Will my PSW visa and PR pathway differ if I study in Sydney instead of Melbourne?
15 Oct 2026 · Answered by Abhishek Mehta · 1 min read
Quick Answer
verified
No, visa and PR rules are set at the national level, so they do not change based on whether you study in Sydney or Melbourne. Only the fit between the local job market and your field changes. State nomination lists are published separately by New South Wales and Victoria.
Since visa and PR rules are set at the national level, they do not change based on which city you study in. Only the fit between the local job market and your field changes.
What Stays the Same and What Differs
| Pathway | Sydney versus Melbourne |
|---|---|
| Post-Study Work visa (subclass 485) | Available after eligible degrees from universities in either city; duration depends on qualification level |
| State-nominated visas (subclass 190 and 491) | Apply across Australian cities; New South Wales (Sydney) and Victoria (Melbourne) each publish their own in-demand occupation lists |
| Skills assessment and PR points (subclass 189 and 190) | Work identically for both cities; your occupation and points score matter, not your campus location |
Choosing a City Wisely
- Choose Sydney if you want a globally connected, corporate-facing city and can manage a higher budget.
- Melbourne suits you if you want a consistently top-ranked student city at an easier cost.
- Check the current in-demand occupation list of each state for your course before choosing a city.
My Advice
Match your course to the city's dominant industries, because that matters more than the city's reputation. Rules and lists change, so verify them on official state and Home Affairs pages.
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