FAQs for PYear Participants
| 1. What is the Professional Year (PYear) in Computer Sciences?
The Professional Year (PYear) in Computer Sciences is a 12 month ‘job-readiness’ program introduced to assist former international students obtain relevant workplace skills in their chosen occupation and effectively increase their employment skills and employability, and in turn helping to address Australia’s skill shortages in the ICT industry. 2. Is the PYear in Computer Sciences Program only open to Computer Science Graduates? No. ‘Computer Sciences’ is an umbrella term used to cover the many ICT streams open for study in accredited Australian universities’ courses. 3. Are there other providers of the PYear in Computer Sciences? The Australian Computer Society is the only provider gazetted by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship to provide a Professional Year (PYear) in Computer Sciences for former international ICT in Australia. 4. Are there providers of professional year programs in other professional fields? It is anticipated that there will be similar professional year programs introduced for both accounting and engineering streams. Please refer to Department of Immigration and Citizenship for further information. 5. Who can apply to do the ACS PYear Program? The ACS PYear is a job-readiness program aimed at former international ICT students who have been issued a 485 Skilled Graduate Visa. Holders of Bridging Visa A may also apply for entry into the PYear. If you do not have a 485 Skilled Graduate Visa or a Bridging Visa A, please contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship for further details. 6. Can Australian citizens who are graduates and permanent residents who are gradates also apply to do the PYear Program? Yes, but the PYear Program is full fee paying and HECS does not apply. 7. Does completion of the ACS PYear Program guarantee permanent residency? No, but a person who successfully completes the ACS PYear may be awarded 10 points under the General Skills Migration points test. Points can only be awarded for professional year courses that have been specified by the Minister. The ACS PYear in Computer Sciences is the only professional year program in ICT specified by the Minister. 8. Can I relocate to undertake the PYear? It is intended that the PYear will be made available in all states of Australia over the next 12 months. PYear participants may elect to relocate to undertake the PYear Program, but they do so at their own discretion and expense. 9. Does successful completion of the PYear Program guarantee employment? No. The aim of the program is to prepare recent ICT graduates with the professional skills required for a career in Australia. It does not guarantee job placement. 10. How is the PYear Program structured? The PYear Program is delivered between a minimum of 44 weeks and a maximum 12 months and includes the following elements;
11. Can I work while I complete the PYear Program? Please refer to Department of Immigration and Citizenship for all visa enquiries. |
