Getting more points in Immigration Points Test
The most common way applicants gain points on the points test are for: Age, Education, English ability, Australian and overseas work experience, studying in Australia and studying in Regional Australia. Below is a short overview of some common ways to gain additional points.
Australia Study Requirement
In order to encourage applicants to study in Australia, applicants can receive 5 additional points if they have studied in Australia. Please note these 5 points are in addition to the points you would receive for your highest education qualification.
Additional 5 points
You will receive an additional 5 points by completing a Degree, Diploma or Trade Qualification in a courses/courses that were completed in:
Regional Study
The Australian Government wants to encourage foreigners to study in regional areas. As such, if you both live and study in a regional area for at least 2 years, you gain an extra 5 points.
Please note areas that are not classified as regional include: Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Perth, Newcastle, Wollongong and Perth does not allow you to gain extra points. The postcodes that allow you to gain extra points require to to study and live within those postcodes are specified here (IMMI 12/015).
Tafe QLD
- Tafe QLD (East Coast/Bundaberg) – Courses Available include – Automotive Mechanical and Engineering Fabrication and Trade
- Tafe QLD (North/ Cairns) – Commercial Cookery
- Tafe QLD (Sunshine Coast) – Commercial Cookery
- Tafe QLD (West) – Automotive Mechanical and Commercial Cookery
Additional Trade Course:
- Adelaide – Automotive Mechanical and Commercial Cookery
- Northern NSW – Carpentry and Commercial Cookery
- Cairns – Electro Instrumentation and Control and Commercial Cookery
- Tasmania – Commercial Cookery
University
- Southern Cross University
- James Cook University
- University of Sunshine Coast
- University of Adelaide
- University of Tasmania
- Flinders University
- Charles Sturt
- University of New England
- Charles Darwin University
Ways to Gain Points
Sit an English Test
Immigration wants applicants with a high level of English ability. Therefore you can receive additional points for your English level.
NZ, UK, Irish, Canadian and US passport holders are all automatically allocated Competent English and do not need to provide evidence of English language for the visa. However many native speakers sit an English test in order to receive additional points.
- Competent English (equivalent of IELTS 6 in all 4 bands or hold a NZ/UK/Irish/Canadian/US passport)
- Proficient English (equivalent of IELT’S 7 in all 4 bands) – 10 points
- Superior English (equivalent of IELT’S 8 in all 4 bands) – 20 points
Please note acceptable English tests include: IELTS, PTE Academic, OET, CAE or TOEFL iBT.
By completing a professional year in Australia in the occupation in which they studied, applicants can gain an extra 5 points.
A professional year is available an internship based learning program in which applicants are placed at a company. Professional Year programs are available to graduates in the engineering, accounting and computing field.
Applicants can receive additional points if their partner (Spouse or De Factor) is skilled in a relevant occupation.
You may receive 5 extra points if your partner is skilled. The points may only be awarded if the spouse or de facto partner of the primary applicant:
- is also an applicant for the same subclass of visa
- is not an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident
- was under 45 at the time the primary applicant was invited to apply for the visa
- nominated a skilled occupation
- had a suitable skills assessment in their nominated occupation on the MLTSSL from a relevant assessing authority at the time of invitation and
- had competent at the time of invitation to apply for the visa.
Obtain Australian Work Experience
Many students can gain 5 points for 1 years work experience in the nominated occupation for work completed in Australia. Many applicants gain the 1 years work experience on either the Graduate Work Visa, Working Holiday Visa or Student Visa.
– The work you undertake must be paid and you must work for at least 20 hours per week
– The work experience can only be counted once you have met the skill level required by the Skills Assessor. For example in most instances work experience can only be counted once they have completed their qualification.
Receive a Nomination from a State or Territory
Applicants can be invited to apply for a Skilled State Nomination (Subclass 190) or Skilled Regional (Subclass 489) visa if they have been nominated by a State/Territory agency. Applicants receive additional points for State or Regional Nomination.
- 5 points may be awarded to a Skilled State Nomination (Subclass 190) visa applicant who is nominated by a State/Territory government agency.
