Leslie Massey
If you have overseas qualifications and are looking to migrate to Western Australia, you may need to get your qualifications assessed or recognised. This can be useful for enrolling in further studies or finding employment. The Overseas Qualifications Unit (OQU) offers a free assessment service for Australian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents with permission to work or study in Western Australia. However, it is important to note that OQU does not assess overseas trade and apprenticeship qualifications. For trade qualifications, you may need to undergo a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process called Trade Skills Recognition (TSR) at approved registered training organisations. If you are migrating to Australia with an engineering degree or a law degree obtained overseas, you can seek assistance from Engineers Australia or the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia (LPBWA), respectively.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can get their qualifications assessed? | Australian or New Zealand citizens or permanent residents, or temporary residents with permission to work or study in Western Australia |
| Who performs the assessment? | Overseas Qualifications Unit (OQU) |
| What does the assessment show? | The level of overseas education compared to Australian standards |
| What can the assessment be used for? | Qualification evidence for employers, enrolling for further studies, applying for a visa |
| What qualifications are assessed? | Tertiary or higher education qualifications (trade and apprenticeship qualifications are not assessed by OQU) |
| What is the cost of the assessment? | Free |
| What is the process for applying? | Apply online or call 61 8 9224 6540 |
| What if I disagree with the outcome? | Email OQU at [email protected] stating your contact details, reference number, and reason for disagreement |
| What if my qualification is not eligible for OQU assessment? | You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL) through Trade Skills Recognition (TSR) at approved registered training organisations such as TAFE |
| What if I have an early childhood qualification? | Contact the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) |
| What if I have an engineering degree? | Visit the Engineers Australia website |
| What if I have a law degree? | Contact the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia (LPBWA) |
| What if I have a mining or resources industry qualification? | Contact the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) |
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What You'll Learn
Assessment of overseas qualifications for employment
If you have overseas qualifications and are looking to migrate to Western Australia, you may need to have your qualifications assessed and recognised. This process can help you secure employment or further studies in Western Australia.
The Overseas Qualifications Unit (OQU) offers a free assessment service for Australian or New Zealand citizens or permanent residents residing in Western Australia, or temporary residents with permission to work or study in the state. The OQU will assess your qualifications and provide evidence of your qualification level compared to Australian standards. This can be used to show potential employers your level of education. However, it is important to note that OQU assessments do not detail the qualification study area or compare competency standards between countries.
If you have overseas trade or apprenticeship qualifications, these cannot be assessed by the OQU. Instead, you will need to undertake a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process called Trade Skills Recognition (TSR) at approved registered training organisations such as TAFE. TSR is often required for licensing in Western Australia and may result in the issuance of a trade certificate, which is recognised and sought after by many employers.
For certain specialised fields, there are dedicated organisations that can assist with the assessment of overseas qualifications. For example, the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) assists with the assessment of early childhood qualifications, while Engineers Australia assesses overseas engineering degrees. If you obtained your law degree overseas and wish to practice law in Western Australia, the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia (LPBWA) can provide relevant information.
If your qualification does not meet the OQU's criteria for assessment or you possess a trade qualification, you may still be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL). RPL is a formal assessment process that can provide you with the opportunity to gain full or partial qualification recognition without repeating subjects for which you already have skills and experience.
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Trade Skills Recognition (TSR) for licensing
Trade Skills Recognition (TSR) is a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process that provides formal acknowledgment of an individual's trade skills and knowledge. It is a common requirement for licensing in Western Australia.
TSR assessments are not conducted by the Overseas Qualifications Unit (OQU) and must be undertaken through approved registered training organisations such as TAFE. Fees may apply for the assessment.
To initiate the TSR process, you must contact an approved RTO or the Trade Skills Recognition area at the Apprenticeship Office to discuss your specific requirements. They will be able to advise you on the next steps and provide further information.
Once you have completed the TSR assessment, you may be eligible to receive a separate trade certificate. These trade certificates are recognised and highly regarded by numerous employers in Western Australia.
It is important to note that TSR assessments are not applicable for migration purposes. If you are applying for a visa and require a skills assessment, you should refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for guidance.
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Recognising overseas qualifications for further study
If you have overseas qualifications and are looking to further your studies in Western Australia, there are a few things you need to know about having your qualifications recognised.
Firstly, you should be aware of the Overseas Qualifications Unit (OQU), which offers a free assessment service for those looking to have their tertiary or higher education qualifications recognised. This service can help you secure employment in Western Australia, as well as assist you in enrolling for further studies. To be eligible for this assessment, you must be either an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident of Australia, and currently residing in Western Australia. Temporary residents with permission to work or study in Western Australia and who are currently residing there are also eligible. It is important to note that OQU assessments will not detail the qualification study area or compare competency standards between countries.
If your qualification does not meet the OQU's criteria for an assessment, or if you have a trade qualification, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL) through a process called Trade Skills Recognition (TSR). TSR can be undertaken at approved registered training organisations such as TAFE, and may be required for licensing in Western Australia. Fees may apply for this process, and you will need to contact an approved RTO or the Trade Skills Recognition area at the Apprenticeship Office to discuss your needs. Once completed, you may be eligible for a separate trade certificate, which is recognised by many employers in Western Australia.
