submit it directly to PY providers. Fill out their application form, attach all the required documents, and pay the application fees.

STEP 5: Attend a pre-enrolment interview.

• The Professional Year (PY) provider will check application details and whether the program aligns with the individual's background and goals.
• Once individuals pass the interview round, the provider will confirm acceptance and schedule PY commencement and study days.

STEP 6: Enroll and attend the program

After completing the Professional Year Program (PYP), individuals will receive an extra five points on the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) ‘points test’. These points can help when applying for a Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa, Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), or Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489), making it easier to move toward permanent residency.

Learn about different PR pathways in Australia.

Completing a Professional Year Program (PYP) can help you strengthen your professional skills, gain workplace readiness, and support your long-term career goals in Australia. Choosing the right provider and understanding the enrolment process are important first steps—and Search Education is here to help.

With 10+ years of experience in education and migration support, our team provides personalised guidance to help you select the right Professional Year Program, understand eligibility requirements, and navigate the application process with confidence. Our MARA-registered migration agent offers trusted advice backed by in-depth knowledge of Australian immigration policies, while our education consultants ensure your study and migration plans align with your career aspirations.

Trusted by hundreds of students from Nepal, India, Chile, the Philippines, Australia, and beyond, we're committed to making your journey simple, informed, and stress-free.

Book a consultation today and take the next step towards your Professional Year Program and future career in Australia.