Australia is a top choice for international students who want quality education and long-term career opportunities. For many, studying in Australia is also a step toward Permanent Residency (PR). Choosing the right course is crucial, as some programs offer better migration prospects based on skill demand and occupation lists. In this blog, we explore the best PR courses in Australia for 2026.
You’ll find a list of PR-friendly courses, the best options based on demand, guidance based on your academic background, and a clear overview of how to get PR in Australia after completing your studies.
Table Of Content
1List of PR Courses in Australia2Best PR Courses in Australia3PR Courses in Australia Based on Academic Background4How to Get PR in Australia after Study4Conclusion5Frequently Asked Questions
List of PR Courses in Australia
Below is a list of PR courses in Australia:
1. Nursing
2. Information Technology
3. Engineering
4. Accounting
5. Social Work
6. Teaching
7. Physiotherapy
8. Occupational Therapy
9. Trades
10. Environmental Science
11. Business Management
12. Marketing Specialist
13. Human Resources
14. Chefs / Cookery
15. Construction
16. Auto Mechanic
17. Pilots / Flying
18. Journalism / Media
Australia’s PR options for international students depend on choosing PR Courses in Australia that are CRICOS-registered and aligned with the 2026 Skilled Occupation List. Fields like healthcare, IT, engineering, and trades are in high demand and offer better chances for skilled visas such as 189, 190, and 491.
Students earn PR points through Australian study, post-study work (485 visa), Australian Skill Assessment, English proficiency, and regional study benefits. PR list courses in Australia 2026, such as nursing and IT, stand out with strong PR success rates due to ongoing skill shortages.
Best PR Courses in Australia
The best PR courses in Australia include Trades, Nursing, Early Childhood Teaching, IT & Cybersecurity, and Engineering, as these fields align with Australia’s skill shortages and migration demand.
1. Trade Courses in Australia for PR
Trade courses in Australia offer strong Permanent Residency (PR) opportunities, especially through skilled migration and regional pathways. These courses are aligned with Australia’s skill shortage areas and provide high employability after graduation.
List of Trade Courses in Australia for PR
- Automotive Mechanic
- Electrician
- Carpentry
- Plumbing
- Welding & Fabrication
- Commercial Cookery
- Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
Let’s look at the top institutes, job roles, and average salaries for trade courses in Australia:
| Top Universities / Institutes | Trade Jobs in Australia After Graduation | Average Salary (AUD/year) |
|---|---|---|
| TAFE Australia | Automotive Mechanic | 65,000 – 85,000 |
| Victoria University | Electrician | 70,000 – 95,000 |
| RMIT University | Carpenter | 60,000 – 80,000 |
| Box Hill Institute | Plumber | 70,000 – 90,000 |
| Charles Darwin University | Welder / Fabricator | 65,000 – 85,000 |
| TAFE Queensland | Commercial Cook | 55,000 – 75,000 |
Trade Course Fees in Australia
The average trade course fees in Australia generally ranges between AUD 15,000 – AUD 30,000 per year, depending on the course level and institution.
Certificate III / IV Programs
AUD 15,000 – 25,000 per year
Advanced Trade / Skill Programs
AUD 18,000 – 30,000 per year
2. Nursing Courses in Australia for PR
Nursing Courses in Australia are among the most in-demand study options and are considered one of the top PR pathways with strong Permanent Residency (PR) prospects. Due to ongoing shortages across healthcare jobs in Australia, nursing courses are closely aligned with the country’s Skilled Occupation Lists, making them a preferred choice for international students seeking long-term settlement.
