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Permanent Residency (PR) Courses in Australia 2025: Top Courses, Eligibility & Pathways

By Kanika Pruthi

Updated on Sep 01, 2025 | 7.47K+ views

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Australia ranks among the best countries to study abroad for Indian and international students, attracting thousands each year. One of the key reasons behind this growing interest is the availability of PR (Permanent Residency) courses in Australia, which open doors to long-term career opportunities and settlement prospects. 

With the updated PR list courses in Australia 2025, there are growing Career Opportunities in Australia in fields like nursing, IT, engineering, trades, social work, and allied health.  

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find everything, including the best PR-eligible courses and top universities, eligibility criteria, fees, and visa pathways, to help you begin your journey to study in Australia. 

Which Are the Best PR Courses in Australia in 2025?  

In 2025, Australia continues to attract international students, especially Indians, with a wide range of PR-eligible courses and post-study work visa options that open doors to long-term settlement. 

In the table below, we’ve listed the most PR-friendly courses, their specialisations, and the leading universities offering them. 

List of Best PR Courses in Australia 2025: 

Field 

Popular PR Courses 

Top Universities 

Nursing & Healthcare 
  • BSc Nursing  
  • Midwifery  
  • Mental Health Nursing  
  • Aged Care 
IT & Computer Science 
  • Cybersecurity  
  • Data Science  
  • Cloud Computing  
  • Artificial Intelligence 
Engineering 
  • Civil Engineering  
  • Mechanical Engineering  
  • Electrical Engineering  
  • Software & Mining Engineering 
Trade & Vocational 
  • Automotive  
  • Carpentry  
  • Plumbing  
  • Commercial Cookery 
Social Work 
  • Bachelor of Social Work  
  • Master of Social Work 
Accounting & Commerce 
  • Accounting  
  • Finance  
  • Business Analytics 
Medical & Allied Health 
  • Medicine  
  • Dentistry  
  • Physiotherapy  
  • Occupational Therapy 

Check out everything about the Australian Student Visa to begin your journey to study in Australia.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for PR Courses in Australia? 

If you are planning to study PR-eligible courses in Australia in 2025, you must meet specific academic, English language, and visa compliance requirements for studying in Australia. These criteria differ based on whether you are applying for a diploma, bachelor’s, or master’s program.  

Fulfilling these conditions not only helps you secure admission but also strengthens your chances of obtaining Australian Permanent Residency (PR) after graduation. 

What are the Academic Requirements for Australian PR courses? 

Your academic performance plays a crucial role in admission to PR-eligible courses. Each program level has a minimum percentage or grade requirement: 

Program Level 

Minimum Academic Scores 

Examples of Eligible Courses 

Diploma / Certificate  Minimum 50% - 55% in Class 12 or equivalent  Commercial Cookery, Automotive Technology, Carpentry, Plumbing 
Bachelor’s Degree  Minimum 60% - 65% in Class 12  Nursing, IT, Social Work, Accounting, Business Analytics 
Master’s Degree  Minimum 55% - 60% in a bachelor’s degree  Data Science, Engineering, Public Health, Finance, Cybersecurity 

Note: For competitive courses like medicine, dentistry, or physiotherapy, universities may set higher entry cut-offs, usually 70% or above.  

What English Language Proficiency for needed for Australian PR courses? 

Since Australia is an English-speaking country, demonstrating language proficiency is mandatory for all international students.  

Universities accept multiple standardized tests, and the required scores vary depending on the course: 

Test 

Minimum Overall Score 

Preferred For 

IELTS   6.0 - 7.5 bands  Widely accepted for most PR-eligible courses 
PTE Academic  50 - 65 points  Popular among Indian students due to faster results 
TOEFL iBT  79 - 94  Accepted by most universities and TAFE institutes 

For students aiming for PR in Australia, achieving higher scores in IELTS or PTE can earn additional points in the General Skilled Migration (GSM) system, improving PR prospects. 

Also check out: PTE exam for Australia Visa   

Visa Compliance and GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) 

To enroll in any PR course, you need a valid Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500). The visa process includes several key requirements: 

  • Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Statement – You must prove your primary intent is to study in Australia.
  • Financial Capacity Proof – Evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses.
  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – Mandatory health insurance for the entire duration of your stay. 
  • Compliance With Visa Conditions – Includes maintaining minimum attendance, course progression, and permitted working hours.

How Much Do PR Courses in Australia Cost in 2025? 

Studying PR-eligible courses in Australia in 2025 requires careful financial planning, as tuition fees vary based on the course level, university, and program type.  

Indian students are increasingly choosing PR list courses in Australia 2025 due to their strong job prospects and migration benefits. It helps to have an idea of the cost of living in Australia.

Average Tuition Fees for PR Courses in Australia 

Tuition fees cover a major portion of the cost of studying in Australia. Students considering PR courses in Australia must have an idea of the average fees charged by Australian universities. 

Here’s a quick overview of the average annual tuition fee range for different study levels: 

Program Level 

Average Annual Tuition Fees 

Examples of PR-Eligible Courses 

Diploma / Certificate 

AUD 10,000 – 18,000  

(≈ ₹5.5L – ₹9.9L) 

Commercial Cookery, Automotive, Carpentry, Plumbing 
Bachelor’s Degree 

AUD 20,000 – 35,000  

(≈ ₹11L – ₹19.3L) 

Nursing, IT, Social Work, Accounting, Engineering 
Master’s Degree 

AUD 22,000 – 40,000  

(≈ ₹12.1L – ₹22L) 

Data Science, Public Health, Cybersecurity, Finance, Business Analytics 

Note: These values are approximate and may vary with course, university and currency exchange rates. 