- 10 points may be awarded to Skilled Regional (Subclass 489) applicant who is nominated by a State/Territory government agency or who is sponsored by a family member.
You can find out more information on the State and Regional Nomination through the individual state websites:
Become an Accredited Translator
Applicants may receive 5 additional points if they are an accredited translator and interpreter.
You must become accredited as a para-professional interpreter or translator (level 2) by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters
Ben (26) Malaysian factory worker
Ben would like to come to Australia to live and work, he has no experience in an occupation that is on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List. By studying a course that is on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List, Ben may be able to allow himself to pass a skills assessment. Ben only has (30 points for age) and (10 points for proficient English).
Ben would have a score of 40 in total. Ben would need 25 more points to submit an expression of interest.
Additional points
Ben decided to undertake a 2 year automotive package at Tafe QLD in Bundaberg.
10pts for completing an automotive course
5pts for studying this course in Australia for at least 2 years
5pts for studying this course in a regional area
With the additional 25 points, Ben would have a total of 65 points.
Wendy (25) from China
Wendy has just graduated from a Bachelor of Engineering in China. She has proficient English. Wendy would have a total of 30 points for her age, 10 points for English and 15 points for her education. A total of 55 points.
Additional points
Wendy has decided to study a Masters of Engineering at a university in Adelaide.
5pts for studying in Regional Australia
With the additional 15 points, Wendy would have a total of 70 points
Tim (29) from UK
After graduating from university with a Bachelor in Business, he is now working as a store manager. Ben’s occupation is not on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List. At the moment, Ben would have (30 points for age) and (15 points for completing a bachelor degree).
Ben would need 20 more points to be eligible for general skilled migration.
Additional points
By studying a course that is on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List, Tim may be able to allow himself to pass a skills assessment. Tim decided to study Carpentry in Brisbane.
5pts for completing a 2 year trade course in Australia
5pts for post qualification work experience
10pts for sitting the IELTS test and obtaining 7’s
With the additional 20 points, Tim would have a total of 65 points.
Get in Touch
Contact Information
Phone 0755 265 900
Skype: pathwaytoaus
Email: [email protected]
Offices
Gold Coast Office
2575 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach, QLD, 4215
Adelaide Office
Level 5 Tower 2 /121 King William Street – Adelaide 5000
hi , im from Malaysian 36years old looking for migration in Australia i was study in Australia 2006 for English course completed and continue hairdressing course for two years after that i went back to Malaysia can you share with me which course should i apply .
Thanks
Hi Teh,
Basically the type of course depends on what you are looking to get out of it. Have a look through this link and check out some options that are available to study in Aus on a vocational level.
https://pathwaytoaus.com/services/study/
Regards,
PTA TEAM
Is Torrens University, Adelaide included in qualifying list of the university in the regional area?
Thanks
Hi Nazmul,
Yes Adelaide counts as regional, so it would count for the immi points test.
Cheers
Hi, does a masters program from University of South Australia, Adelaide account for regional points ?
Hi Mitesh,
Adelaide is included as a regional area for points.
Is university of Adelaide regional university?? If not ..what are the courses that come under extra regional points..?
Hi Vadlakonda,
We have emailed you directly.
Kind regards,
PTA Team
Hi ,
To claim regional area 5 points, Do I need to live there for 16 months or 24 months ?
Thanks
Hi Koushan
You will find this article helpful:
Kind regards,
PTA Team
Hi Nick.
I have the same question as Koushan.
I have just completed a CRICOS registered 92 weeks course. But I have completed it in 16 months and 2 days in Adelaide. I have lived in Adelaide for 17 months. Can I claim for additional 5 points based on regional study now or do I have to wait for completion of two years of stay to claim additional 5 points of regional study beside the regular claim of 5 points of meeting the australian study requirement ?
