Professional Year Accounting – Program

The Professional Year Program – Accounting (PYP) was an Australian government-approved work readiness and professional development program for international students who had graduated with an Australian accounting degree (bachelor’s or master’s). It aimed to bridge the gap between academic study and professional employment in Australia by combining formal training with practical workplace experience.

What is the Accounting Professional Year Program?

The program focuses on developing Australian workplace skills, including professional communication, business ethics, teamwork, and industry-specific accounting practices. It also includes an internship or work placement in a real Australian accounting or finance environment, allowing participants to gain hands-on local work experience.

Program Structure & Duration

Total Duration: ~44 weeks (≈ 10–12 months)
✔ Classroom Training: ~32 weeks

Professional development
Australian workplace culture, ethics, and communication
Business and industry skills
✔ Internship/Placement: ~12 weeks
Work placement in an Australian accounting or finance environment
Hands-on experience relevant to accounting tasks

Eligibility Requirements

To participate, applicants typically needed to meet all of the following:

🎓 Academic

Completed an accounting degree (bachelor or master) from an Australian university
The qualification must usually meet Australian Study Requirements (e.g., equivalent credit points over 2+ years of full-time study)

📜 Visa

Hold or have applied for an Australian Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) with at least 12 months validity

🗣 English

Minimum IELTS 6.0 (overall and bands) or PTE Academic 50 (or equivalent)

📊 Skills Assessment

Skills assessment from an Australian accounting professional body (CPA, CA ANZ, or IPA), or from VETASSESS if relevant

Who Can Apply?

The Accounting Professional Year Program was open to international graduates who:

Completed an accounting degree from an Australian institution
Hold or have applied for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
Meet English language requirements
Have at least 12 months visa validity remaining

Why Do Graduates Join This Program?

Gain Australian workplace experience

Improve employability in the accounting field

Understand Australian workplace culture and ethics

Develop professional and communication skills

Strengthen their resume with local experience

Get support with career readiness and job preparation

Why Choose the Professional Year Accounting Program in Australia?

he Professional Year Accounting Program in Australia is an excellent opportunity for international graduates to bridge the gap between academic study and professional employment. It provides practical workplace experience through internships, helping participants develop essential skills like communication, teamwork, and professionalism in an Australian business context. By completing the program, graduates improve their employability and gain valuable local industry exposure, which strengthens their resumes and enhances career prospects. Additionally, the program offers career support, networking opportunities, and guidance to help graduates successfully enter the Australian accounting job market.

The program was mainly intended for graduates holding a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) and was overseen by professional accounting bodies such as CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA).