Are you dreaming of making Australia your permanent home? Choosing the right course is important for your permanent residency (PR) journey. This guide by Garg Migration, your trusted MARA registered migration experts, will help you find the best PR courses in Australia for 2026 and beyond.
Understanding PR Courses in Australia
When we discuss PR courses in Australia, we mean qualifications that match jobs on Australia’s skilled occupation lists. These courses are created to fill the skill gaps recognized by the Australian government. Graduates can apply for skilled migration pathways.
The Australian immigration system favors individuals who pursue courses that lead to PR in Australia since these qualifications meet important workforce needs. As MARA registered agents at Garg Migration, we have assisted thousands of international students in selecting the right educational path for their PR goals.
How Do Courses Lead to PR in Australia?
To understand courses that lead to permanent residency in Australia, you need to know about the skilled occupation lists.
Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL): Occupations for independent skilled migration.
Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL): Occupations for employer-sponsored visas.
Regional Occupation List (ROL): Occupations for regional sponsored visas.
Courses that qualify for PR in Australia prepare you for jobs on these lists. After finishing your qualification, you usually need to:
– Get relevant work experience
– Pass a skills assessment
– Meet English language requirements
– Score enough points under the skilled migration points system
Best Courses for PR in Australia 2026
Nursing and Healthcare Courses
Nursing consistently ranks as one of the best courses for obtaining permanent residency in Australia. The healthcare sector experiences ongoing shortages, making it one of the most eligible courses for PR in Australia.
Popular qualifications:
– Bachelor of Nursing
– Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
– Bachelor of Physiotherapy
– Master of Nursing Practice
Why choose nursing? Registered Nurses are listed on the MLTSSL, which provides several pathways for permanent residency. The aging Australian population guarantees a steady demand for healthcare professionals.
Engineering Courses
Engineering programs are among the best courses for PR in Australia. They offer various specializations with great migration opportunities.
Popular specializations include:
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Chemical Engineering Student Visa or Study Visa
Engineering graduates enjoy high demand, good salaries, and simple skills assessment processes through Engineers Australia.
Information Technology (IT) Courses
IT is one of the best courses to study in Australia for PR because digital transformation is creating high demand for tech professionals.
Sought-after qualifications include:
- Bachelor/Master of Information Technology
- Bachelor/Master of Computer Science
- Bachelor/Master of Cybersecurity
- Bachelor/Master of Data Science
Jobs like Software Engineers, ICT Business Analysts, and Database Administrators regularly show up on skilled occupation lists.
Teaching and Education Courses
Early childhood and secondary teaching are pathways to permanent residency in Australia, offering many opportunities in regional areas.
Key programs:
- Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
- Bachelor of Education (Primary/Secondary)
- Master of Teaching
Teachers are in high demand, especially in regional areas. This demand can speed up permanent residency processing through regional nominations.
Accounting and Business Courses
While accounting is more competitive now, it still leads to permanent residency in Australia when paired with work experience and professional year programs.
Popular options:
- Bachelor/Master of Professional Accounting
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Bachelor/Master of Finance
Social Work and Community Services
These PR-oriented courses in Australia meet the increasing community support needs across the country.
Relevant qualifications:
- Bachelor/Master of Social Work
- Bachelor of Community Services
- Master of Counselling
Social workers can pursue both independent and employer-sponsored PR pathways.
Best Trade Courses for PR in Australia
Trade courses in Australia for permanent residency offer great value. They usually require less study time and investment while providing good job prospects. These courses are practical options for obtaining permanent residency in Australia.
Top Trade Courses for PR in Australia
1. **Electrical Trades**
Electricians are always in demand, making electrical trade one of the top courses for PR in Australia.
Qualifications:
– Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
– Diploma of Electrical Engineering
2. **Plumbing and Gasfitting**
Plumbing consistently ranks among PR trade courses in Australia, especially with excellent opportunities in regional areas.
Relevant courses:
– Certificate III in Plumbing
– Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services
3. **Carpentry and Joinery**
The construction boom keeps carpenters on skilled occupation lists, making this one of the best trade courses in Australia for PR.
