ANZSCO Skill Levels
Skill Levels under ANZSCO for Australia PR
(Subclass 189, 190 & 491)
Australia uses the ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) system to classify jobs based on required qualifications and experience. Every occupation is placed in a Skill Level from 1 to 5, and only Skill Levels 1, 2, and 3 are eligible for Skilled Migration visas (189, 190, 491).
ANZSCO Skill Levels Overview
- Skill Level 1 – Requires a Bachelor’s degree or higher, or at least 5+ years of relevant work experience.
- Skill Level 2 – Needs an Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma, or Diploma.
- Skill Level 3 – Requires Certificate IV or III with substantial on-the-job training.
- Skill Level 4 – Involves Certificate II or III level qualifications.
- Skill Level 5 – Covers short courses or jobs that need only on-the-job training.
👉 For PR eligibility, you must fall into Skill Level 1, 2, or 3.
How ANZSCO Skill Levels
Apply to Indian Applicants
For Indian candidates, Australian authorities compare your academic qualification with the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) through relevant assessing bodies like Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, or ACS (IT professionals).
Key Equivalence Points
- A Bachelor’s degree from India (B.Tech, B.E., B.Com, B.Sc., BDS, MBBS, Nursing, etc.) → Generally matches AQF Bachelor → Skill Level 1.
- A 3-year Polytechnic Diploma after 12th → Considered equivalent to AQF Diploma/Advanced Diploma → Skill Level 2.
- ITI or Trade Certificates (Electrician, Welder, Fitter, etc.) with work experience → Equivalent to AQF Certificate III/IV → Skill Level 3.
- 12th Pass only (10+2 without higher education) → Below Skill Level 3, not eligible for skilled PR.
Example: Indian Qualifications vs Australian Equivalence
| Indian Qualification / Profession | Australian Equivalent | ANZSCO Skill Level |
|---|---|---|
| B.Tech / B.E. (Engineering) | AQF Bachelor Degree | Skill Level 1 |
| MBBS / BDS / Nursing Degree | AQF Bachelor Degree | Skill Level 1 |
| B.Com / B.Sc. / B.A. | AQF Bachelor Degree | Skill Level 1 |
| M.Tech / MCA / MBA | AQF Master’s Degree | Skill Level 1 |
| Polytechnic Diploma (3 years) | AQF Advanced Diploma | Skill Level 2 |
| ITI Trade Certificate + Experience | AQF Certificate III/IV | Skill Level 3 |
| 10+2 only (without higher qualification) | Not Recognised | Not Eligible |
Why ANZSCO Skill Level Matters
- Decides if your occupation is listed on the Skilled Occupation Lists (SOL, MLTSSL, STSOL).
- Determines the assessing authority for your qualification.
- Ensures your Indian degree or diploma matches Australian standards.
- Confirms eligibility for Skilled PR visas (Subclass 189, 190, 491).
Final Summary for Indian Applicants
- Most Indian graduates (B.Tech, BDS, MBBS, B.Com, B.Sc.) → Skill Level 1.
- Polytechnic diploma holders → Skill Level 2.
- ITI holders with trade experience → Skill Level 3.
- 12th pass without higher studies → Not eligible for Skilled PR.
