Getting PR in Australia is not that hard if you pursue the proper qualification. Many courses are available in Australia that leads to a PR pathway, including nursing, IT, engineering, and trade courses. One of the best and simplest ways to get a PR in Australia is to opt for the right PR courses in Australia. This article briefs about the best courses for PR with top universities and career opportunities, so if you are also interested, continue reading

What is the PR System in Australia?

Permanent Residency or PR is a status in Australia that almost every international student and immigrant covets. It allows staying in Australia permanently, working and studying here, applying for citizenship, and having several other privileges that citizens enjoy. It is not the same as Australian citizenship, though. With an Australian PR status, you are entitled to get almost all the rights of an Aussie citizen.

How to Apply for PR in Australia?

Now that you know what permanent residency means, we will discuss how to get PR in Australia. There are different pathways to Australian PR, including the Skilled Migration program. It is a program that grants PR based on the work experience and skills of the applicant.

Every year, the Australian Department of Home Affairs publishes a compilation of in-demand jobs that play a part in the development of the nation. An international student who completes a course related to a job on the Skilled Occupation list in Australia has a greater chance of getting an Australian Permanent Residency. In other words, every student who wants to settle in the nation should pursue a course with a high prospect for PR that will keep being in demand for a while.

Later, we will discuss some of the courses, but not all. Therefore, be sure to look for the latest PR list courses in Australia for a better idea about your possible options. Several international students still apply for Australian PR statuses after graduation.

PR in Australia - Process

Applying for Australian PR requires you to not only undergo an English proficiency test and a skill assessment but also to submit an Expression of Interest to the government through its online service known as SkillSelect. As you register with SkillSelect, you must produce certain pieces of information, including your work experience, and English test details.

An integral aspect of the program, skill assessment aids in choosing the immigrant having the right attributes for coming to Australia. You cannot apply for PR without undergoing this assessment. It is the stage in which an authority assesses your claims about work experience and educational qualifications. According to your nominated job, a particular assessment body will assess your skills.

Getting the assessment done requires you to satisfy the conditions that the authority that evaluates your occupation outlines. You should possess the related experience and qualifications for a positive skill assessment. This means that the assessment requires your job to be associated with your specific work experience. In the event of a mismatch, you would not obtain the necessary points for PR.

After your EOI is processed, the Department of Home Affairs will invite you to submit an application for an Australian permanent visa. To get the invitation, you must have 65 PR points or more. The higher your points are, the earlier it will invite you for the application.

Besides, applying for the visa requires you to submit every required document in its complete and authentic form. If there are any discrepancies in your documentation, it could play a part in a negative skill assessment.

What Are the Benefits Of PR In Australia?

The PR visa in Australia stays valid for five years. You would be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship if you live and work here for four years with the said visa. The PR status or visa allows for the following:

• Applying for some educational loans in Australia
• Sponsoring the permanent residency of your family members, subject to meeting some prerequisites
• Applying for a government job
• Education for free for children of a particular age group

PR Point System in Australia

To qualify for PR in Australia under the skilled migration program, you will have to meet many requirements, including a specific number of points. PR points in Australia are awarded on the basis of factors such as your age, proficiency in English, educational qualification, and more. Qualifying for the visa requires at least 65 points for now, but remember that Australia can make changes to the system.

Australia’s point-based system of immigration requires the immigrant to choose a job that comes in the so-called Skilled Occupation List (SOL). The list will contain jobs with skill shortages in Australia and the specific visas available for them. There is a specific authority that assesses the skills related to each occupation in that list.

Top 15 PR Courses in Australia

Talking about occupations, what holds the key for you is choosing the right course that will lead to PR. Here, we will discuss a compilation of courses with the highest PR prospects. That said, keep yourself up to date with the latest PR list courses in Australia to be sure that you have the maximum chance for permanent residency in Australia.

1) Computer and Information Technology (IT)

Every nation requires professionals from the fields of computer science and information technology, including Australia. The booming economy of the nation satisfies the needs and demands of IT professionals having degrees from recognized Australian universities well. Many different universities here offer various courses in the fields. Taking up those courses open up many career opportunities for students, besides improving their odds of getting qualified for PR in Australia.

Some of the jobs on the latest Skilled Occupation List are ICT security specialist, ICT business analyst, as well as computer network, and systems engineer.

Top Universities to Study Computer and IT

• The University of Melbourne.
• Australian National University.
• RMIT University.
• The University of Queensland.
• The University of Sydney.
• University of New South Wales.
• La Trobe University.

Jobs after Computer and IT

2) Teaching Course for PR in Australia

Among other things, Australia is renowned for its education system. A student who pursues a teaching career can inspire the curious minds of students, thus having an impact on the nation’s development. It will make it possible for them to submit an application for PR here. Taking up a teaching course in Australia possibly contributes to several career opportunities, such as lecturer at a university to name one.

The latest jobs that come on the list for this category include early childhood teacher, primary school teacher, and special needs teacher.

Top Universities to Study Teaching and Education

• Monash University.
• Deakin University.
• The University of Queensland.
• The University of Sydney.
• The University of Canberra.
• The University of Wollongong. 

