Permanent residency is one of the first things Indian students ask about when considering Australia, along with PR courses in Australia. The reality is that no single “PR course” guarantees residency. What matters is how your degree connects to the Skilled Occupation List and state nomination priorities, which are reviewed each year.
In 2025, healthcare, IT, and engineering remain on the federal MLTSSL and are strongly backed by state programs in NSW, Victoria, and South Australia. By contrast, fields like accounting are still eligible but require very high points and face intense competition. Recent SkillSelect invitation rounds also confirm that invitations are concentrated in health and STEM, with most successful applicants scoring above 75 points. Knowing these trends before choosing a course can save both money and years of uncertainty.
Do PR Courses in Australia Guarantee Residency?
A common misconception is that enrolling in certain PR courses will automatically lead to permanent residency. In reality, Australia grants PR based on occupations, not course titles. To move from student to permanent resident, your degree must map to an eligible occupation on the Skilled Occupation List, and your qualifications must be assessed by the relevant authority.
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- A nursing degree links to Registered Nurse (ANZSCO 2544xx), assessed by ANMAC.
- A civil engineering degree links to Civil Engineer (ANZSCO 2332xx), assessed by Engineers Australia.
- A teaching qualification links to Early Childhood Teacher (ANZSCO 2411xx), assessed by AITSL.
PR List of Courses in Australia 2025 (with Subjects, Fees in INR & Pathways)
While no course guarantees PR, some fields consistently align with in-demand occupations. Below is the updated list of PR-friendly courses in 2025 with tuition ranges (converted to INR), mapped occupations, and assessing authorities. 1 AUD ≈ ₹55 at the time of writing.
| Study Area | Example Courses | Avg. Annual Fees (₹ INR) | Sample Occupations (ANZSCO) | Assessing Authority | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing | Bachelor of Nursing | ₹17–22 lakhs | Registered Nurse (2544xx) | ANMAC | High demand, frequent invitations |
| IT & Software | Bachelor of Computer Science, Master of IT | ₹16–23 lakhs | Software Engineer (2613xx) | ACS | Cut-offs often above 80 points |
| Civil & Mechanical Engineering | Bachelor of Engineering (Civil/Mechanical) | ₹19–25 lakhs | Civil Engineer (2332xx) | Engineers Australia | Strong regional demand |
| Education | Bachelor of Early Childhood Education | ₹15–19 lakhs | Early Childhood Teacher (2411xx) | AITSL | Growing shortage |
| Social Work | Bachelor/Master of Social Work | ₹16–21 lakhs | Social Worker (2725xx) | AASW | Added to many state lists |
| Accountancy | Bachelors/Masters in Accounting | ₹15–20 lakhs | Accountant (2211xx) | CPA Australia / Chartered Accountants ANZ / IPA | Competitive, high points required |
| Construction Trades | Certificate/Diploma in Electrotechnology | ₹8–11 lakhs | Electrician (3411xx) | TRA | Strong regional demand |
| Healthcare (Allied) | Bachelor of Physiotherapy | ₹19–23 lakhs | Physiotherapist (2525xx) | AHPRA | Moderate demand |
| Agriculture | Bachelor of Agricultural Science | ₹15–18 lakhs | Agricultural Scientist (2341xx) | VETASSESS | Niche but eligible |
| Dentistry | Bachelor of Dental Science | ₹27–36 lakhs | Dentist (2523xx) | Cut-offs are often above 80 points | Steady demand |
Also Read:
Which States Prioritise PR-Listed Courses and Subjects in 2025?
State governments play a major role in deciding who gets invited for PR. Their occupation lists often prioritize specific fields based on local shortages.
Which States Prioritise PR-Listed Courses and Subjects in 2025?
State governments play a major role in deciding who gets invited for PR. Their occupation lists often prioritize specific fields based on local shortages.
| State | Priority Sectors | Example Occupations | Link |
| South Australia | Health, Education, Trades | Nurses, Teachers, Engineers | SA Occupation List |
| New South Wales | IT, Construction, Health | Software Engineer, Civil Engineer | NSW Skilled List |
| Victoria | Health, Education, STEM | Nurses, Early Childhood, IT | VIC Skilled List |
Studying in a state with strong demand in your field can significantly increase your chances of receiving a nomination.
How Points, English Scores, and Work Experience Affect PR Chances
To show how this works in practice, here are two simplified examples:
- Civil Engineering Graduate: Bachelor’s degree, IELTS 7.5, 1 year of overseas work → 65 points → Likely needs state nomination to progress (Points Table).
- Nursing Graduate: Bachelor’s degree, OET B, 2 years of work in regional Australia → 75+ points → Stronger chance of direct invitation under 189 or 190.
The SkillSelect invitation rounds provide updates on actual cut-off scores.
How to Choose a PR-Friendly Course Wisely
When planning your study, think long-term:
- Choose a field you genuinely enjoy, because migration rules can change.
- Cross-check if the occupation appears on the Skilled Occupation List or your target state’s list.
