List of Best Permanent Residency (PR) Courses in Australia in 2024

I was amazed when I heard there are specific PR courses in Australia that can be helpful in obtaining an Australian PR. I am sure you must be feeling this way too. And who would not, as a PR in Australia comes with numerous benefits – from staying back in the country indefinitely to sponsoring your family members to enter the country to getting free or subsidized medical treatment at public hospitals.

However, not every course will lead to this outcome swiftly. The specific selected PR courses in Australia are your solution to this. Join me as I take you through the list of PR courses in Australia that make you eligible to apply for permanent residency there.

List of Top Permanent Residency (PR) Courses in Australia

Now, the question arises as to why choosing the right PR course in Australia is instrumental for international students? It is because these courses have a bright future and can help you grab in-demand employment opportunities that will be beneficial when applying for a permanent residency later on.

Field of Study	Best PR Courses in Australia	Universities Offering the Courses	Cost of Studying*
Engineering	Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering	Australian National University, RMIT University, Monash University, University of Melbourne, University of Queensland, University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, University of Technology Sydney	AUD 53,000 (₹29,59,708) - AUD 56,500 (₹31,55,161)
Accounting	Bachelor or Master of Commerce in Accounting, Master of Management in Accounting & Finance, Master of Professional Accounting	Australian National University, University of Melbourne, University of Queensland, University of Sydney, Edith Cowan University, University of Adelaide, University of New South Wales	AUD 56,500 (₹31,55,161)
Computer and Information Technology	Computer Science Engineering, Software Engineering, ICT Support Engineering	Australian National University, RMIT University, The University of Melbourne, The University of Queensland, La Trobe University, The University of Sydney, University of New South Wales	AUD 53,000 (₹29,59,708) - AUD 56,500 (₹31,55,161)
Medicine & Dentistry	MBBS, MD, Bachelor of Oral Health (BOralH), Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc)	The University of Sydney, James Cook University, The University of Western Australia, The University of Melbourne, Griffith University, University of Queensland	AUD 53,500 (₹29,59,708) - AUD 77,500 (₹43,27,875)
Nursing & Midwifery	Bachelor of Nursing, Master of Nursing Science	Griffith University, University of Adelaide, University of Technology Sydney, University of Sydney, Monash University, La Trobe University	AUD 45,500 (₹25,40,882) - AUD 53,500 (₹29,59,708)
Education & Teaching	Master of Teaching (Early Childhood), Master of Education, Master of Teaching in Secondary Education, Master of Learning and Teaching (Early Years)	University of Queensland, University of Sydney, University of Canberra, Monash University, Deakin University, University of Wollongong	AUD 47,500 (₹26,52,569) - AUD 56,000 (₹31,27,239)

Conversion as on June 11, 2024.
*Source: University Websites.

Scope of Best PR Courses in Australia

Field of Study	Career Outcomes	Average Annual Salary*
Engineering	Civil Engineer, Construction Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Nuclear Engineer, Design Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Environmental Engineer, Agricultural Engineer, Aeronautical Engineer, Thermal Design Engineer and Air safety Officer, Petroleum Engineer, Mechanical Engineer	AUD 80,000 (₹44,10,112) - AUD 1,20,000 (₹66,15,168)
Accounting	Accountant, Auditor, Finance Manager, Financial Controller, Investment Consultant, Budget Analyst, Operations Research Analyst, Chief Financial Officer	AUD 65,000 (₹ 35,83,216 - AUD 1,06,000 (₹ 58,43,399)
Computer and Information Technology	Software Developer, Computer Network Architect, System Analyst, ICT Support Engineer, Software Tester, Computer Hardware Engineer, Web Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Expert, Project Manager	AUD 70,000 (₹38,58,848) - AUD 1,00,000 (₹55,12,640)
Medicine & Dentistry	General Practitioner, Surgeon, Drug Safety Specialist, Dentist, Health Educator, Research Associate, Postdoctoral Fellow	AUD 1,00,000 (₹55,12,640) - AUD 2,00,000 (₹11,025,281)
Nursing & Midwifery	Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nurse, Home Health Nurse, Certified Midwife, Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Educator, Clinical Nurse Specialist	AUD 69,685 (₹38,41,483) - AUD 81,490 (₹44,92,251)
Education & Teaching	University Lecturer, Vocational Education Teacher, Primary School Teacher, Secondary School Teacher, Teachers of English Language, Special Needs Teacher, School Librarian, School Counselor, Curriculum Developer	AUD 80,000 (₹44,10,112) - AUD 106,000 (₹ 58,43,399)

