The dream of studying abroad often comes with a hope to get the permanent residency as well, and Australia, with its promising job prospects, offers PR-eligible courses. For many international students, this is more than just an academic journey, it’s a pathway to build a stable future in a country known for its quality of life, welcoming culture, and growing industries. But not all courses lead to the same outcome.

Choosing the right program aligned with Australia's skilled occupation list can make a real difference when applying for PR in Australia. Whether you’re interested in engineering, IT, nursing, or trade courses, knowing which fields are in demand is key.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the best PR courses in Australia for 2025–2026 and help you plan your next steps wisely.

Table of Content

1. Why Study PR Courses in Australia?
2. Best PR Courses in Australia (2025–2026)
3. Eligibility for PR Courses in Australia
4. Universities Offering top PR Courses for Australia
5. How to Choose the Right PR Course
6. How to Get PR in Australia on a Student Visa?
7. How KC Overseas Can Help You
8. FAQs

Why Study PR Courses in Australia?

The idea to study in Australia comes with lots of benefits for international students. And when you pursue PR eligible courses, here’s what awaits you:

• Higher Chances of Permanent Residency: PR courses are aligned with Australia’s skilled occupation lists, which means your studies could directly lead to migration opportunities. It’s a smart way to invest in both your education and future settlement plans.
• In-Demand Skills for the Job Market: These courses focus on sectors that are actively looking for skilled workers, such as healthcare, engineering, IT, and trades. You'll graduate with qualifications that employers in Australia actually need.
• Global Recognition and Quality Education: Australian universities and colleges are globally recognised for their education standards. You earn a degree that's respected worldwide while increasing your PR chances locally.

Best PR Courses in Australia (2025–2026)

Now that you know the benefits of pursuing PR courses in Australia, let’s take a look at some of the top courses you can consider in 2025–2026 that align well with PR pathways.

✅ Engineering

Engineering is one of the most in-demand fields that consistently appears on Australia's Skilled Occupation List. With strong job prospects and wide specialisation options, studying Engineering in Australia not only equips you with practical skills but also opens up a clear path towards permanent residency. Graduates are sought after across various sectors including construction, mining, energy, and infrastructure.

Top Engineering Jobs in Australia and Average Annual Salaries (AUD)

✅ IT and computer Science

Engineering continues to be a smart choice for international students aiming for PR in Australia. With strong demand across civil, mechanical, electrical, and mining sectors, studying Engineering in Australia builds practical skills and opens doors to high-paying, stable roles that enhance your PR pathway.

Top IT and Computer Science Jobs in Australia and Average Annual Salaries (AUD)

✅ Nursing and Healthcare

With an ageing population and growing demand for skilled health professionals, healthcare remains one of Australia’s most PR-friendly sectors. Pursuing Nursing in Australia and other healthcare courses offers not just a fulfilling career, but also a high chance of securing permanent residency through roles that are consistently listed on the skilled occupation lists.

Top Nursing and Healthcare Jobs in Australia and Average Annual Salaries (AUD)

✅ Education and Teaching

If you’re passionate about shaping young minds or helping others grow through learning, this sector has a lot to offer. Studying education in Australia can lead to fulfilling roles in schools and training institutes as well as a good pathway to PR.

Top Education and Teaching Jobs in Australia and Average Annual Salaries (AUD)

✅ Accounting and Finance

For students who enjoy working with numbers, strategy, and problem-solving, Australia offers strong career prospects in accounting and finance. This sector not only ensures long-term job stability but also features several roles that are considered for skilled migration and PR pathways.

Top Accounting and Finance Jobs in Australia and Average Annual Salaries (AUD)

Eligibility for PR Courses in Australia

The eligibility criteria for PR courses in Australia vary depending on the course and the university. However, there are some common requirements that students need to meet to get admission into these programs.

