Best PR Courses in Australia for International Students In 2026
Choose the Right Course. Secure Your Australian PR!
Table of Content
- Top 10 PR Courses in Australia
- 1. Automotive Diploma
- 2. Building and Construction
- 3. Carpentry and Bricklayer
- 4. Hospitality
- 5. Nursing
- 6. Accounting
- 7. IT and Computer Science
- 8. Engineering
- 9. Dentistry
- 10. Social Work
- Things to Consider for a PR in Australia
- Eligibility for PR Courses in Australia
- How to Get PR in Australia?
- How to Choose a Course for PR?
Australia is one of the best countries to study abroad in and can be life-changing for international students, particularly those looking at Permanent Residency courses in Australia for 2026, as it not just gives world-class education hub but also offers great strategic migration benefits. Australia is ranked within the top 15 cheapest countries for international students to study in and provides courses that are in line with the Medium and Long - term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), e.g. nursing, engineering, IT, etc. These courses lead to increased employability and visa points under skilled migration programs such as subclasses 189, 190, and 491. Students who graduate receive 5 significant points for Australian qualifications, and additional ones for regional study and professional experience, while post-study work visas (subclass 485) grant them 2-4 years to find jobs in areas of high demand where there is a continuous shortage of skills.
Australia offers a variety of ways to obtain PR through different family, skills, or business connections. One of the ways to strengthen your application is by completing PR courses in Australia related to attaining Permanent Residency in 2026. PR Application Routes:
- Family Stream: A family member who is an Australian citizen or PR can nominate you (partner, child, parent); the location of application can be either onshore or offshore.
- Work Stream: An employer sponsorship or skilled migration (for example, carpentry in SOL) is the method; a nomination is needed.
- Business/Investment: Run a business or invest to gain an indefinite stay; eligibility must be checked according to the visa.
Top 10 PR Courses in Australia
Australia is one of the best countries to work abroad, especially in fields that have skill shortages, such as Healthcare, Hospitality, IT, and Engineering. Australia’s PR laws are straightforward and support immigration well. One way to get started with moving to Australia for work is to pick a course from the skilled lists, like nursing or IT. Some sectors that have the fastest - tracked PR subjects in Australia are:
1. Automotive Diploma
Best Universities to study Automotive PR Courses in Australia:
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne - QS #13
- UNSW Sydney, Sydney - QS #19
- Monash University, Melbourne - QS #36
Automotive students can find the most common occupational title as Motor Mechanic (General), applicable under the Visa 190/491 for PR. Average automotive salary: $65,000/year or $33/hour, experienced up to $95,000/year.
| Course | Average Salary (per year) | Average Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Mechanic | $65,000 | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Diesel Mechanic | $75,000 | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Automotive Electrician | $75,000 | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Heavy Vehicle Mechanic | $80,000 | $18,000 - $28,000 |
2. Building and Construction
Best Universities to study Building & Construction PR Courses in Australia:
- University of New South Wales, Sydney - QS #19
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne - QS #13
- University of Sydney, Sydney - QS #18
This is one of the highest-paying jobs in Australia without a degree requirement, per se. Construction students can find the most common occupational title as a Contractor or Electrical, applicable under the Visa 190/491 for PR. Average construction salary: $65,000/year or $33/hour, experienced up to $95,000/year.
| Course | Average Salary (per year) | Average Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $72,000 | $14,000 – $24,000 |
| Construction Manager | $110,000 | $18,000 – $30,000 |
| Building Surveyor | $85,000 | $18,000 – $28,000 |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $65,000 | $12,000 – $20,000 |
3. Carpentry and Bricklayer
Best Universities to study Carpentry and Construction PR Courses in Australia:
- University of New South Wales, Sydney - QS #19
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne - QS #13
- University of Sydney, Sydney - QS #18
Carpentry students can find the most common occupational title as Carpenter or Bricklayer, applicable under the Visa 190/491 for PR. Average construction salary: $65,000/year or $33/hour, experienced up to $95,000/year.
| Course | Average Salary (per year) | Average Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Carpenter | $65,000 | $14,000 – $22,000 |
| Bricklayer | $70,000 | $14,000 – $22,000 |
| Wall & Floor Tiler | $68,000 | $14,000 – $20,000 |
| Construction Estimator | $80,000 | $15,000 – $25,000 |
4. Hospitality
Best Universities to study Hospitality PR Courses in Australia:
- Griffith University, Gold Coast/Brisbane - QS #255
- University of Queensland, Brisbane - QS #40
- Bond University, Gold Coast - QS #567
Hospitality students can find the most common occupational title as Accommodation and Hospitality Manager, applicable under the Visa 190/491 for PR. Average hospitality salary: $67,533/year or $34.63/hour, experienced up to $105,000/year.
