10 Best PR Courses in Australia in 2024: Eligibility and Point System Explained

Aye Mate! Looking for a multicultural country where everyone has a unique mindset and spirit? That describes the Australian way of life, including a great passion for sports and the outdoors. The country is also known for its world-class education system, cultural diversity, and strong economy. A popular choice for international students, with over 567,000 students coming here to study from across the globe is no surprise. If you’re planning to move to Australia, carefully choosing the right PR courses in Australia and meeting the necessary criteria will work for you.

Also, in a promising development, the Australian government plans to significantly increase its annual permanent immigration intake from 35,000 to 195,000. This step will boost the chances for international students to gain PR in Australia after completing the PR courses in Australia.    However, specific Australian immigration rules govern the distribution of PR in Australia to foreign applicants. You can easily get permanent residency in Australia by pursuing one of the PR courses in Australia. All that you need to know about the top PR courses in Australia is provided in this blog. Besides the listed courses, you can even pursue an MBA in Australia. Are you ready to check out the best course to study in Australia for PR?

Top 10 PR Courses in Australia

You may apply for the Australian post-study work visa after two years of study at an accredited Australian university, college, or vocational institution. With this visa, students can temporarily work and reside in Australia for 2 to 4 years, depending on their degree. A further benefit is that you have two to four years to earn bonus points for your PR application. Courses such as Plumbing, Social Work, Engineering, Computer and IT, Accounting, Education & Teaching, Medical Science, Building and Construction and many more are among the top PR courses in Australia in 2024. Let us take you through the best PR courses in Australia in 2024.

Top universities to study Hospitality in Australia:

1. The University of Queensland | QS Ranking: #50
2. Bond University | QS Ranking: #481
3. Southern Cross University | QS Ranking: #701 - #750

Australia's thriving tourism sector also makes it possible for international students to apply for PR. As a result, students with a passion for baking, cooking, or hotel management can enrol in a hospitality study and make their dreams come true by opting for the best course to study in Australia for PR. Reputable schools in Australia give many hospitality courses if you're interested in boosting your PR and working in the Australian hospitality sector. In Australia, the average hospitality salary is $67,533 per year or $34.63 per hour. Starting salaries for entry-level positions start at $54,737 per year, with most experienced workers earning up to $105,000 per year.

In the Hospitality sector, a few of the top PR courses in Australia that you can opt to apply for are:

2. Engineering

Top universities to study Engineering in Australia:

1. Australian National University | QS Ranking: #30
2. The University of Melbourne | QS Ranking: #33
3. RMIT University | QS Ranking: #190

Due to Australia's top-notch curriculum from one of the best universities in the world, Engineering is one of the most famous PR courses in Australia among international students. Students from all over the world can choose from various engineering degrees offered by Australian universities, making it one of the best courses to study in Australia for PR. In Australia, the average engineer salary is $110,898 per year or $56.87 per hour. Entry-level salaries begin at $92,246 per year, with the most experienced workers earning up to $155,734 per year. Besides the ones mentioned above, there are several other best engineering universities in Australia that you can go for.

In the field of Engineering, a few of the top PR courses in Australia that you can opt to apply are:

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Top universities to study Accounting in Australia:

1. The University of New South Wales | QS Ranking: #45
2. The University of Adelaide | QS Ranking: #109
3. Edith Cowan University | QS Ranking: #601 - #650

A bachelor's degree is required to work as an accountant in Australia. Earning an MPA (Masters in Professional Accounting) will significantly improve your work prospects, automatically making it the best PR course in Australia. Accountants can work with some of the most significant firms in the world and gain valuable experience in taxation, financial transactions, and record-keeping in Australia. The average accountant's salary is $92,658 per year, or $47.52 per hour in Australia. Starting salaries for entry-level positions start at $79,498 per year, with most experienced workers earning up to $117,000 per year. This makes Accounting one of the best masters degree in Australia for PR.

In the field of Accounting, a few of the top PR courses in Australia that you can opt to apply are:

4. Computer Science and Information Technology

Top universities to study Computer Science and IT in Australia:

1. Australian National University | QS Ranking: #30
2. University of Melbourne | QS Ranking: #33
3. University of Sydney | QS Ranking: #41

The growth of technology over time has resulted in a significant increase in the number of jobs in the information technology industry. Offering the best master's degree in Australia for PR, the country attracts a significant number of IT experts who have graduated from Australian universities or who excel in the area, particularly with its rising economy. Therefore, computer and information technology, the best PR courses in Australia, are something you don't want to miss out on as the best course to study in Australia for PR if you have any interest in the technology business.