Hi Nishtha,
To discuss your specific circumstances, we would recommend that you book a consultation with one of our Registered Migration Agents, you can do that here:
Kind regards,
PTA Team
Hello,
If a student studying in a regional university can claim extra 5 points of the regional area if he/she lives outside the regional area (in a city which is no longer regional area)? what happens if he/she lives in a regional area ( actually low population area as per governments site under the postcode) far from the regional area where the university is and makes travel to go to school every week and does not miss the class that means can a student living in regional area other than his/ her university locates can claim extra 5 points because he/she studies in regional area and lives in regional area too though the both residing and university places are different.
Thanks
Hi Shobhakant,
We have emailed you directly.
Kind regards,
PTA Team
Can i get regional points if i study in University Of Wollongong ?
Hi Pedda,
You will find this article helpful:
As noted, if you live and study in a regional area for at least 2 years, you gain an extra 5 points. Unfortunately, areas that are not classified as regional include Wollongong.
To discuss your individual circumstances, it may be best to book a consultation with a Registered Migration Agent, you can do that here:
Kind regards,
PTA Team
Hi there,
Is the 12 month experience required for the JRP valid as Australian work experience and as such worth another extra 5 points on the immigration points test?
Thank you
Angelo
Hi Angelo,
We have emailed you directly.
Kind regards,
PTA Team
Hi… I have a bachelor degree awarded by University of Newcastle, Australia, but this degree was completed in Singapore. Will I be able to claim 5 pts for this?
Hi Mac,
To discuss your specific circumstances, we would recommend that you book a consultation with one of our Registered Migration Agents, you can do that here:
Kind regards,
PTA Team
Hi,
Will two or more courses can be done to get points for studying in regional areas?
Hi Denny,
We have contacted you directly.
Kind regards,
PTA Team
Do I have to work in the regional area for 2 years after 2 years of studying there to avail 5 PR points?
Hi Karan,
We have contacted you directly.
Kind regards,
PTA Team
Hi, I have Skilled Recognized grauate visa (Subclass 476). Now I am in Sydney and I have 45 points (30 age + 15 education). Someone tell me that I need atleast 75 points to get PR.I’ll get 10 points from IELTS or PTE.Please guide me what should I do to get more points.
Hi Adnan,
We would love to assist with your application for PR. Please go ahead and book a consultation via this link:
Kind regards,
PTA Team
hii
I have completed 2 units of my course from city, and then I transfered my admission to the regional university(USQ).
And I also got exception of those 2 subject in university which located in regional area.
I will complete my remaining 14 subject in regional area in 2 year of time.
so, may I eligible to get 5 regional point for PR or not?
Hi Kaushal,
You may find this article helpful: How to gain extra points on immi points test
To discuss your individual circumstances, we recommend booking a consultation with a Registered Migration Agent. You can do that here:
Book a Consultation
Kind regards,
PTA Team
Hello
I did my bba honours in accounting and finance and then mba in the same field.
I would like to get my education assessed by accounting body if australia..can u plz guide me how am i supposed to do it..as i saw on the immi website one of my course name differs from the courses mentioned on the webdite but the course outline of both the courses is almost same.. Kindly guide
Hi Sahrish,
To discuss your individual circumstances, we would recommend that you book a consultation with a Registered Migration Agent:
Kind regards,
PTA Team
Im taking Automotive course in victoria. This means i have only 55 points? Im 26. 1 more year to finish the course
Hi Jen,
It is difficult to advise without all of the information to hand.
To discuss your individual circumstances, please book a consultation:
Kind regards,
PTA Team
Would I get the 10 points if I study one academic year in a regional area of Queensland and another diploma of 1 year in Tasmania?
Hello Miguel,
no. It has to be 2 consecutive years.
Cheers
is university of Adelaide regional university?? if not what other options are there considering i have experience of 3.5 years in hotel and wanted to pursue masters
Hi Ishan,
Yes, it is.
We have emailed you directly with some other regional options.
Kind regards,
PTA Team
Hi,
I studied both master and bachelor In Australia and I am on mid long term 457.
Got 30 points for age, assuming 15 point for education and extra 5 points for studied in Australia. Furthermore I will get 10 points by then end of this year to obtain full 3 years of work experience in Australia,Sydney.