Medical, dentistry, and veterinary courses are costlier, often exceeding AUD 55,000/year (≈ ₹30.2L)

Scholarships for PR-Focused Courses in Australia 

Several Australian universities and government bodies offer scholarships to help international students, especially Indians, reduce their overall costs: 

Popular Scholarships for PR Courses 

  • Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS): Covers full tuition, living expenses, and OSHC. 
  • Destination Australia Scholarship: Up to AUD 15,000 per student, ideal for those studying in regional areas.
  • University-Specific Merit Scholarships: 
  • University of Sydney International Scholarship 
  • Monash International Merit Scholarship 
  • Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship

What Are the PR Pathways After Completing PR Courses in Australia? 

After completing your PR-eligible course in Australia, international students, especially Indians have multiple visa options to transition from a student visa to Permanent Residency (PR).  

Below is a breakdown of the most common PR pathways available in 2025: 

Visa Type 

Key Eligibility 

PR Benefits & Validity 

Temporary Graduate Visa  

(Subclass 485) 

Completed a PR-eligible course  Offers 2-4 years of post-study work rights 

Skilled Independent Visa  

(Subclass 189) 

65+ PR points, positive skills assessment, MLTSSL occupation  Direct PR pathway without employer or state sponsorship 

Skilled Nominated Visa  

(Subclass 190) 

State/territory nomination, in-demand skills, study/work in-state  Permanent PR through state sponsorship 

Skilled Work Regional Visa  

(Subclass 491) 

Study/work in regional Australia, regional nomination  Grants 15 extra PR points; pathway to Subclass 191 PR in 5 years 

Also read: 

How to Settle in Australia 

How to Get Australian Citizenship 

How to get a PR in Australia on a Student visa? 

Many Indian students in Australia aim to secure Permanent Residency (PR) after completing their studies.  

Here’s a step-by-step pathway to achieve PR on an Australian Student Visa

  1. Choose a PR-Eligible Course 
  2. Select courses listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
  3. Popular choices include Nursing, IT, Engineering, Social Work, and Accounting
  4. Complete Your Studies Successfully 
  5. Finish your CRICOS-registered course at a recognised university or college. 
  6. Maintain good academic performance to qualify for PR-friendly visas
  7. Apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) 
  8. After graduation, apply for the Post-Study Work Stream
  9. Work in Australia for 2-4 years, depending on your qualification level.
  10. Gain Relevant Skilled Work Experience 
  11. Work in your nominated occupation or a closely related field. 
  12. Regional work can earn you extra PR points.
  13. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) 
  14. Use the SkillSelect portal to showcase your skills, English score, and work experience. 
  15. A high EOI ranking increases your chances of PR invitation. 
  16. Apply for a Permanent Residency Visa 
  17. Common PR visa options include: 
  18. Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa (no sponsorship needed) 
  19. Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa (state sponsorship) 
  20. Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa (extra points for regional areas) 

Also read: Australia Study Visa Requirements

Conclusion 

Choosing the right PR courses in Australia is a strategic step toward building a successful future and securing permanent residency. With the demand for skilled professionals rising in 2025, selecting programs from the updated PR list courses in Australia 2025 can significantly improve your chances of qualifying for PR.  

Whether it’s nursing, IT, engineering, or trade programs, aligning your course with in-demand occupations ensures better job prospects and smoother visa pathways. A well-planned academic journey today can open doors to a stable career and life in Australia. 

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FAQs

Why is CRICOS important for PR courses in Australia?

CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) ensures that a course is officially recognized for international students. Choosing a CRICOS-registered course is essential for visa compliance and eligibility for PR pathways in Australia.

Can ghost colleges affect PR eligibility in Australia?

Yes, studying at unregistered or "ghost" colleges can impact your PR eligibility. Such institutions may not provide CRICOS-approved courses, which could lead to visa refusal and ineligibility for permanent residency applications. 

How long can Indian students stay on a student visa in Australia?

Indian students can stay in Australia for the duration of their enrolled course, plus an additional 2-4 months post-completion. After finishing PR-eligible programs, students may apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) to extend their stay. 

What PR courses are available after 12th grade in Australia?

After completing Class 12, students can pursue diplomas, advanced diplomas, and bachelor’s programs in fields like nursing, IT, engineering, trade courses, and accounting. These are often part of the PR list courses in Australia. 

Does working during PR courses impact PR chances?

No, part-time work during studies does not negatively affect PR eligibility. In fact, gaining relevant Australian work experience while studying can improve your chances of meeting skills assessment requirements for PR. 

Which Australian states offer easier PR after courses?

States like South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory are considered PR-friendly due to lower competition and regional migration incentives, which offer extra PR points for studying and living there. 

How long does PR processing take after PR courses in Australia?

On average, PR applications take 6 to 12 months to process, depending on the visa subclass and state nomination. Submitting complete documents and choosing high-demand occupations can speed up approval timelines. 

Do education agents affect PR course applications?

Education agents can guide you in selecting PR-eligible courses, applying to CRICOS-approved universities, and meeting visa requirements. However, always verify their credentials and cross-check information with the official Australian immigration website. 

Is a 2-year course mandatory for PR eligibility in Australia?

Yes, completing a minimum two-year CRICOS-registered course in Australia is generally required to qualify for PR pathways like the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) and state-nominated visas.

What financial proof is needed for PR courses in Australia?

Students must show sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. As of 2025, you typically need around AUD 24,505 (~₹13.5 lakh) per year, but exact amounts may vary by university and visa subclass. 

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Kanika Pruthi

Sr. Content Writer & Study Abroad Expert |110 articles published

Kanika has 5+ years of experience as a writer and content developer. She has written for a wide range of industry verticals, including hospitality, restaurants, non-profits, finance, IT, HR, technolog...

Pragya Sharma

Sr. Content Editor |183 articles published

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