Popular programs:
– Certificate III in Carpentry
– Certificate III in Joinery
4. **Automotive Trades**
Automotive mechanics, particularly diesel and motor mechanics, are highly featured among trade courses in Australia for PR.
Key qualifications:
– Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
– Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
5. **Chef and Cookery Courses**
Commercial cookery is one of the easiest courses to help you get PR in Australia, especially if you meet the experience requirements in regional areas.
Relevant training:
– Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
– Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery
– Diploma of Hospitality Management
6. **Building and Construction Trades**
Several building trades are listed among trade courses for PR in Australia, including:
– Bricklayers
– Stonemasons
– Painting Trades Workers
– Wall and Floor Tilers
Why Choose Trade Courses?
Trade courses have several benefits as pathways for permanent residency in Australia:
– Shorter duration: Most certificate and diploma courses for PR in Australia take one to two years.
– Lower costs: They are generally cheaper than university degrees, making them affordable options for permanent residency.
– Practical training: These courses provide hands-on learning with immediate industry use.
– Strong employment: High job placement rates, particularly in regional areas.
– Good income: Qualified tradespeople earn competitive wages.
Diploma Courses in Australia for PR
Diploma courses in Australia for PR bridge vocational training and higher education, offering practical pathways to skilled migration.
Popular PR Diploma Courses in Australia:
Diploma of Nursing: This leads to enrolled nursing, which is a growing occupation.
Diploma of Engineering (various specializations): This serves as a technical pathway to engineering roles.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care: This provides a direct path to childcare roles.
Diploma of Community Services: This offers entry to community support jobs.
Diploma of Building and Construction: This opens up various construction management roles.
These PR diploma courses in Australia usually take 1-2 years and can sometimes count toward bachelor’s degrees, creating flexible study pathways.
Regional Study: Fast-Track PR Courses
Studying in regional Australia through courses that lead to permanent residency offers significant migration benefits:
– Extra 5 points for skilled migration
– Access to regional skilled visas (subclass 491/494)
– Less competition for state nominations
– Possibly shorter processing times for permanent residency
– Often lower living costs
Best Regional Locations for PR Study
Consider these places for courses that lead to permanent residency in Australia:
– Adelaide, South Australia: Engineering, nursing, IT
– Tasmania (Hobart, Launceston): All courses with extra state support
– Gold Coast, Queensland: Nursing, teaching, IT
– Wollongong, NSW: Engineering, IT, nursing
– Geelong, Victoria: Various occupations
Courses on the PR List by State
Different states have different skill shortages, which affects the PR subject list priorities in Australia:
**New South Wales (Sydney and Regional NSW)**
Sydney PR courses:
– Software engineering
– Nursing
– Accounting (with experience)
– Teaching
Regional NSW priorities:
– Healthcare (all levels)
– Teaching
– Engineering
– Trade courses
**Victoria (Melbourne and Regional Victoria)**
Melbourne focus:
– IT and cybersecurity
– Healthcare
– Engineering
– Business analysis
Regional Victoria emphasis:
– Teaching
– Nursing and allied health
– Trades
– Agriculture
**Queensland**
Queensland prioritizes:
– Mining engineers
– Healthcare workers
– Teachers
– Tourism and hospitality (regional)
**South Australia**
Generous support for permanent residency, focusing on:
– Engineering (all types)
– Healthcare
– IT
– Trades
**Western Australia**
Strong in:
– Mining and resources engineering
– Healthcare
– Construction trades
– Agricultural sciences
**Tasmania**
Tasmania offers the easiest pathway to permanent residency through courses in Australia, with support for nearly all courses studied there.
How Garg Migration Can Help
As MARA registered migration agents, Garg Migration offers expert guidance throughout your PR journey.
Our Services Include:
Course Selection Consultation: We review your background to recommend the best course to study in Australia for PR based on your situation.
Skills Assessment Preparation: We provide guidance through the skills assessment processes for your chosen job.
Visa Application Support: We offer expert help with student visas and the PR applications that follow.
PR Strategy Planning: We create a clear plan from studying to permanent residency.
State Nomination Assistance: We help you find the best state for your nomination.
Points Optimization: We provide strategies to increase your skilled migration points.
Why Choose MARA Registered Agents?
