End of Accounting Professional Year Program for International Students: What You Need to Know

In a significant update for international students planning to pursue careers in accounting in Australia, CPA Australia, CA ANZ, and IPA have announced the end of the Accounting Professional Year (PY) Program. This decision will have a lasting impact on aspiring accountants, as the PY Program has long been a crucial pathway for international graduates to gain professional experience and earn points for permanent residency (PR) in Australia.

As of 5 March 2025, no new enrolments will be accepted, and the program will officially conclude on 1 May 2026. Here’s everything you need to know about this important development.

Key Dates for the End of the Accounting Professional Year Program

• 5 March 2025: No new enrolments will be accepted for the Accounting Professional Year Program.

• 1 May 2026: The program will officially conclude, and international students currently enrolled will need to complete it by this date.

Why the Program is Ending

The discontinuation of the Accounting PY Program comes after a significant decline in enrolments. In 2018, over 7,000 students were enrolled in the program. However, by 2024, this number had fallen to just 340. Despite numerous requests from the profession to modernize the program, the delayed response from the Australian government has led to this decision.

The end of the Accounting PY Program represents a critical shift in the landscape of migration pathways for international students in the accounting field. This decision comes as part of an ongoing effort by CPA Australia, CA ANZ, and IPA to find new solutions that can better support the growing demand for skilled professionals in Australia.

Impact on International Students

The end of the Accounting Professional Year Program is a major development for international students who are pursuing careers in accounting and aiming for PR in Australia. The program has provided an essential pathway for students to gain professional experience, earn points toward their PR application, and enhance their employability in the Australian job market.

• No New Enrolments After 5 March 2025: If you were considering enrolling in the program to gain professional experience and points for PR, now is the time to act. After 5 March 2025, no new enrolments will be accepted.

• Program Conclusion by 1 May 2026: Existing students will need to complete the program by this date. If you're currently enrolled, it's essential to understand the program’s conclusion timeline and ensure you meet all requirements for completion before 1 May 2026.

Challenges for the Accounting Profession

The timing of this decision is concerning, particularly as Australia’s demand for accountants is expected to increase by over 30,000 professionals by 2034. The country is facing a growing skills gap, making it critical to find alternative solutions to support the profession and meet the future demand for skilled accountants.

This move by CPA Australia, CA ANZ, and IPA highlights the urgency of addressing these challenges. These accounting bodies are now actively working to find alternative pathways for international graduates to gain professional experience and contribute to Australia’s growing accounting sector.

What This Means for You

If you're an international student planning to pursue a career in accounting in Australia, this development requires careful consideration of your options. With the Accounting PY Program being phased out, you need to explore other pathways that can help you achieve your goals, whether that involves alternative study options, work experience, or different migration pathways.

At Newsted Global Migration and Education Services, we specialize in helping students navigate the complexities of the Australian migration system. Whether you're interested in studying in-demand courses, exploring alternative professional year programs, or looking for guidance on your permanent residency options, we are here to assist you every step of the way.

How Newsted Global Can Help You

Our team of experts at Newsted Global is ready to provide personalized advice on migration pathways, study options, and career strategies. If you’re unsure about the impact of the end of the Accounting PY Program on your future plans, we offer free consultations to guide you through your next steps.

• Migration Pathways: Learn about alternative migration routes to help you achieve your goal of securing permanent residency in Australia.

• In-Demand Study Options: Explore courses and study programs that align with Australia’s skills shortage and can lead to valuable career opportunities.

• Professional Year Program Alternatives: We’ll help you understand and explore other professional development options that can assist you in meeting your PR requirements.
  

Book a Free Consultation Today

To ensure that you don’t miss out on opportunities for your career in Australia, book a FREE consultation with Newsted Global. We can provide expert advice tailored to your unique circumstances and help you make informed decisions about your future.