Skilled Migration Internship Program: Accounting (SMIPA)
Overview
Gone are the days when being an accountant simply meant crunching numbers – today’s graduates need to be prepared for a dynamic workplace.
The Skilled Migration Internship Program: Accounting (SMIPA) is a 44-week program that provides an insight into the Australian workplace. It includes:
- Practical training and workshops
- A 12-week industry internship
- Online introduction to MYOB accounting software
- Networking opportunities and professional development
- Free access to online IELTS preparation course (optional)
- Ongoing career support after the program.
SMIPA has been developed with CPA Australia, the Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Institute of Public Accountants. It has been approved by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
Who is it for?
SMIPA is aimed at international graduates who have a bachelor or master degree in accounting (as a result of at least two years study in Australia).
You must hold a Skilled – Graduate (Temporary) visa (subclass 485) or Bridging Visa A. Student visa holders are not eligible for this program.
Structure
Australian Workplace Culture
- Improve your résumé writing and job interview skills
- Develop a career plan and learn how to apply for appropriate jobs
- Gain a better understanding of the Australian workplace culture
- Learn how to understand and respond to employers' expectations
- Contribute to cultural diversity in the workplace.
Business and Professional Communication
- Develop interpersonal skills to help you succeed in the workplace
- Learn how to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients
- Chair and participate in meetings using appropriate language
- Write reports and other documents relevant to your profession
- Give presentations to work colleagues, managers and clients.
Introduction to MYOB
- Get an introduction to the MYOB accounting software
- Learn how to create accounts, record customer payments and perform reconciliations
- Learn how to work with reports and produce business activity statements
- Develop practical accountancy skills to succeed in your internship and the workplace.
Industry Internship
Swinburne’s Professional Year internships provide an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and gain new skills in the Australian workplace.
Recent graduates have been placed with a range of companies, including:
- Auditing
- Taxation
- Accounting
- Financial advisory firms.
Internship placements are organised by Swinburne College. We match your skills and objectives with a suitable host organisation to help you get the most out of your internship.
Entry requirements
- A bachelor or master degree in accounting from an Australian tertiary institution
(as a result of at least two years study in Australia) - IELTS 6.0 (Academic or General), no band below 6.0
- Skills assessment
You must have a skills assessment – or provide evidence of having submitted your application for a skills assessment – from one of the following organisations: - Skilled – Graduate (Temporary) visa (subclass 485) or Bridging Visa A
- Application interview
You will need to undertake an interview as part of your application to demonstrate good communication skills, academic history, work experience and suitability for the program. - Health Care Cover
Students must have health care cover for the duration of the program.
Start dates
The next intake commences in August 2012.
ACS Professional Year in Computer Science
Overview
The Australian Computer Society's (ACS) Professional Year in Computer Science aims to give recent international graduates a fresh insight into the Australian workplace. It includes:
- Practical training and workshops
- A practical 12-week industry internship
- Networking opportunities and professional development
- Free access to online IELTS preparation course (optional)
- Ongoing career support after the program.
Swinburne College has been accredited to deliver the program on behalf of the ACS – Australia's recognised professional association for those working in Information and Communications Technology. It has been approved by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
Who is it for?
The Professional Year in Computer Science is aimed at graduates who have an IT bachelor or master degree (as a result of at least two years study in Australia).
You must also have a Skilled – Graduate (Temporary) visa (subclass 485) or Bridging Visa A. Student visa holders are not eligible for this program.
Structure
Australian Workplace Culture
- Improve your résumé writing and job interview skills
- Develop a career plan and learn how to apply for appropriate jobs
- Gain a better understanding of the Australian workplace culture
- Learn how to understand and respond to employers' expectations
- Contribute to cultural diversity in the workplace.
Business and Professional Communication
- Develop interpersonal skills to help you succeed in the workplace
- Learn how to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients
- Chair and participate in meetings using appropriate language
- Write reports and other documents relevant to your profession
- Give presentations to work colleagues, managers and clients.
