maximus13 Posted September 17, 2013 Share Posted September 17, 2013 Hi all, I have spoken to 3 different agents over the past week, trying to find one to help me complete my EOI online. During these conversations I have received conflicting advise as to how many points I will receive for my degree. I am a carpenter with a BA (Hons) in economics and a post graduate certificate in construction project management. Two agents have advised that I would be granted 15 points for an unrelated degree, whilst the other says only 10. How do I know who to believe? they are all MARA agents. Is there a definitive reference where I can find this information for myself as I don't want to take a gamble. Any advise would be appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lebourvellec Posted September 17, 2013 Share Posted September 17, 2013 As from your thread before - I was always under the impression if you want to claim points for an unrelated degree that it required to be reviewed by VETASSESS to get the 15 points. Cost is $230 to get points test advice for Advisory letter, (not sure where you got $1100 from) - see - Application Fees – Advisory Letter for DIAC for Points Test Advice only http://www.vetassess.com.au/migrate_to_australia/qa2_fees_payment.cfm It is always a risk when claiming for something that has not been assessed and not related to nominated occupation - and CO have be known to request point test advisory letters. Your other option would be to go down the 190 route - and get State Nomination to gain your extra points you require. If your CO does not uphold your degree, you will lose your application fee - as there are no refunds - with the cost it is now - its alot of money to lose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maximus13 Posted September 17, 2013 Author Share Posted September 17, 2013 Thanks for your reply. From what I understand points advice is just that, points advice, and there is no assurance that the CO will accept the advice given. I could appreciate the need if I were claiming for a vocational qualification where it might be difficult to draw comparison with an Australian bachelors, or if I were claiming that the qualification was related to my nominated occupation, but it is an honours degree from a mainstream UK university and clearly not related to my nominated occupation. The CO must work to an established set of rules where an unrelated degree is worth x number of points in every instance but I cannot find any reference to this anywhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrussell Posted September 18, 2013 Share Posted September 18, 2013 Hi all, I have spoken to 3 different agents over the past week, trying to find one to help me complete my EOI online. During these conversations I have received conflicting advise as to how many points I will receive for my degree. I am a carpenter with a BA (Hons) in economics and a post graduate certificate in construction project management. Two agents have advised that I would be granted 15 points for an unrelated degree, whilst the other says only 10. How do I know who to believe? they are all MARA agents. Is there a definitive reference where I can find this information for myself as I don't want to take a gamble. Any advise would be appreciated. A degree (in any discipline) that assessed as comparable to an Australian degree will attract 15 points. This depends on which institution conferred your degree. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Collett Posted September 18, 2013 Share Posted September 18, 2013 If you want to rely on advice from a professional you should be prepared to instruct him/her formally. What is said in an informal initial conversation is not a basis for a visa strategy. Get the advice in writing. Best regards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maggie2012 Posted September 18, 2013 Share Posted September 18, 2013 Hi all, I have spoken to 3 different agents over the past week, trying to find one to help me complete my EOI online. During these conversations I have received conflicting advise as to how many points I will receive for my degree. I am a carpenter with a BA (Hons) in economics and a post graduate certificate in construction project management. Two agents have advised that I would be granted 15 points for an unrelated degree, whilst the other says only 10. How do I know who to believe? they are all MARA agents. Is there a definitive reference where I can find this information for myself as I don't want to take a gamble. Any advise would be appreciated. We have not used an agent. If you go to Skillselect and look it up (under the points tab it is there). It is 15 points for your degree (if you had it recognised through Vetassess). Your maximum combined points you can claim is 20 for education (let say you have 2 diplomas, it wouldn't be 15+10 points, but 20 only in total). Good luck!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lebourvellec Posted September 18, 2013 Share Posted September 18, 2013 We have not used an agent. If you go to Skillselect and look it up (under the points tab it is there). It is 15 points for your degree (if you had it recognised through Vetassess). Your maximum combined points you can claim is 20 for education (let say you have 2 diplomas, it wouldn't be 15+10 points, but 20 only in total). Good luck!!!! You only get 20 points for education if you hold a doctorate or phd - points for education can not be combined - you could have 5 degrees and 3 masters but still only get 15 points. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maximus13 Posted September 18, 2013 Author Share Posted September 18, 2013 Thanks wrussell. I completely agree with you Alan and that is what I intend to do. I guess I am trying to establish the rules of the game rather than a strategy however at this point. Is it fair to say that so long as my degree and awarding body/institution is on a list of recognised qualifications then I shall be awarded the 15 points, or is it a subjective decision that the CO will take. If there a list of recognised qualifications are you able to advise where are can find this. many thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maximus13 Posted September 18, 2013 Author Share Posted September 18, 2013 Just saw your post, thanks Maggie2012 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrussell Posted September 19, 2013 Share Posted September 19, 2013 Just saw your post, thanks Maggie2012 VETASSESS have nothing to do with recognising degrees. They refer to CEP which is the relevant reference. Try a Google search for CEP. This is a subscription service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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