What is Australasian Osteopathic Accreditation Council?
The Australasian Osteopathic Accreditation Council (AOAC) is Australia's peak body for assessing the qualifications and clinical competence of overseas-trained osteopaths. Established under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (National Law), AOAC works to ensure that overseas osteopaths meet the same professional and clinical standards as Australian-trained practitioners before they can register with the Osteopathy Board of Australia under AHPRA.
AOAC plays a crucial role in Australia's skilled migration system by providing independent, credible assessments of overseas osteopathic qualifications. For overseas osteopaths seeking to migrate to Australia through skilled visa pathways, an AOAC skills assessment is a mandatory requirement. The council evaluates the equivalence of overseas qualifications, professional registration, clinical experience, and English language proficiency against Australian osteopathic practice standards.
AOAC assesses a single occupational category: osteopaths (ANZSCO 252311). The assessment ensures that applicants possess the knowledge, skills, and clinical judgment required to practise osteopathy safely and effectively in the Australian healthcare system. The assessment also supports the Osteopathy Board of Australia in its registration decision-making process.
Which visas require an AOAC skills assessment?
An AOAC skills assessment is required for most skilled visa subclasses. The main pathways available to osteopaths are:
A positive AOAC skills assessment is a prerequisite for most skilled visa applications. Once you receive a positive assessment, you can use it to support your visa application under any of the above subclasses, provided you also meet other visa requirements such as points (for points-tested visas), English language benchmarks, and state sponsorship (where required).
How AOAC assessment works
The AOAC assessment process is designed to thoroughly evaluate your overseas osteopathic qualifications and clinical competence against Australian standards. The assessment typically takes 8–16 weeks from application submission to assessment decision.
- Submit your application online via the AOAC portal with all required documentation
- AOAC conducts a preliminary assessment to verify completeness of your application
- Your overseas qualifications are assessed against Australian osteopathic education and registration standards
- AOAC evaluates your English language proficiency and professional communication skills
- Your clinical experience and professional history are reviewed for relevance and currency
- If required, AOAC may conduct a supplementary assessment, clinical interview, or observation
- AOAC issues a formal assessment decision letter with the outcome (positive, positive with conditions, or not yet competent)
Assessment pathways
AOAC offers a streamlined assessment pathway for overseas-trained osteopaths. Most applicants follow the standard assessment route, though specific requirements may vary based on your qualification background and professional experience.
For overseas osteopaths with recognised osteopathic qualifications and relevant professional experience. Your overseas degree and clinical practice are assessed against Australian osteopathic standards. Processing time: 8–16 weeks. Suitable for most overseas-trained osteopaths from AOAC-recognised schools and countries.
For applicants whose osteopathic qualification is not from a recognised institution or country. Additional assessment or evidence of competence may be required. This pathway typically takes longer and may require supplementary examinations or clinical assessments to demonstrate equivalence.
Documents required
Documents required vary by pathway but typically include:
- Certified degree certificates in osteopathy (original or certified copies)
- Official academic transcripts showing all units studied and grades achieved
- Evidence of professional registration or licensure in your country of qualification
- Employment reference letters from registered osteopaths or supervising clinicians (on company letterhead)
- Curriculum vitae detailing clinical experience, positions held, and years of practice
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or OET results)
- Statutory declaration confirming the accuracy of submitted information
- Passport or national identification document (certified copy)
- Continuing professional development records demonstrating ongoing learning
- Evidence of any professional indemnity insurance
All documents must be certified copies unless originals are submitted. Documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by certified English translations prepared by a professional translator. AOAC may request additional documents or clarification during the assessment process.
AOAC assessment fees
| Application type | Fee (AUD, approx.) |
|---|---|
| Initial Skills Assessment Application | AUD 650 |
| Reassessment or Review Application | AUD 400 |
| Supplementary Assessment (if required) | AUD 300–500 |
| Late Application (beyond standard timeline) | AUD 150 surcharge |
| Document Verification Service | AUD 100 |
Assessment outcomes
AOAC issues one of three outcomes:
A positive AOAC skills assessment confirms that your overseas osteopathic qualifications and clinical experience meet Australian standards. The assessment is valid for three years and can be used to support skilled visa applications (189, 190, 491, 482, 186, 494) and registration with the Osteopathy Board of Australia. You can immediately proceed with visa planning and lodgement.
A 'not yet competent' outcome means your qualifications do not currently meet Australian osteopathic standards. You may request a review or reassessment after gaining additional experience, completing supplementary training, or providing further evidence of competence. AOAC outlines specific recommendations for addressing identified gaps.
If you disagree with AOAC's assessment outcome, you can request a formal review within 12 months. The review is conducted by a different assessor and considers any new evidence or additional documentation you wish to provide.
Occupations assessed by AOAC
AOAC is the nominated assessing authority for the following ANZSCO occupations. Click any occupation to see full visa pathway details.
| ANZSCO | Occupation | List |
|---|---|---|
| 252311 | Osteopath | MLTSSL |