Wellington Education Group and VFS Global Launch Sydney Training Partnership
Responding to recent Australian Government reforms in international education and immigration, Wellington Education Group (WEG) has partnered with VFS Global, to launch the Qualified Visa Submission Officer certificate programme. The programme aims to provide practical professional development for industry professionals, strengthening skills in accurate application preparation, document verification, case management and professional client service. The partnership supports practical professional development, including Online Visa Submission Officer Programme offered to new entrants and existing practitioners.
Delivered online, the programme provides practical professional development for new entrants and existing practitioners, strengthening skills in application preparation, document verification, case management and ethical client service.
The inauguration was held at Sydney Town Hall on 8 October 2026, bringing together education representatives, industry partners, government stakeholders and senior representatives of both organizations. The event included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise the collaboration.
Heidi REID, the Chair of the Wellington Education Group Academic Board, said “this collaboration brings together Wellington’s experience in education and training with VFS Global’s extensive international expertise and operational excellence. Through the Academy, we look forward to developing practical, industry-relevant learning opportunities that strengthen professional capability, support career development, and contribute to higher standards across the sector.”
Under the partnership, WEG will support recruitment and engagement, provide the online learning platform and training infrastructure, and promote the programme worldwide. Through its Visa Submission Officer training, WEG is making structured professional development available to the wider public.
The 20-hour Online Visa Submission Officer Programme is delivered through seven self-paced modules. It is open to jobseekers, students, graduates and career changers, alongside existing staff in visa services, travel, international education and related customer service roles.
The training focuses on the tasks involved in application preparation and submission, including identity checks, supporting documents, online forms, document inconsistencies, client communication and case management. The seven modules are:
- Visa Systems & Global Frameworks. Visa categories, the application lifecycle and the responsibilities of submission officers.
- Passport & Documentation Basics. Passport checks, identity consistency and supporting document checklists.
- Online Visa Application Systems. Online forms, document uploads and checks before submission.
- Document Verification & Fraud Detection. Document inconsistencies, fraud risk indicators and appropriate escalation.
- Country-Specific Visa Processing – Australia Focus. Australian Student visa applications, enrolment evidence and submission requirements.
- Client Handling & Professional Practices. Client communication, privacy, managing expectations and professional service.
- Case Management & Final Simulation. Case planning, quality checks and a simulated Australian Student visa case.
Existing professionals can use the programme to strengthen the accuracy and consistency of application preparation, document handling and customer communication. For new entrants, it provides a foundation for application centre, submission support and client service roles, including the types of work undertaken by VFS Global.
Participants who successfully complete all seven modules and pass the required examination will receive a Qualified Visa Submission Officer certificate, recording completion of the training and required assessments.
VFS Global serves 71 client governments and operates more than 4,275 application centres across 170 countries, according to its September 2026 figures. Its services include applications for Norway, Sweden and Iceland in the Schengen area, as well as Canada, and biometric collection for Australia. Canadian visa application centres operated by VFS Global include Sydney, Melbourne and Perth in Australia, and Auckland in New Zealand.
For enrolment enquiries about the programme, please visit acelinks.jobs/training.
About Wellington Education Group (WEG)
Wellington Education Group (WEG) is an Australia-based education organization, owns and operates three colleges Berkeley Business Institute, York Business Institute and Le Rosey Hospitality Institute, committed to delivering high-quality learning and professional development opportunities. Through partnerships with leading institutions and industry stakeholders, WEG supports student success by providing innovative learning platforms, educational infrastructure and pathways that connect learners with emerging career opportunities in Australia and internationally.
About VFS Global Academy
VFS Global Academy is the education and talent development arm of VFS Global, dedicated to developing future professionals and industry leaders through learner-centric, industry-focused education and upskilling programmes. Focused on the travel, tourism, hospitality and service sectors, the Academy combines academic learning, practical industry exposure and professional skills development to prepare learners for successful careers in an increasingly interconnected world.
Established in 2023, VFS Global Academy has expanded its presence across five countries, including India, China, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Australia. In India, the Academy operates across multiple cities including Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Lucknow, Ekta Nagar, Deoghar, Sambalpur and Varanasi, while its international footprint spans Shanghai, Guangzhou, Riyadh, Ajman and Sydney.
Through partnerships with educational institutions, corporate organisations and industry leaders, the Academy delivers industry-integrated learning opportunities that bridge education and employment, helping learners build the skills, confidence and perspectives needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global environment.