| Course | Average Salary (per year) | Average Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation and Hospitality Manager | $75,000 | $33,650 - $69,270 |
| Baker & Pastry Chef | $62,500 | $20,400 - $30,600 |
| Restaurant or Cafe Manager | $62,000 | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Licensed Club Manager | $75,000 | $23,000 - $85,000 |
5. Nursing
Best Universities to study Nursing PR Courses in Australia:
- University of Sydney, Sydney - QS #18
- Monash University, Melbourne - QS #36
- University of Technology Sydney, Sydney - QS #90
Nursing students can find the most common occupational title as Enrolled Nurse, eligible under the Visa 190/491 for PR list courses in Australia. Average nursing salary: $70,000/year or $36/hour, experienced up to $85,000/year.
| Course | Average Salary (per year) | Average Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Enrolled Nurse | $70,000 | $20,000 – $30,000 |
| Aged Care Nurse | $65,000 | $18,000 - $28,000 |
| Community Nurse | $72,000 | $20,000 - $30,000 |
| Nursing Support | $60,000 | $15,000 - $25,000 |
6. Accounting
Best Universities to study Accounting PR Courses in Australia:
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne - QS #13
- University of New South Wales, Sydney - QS #19
- Australian National University, Canberra - QS #30
Accounting students can find the most common occupational title as Accountant (General), applicable under the Visa 190/491 for courses leading to permanent residency in Australia. Average accounting salary: $80,000/year or $41/hour, experienced up to $110,000/year.
| Course | Average Salary (per year) | Average Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Accountant (General) | $80,000 | $10,000 - $18,000 |
| Taxation Accountant | $85,000 | $12,000 - $20,000 |
| Management Accountant | $82,000 | $10,000 - $18,000 |
| Bookkeeper | $65,000 | $8,000 - $15,000 |
7. IT and Computer Science
Best Universities to study IT PR Courses in Australia:
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne - QS #13
- UNSW Sydney, Sydney - QS #19
- Australian National University, Canberra - QS #30
IT students can find the most common occupational title as an ICT Support Technician, applicable under the Visa 190/491 for PR. Average IT salary: $65,000/year or $33/hour, experienced up to $100,000/year.
| Course | Average Salary (per year) | Average Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| ICT Support Technician | $65,000 | $12,000 - $20,000 |
| Network Administrator | $75,000 | $12,000 - $20,000 |
| Cybersecurity Specialist | $80,000 | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Software Support Technician | $70,000 | $12,000 - $22,000 |
8. Engineering
Best Universities to study Engineering PR Courses in Australia:
- University of New South Wales, Sydney - QS #19
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne - QS #13
- Monash University, Melbourne - QS #36
Engineering students can find the most common occupational title as an Engineering Associate, applicable under the Visa 190/491 for PR. Average engineering salary: $70,000/year or $36/hour, experienced up to $95,000/year.
| Course | Average Salary (per year) | Average Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Associate (Mechanical) | $70,000 | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Engineering Draftsperson (Civil) | $75,000 | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technician | $72,000 | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Engineering Production Systems Worker | $68,000 | $14,000 - $24,000 |
| Civil Engineering Draftsperson | $73,000 | $16,000 - $26,000 |
| Electrical Engineering Draftsperson | $74,000 | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Engineering Mechanic | $71,000 | $14,000 - $24,000 |
| Metal Engineering Associate | $69,000 | $13,000 - $23,000 |
9. Dentistry
Best Universities to study Dentistry PR Courses in Australia:
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne - QS #13
- University of Sydney, Sydney - QS #18
- University of Queensland, Brisbane - QS #40
Dentistry students can find the most common occupational title as Dental Technician or Hygienist, eligible under the Visa 190/491 for PR. Average dentistry salary: $75,000/year or $38/hour, experienced up to $110,000/year.
| Course | Average Salary (per year) | Average Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Technician | $75,000 | $20,000 - $30,000 |
| Dental Hygienist | $85,000 | $25,000 - $35,000 |
| Dental Assistant | $60,000 | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Oral Health Therapist | $80,000 | $22,000 - $32,000 |
10. Social Work
Best Universities to study Social Work PR Courses in Australia:
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne - QS #13
- University of Sydney, Sydney - QS #18
- Monash University, Melbourne - QS #36
Social Work students can find the most common occupational title as Welfare Support Worker or Community Worker, applicable under the Visa 190/491 for PR. Average social work salary: $70,000/year or $36/hour, experienced up to $95,000/year.
| Course | Average Salary (per year) | Average Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Welfare Support Worker | $70,000 | $12,000 - $20,000 |
| Community Worker | $72,000 | $12,000 - $20,000 |
| Family Support Worker | $68,000 | $10,000 - $18,000 |
| Youth Worker | $65,000 | $10,000 - $18,000 |
Things to Consider for a PR in Australia
- Pick the Appropriate Visa Subclass based on what fits your career and PR paths
- Subclass 189: Skilled Independent visa: Does not require state sponsorship.