For specific types of qualifications, there are dedicated organisations that can assist with assessments. For instance, the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) can help with the assessment of early childhood qualifications. If you have an overseas engineering degree, you can visit the Engineers Australia website, and for law degrees, the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia (LPBWA) can provide information. The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) is the state government agency responsible for the mining and resources industry, so you can refer to their website for information on industry regulations, licensing, and registration.
If you are looking to study at a specific educational institution in Western Australia, such as The University of Western Australia (UWA), you should contact them directly to enquire about having your overseas qualifications recognised for admission. They will be able to assess your qualifications and determine your eligibility for further study at their institution.
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Applying for an overseas qualification assessment
If you have overseas qualifications and are looking to migrate to Western Australia, there are several pathways to get your qualifications assessed and recognised. Here is a guide on applying for an overseas qualification assessment in Western Australia:
Eligibility
To be eligible for an overseas qualification assessment by the Overseas Qualifications Unit (OQU), you must meet one of the following residency criteria:
- Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident of Australia and currently residing in Western Australia.
- Be a temporary resident with permission to work or study in Western Australia and currently residing in the state.
Types of Qualifications Assessed
The OQU assesses formal technical and vocational qualifications (Certificate IV and above) and formal higher education qualifications (Bachelor's degree and above).
Please note that overseas trade and apprenticeship qualifications are not assessed by the OQU. These qualifications are assessed through a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process called Trade Skills Recognition (TSR) at approved registered training organisations. Fees may apply for TSR.
Assessment Process
The OQU offers a free assessment service to determine the comparability of your overseas qualifications with Australian standards. This assessment can be used as evidence when applying for jobs or enrolling in further studies in Western Australia.
To apply for an overseas qualification assessment, you can:
- Visit the website of the relevant assessing authority. For example, if you have an early childhood qualification, visit the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) website.
- Contact the relevant assessing authority by phone or email. For example, if you have an engineering degree, visit the Engineers Australia website or contact them directly.
- Submit your application online. Visit www.migration.wa.gov.au or call 61 8 9224 6540 for more information about the application process.
After the Assessment
Remember that an OQU assessment will not detail the qualification study area or compare competency standards between countries. If you disagree with your assessment outcome, you can email the OQU at [email protected], providing your contact details, reference number, and reasons for disagreement.
Additionally, if you intend to work in a trade or licensed trade occupation, you may need to have your skills assessed through Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). A successful skills assessment will grant you an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR), allowing you to apply for a Provisional Licence and work under supervision while completing Australian context training.
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Recognising overseas qualifications for migration
Recognising overseas qualifications is an important step in the migration process to Australia, particularly for those seeking employment or further study in Western Australia (WA). The recognition of overseas qualifications can help individuals demonstrate their skills and knowledge, facilitating their entry into the local job market or educational institutions. Here is a comprehensive guide on recognising overseas qualifications for migration to Western Australia:
Overseas Qualifications Unit (OQU)
The Overseas Qualifications Unit (OQU) is a government body that offers a free assessment service for recognising overseas qualifications in Western Australia. This service is available to WA residents, including Australian and New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents with permission to work or study in the state. OQU assesses tertiary and higher education qualifications, determining their comparability to Australian standards. It is important to note that OQU does not assess trade or apprenticeship qualifications, and it does not detail the qualification study area or compare competency standards between countries.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
For individuals with trade or apprenticeship qualifications, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the appropriate pathway. RPL can be undertaken through a process called Trade Skills Recognition (TSR) at approved registered training organisations, such as TAFE. TSR may be required for licensing in WA, and fees may apply. After completing TSR, individuals may be eligible for a trade certificate, which is recognised by many employers in the state.
Specific Professional Qualifications
For certain professions, there are dedicated organisations that assist with the assessment of overseas qualifications. For instance, the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) handles the assessment of early childhood qualifications. Engineers migrating to Australia can have their overseas engineering degrees assessed by Engineers Australia. Similarly, for those with overseas law degrees seeking to practice in WA, the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia (LPBWA) provides relevant information and guidance.
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
TRA is another pathway for individuals intending to work in eligible trade or licensed trade occupations in WA. By undergoing a skills assessment through TRA, individuals can obtain the relevant Australian qualification for non-licensed trades or an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR) for licensed trades. The OTSR is a crucial step towards applying for an occupational licence and working under the supervision of a qualified tradesperson.
Educational Institutions
For those seeking to study in Australia, the recognition of overseas qualifications is managed by the educational institution itself, such as a university or higher education provider. The institution will assess the individual's overseas qualifications to determine their eligibility for admission to further studies in Australia.
It is important to note that the recognition of overseas qualifications for migration to Western Australia may involve multiple steps and requirements. Prospective migrants should refer to official government sources and seek specific guidance based on their unique circumstances and qualifications.
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Frequently asked questions
You can apply for an overseas qualification assessment service, where the educational level of your overseas qualification is assessed to determine its comparability with Australian standards. This service is free and available to WA residents (temporary, permanent, or citizens).
The following types of qualifications may be eligible for an assessment: formal technical and vocational qualifications (certificate IV and above); and formal higher education qualifications (bachelor's degree and above).
Overseas trade and apprenticeship qualifications cannot be assessed by the Overseas Qualifications Unit (OQU). Assessments can only be undertaken through a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process called Trade Skills Recognition (TSR) at approved registered training organisations such as TAFE.
You can contact the Overseas Qualifications Unit (OQU) at [email protected] or call 61 8 9224 6540. If you need a qualification assessment as part of an Australian visa application, you can call the Department of Immigration and Border Protection on 13 18 81.
