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Permanent Residency (PR) Courses in Australia in 2024

Updated on 30 January, 2024

Kanika Pruthi

Kanika Pruthi

Sr. Content Writer & Study Abroad Expert

Permanent residency or PR is what many international students aim for when applying for higher education in a foreign nation. After studying abroad, international aspirants get the privilege of residing in a foreign country under this permanent residence (PR) status. Yet, there are specific regulations with regard to allotting PR for international aspirants. Not every course will lead to this outcome, and there are some selected PR courses in Australia. This is one important aspect that you should know more about. 

Eligibility for PR in Australia

Australia is home to several well-known institutions that offer diverse courses and specializations. The country is a coveted destination for international students because of its advanced educational standards and cutting-edge infrastructure. Aspirants desirous of residing and working in the country and obtaining PR can tap into multiple avenues for the same. 

  • Those completing their education in Australia may apply for PR after the same. 
  • Post finishing two years of education in the country, students may submit applications under Subclass 485 for the post-study work visa. This is also called the Graduate Temporary visa.
  • The Graduate Temporary visa is for those migrant students studying for a couple of years in Australia. They can thus reside and work in the country for a duration of 18 months to 4 years. 

The Subclass 485 visa comes with two streams: 

Graduate Work

It is for students completing two years of education in Australia. The study course should directly relate to the occupation which is nominated. The visa duration is usually 18 months. 

Post-Study Work

This visa holds for international aspirants with a bachelor’s or higher education course at an Australian educational institution. They can stay back in the country for up to four years on this visa. These aspirants do not have to choose any SOL (Skilled Occupation List) occupation/profession mandatorily. 

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Top Universities in Australia

Below is a list of the top 25 universities in Australia:

Australian UniversitiesQS World Ranking 2024
The University of Melbourne33
The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)45
The University of Sydney41
The Australian National University30
Monash University57
The University of Queensland50
The University of Western Australia90
The University of Adelaide109
University of Technology Sydney137
Macquarie University195
RMIT University190
University of Wollongong185
The University of Newcastle, Australia (UON)192
Curtin University193
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)222
Deakin University266
La Trobe University316
Griffith University300
Swinburne University of Technology296
University of Tasmania293
University of South Australia363
Western Sydney University501-510
Flinders University425
University of Southern Queensland651-700
James Cook University461

Best Courses for PR in Australia

Below is a list of courses that qualify for a PR in Australia along with the average annual salaries offered upon course completion:

CoursesAverage Annual Salary

Engineering

There are diverse engineering programs available for international aspirants in Australia. The country has a huge demand for engineers in various fields every year, with large-scale hiring in manufacturing, power, energy, construction, and other sectors.

AUD 66,000

Accounting

Accounting is a popular option for international students in Australia. It is one of the fields which have grown exponentially across the country, offering tremendous scope for future growth and development. 

AUD 75,000

Computer and Information Technology

This is another popular educational option, offering lucrative employment in the business sector and numerous opportunities to study at reputed global universities in Australia. 

AUD 89,994

Education and Teaching

There is a huge demand for qualified and skilled teachers across the education sector. Students often find it easier to apply for PR in Australia after completing courses in this domain. 

AUD 80,264

Nursing and Midwifery

These courses are highly in demand worldwide, and Australia is no exception. Healthcare professionals and nurses find rewarding employment opportunities in Australia and a potential pathway to obtaining PR. 

AUD 61,971

Medical Courses

MD and MBBS programs may also help you get PR in Australia since there is a huge demand for medical practitioners. These are usually five to seven-year MCI/WHO certification courses, leading to internships and placements galore. 

AUD 2,77,421

Dentistry

Dentistry is one of Australia’s most coveted professional degrees, and demand has increased exponentially over the years. It is one of the leading courses for PR in the country. 

AUD 2,01,030

Psychology

Another profession on the PR list is psychiatry and counselling. Psychology courses can also be your way to PR in Australia. 

