

Every year, millions of international students arrive in Australia with one common goal—to become permanent residents. However, the journey toward Australian Permanent Residency (PR) is competitive and governed by a points-based immigration system. The higher your score, the better your chances of being invited to apply.
The three main visa subclasses that allow you to gain PR include:
Let’s now explore 10 actionable ways to increase your PR points and edge closer to your dream of settling in Australia.
Your highest level of education can significantly boost your score:
Studying in Australia can get you:
Language skills can earn you between10 to 20 points.

Experience in your nominated occupation outside Australia in the last 10 years can give:
Local work experience is highly valued:
Become a certified translator/interpreter through NAATI to earn 5 additional points.This also opens up new job opportunities across Australia.
Your partner can boost your score if they:
In IT, business, accounting, or engineering? Completing aProfessional Year (PY)within the last 4 years will give you5 extra points and deepen your knowledge of Australia’s professional culture.
If you’re applying for a 190 or 491 visa, state or regional nominations are golden:
This age group fetches the maximum of 30 points. Points decrease progressively as age increases. If you're over 45, unfortunately, you won’t earn any age-related points.
Australia’s PR system may seem overwhelming, but it's completely navigable with the right strategies. By targeting the high-value point categories such as language, education, experience, and regional preferences, you can optimize your profile for a successful outcome.
✔️ Always stay informed
✔️ Use official points calculators
✔️ Seek professional migration advice when needed
Your Australian dream is just a few strategic moves away.
Australia is a top destination for international students, offering high-quality education, a diverse culture, and excellent post-study work opportunities.
As an international student, your journey to securing Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia starts with making the right educational choices. In a competitive landscape, selecting a course with high demand in the job market can be a strategic move to enhance your prospects of staying in Australia long-term.
Passionate about teaching high school students? Secondary Education offers strong job prospects, career growth, and a clear pathway to permanent residency (PR) in Australia. With high demand for qualified teachers, you can apply for PR through several skilled visas. Courses like a Bachelor of Education or Master of Teaching set you up for success, with plenty of career opportunities in public and private schools. Start your journey towards a rewarding career and a future in Australia today!
| Course | Bachelor’s Degree | Master’s Degree | Requirements or Considerations | English Language Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) | Tuition Fees (per year for international students) | Top Universities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nursing | 3 years | 1-2 years | Clinical placements required; may need specific health immunizations. | Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93. | AUD $30,000 - $45,000 | University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, Monash University |
Information Technology | 3-4 years | 1-2 years | May require programming skills or prior coursework in IT. | Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93. | AUD $30,000 - $50,000 | Australian National University, University of New South Wales, University of Melbourne |
Accounting | 3 years | 1-2 years | Need to meet accreditation standards by professional bodies. | Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93. | AUD $30,000 - $40,000 | University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland |
Engineering (various fields) | 4 years | 1-2 years | Strong background in mathematics and physics required. | Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93. | AUD $35,000 - $45,000 | University of New South Wales, University of Sydney, Monash University |
Social Work | 4 years | 1-2 years | Practical experience or placements required. | Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101. | AUD $28,000 - $40,000 | University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland |
Education (various fields) | 4 years | 1-2 years | A police clearance and working with children check required. | Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101. | AUD $28,000 - $35,000 | University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Monash University |
Psychology | 3 years | 1-2 years | Requires strong research and psychological theory understanding. | Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101. | AUD $30,000 - $45,000 | University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, University of Queensland |
Occupational Therapy | 3-4 years | 1-2 years | May require pre-registration or relevant clinical experience. | Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101. | AUD $30,000 - $45,000 | University of Queensland, University of Sydney, Curtin University |
Architecture | 3-4 years | 2 years | Includes technical and creative coursework, portfolio may be required. | Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93. | AUD $35,000 - $50,000 | University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, Monash University |
Medicine and Health Sciences | 5-6 years | 2-4 years | Highly competitive entry, includes clinical placements and internships. | Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101. | AUD $45,000 - $70,000 | University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Australian National University |
| State/Territory | Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) | Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa) |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales (NSW) | Required for some occupations | Required for some occupations and regions |
| Victoria (VIC) | Required | Required |
| Queensland (QLD) | Not typically required, conditions apply | Required for some occupations and regions |
| South Australia (SA) | Not typically required, conditions apply | Required for some occupations and regions |
| Western Australia (WA) | Not typically required | Not typically required |
| Tasmania (TAS) | Not typically required, conditions apply | Not typically required, conditions apply |
| Northern Territory (NT) | Not typically required | Not typically required |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | Required, uses Matrix system | Required, uses Matrix system |