Top In-Demand Courses Leading to PR in Australia

Thinking about PR in Australia?

Your student visa may be ending soon, or maybe you’re just planning ahead. 

Either way, if you want to stay in Australia, you’re in the right place. Choosing the right course can open doors to PR, better job opportunities, and a future here. Let’s break down the most in-demand courses that can help make that happen.

Whether you’re looking for the best PR pathways after graduation, a new degree, or a postgraduate study, this guide has everything you need to know. 

What Are PR-Eligible Courses in Australia?

Choosing the right course is one of the smartest ways to increase your chances of getting permanent residency (PR) in Australia. 

But what exactly makes a course “PR-eligible”? 

It all comes down to demand. Australia’s immigration system is designed to attract skilled workers in industries that need them the most.

To improve your chances of PR, you need to choose a course that aligns with Australia’s high-demand occupations. This is where the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) comes in.

How the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) Affects PR Eligibility

The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is a government-updated list of occupations facing worker shortages. 

If your chosen career is on this list, you’ll have a stronger PR pathway because Australia actively seeks professionals in these fields. 

The list is divided into categories, such as:

  • Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) – Best for PR; occupations here have long-term demand.

  • Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) – May require employer sponsorship for PR.

  • Regional Occupation List (ROL) – Your PR chances increase if you study and work in regional Australia.

Before choosing a course, it’s important to check whether your target career is on the SOL, as the list gets updated based on Australia’s economic needs.

For better guidance, you can contact one of our IDP education experts. We will help you identify and apply for in-demand programs based on Australia's Skilled Occupation List to help extend your stay. 

In-Demand Courses in Australia That May Lead to PR Opportunities

Here are some of the top courses that offer strong PR pathways:

Medical Science or Nursing Courses

Australia has an aging population and an ongoing demand for healthcare professionals, making nursing and medical science some of the most PR-friendly career paths. The Australian Government projects that employment for nurses will grow by 24.4% by 2033, translating to about 80, 500 new jobs in the sector. 

  • Top Nursing Courses for PR in Australia: 

  • Average Tuition Fees: $20,000 - $40,000 per year

  • Starting Salary for Registered Nurses: $75,000 - $95,000 per year

Find out more about nursing courses, tuition fees, and job opportunities in Australia in this complete guide.

Medical Science courses also offer great opportunities for permanent residency (PR) in Australia. It is listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

Many programs approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) run for five to seven years. These programs often include hands-on training, internships, and job placements, helping students gain experience and improve their chances of securing PR.

  • Top Medical Science Courses for PR in Australia:

    • Bachelor of Physiotherapy

    • Bachelor of Neuroscience

    • Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics

    • Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Oncology)

    • Bachelor of Gynecology and Obstetrics

  • Average Tuition Fees: $20,000 - $366,739 per year

  • Starting Salary: $80,000 - $130,000 per year

Find out if a Nursing or Medical Science course in Australia is the right choice for your PR journey.  Talk to one of our IDP Education experts today. 

Engineering Courses

Engineers are critical for infrastructure and technological advancements. Many engineering fields are always in demand and appear on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts around 140,000 new engineering jobs in ten years. This growth means strong career opportunities, especially in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering.

  • Top Engineering Courses for PR in Australia:

    • Bachelor of Civil Engineering

    • Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering

    • Master of Electrical Engineering

    • Master of Environmental Engineering

  • Average Tuition Fees: $36,500 - $55,000 per year

  • Starting Salary: $85,000 - $120,000 per year

Find out if an Engineering course in Australia is the right choice for your PR journey.  Talk to one of our IDP Education experts today. 

Information Technology (IT) Courses

As technology evolves, Australia needs more IT professionals in areas like cybersecurity, software development, and data science. IT jobs are projected to grow by 13% by 2030, which is faster than the average for other occupations. This emphasises the strong demand for IT professionals. 

  • Top IT Courses for PR in Australia: 

    • Bachelor of Information Technology

    • Bachelor of Computer Science

    • Master of Cybersecurity

    • Master of Data Science

  • Average Tuition Fees: $35,000 - $135,000 per year

  • Starting Salary: $80,000 - $110,000 per year

Find out if an IT course is the right choice for your PR journey. Talk to one of our IDP Education experts today. 

