PR courses in Australia are highly sought-after. When applying for higher education abroad, many international students hope to gain Permanent Residency (PR), which lets them live in the country long term. However, specific rules govern who qualifies, and only some courses align with the occupations that support a PR application.
- General Skilled Migration visas (subclasses 189, 190 and 491) require a minimum of 65 points, though the invitation cut-off is usually higher
- The Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa now caps most applicants at age 35 and grants 2 to 3 years for degree holders
- The 4-year Skills in Demand visa, introduced in December 2024, replaced the TSS visa and offers a clearer pathway to permanent residency
- The Australian Computer Society remains the skills assessor for ICT occupations.
Which Courses Lead to PR in Australia?
Several study areas align with Australia's skilled occupation lists and can support a permanent residency application. Popular PR-friendly fields include engineering, accounting, information technology, nursing, social work, medicine, and teaching. Completing one of these degrees, plus a positive skills assessment, helps you claim points for General Skilled Migration.
1. Engineering
Attaining an engineering degree in Australia can unlock diverse job prospects for international students. Engineers offer practical solutions to complex problems and design, build and innovate new concepts, and Australia seeks a substantial number of engineers across many domains each year.
Many international students pursue a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), a four-year program in Australia. This degree remains highly sought after because it facilitates the postgraduate employment needed for eligibility under the Skilled Migration Program, ultimately leading to Permanent Residency (PR).
- Aeronautical Engineer
- Agricultural Engineer
- Chemical Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Biomedical Engineer
2. Accounting
Accounting ranks among Australia's fastest-growing professions, attracting many students because of its diverse career avenues. To become an accountant in Australia, a bachelor's degree is a prerequisite, and a Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) can significantly enhance your job opportunities.
As an accounting graduate, you can explore various roles, including:
- Finance Manager
- Auditor
- Budget Analyst
- Corporate Treasurer
- External Auditor
- Taxation Accountant
- General Accountant
- Management Accountant
3. Computer and Information Technology (IT)
The demand for computer science and IT experts extends globally, including in Australia. The country's economy offers ample opportunities for IT professionals who have graduated from a recognised Australian university or demonstrated exceptional skills abroad.
To obtain a permanent residency visa, a skills assessment is mandatory. For the ICT sector, the Australian Computer Society (ACS) is the designated skills-assessing authority for IT, data science and cyber security occupations. The ACS offers several assessment pathways depending on your qualifications and professional background.
- Computer Network and Systems Engineer
- ICT Business and Systems Analyst
- Software and Applications Programmer
- Web Developer
- Cyber Security Specialist
- Analyst Programmer
- Developer Programmer
- Software Engineer
- Software Tester
- Database Administrator
4. Nursing
Australia is recognised globally for its effective healthcare sector, making it a top destination for many international students. Among those who study nursing in Australia, the profession is often considered a highly desirable occupation with strong migration prospects.
As Australia's population ages, demand for skilled medical professionals keeps rising. The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing's Nursing Supply and Demand Study 2023-2035 projects a national undersupply of roughly 70,700 full-time equivalent nurses by 2035, underlining strong long-term demand.
Several nursing roles listed on the skilled occupation lists are notably popular choices:
- Nurse Practitioner
- Registered Nurse (Surgical)
- Registered Nurse (Community Health)
- Registered Nurse (Mental Health)
- Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health)
- Midwife
5. Social Work
Social work programs in Australia draw students from around the world. These students are enthusiastic about engaging with marginalised populations and effecting meaningful change by offering support, guidance and assistance in reintegrating socially displaced individuals into society.
In Australia, various social work courses are available, spanning Health and Welfare Services, Psychology, Psychiatry and more:
- Bachelor of Social Work
- Master of Social Work
6. Medical
In Australia, the medical profession offers strong compensation owing to high demand for healthcare professionals. However, a medical degree can be expensive, so plan your budget carefully, bearing in mind it is a one-time investment. On completing your studies, you may become eligible for Permanent Residency (PR).
You can specialise in various medical fields, including:
- Physiotherapy
- Gynaecology
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopaedics
- Dermatology
- Radiology and Medical Imaging
- Oncology
- General Medicine
7. Education and Teaching
Australia's education system is synonymous with high quality. Those who build careers in education and teaching can play a pivotal role in nurturing students' inquisitive minds, and such careers can also pave the way to eligibility for Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia.
