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Skilled Migration Internship Program (SMIPA)
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What is the Skilled Migration Internship Program (SMIPA)?

The Skilled Migration Internship Program - Accounting (SMIPA) is a professional year program approved by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

It is available to overseas students who have acquired an Australian accounting qualification as a result of at least two years study in Australia.

The SMIPA program has been co-developed by the Institute, CPA Australia and National Institute of Accountants and is delivered by registered providers who have been jointly approved by all three professional accounting bodies.

The professional accounting bodies do not have a financial interest, direct or indirect in SMPIA, and do not gain any financial benefit from SMIPA. Enrolment in any of the accounting bodies' professional programs is independent of an individual's participation in SMIPA or any of the other DIAC approved pathways to Permanent Residency.

What does the SMIPA program involve?

  • A minimum of 44 weeks training including a 12-week internship placement with a relevant host company
  • Professional development and practical hands-on learning with an emphasis on workplace preparation - culture, ethics and expectations
  • Recognition as a pathway for 485 Graduate Visa holders seeking permanent residency under General Skilled Migration.

As a professional program approved by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), successful completion of the SMIPA program may attract additional points under the General Skilled Migration points test.

Changes effective from 1 July 2010

Graduates of Australian accounting degree programs will continue to have the option to complete the Skilled Migration Internship Program Accounting (SMIPA) and gain an assessment that can be used to apply for general skilled migration (GSM). The professional accounting bodies wish to reassure graduates of Australian accounting degree programs that they still have an opportunity to increase their English language proficiency or to complete this recognised Professional Year program.

From 1 July, 2010, graduates of Australian accounting degree programs who receive an assessment showing that they have:

  • A formal qualification assessed as being at least comparable to an Australian Bachelor degree.
  • Completion of at least 9 out of the 12 core knowledge areas at tertiary level.
  • IELTS Academic or General Test Report Form (TRF) to show you have a band score of at least six (6) on each of the four (4) components – speaking, reading, listening and writing.

will be able to use their assessments to apply for a 485 visa. These individuals will be able to use the 485 visa period to either gain an IELTS band score of at least seven (7) or to complete the Skilled Migration Internship Program Accounting (SMIPA).

What are the SMIPA program learning objectives?

  • Work within Australian legislative requirements applicable to workplaces and operations
  • Work safely and participate in occupational safety, health and environment (OSHE) processes
  • Work effectively within the organisation's requirements including those for EEO and diversity
  • Communicate effectively in the workplace
  • Participate in a team
  • Provide effective client service
  • Apply occupation-specific knowledge and skills to professional work situations
  • Implement strategies to manage their personal career development

Who is eligible to undertake the SMIPA program?

The SMIPA program is available to all overseas students who have obtained an Australian accounting qualification as a result of at least two years study in Australia and hold a 485 Graduate Visa.

Who are the approved SMIPA providers?

For further information on enrolment and commencement dates, interested graduates and host companies, contact the following approved SMIPA providers directly:

Requests for further information from interested providers can be submitted to applications