Skills assessment
Overseas Qualification Assessment Guidance
How do your overseas qualifications compare to Australian standards? We explain how qualifications are assessed for skilled visas and how they affect your points.
About the Overseas Qualification Assessment Guidance
For skilled visas, your overseas qualifications are usually assessed as part of your skills assessment. The assessing authority compares your qualification with Australian standards, for example finding it comparable to an Australian Bachelor degree or Diploma. That outcome affects both your skills assessment and the education points you can claim.
A qualification that is not assessed at the level you expect, or is not closely related to your occupation, can reduce your points or lead to a negative assessment. That is why it is worth getting advice before you apply.
How qualifications can earn points
- Doctorate (PhD): 20 points
- Bachelor or Master's degree: 15 points
- Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points
- An award recognised by your assessing authority: 10 points
- Australian study or regional study: extra points
Documents usually needed
- Award certificates for each qualification
- Full academic transcripts
- Certified translations of documents not in English
- Evidence the qualification relates to your occupation
Prepared by our team from official government guidance (October 2026). Visa costs, thresholds, occupation lists and processing times can change, so always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
Overseas Qualification Assessment Guidance FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
Book an appointment with a registered migration agent and get clear answers about your visa options.
Book Appointment- MARA Registered
- QEAC Certified
Usually the assessing authority for your occupation, as part of your skills assessment.
Up to 20 points for a doctorate, 15 for a Bachelor or Master's degree and 10 for a diploma, trade qualification or recognised award.
You may receive fewer education points, or a negative skills assessment if the qualification does not meet the occupation standard.
Yes. Meeting the Australian study requirement adds 5 points, and study in regional Australia can add another 5.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Book a consultation with a MARA registered migration agent and get a clear plan for your visa.