Education and teaching courses in Australia open doors to numerous career opportunities, including:
- Primary School Teacher
- Secondary School Teacher
- University Lecturer
- Vocational Education Teacher
8. Other PR Courses in Australia
This includes a variety of trade and vocational courses to choose from:
- Trade courses: Engineering Technician, Engineering Fabrication, Mechanic, Plastering, Boat Building
- Automotive: General Mechanic, Motor Mechanic, Motorcycle Mechanic
- Hospitality: Hotel Management, Hospitality Management
- Dentistry: Bachelor of Oral Health, Bachelor of Dental Science
- Building and Construction: Construction Project Manager, Building Inspector, Construction Estimator
- Cooking and Chef courses: Bakery and Chef courses
- Plumbing and Technician trades
- Psychology: BSc/MSc Psychology
How Does the Australia PR Points System Work?
The Australia points system scores candidates for skilled visa subclasses 189, 190 and 491. You need a minimum of 65 points to be invited, but higher scores greatly improve your chances. Points are awarded for age, English proficiency, skilled work experience, qualifications, Australian study, and state or regional nomination.
The greater your score, the better your chance of being invited to apply to live, work and study in Australia permanently. The table below shows the maximum points available in each category under the official points test.
| Points Category 2026 | Maximum Points |
|---|---|
| Age (25-32 years) | 30 points |
| English proficiency (Superior) | 20 points |
| Skilled work experience outside Australia (8-10 years) | 15 points |
| Skilled work experience in Australia (8-10 years) | 20 points |
| Education outside Australia - Doctorate degree | 20 points |
| Specialist education - master's or doctorate by research in Australia | 10 points |
| Study in a regional area | 5 points |
| Accredited community language | 5 points |
| Professional year in a skilled program in Australia | 5 points |
| State or territory nomination (190 visa) | 5 points |
| Skilled spouse or de facto partner | 10 points |
| Spouse or de facto partner with competent English | 5 points |
| Applicant without a spouse, or spouse is an Australian citizen or PR holder | 10 points |
| Relative or regional nomination (491 visa) | 15 points |
What Are the PR Requirements for Indian Students?
Indian citizens who are skilled workers or business professionals and meet the qualifying conditions with a combined score of at least 65 points can apply for a PR visa. You must provide supporting documents, including proof of English proficiency, a valid passport, a positive skills assessment, and health and character clearances.
PR courses in Australia come with plenty of options. Broadly, there are three routes to acquiring Permanent Residency: the Employer Nomination Scheme, General Skilled Migration, or State and Territory Nomination. International students can study occupations that qualify under these pathways to work towards permanent residency in Australia.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186): permanent residence sponsored by an Australian employer.
- General Skilled Migration (subclasses 189, 190 and 491): points-tested visas based on your skilled occupation.
- State and Territory Nomination: extra points and access to the 190 and 491 visas through a state government.
Which Master's Courses Help You Get PR in Australia?
Postgraduate study is a popular route to permanent residency because it earns Australian study points and leads to in-demand qualifications. Master's programs in computer science, computing, mechanical engineering, architecture, and information technology at leading Australian universities are common choices. Combined with skilled work experience, they strengthen a General Skilled Migration application.
Australia is among the most popular study-abroad destinations because of its high-quality education, research and training. The table below lists popular master's courses, universities and duration that many international students choose while working towards PR.
| Master's Course 2026 | University | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MS in Computer Science | University of Melbourne | 2 years |
| Master of Computing | Australian National University | 2 years |
| MS in Mechanical Engineering | University of Sydney | 1.5 years |
| Master of Architecture | University of Newcastle | 2 years |
| Master of Information Technology | Macquarie University | 2 years |
What Are the 2026 Changes to the 485 Visa?
The Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa lets recent graduates work in Australia after study. From 2025 most applicants must be aged 35 or under, and degree holders receive 2 to 3 years. The new 4-year Skills in Demand visa, which replaced the TSS visa in December 2024, now offers a clearer permanent residency pathway.
While preparing for Permanent Residency in Australia, students should be aware of the following points:
- The subclass 485 visa now has three streams: Post-Vocational Education Work (up to 18 months), Post-Higher Education Work (2 to 3 years), and Second Post-Higher Education Work (1 to 2 years for regional graduates).
- If you want employer sponsorship, look at the Skills in Demand visa (which replaced the TSS 482 visa) or a permanent Employer Nomination Scheme 186 visa.
- If you apply through General Skilled Migration, you need a positive skills assessment and must meet the points and eligibility requirements for your chosen subclass.