PR Courses for International Students in Australia: Your Pathway to Permanent Residency
When it comes to studying abroad, Australia often makes it to the very top of the list and for a good reason. Always ranked among the top study destinations in the world, the country draws in thousands of international students every year. With its world-class universities, strong job market and the welcoming culture, it’s not hard to see why so many students want to make Australia their long-term home.
For many, studying here isn’t just about earning a degree. It’s also the beginning of a bigger dream, and that is gaining Permanent Residency (PR) and eventually settling down in Australia. And the good news? Choosing the right course of study can give you a real advantage when it comes to migration.
Another reason why Australia is so appealing is the balance it offers. Students can gain valuable part-time work experience while studying then transition into post-study work visas which provide time to gain local industry experience. This combination makes it much easier to move from student life to a professional career and ultimately to permanent residency.
Why Do PR Courses Matter?
You might be wondering: “Is there really such a thing as a PR course?” Honestly speaking, no course alone will guarantee you PR.
However, there are certain fields of study that are directly linked to occupations that appear on Australia’s skilled occupation lists. By enrolling in a course tied to one of these in-demand careers, you’re essentially aligning your studies with the country’s long-term workforce needs and that can significantly improve your chances of securing PR after graduation.
Popular PR Pathways Through Study
Some areas of study have stood out for years as strong pathways to PR because they match the skills Australia needs most. Here are a few of the most popular:
- Engineering – Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Chemical engineering all remain in high demand as Australia continues to expand its infrastructure and technology sectors.
- Trades – Skilled trades like carpentry, plumbing, and automotive mechanics are especially valued in regional areas where labour shortages are common.
- Health Sciences – Roles such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and medical laboratory scientists are vital in Australia’s growing healthcare system.
- Education & Teaching – Teachers, particularly in early childhood and secondary education (maths, science, and special education), are highly sought after across the country.
- Nursing – Nursing has long been one of the most reliable pathways to PR, with strong demand across hospitals, aged care, and community health settings.
You can explore our course catalog to find a course that perfectly matches your interests.
Permanent Residency Course List in Australia
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common PR-oriented study options to give you a clearer idea. Each occupation has a unique ANZSCO code that links to Australia’s skilled migration program along with average tuition fees you can expect.
| Field of Study | Popular Courses | ANZSCO Code (Occupation) | Average Annual Tuition Fees (AUD) |
| Engineering | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineering | 233211 (Civil Engineer), 233512 (Mechanical Engineer), 233311 (Electrical Engineer), 233111 (Chemical Engineer) | $32,000 – $45,000 |
| Trades | Carpentry, Automotive Mechanic, Plumbing, Welding | 331212 (Carpenter), 321211 (Motor Mechanic), 334111 (Plumber), 322313 (Welder) | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Health Sciences | Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Medical Laboratory Science | 252511 (Physiotherapist), 252411 (Occupational Therapist), 234611 (Medical Laboratory Scientist) | $30,000 – $40,000 |
| Education & Teaching | Early Childhood Education, Secondary Teaching | 241111 (Early Childhood Teacher), 241411 (Secondary School Teacher) | $20,000 – $35,000 |
| Nursing | Bachelor of Nursing, Master of Nursing Practice | 254499 (Registered Nurse – nec), 254418 (Registered Nurse – Medical) | $28,000 – $38,000 |
💡 Do note that the tuition fees can vary depending on the institution, the location you choose and whether you’re studying at a university or vocational college. Regional campuses sometimes offer scholarships and may even give you extra migration points for PR applications.
Who Can Apply for PR Courses?
If your long-term goal is PR, here are some of the most common and basic eligibility points to keep in mind:
- You’ll need to hold a valid Student Visa (Subclass 500) or Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).
- Your course must be CRICOS-registered with duration for at least two academic years.
- English proficiency is key—most students need an IELTS score of 7.0. Of course scoring 8.0 can make your application stronger. There are also other English tests that can be taken depending on requirements. These tests also get updated by the Australian government from time to time. Check the latest news regarding the new PTE scoring.
- Most importantly, your chosen occupation should be listed on the ANZSCO skilled job list which reflects the jobs Australia needs the most.
From Student Life to PR: A Real Possibility
Many students arrive in Australia with just one goal in mind—getting a degree. But along the way, they discovered that their studies can open doors to something much bigger: a new life here. By making smart decisions about which courses to take and planning ahead for migration, it is entirely possible to go from being an international student to a permanent resident. Here’s a video of one of our clients that we’ve successfully assisted to become a PR through study pathway.
Every student’s path looks a little different but the steps are similar: complete your course, gain local work experience, and then apply for the right visa. With the right guidance, the transition doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
Need Help Planning Your PR Pathway?
We know that choosing the right course and visa pathway can feel like a maze. That’s where we come in.
At Pathway to Aus, we’ve helped countless international students map out their study and migration journey.
Whether you’re still deciding on the best PR course or you’re already in Australia and thinking about your next visa, our team of migration and education agents is here to make the process clear and stress-free.
👉 Book a free education consultation today and let us help you take the guesswork out of your journey to Permanent Residency in Australia.
Hear directly from our clients! We’ve compiled a YouTube Playlist where they share their personal stories and practical advice on navigating the study-PR journey through Pathway to Aus.
