Use your Overseas Vocational Qualification to work in Australia
If you have a vocational qualification gained overseas, you may be able to have your qualifications and skills recognised for employment, further study, licensing, registration, or migration purposes in Australia.
Using overseas qualifications for migration
If you would like to migrate to Australia, you should contact the Department of Home Affairs to determine visa requirements and whether a formal skills assessment is needed for your occupation.
Many occupations require a skills assessment from an Australian Government-approved assessing authority as part of the migration process.
If you are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible visa holder:
For regulated occupations
Some occupations in Australia require specialised knowledge and skills and are subject to registration, licensing, professional membership, or industry-specific requirements. These requirements must be met before you can legally work in those occupations.
Examples include trades, health professions, teaching, engineering, and other regulated professions.
Skills assessments are issued by relevant assessing authorities approved by the Australian Government.
For general qualification recognition
If you would like to understand how your overseas qualification compares to Australian qualifications, you can apply for an assessment through an Australian state or territory Overseas Qualifications Unit (OQU).
An OQU assessment formally establishes the Australian educational comparability of your overseas qualification and may support:
- Employment opportunities
- Admission into further education or training
- Career planning and skills recognition
Trade qualifications
For recognition of overseas apprenticeship or trade qualifications, contact the WA Apprenticeship Office for information about Trade Skills Recognition (TSR). Licensed trades may require an alternative pathway please refer to TSAR page.
Secondary school qualifications
For assessment of secondary school qualifications and certificates, contact the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA).
Mutual Recognition between Australia and New Zealand
Under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement (TTMRA), people who hold a registration or licence in Australia or New Zealand may be eligible to obtain an equivalent registration or licence in the other country.
To apply, you must notify the relevant registration authority and pay any applicable fees.
For more information, visit Mutual recognition.