Working with MARA registered professionals like Garg Migration ensures:
Professional standards. We follow strict Code of Conduct requirements.
Up-to-date knowledge. We provide regular training on changes in immigration law.
Legal protection. We have professional indemnity insurance for client peace of mind.
Direct Department access. We maintain streamlined communication with immigration authorities.
Ethical practice. We offer transparent fees and honest advice.
Cost Considerations: Finding Cheap Courses in Australia for Permanent Residency
While quality education is an investment, there are ways to find affordable courses in Australia for permanent residency.
Budget-Friendly Options
TAFE institutions offer public vocational colleges that provide low-cost diploma courses for PR in Australia. Regional universities usually have lower tuition than those in big cities. Shorter trade courses for PR typically cost between $15,000 and $30,000 in total. Many institutions also offer scholarships for international students.
Typical Cost Ranges (Annual Tuition)
Trade courses: AUD $10,000-$20,000 per year
Diploma courses: AUD $12,000-$22,000 per year
Bachelor’s degrees: AUD $25,000-$45,000 per year
Master’s degrees: AUD $28,000-$50,000 per year
Remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best choice. When selecting courses to study in Australia for permanent residency, think about quality, location, and PR opportunities.
Step-by-Step: Study to Get PR in Australia
Here’s your roadmap to study for PR in Australia:
Step 1: Research and Planning (6-12 months before study)
Identify your target occupation.
Research courses on the PR list in Australia.
Consult with Garg Migration for personalized advice.
Check financial requirements.
Step 2: Apply for Your Course (6-8 months before study)
Meet English requirements (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL).
Gather academic transcripts.
Submit course applications.
Obtain Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Step 3: Student Visa Application
Prepare the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.
Show financial capacity.
Obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Submit visa application through Garg Migration.
Step 4: Study and Work
Complete your PR eligible courses in Australia.
Gain work experience (20-40 hours per fortnight during study).
Build professional networks.
Maintain good academic standing.
Step 5: Post-Study Work Rights
Apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).
Gain additional Australian work experience.
Complete the professional year if required.
Improve English scores if needed.
Step 6: Skills Assessment
Apply to the relevant assessing authority.
Submit required documentation.
Obtain a positive skills assessment outcome.
Step 7: PR Application
Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI).
Receive an invitation to apply.
Lodge your full PR application with Garg Migration.
Respond to any requests from the Department.
Await your PR grant!
Latest Updates for 2026 PR Courses
As we approach 2026, several trends are influencing the courses that lead to PR in Australia:
Emerging High-Demand Fields
– Renewable Energy Engineering: Specialists in solar, wind, and sustainable energy
– Aged Care: A growing elderly population drives healthcare needs
– Cybersecurity Specialists: Digital security is becoming increasingly critical
– Data Scientists: Big data analytics is vital across all industries
– Mental Health Professionals: There is high demand for psychologists and counselors
Policy Changes to Watch
– Migration strategy reviews that affect occupation lists
– Expansion of regional migration incentives
– Updates to the skills assessment process
– Possible extensions to post-study work rights
– Variations in the state nomination program
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When choosing courses for Australia PR, steer clear of these mistakes:
– Selecting oversaturated occupations: Some popular fields have intense competition, such as accounting without work experience
– Neglecting skills assessment requirements: Not all courses meet specific authority demands
– Overlooking regional benefits: Regional study can provide significant advantages that are often missed
– Concentrating only on cost: The cheapest course may not provide the best PR opportunities
– Not seeking professional advice: Immigration law can be complex, and DIY applications may lead to refusal
– Ignoring English requirements: Low English scores can hinder PR applications
– Poor course selection: Avoid courses that do not align with occupation lists
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Understanding PR Courses
What are PR courses in Australia?
PR courses in Australia are educational programs that can lead to permanent residency. These courses are on Australia’s skilled occupation lists and qualify graduates for skilled migration pathways. They include trade courses, diplomas, and degrees in fields such as nursing, engineering, IT, accounting, teaching, and construction trades.
Which courses lead to PR in Australia?
Courses that lead to PR in Australia include nursing, registered nursing, various engineering disciplines, IT and software development, accounting, teaching, social work, dental programs, medical courses, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and trade courses such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and automotive technology.
