Print Journalists
ANZSCO Code: 212413 / Group B
Print Journalists gather and examine information about important events through interviews, investigations, and observations. They write articles for newspapers, magazines, or journals based on their findings.

Occupation Descriptions
Print journalists gather and analyze facts about important events by conducting interviews, investigations, and observations. They write articles for newspapers, magazines, or journals based on their research and findings.
Occupations considered suitable under this ANZSCO code:
- Columnist
- Feature Writer
- Leader Writer
- Newspaper Reporter
Occupations not considered suitable under this ANZSCO code:
- Copywriter
- Newspaper or Periodical Editor
- Radio Journalist
- Technical Writer
- Television Journalist
- Journalists and Other Writers nec
These occupations are classified elsewhere in ANZSCO.
Print Journalist is a VETASSESS Group B occupation

This occupation demands a qualification equivalent to an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Bachelor degree or higher.
There are four pathways to meet the assessment criteria:
If employed before obtaining the required qualification, applicants need at least one year of highly relevant work experience at the appropriate skill level within the last five years. The remaining experience prior to obtaining the qualification can be within the past ten years.
A positive Skills Assessment outcome requires a favorable assessment of both the qualification level and the duration of employment.
Additional qualifications in a highly relevant field of study include those comparable to the following levels:
- AQF Diploma
- AQF Advanced Diploma
- AQF Associate Degree or AQF Graduate Diploma
Bachelor degree or higher degree includes:
For an AQF Master Degree or AQF Doctoral Degree, the criteria for highly relevant paid employment are as follows:
1-3 years:
Minimum one to three years of employment highly relevant to the nominated occupation, completed at the appropriate skill level within the five years before applying for a Skills Assessment.
4 years:
Minimum of four years of relevant employment required, which includes three years of relevant employment (can be from outside the last five years) in addition to at least one year of highly relevant employment within the last five years before applying.
Qualification and Employment Criteria
Qualification
AQF Bachelor degree or higher degree
This occupation requires a qualification in Journalism, Media Studies, or Written Communication.
Qualifications can include AQF Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral levels.
Highly relevant major fields of study include:
- Journalism: Involves researching current affairs and events and reporting on them.
- Media Studies: Focuses on understanding various forms of media and their impacts, such as books, radio, film, television, photography, print, digital, and electronic media.
- Written Communication: Concentrates on developing effective written communication skills.
Employment
Highly relevant tasks include:
- Collecting and analyzing facts about important events through interviews, research, investigations, and observations.
- Writing news reports, commentaries, articles, and feature stories for newspapers, magazines, and journals on topics that interest the public.
- Generating leads for news stories and submitting them for approval.
- Taking notes and reviewing press releases, speeches, or similar material to organize and write stories.
- Writing under deadlines, consulting reference materials, newspaper archives, or other sources for additional information.
- Reviewing and discussing news reports and ideas for future stories.
- Critically discussing daily news topics in newspaper editorials and reviewing books, films, or plays.
- Writing specific sections of publications, such as opinion pieces or segments on sports, fashion, or education.

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Employment information
What does ‘Print Journalism’ mean?
Print journalism involves writing stories, news reports, commentaries, and essays featured in magazines or newspapers, as well as digital publications. All these people, including Columnists, Feature Writers, Leader Writers, and Newspaper Reporters, belong under the Print Journalist umbrella regardless of whether their work appears in print or is published online.
For the self-employed, the documents below are needed:
- The self-employed must provide proof of their self-employment, including details of their sole trading or business registration.
- A legal or accounting statement, which must include a statement on the representative’s official letterhead, legal full name, duration of continuous self-employment along with specific dates in each role, type of business, need to have contact reference for the statement, etc.
- A statutory declaration should outline the main duties performed during the period of self-employment.
- Bank statements or official tax documents serve as proof of income.
- Client contracts, client or supplier contracts, and testimonials, alongside exemplars of completed work, serve as supplementary proof.
Supporting Material for Assessment
Applicants who fall under this specific occupation should submit proof that can strengthen lack of employment claims, such as published work, which includes articles from newspapers, magazines, or journals.
If you are self-employed, you need to provide the following documentation:
a) Confirmation of sole trader or self-employment registration documents accompanied by a letter from a lawyer or an accountant. In the case of an accountant’s or a lawyer’s letter, it should mention the self-employment period, the nature of the work done, the designation, and the precise address of the accountant or solicitor over their official letterhead.
b) A formal declaration explaining in detail the major functions that are described within the context of self-employment.
c) Invoices issued by clients alongside bank statements and tax documents that confirm self-employment income can be considered as evidence of receiving consistent income.
d) Other evidence of self-employment business activity, which includes but is not limited to project files, statements from contractors, and client documentation.
How to apply
If you’re a professional considering migration to Australia, there’s a good chance you’ll need to undergo assessment by VETASSESS. We evaluate 360 different professional occupations, examining your skills, experience, and qualifications to ensure they meet Australian standards.
1. Find
Find the VETASSESS occupation that best matches your abilities and experience.
2. Match
Match your skills and experience to your chosen occupation.
3. Prepare
Get ready to apply by preparing all the information and documents you need.
4. Apply
Apply online when you’re ready. If you’re still unsure, skills assessment support is available when you need it.