In the field of Computer science and IT, a few of the top PR courses in Australia that you can opt to apply are:

5. Nursing

Top universities to study Nursing in Australia:

1. The University of Sydney | QS Ranking: #41
2. University of Technology Sydney | QS Ranking: #137
3. Griffith University | QS Ranking: #300

Next on our list of the best PR pathways courses in Australia is Nursing. Australia's highly effective healthcare sector has made it one of the top travel destinations in the world. A recent Australia's Future Health Workforce report states that 123,000 nurses will be needed worldwide by 2030, making it one of the best master's degree in Australia for PR because of its demand. Therefore, if you have the necessary skills and a strong desire to help others, this is the perfect time to apply for Nursing, the best subject for PR in Australia. 

In the field of Nursing, a few of the top PR courses in Australia that you can opt to apply are:

6. Medical Science 

Top universities to study Medical Science in Australia:

1. The University of Melbourne | QS Ranking: #33
2. The University of Sydney | QS Ranking: #41
3. Deakin University | QS Ranking: #266

Due to the great need for medical specialists in the Australian healthcare sector, a medical career in that country pays very well. You should know that earning a medical degree in Australia might also be costly despite it being one of the best courses for PR in Australia. Plan your budget correctly, and remember that it is a one-time payment and will qualify for PR once you have finished your education. These WHO/MCI-approved PR programs in Australia typically last 5-7 years and can result in medical science internships and placements. 

You can choose from several medical speciality courses for a PR in Australia:

7. Teaching and Education

Top universities to study Teaching and Education in Australia:

1. The University of Queensland | QS Ranking: #50
2. Monash University | QS Ranking: #57
3. Deakin University | QS Ranking: #266

Australia is renowned for having a top-notch educational system. Thus, those who pursue careers in education and teaching can contribute to making a difference by igniting students' inquisitive minds, making it one of the best courses for PR in Australia. Thanks to the course, they will also be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Australia.

In the field of teaching, a few of the top PR courses in Australia that you can opt to apply are:

8. Building and Construction

Top universities to study Building and Construction in Australia:

1. University of New South Wales | QS Ranking: #45
2. Bond University | QS Ranking: #481
3. University of Canberra | QS Ranking: #511 - #520

If you want to opt for a career in construction while applying for permanent residency in Australia, enrolling in a building and construction course is the best move you can make to increase your chances of getting a visa. As the best PR course in Australia, you can learn about the complexities of architectural and safety constructions while being able to work on-site.

After completing the course, to apply for PR courses in Australia, you can get employment as:

9. Dentistry

Top universities to study Dentistry as PR courses in Australia are:

1. The University of Sydney | QS Ranking: #41
2. Monash University | QS Ranking: #57
3. University of Technology Sydney | QS Ranking: #137

Often topping the list of permanent residency courses in Australia in 2024, studying Dentistry opens up a plethora of exciting career opportunities and leads to the path of obtaining permanent residency in Australia. You can pursue any dental degree offered by Australian universities as an international student, including the Bachelor of Oral Health (BOralH), Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc), Postgraduate programs, and Research Higher Degree. You can also pursue careers such as general practice, teaching, and others. A dentist's average salary is relatively high and impressive when compared to other occupations, making it one of the best courses for PR in Australia. Overall, being a dentist in Australia is a difficult but rewarding profession.

In the field of Dentistry, a few of the top PR courses in Australia that you can opt to apply for are:

10. Painting and Decoration

Top universities to study Painting and Decoration in Australia:

1. The University of Sydney | QS Ranking: #41
2. University of New South Wales | QS Ranking: #45

Painting and decoration, one of the best PR courses in Australia can lead to permanent residency for international students. The construction industry is expected to grow by 10.9% in the future, which means that Painting Trades Workers will be in higher demand than ever. You can also work as a decorator or painter on the exterior or interior of a building, both commercial and residential.

In the field of Painting and Decoration, a few of the top PR courses in Australia that you can opt to apply are:

Trade courses for PR in Australia:  

There are many PR trade courses you can choose from in the country. Some of them include the following: 

1. Engineering Fabrication
2. Electrical Engineering Technician
3. Automotive Mechanic
4. Painting and Decorating
5. Boat Building
6. Plastering
7. Automotive Body Repair
8. Joinery
9. Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

Eligibility for PR Courses in Australia

Several well-known institutions with a wide range of specialisations and courses are located in Australia. The nation's high academic standards and cutting-edge facilities make it a sought-after location for overseas students. There are numerous options available to applicants who want to live, work, and gain PR in the nation. 