What’s the best course to get PR in Australia?
The best course depends on your skills and career goals, but nursing, engineering, IT, and accounting are consistently strong options. Trade courses like plumbing and electrical work also provide excellent PR pathways. They are in high demand and typically have shorter study durations compared to university degrees.
Are there cheap courses in Australia for permanent residency?
Yes, TAFE institutions offer affordable diploma and trade courses for PR, costing between AUD 8,000 and 15,000 per year. Certificate III and Certificate IV programs in trades are among the most economical routes to permanent residency, significantly cheaper than university degrees.
What are PR eligible courses in Australia?
PR eligible courses are those that prepare you for occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). These courses must come from registered Australian education providers and meet skill assessment requirements for your chosen occupation.
Trade Courses for PR
What are the best trade courses for PR in Australia?
The best trade courses for PR include carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, automotive mechanics, bricklaying, painting and decorating, air conditioning and refrigeration, boilermaking, and wall and floor tiling. These trades are in high demand and offer clear migration pathways.
How long do trade courses take for PR in Australia?
Most trade courses take 2 to 3 years to complete, including Certificate III and Certificate IV qualifications. Some trades require an apprenticeship component, which may extend the duration but provides valuable work experience and income while studying.
What trade courses are available in Sydney for PR?
Sydney offers a variety of trade courses through TAFE NSW and private colleges, including plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, automotive technology, commercial cookery, hairdressing, building and construction, engineering trades, and telecommunications. Many institutions have multiple campuses throughout Sydney.
Can I get PR through trade courses in Australia?
Yes, completing a trade course in an occupation on the skilled migration list, along with relevant work experience and meeting skill assessment requirements, can lead to PR through skilled migration programs like the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) or Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190).
What’s the easiest trade course to get PR in Australia?
Commercial cookery and automotive technology are often seen as more accessible entry points, with clear training pathways and steady demand. However, what is considered “easiest” is subjective and depends on your aptitude, interests, and existing skills. Choose a trade that aligns with your abilities and career interests.
Diploma Courses for PR
Which diploma courses in Australia lead to PR?
Diploma courses that lead to PR include nursing, early childhood education, community services, building and construction, civil engineering, information technology, hospitality management, aged care, accounting, and project management. These diplomas must align with occupations on skilled migration lists.
Are diploma courses good for getting PR in Australia?
Yes, diplomas can be excellent pathways to PR, especially when combined with work experience. They generally take 1 to 2 years to complete and are more affordable than degrees. Many diploma graduates successfully obtain PR, particularly in healthcare, education, and trade sectors.
Can I do a diploma course and get PR faster?
Diploma courses are generally quicker to finish than degrees, but PR timelines depend on various factors, including your occupation, points score, age, English proficiency, and work experience. Some diploma pathways, especially in regional areas, may offer state nomination opportunities that can speed up the PR process.
What diploma courses are cheapest for PR in Australia?
TAFE diploma courses are usually the most affordable, ranging from AUD 10,000 to 18,000 per year. Diplomas in community services, early childhood education, business, and certain trade-related diplomas tend to be among the lower-priced options that still provide PR pathways.
Do all diploma courses qualify for PR in Australia?
No, only diplomas in occupations on Australia’s skilled occupation lists qualify for PR pathways. The course must also meet skill assessment requirements for that occupation and be completed at a registered Australian education provider with the proper accreditation.
PR Pathway Courses
What are PR pathway courses in Australia?
PR pathway courses are educational programs designed to meet skill assessment and qualification requirements for occupations on Australia’s skilled migration lists. These courses provide both academic training and practical components needed for permanent residency through skilled migration.
Which courses offer the fastest PR pathway in Australia?
Trade courses and certain diplomas in high-demand fields like nursing, early childhood education, and IT can provide relatively faster pathways, especially when studied in regional areas. Studying in these areas offers extra points and state nomination opportunities that can speed up PR processing.
Are there PR oriented courses in Australia?
Yes, many institutions market courses specifically as PR pathways, focusing on occupations that have strong migration outcomes. These include nursing degrees, engineering programs, IT courses, teaching qualifications, and various trade certificates. Always check that courses align with current skilled occupation lists.