Education & Teaching Courses

With a shortage of teachers, particularly in early childhood and secondary education, teaching is a high-priority occupation. Over the next decade, there will be 86,000 new jobs for kindergarten and primary teachers. 

  • Top Education & Teaching Courses for PR in Australia: 

    • Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

    • Bachelor of Primary Education

    • Master of Teaching (Secondary)

    • Master of Special Education

  • Average Tuition Fees: $12,500 - $50,000 per year

  • Starting Salary: $70,000 - $115,000 per year 

Find out if an Education course is the right choice for your PR journey. Talk to one of our IDP Education experts today. 

Trades & Construction Courses

The construction boom in Australia has increased the demand for skilled tradespeople, particularly in regional areas. Additionally, the Australian government is shifting towards energy-saving cars. Hence, there are many new opportunities for students interested in automobile engineering and repair. 

  • Top Trades & Construction Courses for PR in Australia:

    • Certificate III in Carpentry

    • Certificate III in Plumbing

    • Certificate III in Automotive Mechanical Technology

    • Diploma of Building and Construction (Management)

  • Average Tuition Fees: $1,040 - $51,990 

  • Starting Salary: $20,000 - $90,000 per year 

Find out if a Trades & Construction course in Australia is the right choice for your PR journey. Talk to one of our IDP Education experts today. 

Social Work & Community Services Courses

Social work is listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). It is one of the fastest-growing professions in Australia due to increasing demand in areas like mental health, family violence, homelessness, and child protection.

  • Top Social Work Courses for PR in Australia: 

    • Bachelor of Social Work

    • Bachelor of Community Services

    • Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

    • Master of Counselling

  • Average Tuition Fees: $20,000 - $55,690 

  • Starting Salary: $65,000 - $85,000 per year

Find out if a Social Work course in Australia is the right choice for your PR journey. Talk to one of our IDP Education experts today. 

Accounting & Finance Courses

The demand for accountants and financial analysts in Australia is continually growing. Until 2033, they will need 58,000 more accountants to fill the current shortage in the industry. 

  • Top Accounting & Finance Courses for PR in Australia: 

    • Bachelor of Accounting

    • Bachelor of Commerce (Finance)

    • Master of Professional Accounting

    • Master of Financial Analysis

  • Average Tuition Fees: $34,000 - $80,000 per year

  • Starting Salary: $95,000 - $395,795 per year

Find out if an Accounting course is the right choice for your PR journey. Talk to one of our IDP Education experts today. 

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Application Requirements for PR Courses

Once you’ve chosen a PR-eligible course, the next step is understanding the requirements for enrollment. 

As an onshore student in Australia, you may already meet some criteria, but additional steps may be required to improve your PR chances.

Academic Requirements

To enroll in a PR-eligible course, you must meet the academic entry requirements set by your institution. These typically include:

  • Completion of an Australian Year 12 qualification (for undergraduate courses) or a bachelor’s degree (for postgraduate programs).

  • Prerequisite subjects for specific courses (e.g., mathematics and science for engineering or health-related programs).

Most universities also require proof of English proficiency, even if you have completed previous studies in Australia. Some programs, like nursing or teaching, may have stricter English language requirements, requiring higher IELTS, PTE, or OET scores.

English Proficiency Requirements

Since you’re already in Australia, you may have met the English proficiency requirement when you first applied for your student visa. 

If you're moving from a diploma to a bachelor's or applying for a postgrad program, you might need a higher IELTS score.

For IELTS, most universities require a minimum overall score of 6.0–7.0, with no band lower than 6.0.

However, the requirements vary for different courses and universities. 

Not sure what score you need? An IDP counselor can help you figure it out. They will ensure you meet both academic and English requirements for your dream program.

And when you’re ready to take your test, you can also book your IELTS with us. You’ll get access to free and low-cost prep materials, expert guidance, and flexible test dates. Plus, you can get your results by SMS or online. We will make passing your test as easy as possible. 

Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement

If you’re applying for a new student visa to continue your studies in a PR-eligible field, you must still satisfy the GTE requirement. This means demonstrating that you are in Australia primarily for education, not just to stay for PR.