List of Nursing Courses in Australia for PR
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Master of Nursing Practice
- Diploma of Nursing
- Graduate Entry Nursing
Let’s explore the top universities, roles, and average salaries for nursing courses in Australia:
| Top Universities / Institutes | Nursing Jobs in Australia After Graduation | Average Salary (AUD/year) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Sydney | Registered Nurse | 75,000 – 95,000 |
| Monash University | Aged Care Nurse | 70,000 – 90,000 |
| University of Melbourne | Critical Care Nurse | 80,000 – 100,000 |
| UNSW Sydney | Mental Health Nurse | 75,000 – 95,000 |
| UTS Sydney | Community Nurse | 70,000 – 90,000 |
| QUT Brisbane | Pediatric Nurse | 75,000 – 95,000 |
Nursing Course Fees in Australia
Nursing course fees in Australia typically range between AUD 30,000 – AUD 50,000 per year, depending on the course level and institution.
Diploma-Level Programs
AUD 25,000 – 35,000 per year
Bachelor / Master Programs
AUD 35,000 – 50,000 per year
3. Early Childhood Teaching Courses in Australia for PR
Early Childhood Teaching is one of the most in-demand PR Courses in Australia, especially through regional migration and skilled teaching pathways. These courses align with Australia’s skill shortages and offer strong job opportunities and PR outcomes after graduation.
List of Early Childhood Teaching Courses in Australia for PR
- Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
- Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)
Let’s look at the top institutes, job roles, and average salaries for Early Childhood Teaching courses in Australia:
| Top Universities / Institutes | Teaching Jobs in Australia After Graduation | Average Salary (AUD/year) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Sydney | Early Childhood Teacher | 80,000 – 95,000 |
| Monash University | Childcare Centre Director | 90,000 – 115,000 |
| Deakin University | Kindergarten Teacher | 75,000 – 90,000 |
| QUT Brisbane | Preschool Educator | 70,000 – 85,000 |
| Victoria University | Early Childhood Educator | 65,000 – 80,000 |
| RMIT University | Room Leader / Educational Leader | 75,000 – 95,000 |
Early Childhood Teaching Course Fees in Australia
Early Childhood Teaching course fees generally range between AUD 25,000 – AUD 45,000 per year, depending on the course level and institution.
Certificate III / Diploma Programs
AUD 20,000 – 30,000 per year
Bachelor / Master Programs
AUD 30,000 – 45,000 per year
4. IT & Cybersecurity Courses in Australia for PR
IT and Cybersecurity are among the fastest-growing fields in Australia, driven by digital transformation and rising cybersecurity demands. These programs are considered top PR Courses in Australia, as they align well with skilled migration pathways and offer strong job opportunities and long-term PR prospects.
List of IT & Cybersecurity Courses in Australia for PR
- Master of Information Technology
- Master of Cybersecurity
- Bachelor of Computer Science
- Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security
Here are the top universities, job roles, and salary ranges for IT and Cybersecurity courses in Australia:
| Top Universities / Institutes | IT Jobs in Australia After Graduation | Average Salary (AUD/year) |
|---|---|---|
| UNSW Sydney | Software Engineer | 90,000 – 120,000 |
| RMIT University | Cybersecurity Analyst | 85,000 – 110,000 |
| Monash University | ICT Business Analyst | 80,000 – 105,000 |
| University of Melbourne | Data Scientist | 95,000 – 130,000 |
| UTS Sydney | Network Security Engineer | 85,000 – 115,000 |
| Deakin University | Systems Analyst | 80,000 – 100,000 |
IT & Cybersecurity Course Fees in Australia
IT and Cybersecurity course fees in Australia usually range between AUD 35,000 – AUD 50,000 per year, based on the course level and institution.
Graduate Diploma Programs
AUD 30,000 – 40,000 per year
Bachelor / Master Programs
AUD 40,000 – 50,000 per year
5. Engineering Courses in Australia for PR
Engineering remains one of the strongest PR courses in Australia and is among the most demanding courses in Australia, driven by ongoing demand in infrastructure, construction, mining, and renewable energy sectors. These courses are closely aligned with skilled migration occupations and offer high employability after graduation.
