If you are a new graduate and want to move to Australia to work in the field of ICT, the ACS migration skills assessment is one of the important stages. This process is managed by the Australian Computer Society is an assessment that tests if your educational background and work experience are equivalent to Australian standards. Understanding the assessment thoroughly helps you in preparing easily and enhancing your chances of achieving a positive outcome.
What is the ACS skills assessment for graduates?
The ACS skills assessment is a formal process that assesses your ICT qualifications and experience against the criteria set for skilled migration visas. For a fresh graduate’s it is about proving that your university degree meets the needs for a skilled ICT worker. Unlike candidates with extensive work experience, graduates are unable to substitute work experience for the qualification level required using work experience.
Categories of Qualification in the ACS Migration Skills Assessment
There are three categories that your qualifications will fall under within the ACS Migration skills assessment: ICT Major, ICT Minor, and Non-ICT.
ICT Major: Degrees such as Computer Science, Information Technology will be sufficient for a Skilled Migration visa application.
ICT Minor: These degree categories may still qualify, but typically require further work experience to compensate for the lack of complete coverage in ICT subjects.
Non-ICT: These will generally not qualify for an ICT visa application, unless candidates have substantial relevant professional work experience.
Why are respected institutions important?
ACS will look at whether you hold an award from a recognised institution, as well as whether the subject areas fall into the key ICT categories. Students will need to demonstrate that their study transcripts contain ICT-related subjects, or if there are any gaps. This recognition is critical for graduates taking the ACS migration skills assessment since it has a direct effect on the legitimacy of your degree.
Professional Year Program
The Professional Year Program is highly recommended for international students who study in Australia. This course serves as a bridge between university education and corporate work, giving you a better understanding of what professional industries require and what to expect. Completing the Professional Year is also considered for additional migration points in Australia and will greatly increase employability, especially for fresh graduates.