- Review requirements from assessing authorities before enrolling.
- Balance course fees and career prospects with migration opportunities.
- Consider regional study, as it brings both extra points and nomination benefits.
Also Read: Why Study in Australia 2024-2025
Conclusion
Selecting a course aligned with Australia's Skilled Occupation List can significantly enhance your chances of obtaining a Permanent Residency. It's essential to choose a field that not only offers PR prospects but also aligns with your career interests and goals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which courses are eligible for PR in australia 2024-25?
Ans. In Australia, courses that qualify for permanent residency usually correspond to occupations in great demand. For PR, courses in information technology and computer science, engineering disciplines, such as civil and electrical engineering, and healthcare-related courses, such as nursing, are often considered. The most common courses eligible are accounting and finance, education and training, social work, trade and vocational training, environmental science and business and management.
Q. What is the easiest way to get PR in Australia?
Ans. Skilled migration is the simplest way of obtaining permanent residence in Australia. This involves choosing an occupation in demand, receiving a favourable skill assessment and applying for the appropriate General Skilled Migration(GSM) visa type. The probability of a successful PR application is increased by meeting the eligibility criteria, including English language skills and scoring sufficient points based on factors such as age, education or employment experience.
Q. How do you score 65 points for PR in Australia?
Ans. Individuals must meet specific criteria to receive 65 points for permanent residency under the Australian Permanent Residency Scheme. Age, English language skills, educational qualifications, work experience, and other relevant factors shall be considered when awarding points. It is important to achieve a good score in English language tests such as the IELTS or PTE, and it is also necessary to obtain an appropriate level of skills assessment for nominated professions.
Q. Which course is best for PR?
Ans. Due to the high demand for professionals in these areas, courses related to information technology and engineering, especially civil and electrical engineering or healthcare, such as nursing, are often considered advantageous for permanent residence within Australia. The choice of course that aligns with your interests and skills and ensures eligibility based on the skilled migration points system and other criteria laid down by the Ministry of Home Affairs will be essential.
Q. How many years are required to get PR in Australia?
Ans. It may be difficult to obtain a permanent residence permit in Australia depending on the type of visa, occupation and individual circumstances. Upon completion of a two-year course in Australia, you will be required to apply for PR. Specific eligibility criteria, including the experience of skilled workers and points assessable evaluations, shall be met in this process.
Q. Which state is best for PR?
Ans. Various factors, including job opportunities, lifestyle and private preferences, are involved in choosing the best state for permanent resident status in Australia. Thanks to lively cities and diverse employment markets, states such as New South WalesNSW and Victoria, particularly Melbourne, have much appeal. In particular, cities such as Brisbane, Queensland, attract people seeking a more relaxed lifestyle. South Australia is offering great opportunities in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors.
Q. How do I get PR in Sydney?
Ans. You usually need to follow these steps when applying for permanent residency in Sydney:
1. Choose a PR.eligible course and study at one of the recognised institutions in Sydney 2. 2. Upon graduation, apply for a Skilled Migration Visa (subclass 189 or 190) relevant to your occupation.
3. You should acquire skilled labour experience in Sydney to obtain points for your visa application.
4. Successfully pass the English proficiency test and undergo a skills assessment.
5. By your chosen visa category's specific requirements and guidelines, submit a complete and accurate PR application to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Q. What is the highest-paying PR job?
Ans. The highest-paying Permanent Residency (PR) jobs in Australia often include roles in the medical and healthcare sector, particularly specialised medical practitioners such as surgeons and anaesthetists. High salaries are also earned by IT professionals, in particular managers and software developers. Among the highest-paid are engineers and executives in the finance sector, such as chief financial officers.
Q. Can I apply directly for PR in Australia?
Ans. You can apply directly for PR in Australia through various skilled migration routes. The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, including visas like the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) and the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), allows you to apply based on your skills and qualifications. To successfully apply for a public relations role, it is necessary to satisfy specific criteria such as the skill assessment, linguistic competence and minimum score on the point test.
Q. What is the age limit for PR in Australia?
Ans. In Australia, there is no specific age limit for applying for permanent residence. However, the points awarded under the skilled migration points system are affected by age. Points are gradually decreasing for applicants over 45; some visas may be subject to age restrictions. For more detailed information on the considerations of age associated with Australia PR, please contact a migration agent or refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for updates.
Q. Which PR courses in Australia are suitable for commerce students?
Ans. Commerce students can explore PR pathways through accounting, finance, and business administration courses. Accounting, in particular, is in high demand and listed on the MLTSSL. By completing relevant professional qualifications and gaining work experience, commerce students can apply for PR under Australia's skilled migration programs.
Q. What PR courses can I pursue in Australia after 12th grade?
Ans. After completing 12th grade, students can pursue courses like nursing, engineering, social work, or information technology, which lead to PR opportunities. Programs often span 3-4 years, and upon graduation, students can apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa to gain work experience, which is crucial for the PR process.



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