Conversion as on June 11, 2024. 
*Source: Glassdoor, June 2024.

PR Trade Courses in Australia

During my research, I also figured out some PR trade courses in Australia that can be helpful. 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

Eligibility for PR in Australia

Australia 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 it through Subclass 485 for the post-study work visa. This is also called the Graduate Temporary visa.

The Subclass 485 visa comes with two streams:-

1. Graduate Work

It is for students who have completed 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.

2. Post-Study Work

This visa is 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.

How do you Apply for PR Courses in Australia

Now that you are aware of the best courses for a PR in Australia, I suggest you keep a tab on the university website for those study fields. Once the application forms, eligibility criteria, and deadlines are announced, you must start applying to universities of your choice.

How can you Plan for Permanent Residency While Studying in Australia

Applying for a PR listed subject in Australia is the first step you can take towards applying for a Permanent Residency later on. Once you have completed your degree, you can submit an ‘Expression of Interest’ to the Australian government’s Department of Immigration and Border Protection’s SkillSelect migration program.

Generally, students without sponsorship from an employer or nomination from an Australian state or territory government agency apply for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189). This visa would allow you to stay and work in Australia.

What Visa do you Need to Study and Apply for PR in Australia?

You must apply for a student visa under the Subclass 500 to study in Australia. This visa lets you participate in an eligible course of study in Australia, stay up to 5 years in the country (in line with your enrolment), and work up to 48 hours a fortnight.

To obtain Australian PR, ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​you must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency to apply for the subclass 190 visa and have at least 65 points on the points calculator.

On the other hand, you can apply for a PR in Australia under the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) or a Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). You are eligible to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia under the subclass 189 visa if you possess the skills required by the government. 

What is the Minimum IELTS Score Required for Australian PR?

To apply for a PR in Australia, you are required to apply for a visa under the point-based immigration system, of which English language proficiency is a crucial criterion. To be able to receive an invitation to apply for visa subclasses, you need a minimum of 65 points.

As for IELTS, a minimum overall score of 6.0 for Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking tests is required. However, an overall score of 7.0 or more in the Proficient band will help you gain 10 points, and an overall score of 8.0 or more in the Superior band will help you gain 20 points. We will cover this in detail in the coming sections.

Benefits of a Higher IELTS Score for PR Applicants

Though the minimum band score required for a PR in Australia is 6 in each section, I suggest you aim for at least 7 or 8. Why is this so? Well, a band score of 7 helps you score 10 points, and a band score of 8 helps you earn 20 points in the point-immigration system, further enhancing your chances of applying for the visa.

Useful IELTS Reads:-
How to Prepare for IELTS at Home	How to Postpone IELTS Exam	How to Cancel IELTS Exam
Required IELTS Score for Australia	IELTS Exam Syllabus	Documents Required for IELTS Exam

Things to Remember for PR in Australia

I feel there are certain things you should remember when planning for a PR in Australia. These are:-

• 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 be enlisted in the ANZSCO Job Descriptions. 
• You should apply for the visa six months beforehand. 
• Your program should have CRICOS approval.
• Your stated occupation and study area should be identical to each other. 
• 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. 
• Interested students may choose a pathway for permanent residency in Australia. 
• Your employer can sponsor you for the TSS Visa or the permanent ENS 186/RSMS 187 visa.

