International students in Australia who have been there for more than two years and wish to settle in Australia post their studies can apply for PR (permanent residency). Australia’s PR pathway is one of the most structured and transparent among popular study abroad destinations – a points-based system where your course, work experience, age, and English proficiency all contribute to your score.
Not every course in Australia is eligible for a PR. Only the courses listed by ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) are eligible for a PR. Choosing the right course from the start is therefore a strategic decision – not just an academic one.
Australia PR Key Facts 2026
| PR Fact | Details |
| Minimum points required | 65 points (minimum); the higher the score, the better the chance of an invitation |
| Points test system | SkillSelect (Points-Based System); submit an EOI (Expression of Interest) at skillselect.homeaffairs.gov.au |
| ANZSCO eligibility | Only courses linked to ANZSCO-listed occupations qualify for PR; not all courses eligible |
| Work experience (overseas + Australia) | 3 years of skilled work experience = 20 points in skill assessment |
| Australian study requirement | Studying in Australia gives points; regional study gives additional points |
| State Nomination | State nomination adds points and can invite applicants below the general cutoff |
| Employer Sponsorship | Can provide a direct pathway via Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage visa) |
| PR visas available | Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), Subclass 190 (State Nominated), Subclass 491 (Regional Sponsored) |
| Citizenship pathway | Can apply for citizenship 4 years after permanent residency |
| Centrelink access | Eligible for Centrelink social services after 2 years of PR |
All PR requirements, points cutoffs, and eligible occupation lists change with each Australian immigration policy update. Verify current information at homeaffairs.gov.au before making any course or visa decisions.
Benefits of Australian Permanent Residency
Australian PR for students permits you to live in the country indefinitely. The specific perks include:
- Live and work in Australia indefinitely without a visa sponsorship requirement
- Sponsor family members (spouse, children, parents under certain criteria) to enter Australia
- Access to free treatment at public hospitals and other medical services at subsidised rates
- Eligible for Centrelink (Australia’s social service system) services after holding PR for approximately 2 years
- Pathway to Australian citizenship after 4 years of permanent residency
- Access to free English language classes through the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)
- Pay domestic student fees (not international fees) if you pursue further education in Australia
Limitations: You cannot hold an Australian passport. You are not allowed to vote in Australian Government elections unless you enrolled as a British subject before 26 January 1984. You may be required to depart Australia if the PR visa is not renewed.
Best PR Courses in Australia 2026 (ANZSCO-Listed)
To obtain a PR after Master’s in Australia, international students can particularly opt for the following ANZSCO-eligible course types. These occupations appear on Australia’s skilled occupation lists (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List – MLTSSL, and Short-term Skilled Occupation List – STSOL):
| Course/Field | ANZSCO-Linked Occupations | PR Pathway Strength | Typical Degree |
| Nursing and Midwifery | Registered Nurse, Midwife, Mental Health Nurse | Very strong; nursing consistently on MLTSSL; high demand across all states | Bachelor of Nursing, Master of Nursing |
| Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical) | Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Chemical Engineer | Very strong; multiple engineering occupations on MLTSSL; infrastructure boom driving demand | BEng, MEng, MS in Engineering |
| Accounting and Finance | Accountant, External Auditor, Management Accountant, Tax Agent | Strong; CPA Australia and CA ANZ-linked; consistent demand | BComm (Accounting), Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) |
| Information Technology and Computer Science | Software Engineer, ICT Business Analyst, Database Administrator, Systems Administrator | Strong; multiple IT occupations on skilled lists; digital economy growing | BS/MS Computer Science, Master of IT |
| Healthcare and Allied Health | Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Psychologist, Social Worker, Sonographer | Very strong; healthcare skill shortage across Australia; regional health in particular demand | Master of Allied Health, Master of Social Work |
| Medicine and Dentistry | Medical Practitioner (Doctor), Dentist, Specialist Physician, Psychiatrist | Very strong; highest point scores and immediate employer demand; high salary | Doctor of Medicine, Bachelor of Dental Surgery |
| Teaching and Education | Primary School Teacher, Secondary Teacher, Early Childhood Educator | Strong; teacher shortage particularly in regional areas and STEM subjects | Bachelor/Master of Teaching, Early Childhood Education |
| Agriculture and Environmental Science | Agricultural Scientist, Environmental Scientist, Land Economist | Moderate; regional areas especially value these occupations; not always on metropolitan lists | Bachelor/Master of Agricultural Science, Environmental Management |
| Chef and Hospitality Management | Chef (Cook 3 years), Hotel/Motel Manager | Moderate; chef consistently on STSOL; hospitality management less reliably listed | Certificate III/IV in Hospitality, Bachelor of Hospitality Management |
| Architecture and Urban Planning | Architect, Urban Planner, Landscape Architect | Moderate; infrastructure spending driving demand; state-specific variation | Bachelor of Architecture (5 years), Master of Urban Planning |
Nursing and Midwifery, Engineering, Accounting, Doctor, Dentist, Social Worker, Mechanical Engineer, Chef, and Psychiatrist are among the occupations most consistently recommended for PR in Australia.