Want to apply 190 EOI, under state nomination I shall get extra 5 point as my skill are on the list. With total of 65 point, will I be sufficient enough for EOI? (As minimum requirement are 65, but technically I only got 60 without this 5 extra point) Many Thanks!
Hi Mat,
To discuss your individual circumstances, we recommend booking a consultation with a Registered Migration Agent.
Here is the link:
Kind regards,
PTA Team
Kind of stupid question to ask, but why is Perth not a regional area?
Hi Shen,
We have contacted you directly.
Kind regards,
PTA Team
To claim for regional points, I have stayed at Geelong which is eligible for regional points for 16months, am I entitled for the 5 regional points? As the course I completed is 92weeks and I finished it in 16months. Besides, the documents required are a rental agreement, however, my rent is runs on a monthly basis, hence the real estate agent has issued me a reference letter will that be sufficient enough? Along with my bank statement, and letter from university?
Hi Eric,
We have contacted you directly.
Kind regards,
PTA Team
Hi. in order to score 5 pts for regional study, does the student need to be living in the same area as the campus or residence can be in another regional area approx 1.5 hour drive from campus?
thanks
Hi Abdul,
We have contacted you directly.
Kind regards,
PTA Team
Hi, I did complete my Masters in IT course in Perth, at ECU. Started in 2014 and finished in 2017 June. During my study
period Perth was a regional area. But then they removed it from 17/11/2017. Since My study ws completed and lived there for more than 2 years can I get 5 points for study in a regional area?
Hi Chad,
To book a consultation with a Registered Migration Agent and go over your individual circumstances and experience, please follow this link:
Kind regards,
PTA Team
Hello,
If a student studying in a regional university can claim extra 5 points of the regional area if he/she lives outside the regional area (in a city which is no longer regional area)? what happens if he/she lives in a regional area ( actually low population area as per governments site under the postcode) far from the regional area where the university is and makes travel to go to school every week and does not miss the class that means can a student living in regional area other than his/ her university locates can claim extra 5 points because he/she studies in regional area and lives in regional area too though the both residing and university places are different.
Thanks
Hi Lakhwinder,
You may find this article helpful:
To book a consultation with a Registered Migration Agent, please follow this link:
Kind regards,
PTA Team
Hi, I have an inquire about Skilled migrant visa (Subclass 189), regarding the factor “Study in regional Australia”. In the requirements it is mentioned: if you have lived and studied in regional Australia or a low population-growth metropolitan area
My question is, what is meant exactly by “lived” in the regional area?, is it means to live there all the study period?. Because I am planning to study PHD in regional area in Australia and the study doesn’t require from me to remain all the time in Australia.
Thanks.
Hi Sherif,
You may find this article helpful:
To book a consultation with a Registered Migration Agent, please follow this link:
Kind regards,
PTA Team
Hey
What if one does a 2 year masters course in subject in STSOL list and not MLTSSL list.
Any difference if the occupation is listed in STSOL list?
Hi Neerav,
You may find this article helpful:
To book a consultation with a Registered Migration Agent, please follow this link:
Kind regards,
PTA Team
HELLO. I am thinking to study a Diploma in counseling in TAFE in Cairns, for 2 years. Will this give me the extra points that I need to apply for the skilled visa? thank you
Hi Camila,
Nice to hear from you. Yes if the diploma course goes for 2 years, then there is no reason for it to not meet the Australian Study Requirement for Points.
Hi there,
Is the 12 month experience required for the JRP valid as Australian work experience and as such worth another extra 5 points on the immigration points test?
Thank you
Rafael
Hi Rafael , please book in for a consultation and speak with the registered migration agent about your options.
Hi
I want to claim my onshore study points. Here’s my case details:
EOI submitted : 26th April with 75 points for 189
ACS done : 27th March bachelors degree from offshore + experience
I will get my results for my masters course onshore on 9th July.
Can I claim points for onshore education without any assessment? Or do I need to assess my degree? I don’t have any onshore experience.
Can I update my EOI on 9th July, once I receive my result? Or I need to wait till I get my Degree certificate?
Hi Rujuta , you would need to book in for a consultation and speak with the registered migration agent about your options.