What courses have a PR pathway in Australia?
Courses with clear PR pathways include Bachelor of Nursing, engineering degrees (civil, mechanical, electrical), IT degrees and diplomas, accounting degrees, teaching qualifications, social work, medical and allied health programs, and trade certificates in construction, automotive, and hospitality sectors.
Can I study to get PR in Australia through vocational courses?
Absolutely. Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses through TAFE and registered private colleges are popular PR pathways. Many trade and technical occupations are in high demand, and vocational qualifications combined with work experience strengthen skilled migration applications.
Location-Specific PR Courses
What are the top PR courses in Sydney?
Sydney offers excellent PR pathway courses, including nursing at Western Sydney University and Australian Catholic University, engineering at the University of Sydney and UNSW, IT programs at UTS, accounting degrees, teaching qualifications, and comprehensive trade courses through TAFE NSW across multiple campuses.
Are PR courses available in regional Australia?
Yes, studying in regional Australia provides significant advantages for PR, such as extra points, access to regional sponsored visas, and often easier state nomination processes. Regional universities and TAFE campuses in cities like Newcastle, Wollongong, Geelong, and Townsville offer comprehensive PR pathway courses.
Which state offers the best PR pathway courses?
Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia all have strong PR pathways with robust state nomination programs. Regional areas in any state often provide better PR prospects due to additional migration incentives and reduced competition for state nomination.
Can I get PR by studying in Melbourne?
Yes, institutions in Melbourne offer extensive PR pathway courses through universities like RMIT, Monash, Deakin, and La Trobe, along with TAFE Victoria campuses. However, studying in regional Victoria may provide extra migration advantages compared to studying in metropolitan Melbourne.
Does studying location affect PR eligibility in Australia?
Yes, studying in regional Australia gives you 5 extra points for skilled migration and access to regional visa pathways. Regional study also makes you eligible for state and territory nomination programs with lower points requirements and faster processing in many cases.
Course Requirements and Lists
Where can I find the Australia PR courses list?
The official skilled occupation lists are available on the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website. These include the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), and Regional Occupation List (ROL). State nomination lists can vary by territory.
What subjects should I study in Australia for PR?
Study subjects that align with skilled occupations such as nursing, engineering disciplines, computer science, education, accounting, health sciences, social work, construction trades, automotive technology, or hospitality management. Choose based on your interests and the current skilled occupation lists.
Are there easy PR courses in Australia?
While no PR pathway is truly “easy,” some courses offer more straightforward skill assessment processes and higher success rates. Commercial cookery, automotive technology, early childhood education, and aged care are often considered more accessible, but all require commitment and meeting qualification standards.
What’s the course list for permanent residency in Australia?
The course list corresponds to skilled occupations, including healthcare professionals, engineers, IT specialists, teachers, tradespeople, accountants, social workers, architects, scientists, and management roles. Check the current MLTSSL and state-specific lists for the latest requirements.
How do I choose the best course to study in Australia for PR?
Consider the demand for the occupation, your skills and interests, course costs and duration, English requirements, age factors for points, state nomination availability, post-study work rights, and long-term career prospects. Consult a registered migration agent to assess which pathway best fits your circumstances and maximizes your chances for PR.
Conclusion: Start Your PR Journey Today
Choosing from the many courses that lead to PR in Australia requires careful planning and expert help. Whether you are interested in university degrees, diploma courses for PR in Australia, or trade courses for PR, the key is to select a pathway that fits your skills, interests, and migration goals.
At Garg Migration, our MARA registered agents have helped many international students navigate the complex journey from student visa to permanent residency. We understand the details of different pathways to PR courses in Australia and can create a personalized strategy that improves your chances of success.
Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact Garg Migration today for a consultation on the best course to study for PR in Australia based on your situation. With the right guidance, your dream of calling Australia home permanently is within reach.
Ready to start your PR journey? Contact Garg Migration, your trusted MARA registered migration experts.
Disclaimer: Immigration laws and occupation lists change regularly. This guide provides general information that is current as of 2026. For personalized advice on your specific situation, consult with Garg Migration’s MARA registered agents. Always check the latest information and occupation lists from the Department of Home Affairs before making course decisions.