Enforcement of trade apprenticeships for international students

What can you do now?

International students who are currently enrolled in an institutional-based training program aligned with a trade prior to 31 January 2025 can complete your course of study.

From 31 January 2026, if you have completed your course, then you may be eligible to apply to the Commission for a skills assessment under the Occupational Recognition Service (ORS). If you meet the required standards, the Commission will issue an Occupational Certificate, which is recognised by industry. If all criteria can be met, this may improve your employability.

Please check your visa conditions for information about the conditions of your study and work while in Australia.

This enforcement of trade apprenticeships does not apply to higher education (University) students or students undertaking institutional-based training for declared vocations (DV) on the Traineeship and Apprenticeship Pathways (TAP) Schedule.

Find out if your qualification is affected

Download the Traineeship and Apprenticeship Pathways (TAP) Schedule to see if your qualification is a trade apprenticeship impacted by this enforcement (filter column B by 'T')

TAP Schedule (XLSX) visit page

Next steps

  • If training is complete, you have the option to apply for an Occupational Certificate

    If training is complete, you have the option to apply for an Occupational Certificate

    Check if you are eligible to apply for an assessment of your skills through the Occupational Recognition Service (ORS).

    Learn more
  • If training is yet to be completed, you can continue your study

    If training is yet to be completed, you can continue your study

    Contact your RTO if you have any questions about your course.

    Once your study is completed, you may wish to apply for an assessment of your skills through the Occupational Recognition Service (ORS).

If training is complete, you have the option to apply for an Occupational Certificate

If training is complete, you have the option to apply for an Occupational Certificate

Check if you are eligible to apply for an assessment of your skills through the Occupational Recognition Service (ORS).

Learn more
If training is yet to be completed, you can continue your study

If training is yet to be completed, you can continue your study

Contact your RTO if you have any questions about your course.

Once your study is completed, you may wish to apply for an assessment of your skills through the Occupational Recognition Service (ORS).

Need help or guidance for your situation?

Contact the South Australian Skills Commission for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

Contact us