Also Read: Jobs After MBA in Australia 2026
Australia PR Points System: How Scoring Works
A minimum of 65 points is required for getting PR in Australia. The higher the points, the more chance an applicant has of getting qualified.
| Factor | Points Available | How to Maximise |
| Skilled employment (Australia) – 8+ years | 20 points | Priority: work in Australia in your skilled occupation during and after your studies |
| Skilled employment (Australia) – 5-8 years | 15 points | Each year of Australian work experience increases your score |
| Skilled employment (Australia) – 3-5 years | 10 points | Minimum 3 years of Australian work experience gives solid contribution |
| Skilled employment (overseas) – 8+ years | 15 points | Overseas experience counts; combine with Australian experience for higher score |
| Skilled employment (overseas) – 3-8 years | 10 points | Work experience in Australia and overseas are counted for 20 points in skill assessment. Source: GradRight original article. |
| Age 25-32 years | 30 points | Strongest age bracket; apply while young to maximise age points |
| Age 33-39 years | 25 points | Still significant contribution |
| Age 40-44 years | 15 points | Declining contribution; prioritise applying earlier |
| English proficiency – Superior | 20 points (IELTS 8.0+) | Invest in IELTS/PTE preparation for high English score |
| English proficiency – Proficient | 10 points (IELTS 7.0+) | Minimum for most professional visas |
| Australian study requirement (2 years in Australia) | 5 points | Completing your degree in Australia gives points |
| Regional study or work – specified areas | 5 points | Studying or working in regional Australia adds additional points |
| State/Territory nomination | 5 points | Subclass 190 nomination; can invite applicants with lower general pool scores |
| Credentialled community language | 5 points | If you hold a credential in an accredited community language |
In addition to your qualification and employment, you earn points for studying in Australia, having state nominations, and employer sponsorships. Remember, you need a minimum score of 65 points to obtain permanent residency in Australia.
PR Visa Pathways for International Students in Australia
| Visa Subclass | Name | Key Feature | Who Should Apply |
| Subclass 189 | Skilled Independent Visa | No state sponsorship or employer required; purely points-based; permanent residency from day one | Students with high point scores (typically 80+ in competitive rounds) who are independent migrants in eligible occupations |
| Subclass 190 | State Nominated Skilled Visa | State or territory nominates you; adds 5 extra points; lower competition than 189 pool in many states; permanent residency from day one | Students who have studied or worked in a specific state and have an occupation on that state’s occupation list |
| Subclass 491 | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) | Regional nomination by state or eligible relative sponsor; 5-year provisional visa with pathway to permanent Subclass 191 | Students willing to live and work in regional Australia for 3 years to earn PR; also adds 15 points in some calculations |
| Subclass 482 | Temporary Skill Shortage Visa | Employer-sponsored; 2 or 4 years (Medium-term occupation = 4 years); pathway to Subclass 186 PR via employer nomination | Students who secure employment with an Australian employer willing to sponsor them on the TSS visa |
How to Apply for PR in Australia: Step-by-Step
- Check eligibility: Confirm you meet the basic eligibility requirements – at least 2 years of study in Australia, an ANZSCO-eligible occupation from your course, and the ability to score 65+ points.
- Take a language proficiency test: IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. Aim for the highest possible score – IELTS 8.0+ (Superior) earns 20 points vs 10 points for 7.0.
- Get your skills assessed: Submit to the relevant assessing body for your occupation. Examples: Engineers Australia for engineers; Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) for nurses; CPA Australia or CA ANZ for accountants; VETASSESS for many other occupations.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) on SkillSelect (skillselect.homeaffairs.gov.au): This enters you into the points-based pool. Invitations to Apply (ITAs) are sent to highest-scoring candidates in each round.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your score is high enough in an invitation round, you receive an ITA. Rounds happen regularly (monthly for most visa types).
- Lodge your visa application: After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to lodge the full visa application with required documents (health assessment, police clearance, skills assessment, English test results, work experience evidence).
- Health and character checks: Complete the medical examination through an approved panel physician. Australian Federal Police clearance required for all applicants over 16.
- Receive your PR visa: After approval, you are granted PR status. PR is valid for 5 years (travel component) but you can live and work in Australia indefinitely as a permanent resident.
Gradright professionals help you choose the best PR courses and job opportunities to earn a good point score. GradRight’s team is ready to assist with course selection that maximises your PR potential.
GradRight SelectRight helps you find Australia programs that align with ANZSCO-eligible occupations and maximise your PR potential. Free, personalised guidance. Find Your PR-Aligned Australia Course on GradRight
Also Read: Most Affordable Universities in Australia for International Students
Need education loans for your Australia studies? Students using GradRight App get up to 40% better loan rates. 15+ lenders, zero paperwork. Apply on GradRight FundRight for Australia
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GradRight SelectRight – University Selection Platform
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