Enforcement of trade apprenticeships for international students

Due to the complexities involved in the Commonwealth-facilitated visa issuance process, international students who are currently enrolled in an institutional-based training program aligned with a trade prior to 1 July 2026 can complete their course of study.

Students who have completed their qualification institutionally can apply to the Commission for a skills assessment under the Occupational Recognition Service (ORS), which may result in the issuance of an industry-recognised Occupational Certificate.   

Students who have not yet completed their course will be encouraged to transition into a formal apprenticeship pathway if their intention is to obtain a trade certificate. Where relevant workplace experience or previous study exists, the duration of the apprenticeship may be reduced, subject to assessment. Visa holders will need to confirm their work and study rights associated with their stay conditions to be able to enter into a training contract.  

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 students undertaking institutional-based training for declared vocations (DV) on the Traineeship and Apprenticeship Pathways (TAP) Schedule.