List of Engineering Courses in Australia for PR
- Bachelor of Civil Engineering
- Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Electrical Engineering
- Master of Engineering (various specializations)
Below are the top institutes, engineering roles, and salary expectations for Engineering courses in Australia:
| Top Universities / Institutes | Engineering Jobs in Australia After Graduation | Average Salary (AUD/year) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | Civil Engineer | 85,000 – 110,000 |
| UNSW Sydney | Mechanical Engineer | 80,000 – 105,000 |
| University of Sydney | Electrical Engineer | 85,000 – 115,000 |
| Monash University | Structural Engineer | 90,000 – 120,000 |
| UQ Brisbane | Renewable Energy Engineer | 85,000 – 110,000 |
| UWA Perth | Mining Engineer | 100,000 – 140,000 |
Engineering Course Fees in Australia
Engineering course fees in Australia generally range between AUD 40,000 – AUD 55,000 per year, depending on the course level and institution.
Bachelor Programs
AUD 40,000 – 50,000 per year
Master Programs
AUD 45,000 – 55,000 per year
PR Courses in Australia Based on Academic Background
Choosing the right PR courses in Australia depends on your academic background.
Medical students, commerce students, arts students, and non-medical students can select courses that align with Australia’s skill shortages and provide clear PR pathways.
This guide covers the most suitable courses for each student stream.
1. PR Courses in Australia for Non-Medical Students
Non-medical students have good PR opportunities in Australia, especially in fields where skilled professionals are in high demand. Sectors like engineering, IT, trades, and management offer strong career growth and skilled migration options.
PR Courses in Australia for Non-Medical Students are:
- Engineering (Civil / Mechanical / Electrical) – Bachelor / Master
- Information Technology / Cybersecurity
- Accounting
- Construction Management
2. PR Courses in Australia for Commerce Students
Commerce students benefit from Australia’s steady demand for professionals in finance, business, and management roles. These courses are well-aligned with skilled occupation lists and offer stable PR pathways.
PR Courses in Australia for Commerce Students are:
- Accounting – Bachelor / Master
- Business Management / MBA
- Marketing Specialist
- Human Resources
3. PR Courses in Australia for Arts Students
Arts students can also build strong PR pathways in Australia, particularly in education, community services, and communication-focused careers. These fields continue to face skill shortages across many regions.
PR Courses in Australia for Arts Students are:
- Early Childhood Teaching – Bachelor / Master
- Social Work
- Journalism / Media
- Human Resources
How to Get PR in Australia after Study
Here’s a step-by-step process to get PR in Australia after studying:
Step 1: Choose the Right Course
Start by completing a CRICOS-registered course in a field listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List, such as nursing, engineering, or IT. Courses of two years or more are preferred and improve your PR chances.
Step 2: Apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
After graduation, apply for the 485 visa to get 2–4 years of work rights. This time helps you gain valuable Australian work experience.
Step 3: Get a Skills Assessment
Apply for a skills assessment from the relevant authority to confirm your qualification matches your job role. For example, AHPRA for nursing, Engineers Australia, or ACS for IT.
Step 4: Submit Your Expression of Interest (EOI)
Create and submit your EOI through SkillSelect. You’ll enter details like your age, English level (usually IELTS 7.0 or higher), work experience, and education. Australian study can add 5–15 extra points, and you need at least 65 points to be eligible.
Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your profile ranks well, you may receive an invitation from the federal or state government. State nomination visas (190 or 491) can give you extra points, improving your chances.
Step 6: Apply for Your PR Visa
Once invited, submit your PR visa application (Subclass 189, 190, or 491) within 60 days. Upload required documents, complete health and police checks, and pay the visa fee. Processing usually takes 6–12 months.
Step 7: Get Your PR Grant
After approval, you’ll receive your Permanent Residency. This allows you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, access Medicare, and apply for citizenship after four years.
Conclusion
Choosing the right course plays a big role in getting PR in Australia. With In Demand Jobs in Australia across sectors like healthcare, IT, engineering, trades, teaching, and business, international students have many PR-friendly options in 2026. The key is to pick a CRICOS-registered course that matches Australia’s skill needs and your background.
With early planning, Australian work experience, and the right PR steps, studying in Australia can lead to more than just a degree, it can help you build a secure future and long-term life in Australia.