AUD 1,45,196

PR Trade Courses in Australia

There are many PR trade courses you can choose from in the country. Some of them include the following: 

  • Engineering Fabrication
  • Electrical Engineering Technician
  • Automotive Mechanic
  • Painting and Decorating
  • Boat Building
  • Plastering
  • Automotive Body Repair
  • Joinery
  • Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

Things to Remember for PR in Australia

Here are some things worth keeping in mind: 

  • Adhere to the Australian Study Requirements. You should study for at least two years in higher education or vocational programs in Australia. 
  • Your occupation should have enlistment in the ANZSCO Job Descriptions. 
  • You should apply for the visa 6 months beforehand. 
  • Your program should possess CRICOS approval. 
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Changes to 485 Visa Duration

While planning for Permanent Residency in Australia, the interested students should also take note of some changes: 

  • Interested students may choose a pathway for permanent residency in Australia. 
  • If your employer wants to sponsor you for the TSS Visa or the permanent ENS 186/RSMS 187 visa. 
  • If you are applying through General Skilled Migration, you must have the positive skills assessment done and have occupation eligibility for this type of visa. 
  • Your stated occupation and study area should be identical to each other.  

Conclusion


In conclusion, the Permanent Residency (PR) courses in Australia for 2024 continue to offer international students a viable pathway to securing permanent residency while obtaining a valuable education. Top universities across Australia provide a range of programs that align with the country's skills shortage areas, enhancing the eligibility of graduates for PR. These courses not only cater to the current job market demands but also offer promising career prospects with competitive salaries post-graduation. For students considering these programs, it's crucial to understand the specific eligibility criteria and align their educational pursuits with long-term residency and career goals. With careful planning and selection of the right course, international students can effectively merge their academic ambitions with the opportunity to establish a rewarding life in Australia.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which courses are eligible for permanent residency in Australia?

The courses which make you eligible for permanent residency in Australia are trade qualification, engineering, computer networking, midwifery, education, and medical studies. Other trade courses include electrical engineering, automotive, painting, hospitality, building, construction, etc.

What is the easiest way to get PR in Australia?

You can follow certain methods for obtaining your PR in Australia. The easiest method is to get admission into any course which qualifies you for the same. Australia requires skilled migrants for contributing to its national economy who have good educational qualifications and potential for employment. The Skilled Migration program in Australia has the highest number of positions, which can be an option when you apply for a PR visa.

How can you increase your PR points for Australia?

Applicants may pursue the Skilled State Nomination (Subclass 190) or the Skilled Regional (Subclass 491) Visa, provided they have a nomination from a State or Territory Agency. You do not need your occupation to be on MLTSSL to apply for your State nomination. Your domain must be on the state skilled occupation list in this case. Applicants get extra points for State or Regional Nominations too.

1) 5 points could be given to a Skilled State Nomination (Subclass 190) applicant with a nomination from a State or Territory government agency.

2) 15 points are given for Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) applicants nominated by any State or Territory government agency or those sponsored by any family member.

You will get an extra 5 points by completing a Diploma, Degree or Trade Qualification.

Two points have to be noted:

1) At least 2 years of academic study in Australia is vital with the study being completed over at least 16 calendar months. You must have been physically in the country for this duration as well.

Your study does not have to be relevant to your nominated occupation for getting these 5 points.

Which occupation is best for PR in Australia?

A skilled occupation is suitable for getting PR in Australia. This includes specific jobs, including roles like a doctor, an engineer, a dentist, a social worker, a mechanical engineer, a chef, a psychiatrist, etc. These are suitable for getting PR in the country.

Kanika Pruthi

Sr. Content Writer & Study Abroad Expert

Kanika has 5+ years of experience as a writer and content developer. She has written for a wide range of industry verticals, including hospitality, restaurants, non-profits, finance, IT, HR, technology, payroll, and education. She has worked as a creator for a few leading companies and has also helped brands grow through her creative writing.

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