Important Australia Reads
How to Get Australian Citizenship	What is the Cost of Living in Australia	Student Visa for Australia
Part Time Jobs in Australia	What is the Cost of Study in Australia	Bachelor Degree in Australia
Study in Australia	MBA in Australia	Scholarship for Indian Students in Australia
Exams for MS in Australia	MBA fees in Australia	Jobs After MBA in Australia

Changes to Visa 485 Duration

While planning for permanent residency in Australia, the interested students should also take note of some changes that are proposed to be effective from July 1,2024:-

• The Graduate Work stream will be renamed to the Post-Vocational Education Work stream. The applicants can stay for up to 18 months with this visa.
• The Post-Study Work stream will be renamed to the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
• The stay periods under it are as follows:-
  • Bachelor degree (including honors) - up to 2 years
  • Masters (coursework and extended) - up to 2 years
  • Masters (research) and doctoral degree (PhD) - up to 3 years.
• However, for Indian nationals it will be as agreed in the Australia India - Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA). These are:-
  • Bachelor degree (including honors) - up to 2 years
  • Bachelor degree (with first class honors in STEM, including ICT) - up to 3 years
  • Masters (coursework, extended and research) - up to 3 years
  • Doctoral degrees (PhD) - up to 4 years.
• The required IELTS score for the Temporary Graduate Visa will be 6.0 from 6.5.
• The maximum eligible age limit will be reduced to 35 years or under.  Masters (research) and doctoral degree (PhD) graduates will continue to be eligible if they are under 50 years.
• If you work in a skilled job during your post-study work duration, you can apply for the new 4-year Skills in Demand visa.
• The qualification you use should be closely related to your nominated occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Now that we have covered all aspects of PR courses in Australia, I suggest you go through a few names of top universities in Australia to have a basic understanding of what the Australian higher education system looks like and the top names you can consider.

Top Universities in Australia offering PR courses

Below is a list of the top 26 universities in Australia you can look forward to:-

S.No.	Australian Universities	QS World Ranking 2025
1	The University of Melbourne	13
2	The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)	19
3	The University of Sydney	18
4	The Australian National University	30
5	Monash University	37
6	The University of Queensland	=40
7	Carnegie Mellon University	58
8	The University of Western Australia	77
9	The University of Adelaide	=82
10	University of Technology Sydney	88
11	Macquarie University	=133
12	RMIT University	=123
13	University of Wollongong	=167
14	The University of Newcastle, Australia (UON)	=179
15	Curtin University	174
16	Queensland University of Technology (QUT)	213
17	Deakin University	197
18	La Trobe University	217
19	Griffith University	255
20	Swinburne University of Technology	=291
21	University of Tasmania	=293
22	University of South Australia	=340
23	Western Sydney University	384
24	Flinders University	=336
25	University of Southern Queensland	=396
26	James Cook University	=445

Read to Know More for Study in Australia
Universities in Australia for Masters	Universities in Australia for Masters in Psychology	Universities in Australia for Mba Without Work Experience
Universities in Australia for MBA	Universities in Australia for MS in Computer Science	Top Universities in Australia
Universities in Australia for Phd	Best Universities for Aerospace Engineering in Australia	Sample SOP for Australian Student Visa
Best Universities in Australia for Law	Best Universities in Australia for Architecture	Requirement for Australia Student Visa
MS in Mechanical Engineering in Australia	Masters in Biotechnology in Australia	Masters in Psychology in Australia

Conclusion

Choosing PR courses in Australia in 2024 is a strategic move for those looking to study abroad with the goal to achieve permanent residency. The country's educational quality, job opportunities, and clear pathways to PR make it a top choice.

I would like to emphasize that as you plan your study abroad experience, ensure you understand your chosen course’s eligibility requirements, costs, and career prospects. Making informed decisions can set you up for success in Australia.