The Accounting Professional Year Program (Accounting PY program) is now discontinued. Enrolments have closed, and all program activities will end by 1 May 2026.

CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and Institute of Public Accountants have informed the government of their intention to discontinue the program.

While the decision to cease the Accounting PY Program was a difficult one, a steep decline in the number of participants has made the program unsustainable.

The sharp decline in enrolments can be partly attributed to the lack of response from the government to the requests from the joint bodies to allow changes to be made to modernise the program, as well as general uncertainty created by government immigration policy.

Individuals who complete the Accounting PY Program will continue to be eligible to apply for the five points towards their application for permanent residency under the skilled migration program.

It should be noted that the government is currently reviewing the points system for skilled migration, so this is subject to change.

The Department of Home Affairs is responsible for allocating points for students who complete the Accounting PY Program. Any questions on the eligibility of points in future should be directed to the Department.

About the Accounting PY Program

The Accounting PY Program was approved by the Department of Home Affairs. It was available to overseas students who have an Australian accounting degree qualification as a result of at least two years of study with an Australian university.

Accounting PYP was developed by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and the Institute of Public Accountants.
It was delivered by registered providers who have been approved by the three professional accounting bodies.

The program consisted of:

• a minimum of 44 weeks' training, including 32 weeks classroom study and 12-weeks internship placement providing valuable work experience in an approved Australian workplace completing relevant accounting tasks
• professional development and practical hands-on learning, with an emphasis on workplace preparation: culture, ethics and expectations
• recognition as a pathway for 485 visa holders seeking permanent residency under general skilled migration (GSM).

Disclaimer

The content on this website is provided for general information purposes and may not take into account detail that could be significant in your particular context. The website and its content is not a substitute for reading and understanding (as applicable) the Chartered Accountants ANZ’s Member Handbook, constitutional documents, legislation, regulations, professional guidelines or other applicable laws, or where necessary, obtaining specific advice regarding a specific issue.