Skills Assessment Guide for University Lecturer (ANZSCO 242111)
Introduction:
Applying for a skills assessment as a University Lecturer can be a complex process, particularly when ensuring that both your qualifications and employment meet the standards set by VETASSESS. This occupation is classified under Group A, meaning that it requires a high level of education and professional experience in a relevant field.
At Visamigo Lawyers, we help applicants prepare strong, evidence-based submissions for skills assessment that comply with all VETASSESS and Department of Home Affairs requirements.
Overview of the Occupation:
ANZSCO Code: 242111
Group: A
Assessment Authority: VETASSESS
University Lecturers are academic staff who lecture students and conduct tutorials at a university level. They are also expected to undertake scholarly research within their field of expertise.
Typical related titles under this code include:
Associate Lecturer
Lecturer
Senior Lecturer
Associate Professor
Professor
Research Associate
Research Fellow
Occupations such as University Tutor or Vocational Education Teacher fall outside this category.
Qualification Requirements:
To qualify for assessment as a University Lecturer, you must hold:
A Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) or higher, such as a Master or Doctoral degree,
In a university academic discipline that is highly relevant to your teaching and research area.
Both the level and content of the qualification will be assessed.
Criteria for a Positive Skills Assessment (Group A):
A positive assessment requires evidence of:
Comparable Qualification
The qualification must be assessed as comparable to at least an Australian Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) or higher.Highly Relevant Major Field of Study
The major must be in a discipline directly related to the nominated occupation.Relevant Employment Duration
You must show at least one year of post-qualification employment at an appropriate skill level, within the last five years, and directly related to your nominated occupation.
Note: Pre-qualification experience cannot be counted for Group A occupations
Employment Requirements:
Employment is assessed based on both skill level and task relevance.
Highly relevant duties for teaching roles include:
Preparing and delivering lectures, tutorials, and seminars
Designing and marking essays, assignments, and examinations
Supervising postgraduate or honours students
Advising students on academic matters
Participating in academic planning and curriculum design
Conducting and publishing research in refereed journals
Attending departmental and faculty meetings
For non-teaching or research-only roles (such as Research Associate or Research Fellow), the applicant must demonstrate independent responsibility for conducting research at a suitable skill level.
Research Requirements:
Research is a core component of the University Lecturer occupation in Australia. Applicants must show active involvement in scholarly research by providing evidence of at least one published research paper within the last five years.
Key points to note:
A completed PhD or MPhil thesis alone does not meet the research requirement.
The publication must be peer-reviewed, in a field relevant to your teaching discipline.
Predatory journals are not acceptable.
Papers indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, or ARC ERA Journal Lists are considered recognised.
Accepted research outputs include:
Journal articles
Books or book chapters
Conference papers
Research evidence must demonstrate:
Academic originality
Peer-review and publication by reputable sources
Verifiability and traceability
Payment and Employment Evidence:
For VETASSESS to consider employment as valid, it must be:
Fully paid at or above the market rate for the occupation
Engaged on a paid basis, not as part of a scholarship or allowance
At least 20 hours per week
Applicants on paid study leave may have that period counted if it directly relates to research or study connected to their employment and the salary remained at full pay.
Sessional academics can be assessed positively if they can demonstrate consistent teaching and research engagement for at least 20 hours per week.
Australian Employment:
Those employed in accredited Australian universities at Level A or above (on a limited-term or ongoing contract) who have not yet published research may still be assessed positively on a case-by-case basis, provided they supply evidence of:
Their formal academic title, and
Official university employment confirmation.
Supporting Documentation:
Applicants should include:
Degree certificates and academic transcripts
Detailed Statement of Service from the university employer
Publication List (within the last five years)
Copies of research papers or conference publications
Payslips or other proof of paid employment
Employment contracts or appointment letters showing position level and duties
Key Considerations from Visamigo Lawyers:
Balance of Teaching and Research: VETASSESS expects lecturers to be engaged in both activities. Teaching-only roles without research output generally do not meet criteria.
Quality of Publications: Papers published in recognised journals (Scopus, ERA, WoS) hold greater weight.
Employer References: These must clearly specify the level of teaching (undergraduate or postgraduate), units taught, and research involvement.
Recency of Evidence: Publications, employment, and supporting materials must be recent (within the last five years).
Case-by-Case Discretion: Each application is assessed individually, so applicants without published work but with active university employment may still be eligible for a positive outcome.
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Disclaimer: Important notice for all our social media followers and website readers. Content shared here by Visamigo Lawyers and its affiliates is not to be considered as immigration or legal advice. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional guidance. This material offers general insights (accurate at the time of posting, subject to updates) and is not exhaustive. Prior to any application, it is recommended you consult an Australian Lawyer for personalised advice. Your journey matters, so ensure you're properly informed.
