What Is A Professional Year (PYP) In Australia: A Complete Guide

Australia is one of the best destinations for higher education in the world. The great weather, friendly locals, top universities, qualified faculty and advanced curriculum, make Australia a a popular destination for international students.

The Professional Year Program in Australia is a wise investment in your career. It helps you improve your skills, gain practical experience, and makes you more employable in the Australian job market.

What Is A Professional Year Program?

The PYP is a well-structured program that focuses on the professional growth of aspiring students by providing them with relevant practical training and introducing them to a possible career path. It is for international students who have graduated from an Australian university. 

This program is DIBP (Department of Immigration and Border Protection) authorised and approved by various accrediting bodies.

The PYP exists to ensure that the supply of skilled workers in the sectors such as accounting, IT and engineering is sufficient. The DIBP initiated the program with the help of several Australian universities. 

Who Can Apply For The Professional Year Program?

Any international student who completed their graduation from an Australian university can apply for this program. The Professional Year Program is a 44-week program divided into 12 weeks of internship and 32 weeks of coursework. 

The PYP not just offers practical skills but also provides real exposure to the work culture of Australia. 

The Benefits of The Professional Year Program:

1. Provides Internship Opportunities

For many international students, finding a decent job in their field of study in Australia takes a lot of work. The PYP has opened various paths for international students who wish to get rewarding jobs in Australia. 

There are several institutions in Australia that provide internship placements after the completion of your course and sometimes even during your course. Also, many candidates get a permanent position in the same company after they complete their professional years in Australia. 

These internships provide an excellent experience and look great on your resume. It may even improve your chances of being hired by other Australian organisations.

2. It Makes You Familiar With The Australian Work Environment

When it comes to following a professional code of conduct at the workplace, every country has its standards. In a Professional Year Program, specialists teach these tactics, keeping in mind the significant prospects for your career growth. 

They enhance your skills, teach you how to communicate and show you how to maintain professional behaviour at your workplace. This helps you to balance your life and, at the same time, keep up with the demands of your work.

3. Expands Your Social and Professional Circles

Choose a renowned institute for a Professional Year Program in Australia. It will help you to grow your social as well as professional networks. Being a part of the PYP allows you to meet people of similar interests. 

Surrounding yourself with like-minded people will help you to build your knowledge base. 

4. You Get 5 Extra Points For PR

With the successful completion of the Professional Year Program, you get an extra 5 points that will help you to achieve a milestone needed to apply for a permanent residency in Australia. 

For instance, you have 65 points, but you need 70 points to get an Australian PR for international students, and then you can apply for the PYP to grab 5 points more. The Professional Year Program is an excellent option if you settle permanently in Australia. 

Eligibility Criteria for PYP

To be eligible for the Professional Year Program, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Complete a degree in engineering, accounting and computer science or a related field in Australia.

• You must apply for or hold a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for 18 months after you complete your degree. 

• You need to prove your English language proficiency. 

• You must possess a valid skilled assessment from either of the relevant assessing bodies (ICAA, ACS, CPA, EEA and IPA).

Note: Graduates in engineering who completed their course at an acknowledged university outside of Australia can also be eligible to apply for PYP in engineering. Before coming to Australia, you must apply for a Skilled, Recognised Graduate Visa (Subclass 476). 

The Professional Year Program can be highly beneficial for international students seeking a degree from an Australian university. It helps you to improve your chances of becoming a permanent resident of Australia and, at the same time, grow professionally in your chosen career path.

Useful Links to Explore:

• English Language Requirements for Australia
• How to find Part-Time work as a Student in Australia
• Seven Tips for Students on a Budget in Australia
• How to get a Scholarship to Study in Australia
• Driving in Australia as an International Student
• How to change your Course or Institute in Australia
• A Complete Guide to Study in Australia