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FAQs

What is the Professional Year (PYear) in Computing/ICT?

The Professional Year (PYear) in Computing/ICT is a 44-52 week ‘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.

Is the PYear in Computing/ICT 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 university courses.

Are there other providers of the PYear in Computing/ICT Program?

The Australian Computer Society is the only provider gazetted by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship to provide a Professional Year (PYear) in Computing/ICT for former international ICT in Australia.

Are there providers of professional year programs in other professional fields?

Yes, there are also PYear programs for both accounting and engineering streams. Please refer to Department of Immigration and Citizenship for further information.

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 Amay 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.

Can Australian citizens who are graduates and permanent residents who are graduates also apply to do the PYear Program?

Yes, but the PYear Program is full fee paying and HECS does not apply.

Does completion of the ACS PYear Program guarantee permanent residency?

No, but a person who successfully completes the ACS PYear may be awarded 5 points under the Skilled Occupation List.

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.

Can I relocate to undertake the PYear?

Yes the PYear is available in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. PYear participants may elect to relocate to undertake the PYear Program, but they do so at their own discretion and expense.

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.

How is the PYear Program structured?

The PYear Program is delivered between a minimum of 44 weeks and a maximum 52 weeks and includes the following elements:
  • Opening Bootcamp
  • Australian Workplace Culture
  • Professional and Business Communications Skills
  • Internship
  • Pre PE Workshop
  • Professional Environments online subject.

Can I work while I complete the PYear Program?

Please refer to Department of Immigration and Citizenship for all visa enquiries.

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