Jobs after Teaching and Education

3) Engineering

Engineering is among the best-known options on the PR list courses in Australia that international students choose for the top-quality curriculum from a world-class university in the nation. Australian universities provide a wide array of courses in engineering to international students. There is a high demand for engineers in Australia.

Civil engineering technician, civil engineering draftsperson, electrical engineering technician and electrical engineering draftsperson are among the engineering occupations that feature on the latest list.

Top Universities to Study Engineering

• The University of Melbourne.
• Australian National University.
• RMIT University.
• Monash University.
• The University of Queensland.
• The University of Sydney.
• University of New South Wales.
• The University of Technology Sydney.

Jobs after Engineering

4) Nursing and Midwifery Courses for PR in Australia

There is a top-notch healthcare system in Australia. It is among the best nations for pursuing a healthcare career. Therefore, thousands of international students and locals pursue Australian nursing courses for a solid basis for their healthcare careers. Universities in Australia are known for offering top-notch healthcare programs at various levels. Because nursing is among the most coveted courses in Australia’s healthcare industry, it has high prospects for PR.

The population is increasing in Australia, so there is more demand for adept medical workers as well. Registered nurses, nursing clinical director, and nurse practitioner are among the jobs featuring on the 2022 list.

Top Universities to Study Nursing and Midwife

• The University of Technology Sydney.
• The University of Sydney.
• Monash University.
• Griffith University.
• The University of Adelaide.
• La Trobe University.

Jobs after Nursing and Midwife

5) Social Work Courses for PR in Australia

Courses in social work appeal to students from across the globe. They are interested in pursuing the courses so that they can work with the underprivileged and make a big difference to other people’s lives by offering advice, support, or assistance to integrate socially displaced people back into society.

It is possible for you to pursue a different course in social work in Australia, such as a course in psychiatry to name one. Moreover, having a degree in social work will allow you to apply for a job that comes on the PR list courses in Australia. The latest SOL includes occupations such as social worker, welfare worker, and welfare centre manager.

Top Universities to Study Social Work

• Monash University.
• The University of South Australia.
• Federation University Australia.
• The University of Auckland.
• The University of Melbourne.
• La Trobe University.

Jobs after Social Work

6) Dentistry

Pursuing a dentistry course in Australia will offer many exciting career options for you and will contribute to you getting your PR in Australia. Any international student can pursue a dental degree course at an eligible Australian university.

Moreover, after completing the degree, you may pick between a few of Australia’s best-known dentistry careers, such as dental therapist, dental prosthetist, dental hygienist, and dental technician. You can choose another career path, such as teaching or general practice to name one.

Dental specialist and dentist are the latest options available on the SOL.

Top Universities to Study Dentistry

• Curtin University.
• Charles Sturt University.
• The University of Adelaide.
• The University of Queensland.
• James Cook University.
• The University of Western Australia.
• CQ University.

Jobs after Dentistry

7) Psychology Courses for PR in Australia

Skilled jobs for permanent residency in Australia include psychology courses. A country that values mental wellbeing, Australia always sees high requirements for psychology occupations, such as counsellors, psychologists, psychiatrists and more. Most universities in Australia offer a wide variety of courses in psychology, including bachelor’s in psychology.

Clinical psychologist, organisational psychologist and educational psychologist are the options featuring on the latest skilled occupations list.

Top Universities to Study Psychology

• The University of Sydney
• Curtin University - Australia
• Monash University
• Federation University Australia

Jobs after Psychology 

8) Medical Courses for PR in Australia

Studying an MBBS or MD course in Australia also allows getting PR since medical practitioners are in high demand here. In a general sense, these courses take 5 to 7 years to complete as well as are available as MCI or WHO-certified options that can contribute to internships and placements in medical science.

Medical oncologist, medical laboratory scientist, resident medical officer, and medical practitioners are some of the latest inclusions on the SOL.

Top Universities to Study Medical Courses 

• The University of Melbourne.
• Australian National University.
• The University of Sydney.
• Deakin University.
• The University of Tasmania.
• University of New South Wales.

Jobs after Medical Courses 

9) Trade Qualification Courses

Several institutions and colleges in Australia offer trade courses leading to opportunities for employment positions like welder, carpenter, cabinet maker, and electrician to name some. Applying for a trade job in Australia requires a diploma, certificate III / IV or bachelor’s degree, alongside completing TRA assessment. Pursuing a trade qualification course in Australia generally requires less cost than a relatively higher degree program.

Painting trades worker is one of the latest occupations on the list.

10) Automotive Courses for PR in Australia

Pursuing an automotive course in Australia offers more than enough opportunities for every international student who is passionate about vehicles. It lets them get PR in Australia as well.

Automotive industry occupations in Australia with a high demand, include automotive electrician, diesel motor mechanic, motorcycle mechanic and motor mechanic. Finishing your education will allow you to apply for one of those positions and begin a career in Australia’s automotive sector.

Automotive electrician, motorcycle mechanic, and diesel motor mechanic are three of the occupations on the SOL.

Top Universities to Study Automotive

• RMIT University.
• Edith Cowan University.
• Kangan Institute.
• TAFE Western Australia.
• Baxter Institute.

