Australian Skills Recognition of University Tutors

The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship lists "University Tutor" as an occupation (Number 242112) in the Australian Skills Recognition Information (ASRI) for the purposes of skilled migration. A tutor is described as someone who "Conducts tutorials in one or more subjects within a prescribed course of study at a university."

The tutor occupation is allocated a skill level commensurate with a bachelor degree and/or five years of experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 1). No particular degree program is specified and no specific teaching qualification. Skills of applicants are assessed by  Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services (VETASSESS). As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) of assessment-only services, VETASSESS evaluates applicant's experience and knowledge. Interestingly, in the case of university tutors, this is the application of a vocational assessment process to university skills.

The only Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) offered by VETASSESS for  Education is the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40110). While widely recognized in the vocational sector within RTOs and TAFEs, this qualification is not normally required for tutors at Australian universities. Although there is no reason why TAE40110 would not be suitable for tutors, universities tend to run their own non-assesed short courses for tutors, with no formal qualification.

Skilled migration programs include the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS), Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS), Points Based Skilled Migration visa and Temporary Business (Long Stay) (Subclass 457).

For statistical purposes, university tutors are grouped together with lecturers (Unit Group 2421 University Lecturers and Tutors).