- Subclass 190: Skilled Nominated visa requires a state nomination.
- Subclass 491: Skilled Work Regional visa, Regional route to PR. The Job Must Be Listed on the Skilled List
- Your employment should be listed on Australias Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or a state list. Each job has a particular ANZSCO code and a designated skills assessment body. To list some of the most in - demand sectors is the following:
- Healthcare
- Engineering
- IT
- Trades in construction
- Accounting.
- Australia employs a points - based system. The minimum is 65 points, but if you want to be competitive, your score should be higher (75-90+). Points are given for:
- Age (2532 years receives the highest)
- English proficiency (IELTS/PTE)
- Educational degree
- Australian study/work experience
- State nominationPartner skills
- English Language Requirement
- IELTS
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL
- iBT Skills Assessment
- State Nomination Strategy: Lower competition is possible in regional states. Occupation ceilings vary from state to state. Processing time also varies, usually from 8 to 10 months. Work Experience Counts.
- Having more than 3 years of relevant experience will result in you getting more points
- Australian work experience is a great advantage
- Your work experience must be very similar to your ANZSCO occupation
- Regional Advantage: Some extra points from the PR opportunity to take the Subclass 491 pathway for Less competition.
- Financial & Documentation Readiness
- Visa application fee (around AUD 4, 000+)
- Medical examination
- Police clearance certificate
- Proof of sufficient funds (for certain visas)
- Long - Term Career Planning
- Deciding on a profession that will have a steady demand
- Possibility for salary increase
- Employer sponsorship backup option
Eligibility for PR Courses in Australia
Several well - known institutions with a wide range of specialisations and PR courses 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 PR leading courses in Australia can apply for 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 requirement. 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.
How to Get PR in Australia?
If you are currently wanting to study in Australia as an international student, it is possible to apply for Permanent Residency without the need for employer sponsorship. The PR system is based on the grading system in Australia, where a candidate must accumulate at least 65 points to qualify for the Australia PR subject list. Students can obtain PR status in Australia through PR Courses in Australia or via the family stream, the work stream, and the business investment.
International college students start their path to becoming permanent residents of the country by applying for a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), which grants them permission to live and work in Australia for 18 months up to 4 years after graduation. To become PR holders, graduates need to submit an application for a Skilled Independent Visa while they are still enrolled. Moreover, the consideration of student PR Courses in Australia applications is done under the same points, based system for general PR with a minimum score requirement of 65 points. All submissions are made through the official Australian Home Affairs website.
How to Choose a Course for PR?
- Assess your personal history. Choose a course which connects to your educational background or professional experience because this choice will help assess your abilities and help you choose the right pr courses in Australia.
- Assess your abilities. Which type of courses do you excel at and would help you set up for success
- Maintain achievable goals.
- Think about your future employment opportunities. You should ask yourself whether you can see yourself performing this job in Australia for the next 5-10 years. PR needs you to have stable employment.
- Test your English language skills.
- Assess your personal choices. Regional studies may provide PR benefits, but can you honestly live in a smaller Australian city?
- Begin your PR point assessment process from the first moment.
- You should maintain a backup plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which courses are best for PR in Australia?
Some PR courses in Australia that lead to residency are: Information Technology, Construction, Carpentry, Plumbing, Teaching, Engineering, Social Work, Hospitality and Nursing.
How to obtain permanent residency in Australia within two years?
To obtain PR in Australia within 2 years, you need to hold a subclass 457, 482 or an eligible bridging visa. You must work for at least 2 years in eligible sponsored employment while holding a subclass 457 or 482 visa to meet the requirements, and you need an Australian employer who nominated you within the last six months to complete your application process.
Is 70 Points enough to obtain PR in Australia?
Yes. 70 points meet the requirements for Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia. You can obtain Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia with 70 points, which exceeds the minimum requirement of 65 points, but your chances of success depend on your work field, state nomination and your selected visa category, which includes Subclass 189, 190 and 491.
How much does PR cost in Australia?
The fees required for a primary adult applicant for PR in Australia are AUD $4910.
What IELTS score is needed for Australian PR?
For Australian PR through the Department of Home Affairs, you generally need at least IELTS 6.0 in each band, while 7.0 or 8.0 can earn additional immigration points.