Financial Requirements

If your student visa is expiring and you need to extend it, you must still prove you can support yourself financially. This includes:

Health & Character Requirements

If you have been in Australia for an extended period, you may need to renew your health examination. You may also need to provide an updated police clearance when applying for a new student visa or transitioning to permanent residency.

These eligibility criteria are important to ensure a smooth transition into a PR-eligible course. Once enrolled, you can focus on completing your studies and preparing for the next steps toward permanent residency.

Best Universities Offering PR-Eligible Courses

Choosing the right university is just as important as selecting the right course.

Studying at a well-ranked institution can enhance your career prospects and help you qualify for PR pathways in Australia. 

Many top universities offer PR-eligible courses in fields like healthcare, IT, engineering, education, and finance, ensuring students gain the skills and qualifications needed for in-demand jobs.

Top Universities Offering PR-Eligible Courses in Australia

Here are some of the best universities where you can study PR-friendly courses:

  • The University of Sydney – Known for its world-class nursing, healthcare, and engineering programs

  • The University of Melbourne – Offers strong programs in accounting, finance, and engineering

  • University of Technology Sydney (UTS) – A top choice for IT, education, and healthcare courses

  • Monash University – Specialises in nursing, social work, and business-related fields

  • Griffith University – Offers PR pathways through education, social work, and healthcare courses

Each of these universities provides high-quality education and industry-relevant training, increasing your chances of securing skilled migration opportunities.

It can be overwhelming to choose the right university that aligns with your career goals and gives you the best chances to PR. Browsing through different websites and trying to contact each of your prospects can waste your time and energy.

We save you from all that hassle and uncertainty. 

IDP Australia can help you find your dream course in Australia that not only gets you a job, but a pathway to PR. Chat with us today and we will help you apply to your dream university. 

Your First Step to PR After Graduation

After graduating, most international students apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).

This visa allows you to stay and work in Australia for 2–4 years, depending on your qualification level.

It’s an important step because it lets you gain local work experience, which can improve your chances of securing permanent residency (PR) visas like the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) or Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa.

How to Transition from a Student Visa to PR

To move from a student visa to permanent residency, follow these key steps:

  1. Apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) – This gives you time to gain work experience in your field.

  2. Gain relevant work experience – Completing at least one year of full-time work in your field improves your PR chances.

  3. Meet the points test requirement – Points are based on age, education, work experience, and English proficiency.

  4. Apply for a PR visa – Popular options include:

    • Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – This visa does not require sponsorship from an employer or nomination by an Australian state. You apply based on your skills and qualifications, and if you meet the points requirement and receive an invitation, you can get PR without any external sponsorship.

    • Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – This visa requires nomination by an Australian state or territory. Each state has its list of in-demand occupations, and if your profession is on their list, you can apply for nomination. If approved, you get extra points, which increases your chances of receiving an invitation for PR. The more in-demand your job is, the better your chances of being invited.

    • Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 186) – This visa requires an Australian employer to sponsor you for a specific job. The employer must prove that they couldn’t find an Australian worker for the role. If your sponsorship is approved, you can apply for PR through this pathway.

Understanding these steps early can help you plan your PR journey more effectively. If you're unsure about your eligibility or visa options, talking to an IDP Education expert can help you navigate the process.

The Road to Your PR Begins with the Right Course – Are You Ready?

Your course choice isn’t just about studying. It’s your first step toward PR. 

With tough competition, you need a degree that matches Australia’s skilled migration needs. 

Which course gives you the best chance? What are the entry requirements? How do you ensure you meet all the requirements without wasting time or money?

Figuring out all of this by yourself is stressful. 

Fortunately, we can help to save you from all those worries and stressful work. 

When you talk to one of our IDP experts, they will help you explore a course that aligns with your goals, interests, and Australia’s in-demand programs. 

And the process doesn’t end there. We can also assist you in applying to your university, help you achieve your target IELTS score, and make your PR application journey easier. 

Are you ready? Let’s get you on the fastest path to PR. Talk to us today and explore your best study-to-PR options.

Enquire now