Jobs after Automotive

11) Building and Construction

A building and construction course will provide you with the opportunity to study and implement many building techniques. Besides, it will teach you what way to work at a construction venue as well as cope with construction activities, safety standards and more.

When you finish this course, you will have the option to work as a joiner, carpenter, builder, bricklayer, rigger, construction project manager, construction estimator, building inspector, roof tiler, floor tiler or a similar professional.

The updated SOL includes occupations such as building inspector, building associate, and construction project manager.

Top Universities to Study Building and Construction

• The University of Melbourne
• Curtin University - Australia
• Deakin University
• Victoria University
• Western Sydney University

Jobs after Building and Construction

12)Cooking and Chef Courses

Pursuing a culinary course can also aid you in getting a permanent residency as it is among the best PR courses in Australia. Australia’s hospitality sector has restaurants and hotels that always require proficient sous chefs and chefs. Are you passionate about hotel management, baking, or cooking? If so, take up any of those courses and realise your hospitality dreams. When you want to get more PR points in Australia while working in this sector, you could pick from an array of courses in hospitality at recognised educational institutions in the country.

Pastrycook, cook, and chef are among the skilled occupations that the government now demands in this category.

Top Universities to Study Cooking and Chef Courses

• The University of Melbourne
• The University of Sydney
• Curtin University - Australia
• Deakin University

Jobs after Cooking and Chef Courses

 13) Plumbing Courses for PR in Australia

Plumbers are in high demand in Australia. Almost all the plumbing work is performed on domestic, retail, and commercial construction sites in Australia. So, studying a course in plumbing at a top Australian institution will make you ready for the related duties, and you will get enough expertise to complement your training at work. You would also learn about roofing, sanitary services, pipe fabrication, mechanical services, welding, reading plans, and many other things. After graduation, you would get the skills, confidence and experience required to get a job in the plumbing field. The most recent SOL includes occupations like general plumber, roof plumber, as well as air-conditioning and mechanical services plumber.

Top Universities to Study Plumbing

• The University of Melbourne
• The University of Sydney
• Deakin University
• Monash University
• RMIT University

Jobs after Plumbing

14) Painting and Decoration Courses 

Pursuing a painting and decoration course in Australia allows an international student to have a pathway to PR. Experts expect around 11% job growth for the construction sector down the line, meaning there would be more demand for painting trade workers than ever before.

Studying this course will also let you work in paint application, traditional spray painting, timber staining, wallpapering or a similar area. Further, as a painter or decorator, you can work on the interior or exterior of a residential or commercial building in Australia.

Wall and floor tiler, solid plasterer, painting trades worker, and fibrous plasterer comprise the latest entries on the SOL.

Top Universities to Study  Painting and Decoration

• The University of Melbourne
• The University of Sydney
• RMIT University
• Deakin University

Jobs after Painting and Decoration

15) Other PR Courses in Australia

You may enrol yourself in one of these courses for PR in Australia.

• Engineering fabrication
• Electrical engineering technician
• Boat building
• Plastering
• Joinery
• Air conditioning and refrigeration

Sheetmetal trade workers, carpenters, cabinetmakers, and electricians are among the latest additions to the list.

Eligibility for PR courses in Australia

Eligibility for Permanent Residency (PR) courses in Australia typically depends on several factors, including the type of course, the educational institution, and the specific requirements set by the Australian immigration authorities. Here are some general guidelines and eligibility criteria for those considering PR courses in Australia:

• Educational Qualifications: Most PR courses require applicants to have completed at least an undergraduate degree. However, some vocational education and training (VET) courses may accept applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent.

• English Language Proficiency: Applicants are usually required to demonstrate proficiency in English. This is often measured through standardized tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or OET, with specific score requirements varying by course and institution.

• Course Relevance and Level: The course chosen should be relevant to an occupation listed on Australia's skilled occupation list. Higher-level courses, such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, or PhDs, typically offer better prospects for PR.

• Australian Study Requirement: Completing at least two academic years (92 weeks as registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) of full-time study in Australia can be beneficial. It may qualify applicants for certain post-study work visas, which are a pathway to PR.

• Age: Age is a factor in the points-based immigration system. Applicants younger than 45 years are generally favored.

• Health and Character Checks: Applicants must meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. This includes medical examinations and police certificates.

• Skilled Occupation List: The chosen field of study should align with occupations in demand in Australia. Occupations listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) are particularly advantageous.

• Post-Study Work Rights: Graduating from certain courses may make applicants eligible for post-study work visas, which allow them to gain work experience in Australia and can be a pathway to PR.

• Regional Study: Studying in regional Australia can also provide additional points in the PR points system, and some regional visas have more relaxed criteria.

IELTS Band Score for PR Courses in Australia

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) band score is crucial for students and professionals aiming to enroll in courses that could lead to a Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia. The required IELTS score can vary depending on the course, the educational institution, and the specific visa requirements set by the Australian immigration authorities. Below is a table that gives a general idea of the IELTS band scores required for PR courses in Australia:

Here are the different score requirements for the various language tests for permanent residency in Australia.