Do you have a university degree from another country and want to work in Australia? Here's how to get your degree recognized through the Skills Assessment

Australia is one of the most attractive destinations for those seeking new job opportunities and a better quality of life. However, if you hold an overseas qualification and want to work in your profession in Australia, you’ll need to go through a process called the Skills Assessment. This process validates that your international qualifications meet Australian standards, allowing you to apply for jobs in your field and obtain a work or permanent residency visa.

In this blog, we’ll explain how the Skills Assessment works, what documents you’ll need, the waiting times, and the costs involved so you can complete this process successfully.

What Is the Skills Assessment?

The Skills Assessment is a process carried out by an independent assessing authority that verifies whether your academic qualifications and work experience are equivalent to the standards required to practise your profession in Australia. Depending on your occupation, there are several official organisations responsible for assessing your qualifications, including VETASSESS for general occupations, Engineers Australia for engineering, among others.

Why Do You Need a Skills Assessment?

If you plan to apply for a skilled work visa or permanent residency in Australia, the Skills Assessment is a mandatory requirement for many professionals. It not only ensures you meet immigration criteria but also confirms that your qualifications are recognised, giving you a competitive edge in the Australian job market.

How Does the Skills Assessment Work in Australia?

The Skills Assessment process can seem complex at first, but once you understand the steps, it becomes much more manageable. Here’s a general overview:

1. Choose the Right Assessing Authority:

Depending on your profession, you must apply through the appropriate assessing organisation. Some of the most common include:

• VETASSESS – For occupations in administration, marketing, education, and general professional fields.

• Engineers Australia – For all types of engineering qualifications.

• Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) – For technical and trade occupations such as plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, cooking, and others.

• Australian Computer Society (ACS) – For IT and technology professionals.

  
  

Each assessing authority has its own process and specific requirements, so make sure to choose the correct one.

2. Gather the Required Documents:

The most common documents needed for the Skills Assessment include:

• Academic qualifications – Diplomas, certificates, or university transcripts.

• Work experience certificates – Documents that verify your professional background.

• Proof of identity – Such as your passport or other official identification.

• English translations – If your documents are not in English, they must be translated by a NAATI-certified translator.

  
  

Pro tip: If you need your documents translated, Entrelingo can help with official NAATI-certified translations—an essential step to ensure your application is accepted without delays.

3. Submit Your Skills Assessment Application:

Once you have gathered all your documents, you can submit your application through the website of the relevant assessing authority. This process usually includes paying an assessment fee, which varies depending on the organisation.

4. Your Application Will Be Reviewed:

The assessing authority will review your application and documents to determine whether your academic background and professional experience meet Australian standards. This evaluation may take 2 to 6 months, depending on the complexity of your case and the occupation.

What Does the Skills Assessment Mean for Your Visa Application?

Once your Skills Assessment is approved, you’ll be able to apply for a skilled work visa or permanent residency in Australia. Depending on your occupation and qualifications, you may be eligible for one of the following:

• Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) – For occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

• State Nominated Visa (subclass 190) – If you receive nomination from an Australian state or territory.

• Regional Skilled Visa (subclass 491) – If you're willing to live and work in regional areas of Australia.

  
  

How Long Does the Skills Assessment Take?

The processing time for a Skills Assessment depends on the assessing authority. Typically, it can take between 2 and 6 months. During this period, the organisation may request additional documents or even conduct interviews to verify your experience.

It’s important to be patient and respond quickly to any follow-up requests to avoid delays.

3 Tips to Speed Up the Process:

• Keep your documents well-organised – Make sure everything is ready before applying.

• Use NAATI-certified translations – Official English translations are a must for non-English documents.

• Follow the assessing authority’s guidelines carefully – Each has unique requirements, so be thorough.

  
  

The Skills Assessment is a key step if you want to practise your profession in Australia with an overseas degree. While the process may seem complex, with the right preparation and understanding of each authority's requirements, you can achieve official recognition and begin your professional career in Australia.

To support you, we offer 15 minutes of free consultation to answer your questions and guide you step by step. 👉 Book your free call here

If you need official translations of your documents or support with the Skills Assessment process, don’t hesitate to contact us. At Entrelingo, we’re here to help you achieve your migration and professional goals.

Write to us here, and we’ll be happy to guide you step by step. At Entrelingo, your migration process is also our commitment.

To keep you updated on the latest migration and Skills Assessment news, and to connect with other professionals on the same path, we invite you to join our exclusive WhatsApp group. There, you can share experiences, resolve doubts in real-time, and receive ongoing support from our team and other migrants. You’re not alone on this journey! Join now and become part of a community of professionals committed to their future in Australia. Join our WhatsApp group here.