For thousands of international students, studying in Australia is not just an educational journey — it’s a strategic step toward building a life in the country long-term. One of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing a course that aligns with Australia’s skilled migration needs.
With ongoing labour shortages in critical sectors, the Australian government is actively encouraging skilled graduates to remain in the country through permanent residency (PR) pathways. In 2025, some courses stand out as highly migration-friendly — especially when paired with work experience and study in regional areas.
What Is a PR-Eligible Course?
A PR-eligible course is a study program that aligns with Australia’s skilled migration requirements. Completing one doesn’t guarantee you permanent residency, but it significantly improves your chances.
To be considered PR-eligible, a course must:
- Be CRICOS-registered (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students)
- Be linked to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), or Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
- Lead to a positive skills assessment by the relevant professional assessing authority
- Fulfill the two-year Australian study requirement
- Provide adequate preparation for work in the nominated occupation
Top PR-Eligible Courses in 2025
Here are some of the top-performing courses in 2025 that increase your chances of obtaining PR in Australia. These fields are not only in high demand but also come with clearer, more stable migration pathways.
1. Nursing and Midwifery
Why it’s in demand:
Australia has a chronic shortage of healthcare professionals, especially in aged care and rural hospitals. Nurses and midwives are consistently listed on the MLTSSL and welcomed across almost all states and territories.
- Popular Courses:
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Master of Nursing Practice
- Diploma of Nursing (for enrolled nurse pathway)
- Bachelor of Nursing
- PR Pathways:
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa)
- Subclass 190 (State Sponsored)
- Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa)
- Assessing Body:
Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)
2. Information Technology & Cybersecurity
Why it’s in demand:
With the rise in digital infrastructure, remote work, and cyber threats, IT professionals — particularly in software development, network security, and AI/ML — are in huge demand across the country.
- Popular Courses:
- Bachelor of Information Technology
- Master of Cybersecurity
- Master of Data Science
- Bachelor of Information Technology
- PR Pathways:
- Subclass 189, 190, 491 (Regional)
- Skill assessment by ACS (Australian Computer Society)
- Subclass 189, 190, 491 (Regional)
- Pro Tip:
Consider completing professional year programs to enhance employability and earn extra PR points.
3. Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical)
Why it’s in demand:
Australia is heavily investing in infrastructure, green energy, and construction projects — creating continuous demand for engineers in various disciplines.
- Popular Courses:
- Bachelor of Civil Engineering
- Master of Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
- Bachelor of Civil Engineering
- PR Pathways:
- Subclass 189/190
- Positive skill assessment via Engineers Australia
- Subclass 189/190
- Tip for Graduates:
Completing a Washington Accord-accredited program makes your application smoother.
4. Teaching and Early Childhood Education
Why it’s in demand:
A rising population and expansion of early learning programs have increased demand for qualified educators, especially in regional Australia.
- Popular Courses:
- Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood or Primary)
- Master of Teaching
- Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood or Primary)
- PR Pathways:
- Subclass 189, 190, 491
- Skill assessment by AITSL (Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership)
- Subclass 189, 190, 491
- Extra Points:
Teaching in a regional or remote location can significantly boost your points for state nomination.
5. Trade Skills (Automotive, Carpentry, Commercial Cookery, Plumbing, etc.)
Why it’s in demand:
There is a major national shortage of skilled tradespeople, especially in construction, manufacturing, and hospitality. States like Victoria and Queensland are actively nominating trade graduates for PR.
- Popular Trade Courses:
- Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery
- Certificate III in Carpentry
- Certificate III in Automotive Technology
- Diploma of Hospitality Management
- Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery
- PR Pathways:
- Subclass 190 (State Nomination)
- Subclass 491 (Regional)
- Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination)
- Subclass 190 (State Nomination)
- Skill Assessment Bodies:
- TRA (Trades Recognition Australia)
- VETASSESS (for non-licensed trades)
- TRA (Trades Recognition Australia)
The Regional Advantage: Why Location Matters
Studying and living in a designated regional area (like Adelaide, Hobart, Gold Coast, Geelong, or Ballarat) can significantly improve your PR prospects.
Benefits include:
- 5–15 extra points for skilled migration
- Priority visa processing
- Longer post-study work rights (up to 5 years)
- Additional eligibility for regional state nomination under Subclass 491
Even big cities like Perth and Gold Coast are now considered regional for migration purposes.
How Visa Smile Can Help
At Visa Smile International, we specialize in helping students choose PR-aligned courses and institutions. Our services include:
- Career and course guidance
- Admissions and COE processing
- Visa support and GTE preparation
- Post-study PR pathway mapping
Book your free consultation now and let us help you choose the right academic and migration path for your future in Australia.