As part of the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA) the Innovation and Early Careers Skills Exchange Pilot (IECSEP) provides new opportunities for UK citizens to work in Australia.
The IECSEP aims to build on the existing connections between Australia and the UK, by establishing a new and streamlined mobility pathway for early career professionals and demonstrated innovators from the UK.
Under the IECSEP, there are two categories available for UK citizens:
- the Early Careers Skills stream, which will allow participants to undertake a short-term placement, secondment, or intra-corporate transfer for up to one year in Australia in a position relevant to their field of work in the sending organisation
- the Innovation stream, which will allow participants with a demonstrated contribution to innovation to undertake opportunities for up to three years in Australia.
Total visas available under the IECSEP will be 1,000 in the first year, and 2,000 in the second year of operation, during which the program will be reviewed.
The first IECSEP application round will open at 9am (GMT) on Monday 25 September 2023. Both streams will be open for applications at that time.
Early Careers Skills Stream
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for the program, applicants must be:
- UK citizens aged between 21 and 45 of age at the time of application
- hold tertiary qualifications
- have worked for a minimum of three months in the sending organisation (including as graduate trainees).
Innovation Stream
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for the program, applicants must be highly experienced and skilled UK citizens from any sector, with a demonstrated contribution to innovation in areas including:
- Research and Development
- Renewable Energy
- Artificial Intelligence
- Medical Technology
- FinTech
- AgriTech
- Audio-visual and Cultural industries
How can I apply?
Applications for the opening round of IECSEP can be submitted online from 9am (GMT) on Monday 25 September 2023.