To work overseas as a dietitian, you may need to complete a skills recognition process. Skills recognition ensures your qualifications and experience meet the standards of a country. You may also need a visa or work permit.
A mutual recognition agreement simplifies the process of assessing your qualifications. It recognises your training and experience as eligible to work in the country.
Dietitians Australia has a mutual recognition agreement with New Zealand. The College of Dietitians of Ontario Canada also recognises the training of Australian Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs).
Australian-qualified dietitians looking to work overseas
Contact the appropriate Dietetic Association or Registration Board. A list of International Dietetic Associations is available at www.internationaldietetics.org
Dietitians Australia members can join the Working Overseas Interest Group. The group provides up-to-date information and a place to talk about working overseas.
Overseas-qualified dietitians who want to work in Australia
To work in Australia, most employers will ask you to have:
- Dietetic Skills Recognition (DSR)
- Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD)
We can help with skills recognition for dietitians who want to work in Australia. Learn more about the process for overseas dietitians to have their skills recognised.
Canadian-qualified dietitians who want to work in Australia
Dietitians Australia has a Mutual Recognition Agreement with the College of Dietitians of Ontario in Canada.
All other Canadian-qualified dietitians must complete the DSR process.
For enquiries about the Mutual Recognition Agreement with the College of Dietitians of Ontario email dsr@dietitiansaustralia.org.au
Australian-qualified dietitians who want to work in Ontario, Canada
To practice using the title of dietitian within Ontario, you must be registered with the College of Dietitians of Ontario.
If you're an APD, you may meet the academic and practical training needed to register.
For more information, contact the College of Dietitians of Ontario.
Dietitians Australia and the New Zealand Dietitians Board (NZDB) have a Mutual Recognition Voluntary Relationship Charter.
Australian APDs and New Zealand Registered Dietitians may be eligible to work in either country.
The Charter outlines:
- who can apply for mutual recognition
- the application procedure for mutual recognition
New Zealand Registered Dietitians who want to work in Australia
To apply for mutual recognition to work in Australia:
- Read the Dietitians Australia Code of Conduct.
- Complete the online application.
- Send your supporting documents and assessment fee to Dietitians Australia.
Assessment fee
You must pay a fee when you apply for your Mutual Recognition assessment.
See our fees and payment options.
Online application
To apply for a Mutual Recognition Assessment:
- select the Apply for Mutual Recognition button below
- create a user account on the Dietitians Australia login page (or log in if you already have an account)
- fill out the application form for a NZDB applicant
- pay the assessment fee
- submit form
Send your documents
When you finish the online application, you need to send your supporting documents. We can't process your application until we have all your documents.
Please send certified copies of your documents. Don't send the original versions.
Send your assessment documents to dsr@dietitiansaustralia.org.au or post them to:
DSR Administrator
Dietitians Australia
PO Box 2087
Woden ACT 2606
AUSTRALIA
Wait to hear from us
Allow at least 21 days for us to process your application.
Once we know your outcome, we'll contact you in writing.
Get in touch
If you have questions about mutual recognition of dietetic skills, contact us at dsr@dietitiansaustralia.org.au