PROFESSIONAL YEAR PROGRAM
The Professional Year Program (PYear) is a job-readiness program that bridges the gap between full-time study and professional employment in Australia.
Professional Year Program
ACS's PYear Program gives international ICT graduates from Australian teritary providers the practical job skills and training needed to enhance their career prospects. A practical pathway from university to employment, PYear ensures that graduates are job-ready.
Graduates may claim five (5) points under an eligible skilled occupation
Completion of this program may provide the PYear graduate with five (5) points under an eligible skilled occupation, as specified by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
Securing your first job (or interview) after graduation can be challenging. The Australian job market is extremely competitive, but the ACS PYear Program can help you stand out by:
- enhancing your understanding of the Australian workforce
- providing an industry-relevant internship placement
- building your professional network for future employment.
The PYear Program aims to increase the employability skills of international graduates in order to address Australia’s skills shortages in nominated ICT occupations. Upon successful completion of the program, participants may be awarded five (5) points toward skilled migration under an eligible skilled occupation.
Delivered over a 44-52-week period, the PYear Program gives graduates a greater awareness of the Australian workplace and culture. Participants will be empowered to develop the confidence and professional skills needed to succeed in the Australian workforce.
| ACS Online Orientation Did you know all PYear students get one year ACS membership? Learn how ACS can guide your career through networking events and professional development opportunities. ACS orientation will walk you through course outcomes and expectations to complete the program successfully. |
1 Week Online Delivered by ACS |
| Communication and Performance in the Australian Workplace Communication in Australian business can be different to what you may know from working overseas, and it can be very different from university! This component focuses on working in teams, participating in office meetings, negotiating, and preparing presentations. With the right language and tone, you will be able to effectively engage your colleagues, management and clients. |
32 Weeks Delivered by Accredited Provider |
| Entry and Advancement in the Australian Workplace It’s not just about what you know, but who you know. With only 20% of the job market posted publicly, how can you unlock the hidden 80%? Prepare for the next step by job networking and learning about Australian values and employer expectations. Learn how to set yourself apart by preparing your resume, cover letters and interviewing skills. |
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| Internship Placement Put your new skills to work! As one of the most significant aspects of the PYear Program, the internship placement provides practical ICT workplace experience in an Australian-based organisation doing work relevant to your field of expertise. |
Minimum 12 Weeks (Minimum 220 Placement Hrs - 3 full days, equivalent to 22 hours per week) |
| Professional Environments (Online Course) Take time to reflect on your internship experience with fellow ICT interns from across Australia. Share in group discussion around project management, professional ethics and risk aversion under the guidance of an ICT mentor and tutor. |
13 Weeks Online Delivered by ACS |
To enroll in the PYear Program, applicants must:
- Have successfully attained an ICT-related Bachelor or Master degree or higher from an Australian tertiary institution, and a minimum of two years' full-time study in Australia prior to commencing PYear per the Australian Study Requirement (ASR);
- Hold a valid passport and visa that allows for full work and study rights whilst undertaking the PYear. Priority is given to those holding a 485 Skilled Graduate Visa or Bridging Visa to the graduate visa. Prospective applicants who already hold a valid visa are required to hold a minimum of 12 months' validity (365) days on their visa from the date of PYear commencement;
- Meet minimum English language requirements demonstrating DHA's Competent English, and hold a current English Language Test result undertaken within the three years immediately prior to the date of PYear class commencement
- Undertake an application interview with an accredited provider to ensure program suitability, shared internship expectations, and completion viability.
Contact the PYear accredited providers in your area to learn more about enrolment, required fees, internship placements, and more.
How much does the PYear cost?
All fees are set by our accredited providers. These organisations will be able to provide more information on course start dates, fee structure, internship placements and more. ACS recommends that prospective students contact all providers in their area and request information in order to make an informed decision prior to enrolling.
Is the PYear Program in ICT 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.
Is the PYear Program required for immigration?
No. The PYear Program is an option for those who wish to gain points towards their skilled migration. PYear is equivalent to one year of relevant work experience when undertaking skills assessment for migration.
Are there other providers of the PY Program in ICT?
ACS is the only professional body endorsed by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to provide the Professional Year in ICT fields.
Are there providers of professional year programs in other professional fields?
Yes, there are professional year programs for both accounting and engineering streams. Please refer to the appropriate industry body for further details.
Does completion of the PYear Program guarantee permanent residency?
No, but a person who successfully completes the PYear Program may be awarded five (5) points under an eligible skilled occupation. The ACS PYear Program is the only professional year program in ICT specified by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
Can I relocate to undertake the PYear Program?
Yes, the PYear Program is available throughout Australia. PYear participants may elect to relocate to undertake the program, but they do so at their own discretion and expense.
Is recognition of prior learning (RPL) available?
No, RPL is not available for any component of the PYear.
Does successful completion of the PYear Program guarantee employment?
No. The aim of the professional program is to prepare recent ICT graduates with the work skills required for a career in Australia. It does not guarantee job placement.
Can I work while I complete the PYear Program?
Please contact the Department of Home Affairs for all visa enquiries. The ACS does not provide migration advice.
How do I become a PYear accredited provider?
ACS asks that all interested organisations read the following ACS Provider Accreditation Manual. There you will find information on next steps and who to contact should you wish to apply for accreditation.
ACCREDITED PROVIDERS AND LOCATIONS
Contact our PYear Accredited Providers for further information and to enroll.
TESTIMONIALS
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Arnold Solanki
Thanks to the Professional Year Program, I have been able to meet different people in class and at ACS events, which were great opportunities to expand my professional network. I feel much more confident in exploring new ventures now which has enabled me to excel at my work and get my dream job at IBM.
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Wagar Ul-Hassan
For international students, I would highly recommend this course because it improves your communication skills, confidence, and it will teach you the required skills that you need to work in the Australian workplace culture.
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Jaskaran
The Professional Year Program was a foot-in-the-door in my field of work. It taught us about project management, team work, and how to behave in the Australian workplace.
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Jahan Zeb
The Professional Year gives you an opportunity to develop those soft skills that you apply to any job you join. You get to make a professional resume and learn job hunting and interview skills that help you survive in the competitive and ever-changing Australian job market. You also get to know people and make friends that might be for a lifetime. Thank you so much for giving me such a nice experience and readiness to step into the Australian workforce.
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Kaixi Zhang
The course structure and materials are well organised, it built my industry connections, and I learnt a lot regarding the hard and soft skills with the help of my host company, colleagues, PY students and instructors.
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Suvro Paul
This PY course has helped me enhance my communication and workplace relationship skills to the fullest and it has helped me secure another job with another company. Being an international student, it has always been hard for me to understand the workplace culture and relationship, and after completing this course, I can truly say that I am more confident in my communication and have a clear idea about workplace culture.
CONTACT US
For further information, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions or contact the ACS Education Team at +61 03 9249 6707 or toll free at 1800 671 003, or education@acs.org.au