1. Those completing their education in Australia may apply for PR after the same. 
2. Post finishing two years of education in the country, students may submit applications under Subclass 485 for the post-study work visa. This is also called the Graduate Temporary visa.
3. The Graduate Temporary visa is for those migrant students studying for a couple of years in Australia. They can thus reside and work in the country for a duration of 18 months to 4 years.

IELTS Band Score for Australia PR

To secure a permanent residency visa in Australia, achieving a high IELTS band score is essential. The Australian Department of Home Affairs evaluates the applicant’s English language proficiency through these scores. An overall IELTS band score of 8.0 is particularly significant here. The assessment of IELTS scores to get PR in Australia is conducted through a comprehensive evaluation system, which considers performance across four language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Below is the breakdown of the IELTS overall band score.

How to Get PR in Australia on a Student Visa?

If you’re already an international student in Australia, you can apply for Permanent Residency without necessarily requiring employer sponsorship. The PR system in Australia operates on a points-based assessment, with a minimum threshold of 65 points required to be eligible. As mentioned above, students can pursue PR in Australia through three ways: family system, work stream, and business investment. 

For international students, the journey to permanent residence in the country starts with a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), which allows them to live and work in Australia for a period of 18 months to four years after completing their studies. To transition to PR status, students must apply for a Skilled Independent Visa while still engaged in academic programs. Also, the evaluation of student PR applications adheres to the same points-based system used for general PR assessments, with the minimum score requirement also set at 65 points. All applications are processed through the official Australian Home Affairs website.

Things to Consider for a PR in Australia

1. One thing you must do is fulfil the Australian study requirements. You must complete at least two years of higher education or vocational training in Australia.
2. ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) should list your job description line.
3. Apply for a PSWV (Post Study Work Visa) 485 visa within six months.
4. CRICOS approval is required for your course.

How to apply for a PR in Australia?

There are multiple ways to apply for a PR in Australia. It will be determined by how and why you are qualified, this can be done by finishing one of the PR courses in Australia 2024. Most people apply through a family, work, or business connection.

1. A Family-Stream PR in Australia

A relative can sponsor you for a visa. If you are the partner, child, parent, or dependent of an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you may do so. If you need to relocate to care for a family member, you can also be sponsored for permanent residency in Australia. This type of visa can be applied for both inside and outside of Australia.

2. A Work-Stream PR in Australia

An Australian employer can sponsor you for a permanent resident visa. Similarly, you may be able to apply through a skilled workers program. You will be eligible if you have skills that the country regards as valuable, such as chemistry, agricultural engineering, or carpentry. The skilled occupation list includes all of the best jobs for PR in Australia. Keep in mind that you must be nominated by an employer or an Australian government agency to apply for some work-stream visas.

3. A Business or Investment PR in Australia

You can apply for a permanent resident visa if you own or manage a business in Australia or invest in the country. This will grant you the right to live and work in Australia indefinitely. You must also determine your eligibility for each visa. Every situation is unique, and you can learn more about each visa option on the Australian Government's website.

About 458 Visa 

Students may apply under Subclass 485 for the post-study work visa after completing two years of PR courses in Australia. The Graduate Temporary Visa is another name for it. For international students who plan to study in Australia for a few years, there is the Graduate Temporary Visa. Thus, they are permitted to live and work in the nation from 18 months to 4 years. Two streams are available for the Subclass 485 visa:

1. Graduate Work

It is for Australian students who have completed two years of education. The study subject should be directly related to the suggested occupation. Typically, a visa is valid for 18 months.‍

2. Post-Study Work

This visa is valid for foreign applicants who have completed a bachelor's degree or higher at an Australian educational institution. With this visa, they may remain in the nation for up to four years.

How does the Point System Work for a PR in Australia?

Australia has a general skilled migration program under which immigrants applying for a visa are typically chosen based on "economically relevant characteristics" such as education, language skills, and work experience. This does not apply to refugees and asylum seekers, and other visas with different requirements, such as travel or holiday visas, are available.

When applying for an independent skills migration visa, you must obtain a minimum pass mark. Each visa has its minimum point requirement. For example, to submit an expression of interest for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), you must have a minimum of 65 points. The Department of Home Affairs has an online Australian PR points calculator. 

Points can be claimed for a few different personal factors: 

1. Points for permanent residency in Australia
2. Formal educational qualifications (up to 20 points for a PhD with more to gain if they had studied in Australia)
3. Extra points could be granted for translators, interpreters or other things such as applicants whose partners meet the age, English, and occupation requirements.

Pursuing the best PR course in Australia can be a transformative step in your career. The country’s best-in-class universities and industry-aligned curricula, coupled with practical skills, offer students a robust foundation in PR principles. As you embark on your new journey in Australia, remember that the skills and connections you build here will serve as invaluable assets throughout your career.