IT Governance, Ethics and Strategic Business Frameworks
This online unit is delivered by the ACS explores the role of information technology within and between organisations.
- Develop a basic risk management plan for simple projects
- Identify legal requirements and constraints imposed on a project
- Develop a working knowledge of ethics, standards and professional practice
- Review an information systems strategy and how it supports an organisation’s goals
Industry Internship
Swinburne’s Professional Year internships provide an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and gain new skills in the Australian workplace.
Recent graduates have been placed in a range of companies, including:
- Web design
- Internet security
- Database development
- IT help desk support.
Internship placements are organised by Swinburne College. We match your skills and objectives with a suitable host organisation to help you get the most out of your internship.
Entry requirements
- A bachelor or master degree in IT from an Australian tertiary institution
(as a result of at least two years study in Australia) - IELTS 6.0 (Academic or General), no individual band below 6.0
- Skills assessment from the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
- Skilled Graduate (Temporary) – visa (subclass 485) or Bridging Visa A
- Application interview
You will need to undertake an interview as part of your application to demonstrate good communication skills, academic history, work experience and suitability for the program.
Start dates
The next intake commences in August 2012.
Dates and fees
Intake dates
The Professional Year Programs in Accounting and Computer Science both run for 44-weeks.
August 2012 |
|
|---|---|
| Orientation | Thursday 30 August 2012 |
| Bootcamp | (Accounting) Friday 31 August 2012 |
| (Computer Science) To be confirmed. | |
| Classes commence | Monday 3 September 2012 |
| Graduation | Monday 24 June 2013 |
March 2013 (TBC) |
|
Fees
| Program fee Enrolment fee |
$12,700* $250^ |
|
TOTAL |
$12,950 |
|---|
* Swinburne graduates will receive a 10% saving on the total program fee.
All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.
Instalment plan
You have the option of paying your fee in four instalments.
No |
Amount |
August 2012 |
March 2012 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3,175 (plus $250 enrolment fee) | 24 August 2012 |
9 March 2012 |
| 2 | $3,175 | 12 October 2012 |
20 April 2012 |
| 3 | $3,175 | 7 January 2013 |
22 June 2012 |
| 4 | $3,175 | 4 March 2013 |
12 October 2012 |
Success stories
Professional Year in Computer Science
Takuya Kito, Japan
“I decided to undertake the Professional Year Program to understand the Australian workplace culture and get experience in my professional field. The program is very well designed, and the support they provide for the internship and career development is superb. I now have a full-time job with my internship host.”
Carolina Triana, Colombia
“Everything you learn will definitely help when you are job hunting – you know what Australian companies are really looking for in their employees. What I liked most about the program was the diversity of students, the professionalism of the teachers and the quality of internship placements.”
Professional Year in Accounting
Rajbir Kaur, India
“Before the Professional Year I did not know much about the real world accounting. Now I can apply my theoretical knowledge to practical work. I’ve now got a job as a production manager for a clothing company and my role includes management and accounting.”

Athar Nasir, Pakistan
“I couldn’t get a job in accounting after I finished my commerce degree, so I worked in a pizza shop for over a year. I now work full-time for Bentley Partners – an accountancy firm that specialises in advising small businesses – after being offered the job during my Professional Year internship.”
Internship Hosts

Sarah Riegelhuth, Wealth Enhancers
“We believe this is a fantastic program for both Australian companies, and for the interns. It helps to break down some of the barriers that exist when considering someone for a role when English is their second language.”
Terrie Barton, Lighthouse Foundation
“Having an extra pair of hands enabled us to complete these projects and I’m sure our intern learned a great deal in the process. It has been our pleasure to host an intern and found him to be a quick learner, friendly, reliable, enthusiastic and willing. He has become part of the team at Lighthouse.”
Register
Register your interest for our next intake in August 2012. Complete the online form below and we will contact you to answer any of your queries or to arrange an interview.The next program commences on Thursday 30 August 2012.





