Studying in Regional Australia: Pathway to Permanent Residency Benefits

If you want to study in Australia, there’s many reasons to consider doing so in a regional area rather than a metro city. In addition to cheaper living, a deeper sense of community, and more post-study work opportunities, studying in regional Australia offers PR benefits.

What Are the Benefits of Studying in Regional Australia?

Studying in regional Australia offers numerous benefits for international students. Take a look a list of the pros and cons of studying in regional Australia here.

Be sure to check out our podcast episode featuring destination expert Amrita Chauhan who covers the benefits of studying in regional Australia including challenges, financial support, and quality of life on the IDP Real Talk podcast.

PR and Visa Benefits

If you study in regional Australia, you will be eligible for an extra five points towards your skilled migration visa application. This can increase your chances of permanent residency substantially. A minimum of 65 points is needed in order to apply for this visa, and the higher your score, the more favourable your application is. That five points can put you ahead of many others. There are also a raft of different visa types to apply under:

• Skilled Work Regional Provisional visa subclass 491

• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Provisional visa subclass 494

• Permanent Residence Skilled Regional visa subclass 191

• Temporary Skill Shortage visa subclass 482 – Sponsorship needed

• Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme subclass 187

• Skilled Regional visa subclass 887

DAMA designated area migration agreements, which is a special sponsored framework under the 482, 494, and 186 visa type

Lower Cost of Living

Sydney and Melbourne are well known for the high costs of accommodation. Find out your estimated cost of living in your city using our cost calculator, alternatively, download a complimentary copy of the IDP City Guide. For example, as of 2024, a typical month of costs, including rent outside the central city, for a single person are:

• Tier one city: Melbourne: AU$3,471

• Tier one city: Sydney AU$3,973

• Tier two city: Perth AU$3,380

• Tier two city: Adelaide AU$3,382

• Tier three town: Ballarat: AU$2,800

• Tier three town: Alice Springs: AU$2750

Deeper Sense of Community

Regional areas are known for being warmer and friendlier than big cities. While you won’t know everyone in town, you’ll form strong networks, with a generally supportive atmosphere for international students. These meaningful relationships will help you build a better network.

Post-Study Work Opportunities

For many roles in Australia that are in-demand and on a skills shortage list, the need is more acute in regional areas. Industries such as agriculture, mining, education, and healthcare are desperate for qualified and skilled workers. If you earn your degree regionally, you will find it much easier to apply for local roles - and with a smaller pool of applicants, you’ll be much more likely to get employment.

Graduates from regional institutions can be eligible for extended post-study work visas too, giving you longer to find that perfect role. Typically, those in category two regions can be granted an extra year, and those in a category three area are eligible for up to another two years.

There are a number of amazing universities located in regional Australia. They offer a huge breadth of specialities, depending on needs in the region.

1. University of Adelaide

Established in 1874, this top 100 university has four campuses, one in the central-Adelaide North Terrace, Waite (south of Adelaide) and Roseworthy (north of Adelaide) and one in Melbourne, Victoria. It has the following subjects in the top 100, according to USNews: Artificial intelligence, chemical engineering, chemistry, computer science, electrical and electronic engineering, energy and fuels, environmental engineering, environment/geosciences, materials science, nanoscience and nanotechnology, water resources, and physical chemistry.

2. University of South Australia

UniSA has four metro campuses, two in Adelaide and one in Whyalla and one in Mount Gambier. Their two regional campuses are in Magill and Mawson Lakes. It’s a top young university, ranked 43 in the 2024 THE young university ranking. Their top courses include Nursing, law, business and economics, computer science, and clinical and health.

3. University of Western Australia

Ranked 77^th in the world (QS 2025 rankings), UWA has a significant drawcard. With 17 subjects ranked in the world’s top 50, and scoring highly on a range of student measures, it’s an easy choice. Their teachers consistently are awarded excellence awards, and the uni itself has a relaxed vibe that reflects Perth’s laid-back feel.

In the top 50 in the world, UWA have the following courses: Agriculture and forestry, sports-related subjects, anatomy and physiology, geology, earth and marine sciences, geophysics, mineral and mining engineering, and petroleum engineering. Added to this, their MBA program is first in Oceania for entrepreneurship and alumni outcomes.

There are three locations, including one in Claremont and another in Albany. The main campus is located not far from Perth CBD. It’s right by the beautiful Kings Park, set along the Swan River. It’s only a 15-minute drive to the amazing local beaches- truly setting you up for a lifestyle that ensures balance of academic rigor and happiness.

4. Charles Darwin University

With three regional campuses in Darwin, Alice Springs, and Katherine, plus ranking highly in Australia and worldwide, Charles Darwin offers tremendous benefits to their students. They are the number two Australian university for postgraduate full-time employment outcomes, making them ideal if employment is your next step.

Their highest-ranking subjects include Clinical and health (particularly their nurses get very high work placement following graduation) and Life sciences.

Top Scholarships for International Students Studying in Regional Areas

There are special state government incentives and scholarships for students wanting to study in regional areas. This can help make the financial burden a bit lighter. Check out your intended state or territory website for information, our scholarship information page, and your institution’s scholarship page.

Benefits of having a PR in Australia

The friendly locals, amazing natural beauty, work-life balance, exceptional opportunities, and great lifestyle make Aussie an attractive option. Permanent residency is how you can set up a life for yourself in Australia. The benefits of PR include:

You can live in Australia indefinitely. Once you’re extended your introductory PR visa, there’s more visa applications, no more back-and-forth to your home country, no more worries about travelling and returning. You:

• Get full working rights, working in any occupation you wish

• Can sponsor family members to get PR

• Can get a credit rating, which enables easier mortgage approvals

• Become eligible for the first homeowner grant (FHOG)

• Can access student loans

• Are eligible to social security benefits and free healthcare

• Can apply for citizenship after 12 months on PR

Contact IDP For More Information

Studying in regional areas offers huge benefits to international students, and the benefits continue long after graduation. Longer post-study work visas and more permanent visa pathways make it a logical choice. Are you ready to apply?

Get expert assistance from our IDP registered migration agents for all your migration and visa inquiries, as well as help with your application submission. We can help you choose the perfect regional university, find relevant scholarships, and even assist with visa applications.