To support international student and labour market mobility, Australia’s National Information Centre for qualifications recognition in the Australian Government Department of Education engages domestically and globally on qualifications recognition policy to encourage improved recognition practices.
Notice
The department’s overseas qualifications assessment service is being discontinued. From 20 July 2026, no new applications will be accepted.
For more information, please see Qualification Assessment.
Qualifications recognition
Services for organisations
For organisations involved in the assessment of overseas qualifications or international mobility, we provide an online qualifications recognition tool designed to help organisations understand overseas higher education and postsecondary technical and vocational educational qualifications.
Learn about Country Education Profiles - Services for organisationsSkilled Migration Assessing Authorities
Australia’s skilled migration program contributes to Australia’s economic and workforce needs in skills areas identified by the Australian Government. The program requires prospective migrants to undergo an assessment of their skills, qualifications and/or work experience to ensure they meet the standards needed for employment in Australia.
Skills assessments are issued by relevant assessing authorities approved by the Australian Government. In order to apply to become an assessing authority an organisation must be described as one or more of the following:
- Government Body - an Australian Commonwealth, state or territory government organisation or body.
- Peak Professional Body – a leading body nationally accepted as a legitimate "voice" or representative of a profession or industry.
- Regulatory Body – a body that formally accredits, approves and recognises training. The body that sets standards for, and regulates, entry into trades and professions.
- Accreditation Authority – a non-government organisation or an organisation supported by a government body, that grants or withholds accreditation in accordance with its standards.
For more information, please refer to the Guiding Principles and Standards for Skilled Migration Assessing Authorities
Visit Guiding Principles and Standards for Skilled Migration Assessing AuthoritiesWorking in Australia
The requirements to work in Australia depend on the occupation. In some occupations, these requirements must be met before you start working and may be required by law.
Meeting these requirements is usually a separate process to applying for a job. In all occupations, the employer decides who they will employ.
For specific occupations
Occupations that require specialised knowledge and skills in Australia have registration, licensing, professional membership or other industry requirements that must be met before you can start working. In Australia, there are specific authorities responsible for these occupations. Please contact the relevant registration, licensing or professional authority for advice on qualifications recognition.
For general purposes
If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and are looking for a job with no specific requirements as above, you can contact an Australian state or territory government Overseas Qualifications Unit (OQU) if you would like to know how your overseas qualification compares in Australia.
An OQU can assess your overseas qualification in general terms or provide you with further advice on how to get your overseas qualification recognised. We work with OQUs to facilitate their advice. Commercial assessment services may also be available.
If you have been referred to the Department of Education, by an OQU or another organisation for a qualification assessment, please note that our assessment service will cease to be offered from 20 July 2026. Please see Qualification Assessment for more information.
If you have been referred to the Department of Education, by an OQU or another organisation for a qualification assessment, please note that our assessment service will cease to be offered from 20 July 2026. Please see Qualification Assessment for more information.
Visit Qualification AssessmentStudying in Australia
If you would like to study in Australia, contact the education institution where you wish to study.
The education institution, such as a university, higher education provider or registered training organisation, will assess your overseas qualifications for admission to study.
Migrating to Australia
The Department of Education does not assess qualifications for migration.
If you would like to migrate to Australia, contact the Department of Home Affairs.
Visit the Department of Home Affairs