• Academic Background: For undergraduate PR courses, you should have completed Class 12 or its international equivalent. If you're applying for a postgraduate program, a relevant bachelor’s degree is typically required.
• Course Duration: The course you enrol in should have a minimum duration of 2 years to meet the eligibility for a post-study work visa, which can later lead to Permanent Residency.
• Visa Requirements: To study in Australia, you'll need a Subclass 500 Student Visa. Once you successfully complete your studies, you can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which allows you to live and work in Australia for a set period, giving you time to gain experience and apply for PR.
• English Language Proficiency: You must meet the English language requirements set by your chosen university. Most institutions accept an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (with no band less than 6), or equivalent scores in PTE, TOEFL, etc.
• CRICOS-Listed Courses: The course you choose must be listed on CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students). This ensures the program is recognized by the Australian Government for international students.
• Occupation in Demand: It’s important to pick a course that leads to a profession listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) of Australia.

Universities Offering top PR Courses for Australia

Australia is home to numerous well-known universities that offer PR-eligible courses for international students. Here are some standout universities in Australia that you may consider pursuing your education if you aim for PR in this country.

• The University of New South Wales, Sydney
• Monash University, Melbourne
• The University of Queensland, Brisbane
• University of Western Australia, Perth
• Adelaide University, Adelaide
• University of Technology Sydney, Sydney
• RMIT University, Melbourne
• Macquarie University, Sydney
• University of Wollongong, Wollongong

How to Choose the Right PR Course

Choosing the right PR-eligible course in Australia involves more than just your passion, it should also align with the occupations listed on Australia's Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or Combined List of Eligible Skilled Occupations. Start by identifying your long-term career path and checking if that profession is in demand nationally or in a specific state or territory.

Make sure the course is CRICOS-registered, is typically at least two years in duration, and leads to a relevant qualification, usually a bachelors degree or masters degree. Studying in a regional area can also enhance your chances of receiving additional PR points.

If you aim to stay and work in Australia after graduation, choosing a course that offers a clear pathway to a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is important, as it gives you post-study work rights, often a key step toward permanent residency.

How to Get PR in Australia on a Student Visa?

Securing PR in Australia after studying is a step-by-step process. Here's how international students can work towards it:

1. Choose a PR-eligible course:

Select a course aligned with occupations listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL). This ensures your qualification leads to a job in demand.

2. Complete at least 2 years of study:

Your course must be CRICOS-registered and typically span a minimum of 2 academic years to meet the Australian Study Requirement.

3. Apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485):

This visa allows you to live, work, and gain local experience in Australia after graduation, often essential for PR eligibility.

4. Gain skilled work experience:

Use your Graduate visa period to work in your nominated occupation. This boosts your chances for skilled migration.

5. Take a skills assessment:

Get your qualifications and work experience assessed by the relevant assessing authority for your occupation.

6. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI):

Once you meet the requirements, lodge an EOI through SkillSelect under a suitable visa stream like Skilled Independent (subclass 189) or State Nominated (subclass 190).

7. Receive an invitation and apply for PR:

If invited, complete the PR visa application with all required documentation.

How KC Overseas Can Help You

Pursuing PR in Australia starts with the right course and the right guidance. That’s where we come in. With expert study abroad counselling, KC Overseas helps you choose PR-eligible courses, apply to top universities, and navigate each step with confidence, bringing your goal of permanent residency in Australia closer to reality.

FAQs

Q1. How many PR points are needed to apply for permanent residency in Australia?

Ans: You typically need at least 65 points to fill Expression of Interest (EOI) for PR in Australia, though competitive occupations often require a higher score to receive an invitation to apply.

Q2. Is there an age limit to apply for PR in Australia?

Ans: Yes, applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of receiving the invitation to apply for permanent residency through Australia’s General Skilled Migration program.

Q3. Can international students apply for PR immediately after graduation?

Ans: Not directly. Students usually need to gain relevant work experience, meet the points requirement, and apply through a skilled visa pathway.

Q4. Does work experience during or after studies help with PR in Australia?

Ans: Yes, post-study work experience in a relevant field can add valuable PR points, especially when done under a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485).

Q5. How long does it take to get PR in Australia after studying?

Ans: It varies but generally takes a couple of months to a year, depending on your points, job experience, and the PR visa pathway you apply under.