Changes to Migration Skills Assessment Process for Advanced Diploma and Associate Degree Qualifications

As of September 1, 2024, Engineers Australia has implemented updates to its Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) process, particularly impacting applicants with advanced diplomas or associate degrees from Registered Training Organizations (RTOs).

If you hold one of these qualifications and are planning to migrate to Australia, these changes directly affect how your skills will be assessed.

What’s Changed?

• Only qualifications recognized under the Dublin Accord such as specific associate degrees and advanced diplomas are now eligible for the accredited skills assessment pathway.

• Applicants whose qualifications are not accredited must apply through the Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) pathway, which requires detailed documentation of their knowledge, skills, and experience.

This shift aims to align Australia’s assessment standards more closely with international engineering frameworks and ensure consistent professional benchmarks for all applicants.

Who qualifies?

This interim option is open to those applying as Civil Engineering Draftspersons who: were enrolled in or completed a non-accredited advanced diploma or associate degree before September 1, 2024. This transitional pathway is only available until December 2026.

What You’ll Need to Submit?

Eligible applicants under the interim arrangement must submit two of the following three types of career episodes to demonstrate their competencies:

• Professional practice (such as work placements or structured simulated activities)

• A major (capstone) engineering project, including the associated assessment rubric

  
  

These submissions help demonstrate the practical skills and applied engineering knowledge expected at the professional level.

What This Means for You?

If you’re a student or recent graduate with a non-accredited qualification earned before September 1, 2024, this interim pathway offers a valuable opportunity to obtain a valid skills assessment for migration purposes even if your qualification no longer qualifies for the accredited route.

But time is limited. The interim arrangement will end in December 2026, and no further extensions have been announced.

For clarification, consider consulting a registered migration agent, as immigration regulations may change over time. To ensure you meet the current eligibility criteria and receive personalized guidance, we recommend consulting with Australian Portal Immigration. You can book your appointment here.