What University & College Courses in Australia that will Help your PR Application? (List for 2024)

There’s no doubt that obtaining PR status in Australia can be a difficult and stressful process for thousands of international students.
That’s because choosing the right educational pathway can be the pivotal first step toward realizing your dreams of settling in a new country. However, international students may face little guidance when it comes to selecting the right university or college courses to help.
In this in-depth guide, we will look at courses that can improve your chances of securing that coveted PR visa.

Getting a Permanent Residency in Australia

If you want permanent residency (PR) status in Australia, there are various pathways you can go down. These include pathways such as:

• the Skilled migration program,
• the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), or
• the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190).
  
  These paths will generally allow you to study anywhere in Australia. However, Australia places a large amount of value on particular skill sets. There are a wide variety of PR courses for international students to study, but not all of them will give you the best chance to finalize your path towards PR.
  Luckily, Australian universities and colleges offer a variety of so-called ‘PR-oriented courses’ for international students in fields such as Trade, IT, Nursing, and more.
  The Department of Home Affairs releases a list of occupations regularly that can help you qualify for a permanent residency. These will be found on the Medium and Long‑term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Short-Term Skilled Occupational List (STSOL), which you can read more about here: Skilled occupation list | Department of Home Affairs.
  Upon completing their studies in Australia, international students can apply for a post-study work visa under Subclass 485, commonly referred to as the Graduate Temporary visa.

Below, we have listed what we think are some of the best PR Courses in Australia for 2023.

Which University Courses are Eligible for PR in Australia?

In 2023, international students who have successfully finished a program aligned with high-demand occupations may stand a good opportunity to secure an Australian PR visa.
These programs can include trade courses, university degrees, or vocational courses at colleges or institutions such as TAFE.

The courses on what might be called a “PR list” or “skills list” in Australia include:

1. Dentistry
2. Social Work
3. Computer and Information Technology
4. Painting and Decorating
5. Engineering
6. Nursing and Midwife Courses
7. Medical Courses
8. Building and Construction
9. Cooking and Chef Courses
10. Automotive
11. Plumbing and Technician Courses
12. Accountancy
13. Education and Teaching
14. Hospitality Study

Let’s explore these PR pathway courses in more detail below.

Dentistry Courses

Dentistry courses equip students with the knowledge and skills required for a career in oral health. Australia places a premium on healthcare professionals, and dentists are no exception.
Job prospects can include being a dentist, dental specialist, dental technician, dental hygienist, or dental therapist.
Some dentistry courses that may assist you in obtaining PR include:
• Bachelor of Dental Science
• Bachelor of Dental Technology
• Advanced Diploma of Oral Health (Dental Hygiene)
• Bachelor of Oral Health (Therapy and Hygiene)
• Bachelor of Dental Technology

The relevant assessing authorities include the Australian Dental Council or the Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services (VETASSESS).

Social Work Courses

Social work programs prepare individuals to address societal challenges and provide support to vulnerable populations. Australia places great importance on social welfare, making social work graduates valuable contributors to the community. Completing a social work degree can align with PR goals by fulfilling Australia’s need for compassionate professionals.
Careers include being a social worker, youth worker, family support worker, welfare center manager, welfare worker, or community worker.
Some social work courses that may assist you in obtaining PR include:
• Bachelor of Social Work
• Bachelor of Criminal and Community Justice
• Diploma in Community Services
• Certificate in Community Services

The relevant assessing authorities include the Australian Association of Social Workers or the Australian Community Workers Association.

Computer and Information Technology Courses

IT professionals are in high demand worldwide, including Australia. IT courses cover a broad spectrum of skills, from software development to cybersecurity. Graduates in this field can find ample PR opportunities in Australia’s tech-driven job market.
Careers may include being a computer network and systems engineer, ICT security specialist, ICT business analyst, systems analyst, multimedia specialist, software engineer, or developer programmer.
Some IT and computer courses that may assist you in obtaining PR include:
• Bachelor of Software Engineering
• Diploma of Software Engineering

The relevant assessing authority is the Australian Computer Society (ACS), and students will need to go through an ACS skills assessment.

Painting and Decorating Courses

Courses in painting and decorating offer practical skills for beautifying residential and commercial spaces. Australia’s construction and renovation industry consistently requires skilled painters and decorators, presenting PR prospects for those pursuing these trades.
Careers may include being a painting trades worker or a vehicle painter.
Some painting courses that may assist you in obtaining PR include:
• Certificate in Painting and Decorating

The relevant assessing authority is Trades Recognition Australia.

Engineering Courses

Engineering programs span various disciplines, including civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering.
Australia’s infrastructure development and innovation-driven industries create a constant demand for engineers, making these courses a pathway to PR for aspiring professionals in the field.
Careers may include being a chemical engineer, materials engineer, civil engineer, geotechnical engineer, or structural engineer.
Some engineering courses that may assist you in obtaining PR include:
• Bachelor of Engineering
• Diploma in Engineering
• Bachelor of Engineering Technology
• Bachelor of Maritime Engineering

The relevant assessing authorities include Engineers Australia, Trades Recognition Australia or others depending on the career you select.

Nursing and Midwife Courses

Nursing and midwifery programs are integral to Australia’s healthcare system. As the country faces ongoing healthcare challenges, graduates in these fields remain in high demand, with strong PR potential for those who choose this career path.
Careers may include being a registered nurse, enrolled nurse, nurse practitioner, midwife, nurse manager, nurse researcher, or nurse educator.
Some nursing or midwife courses that may assist you in obtaining PR include:
• Bachelor of Nursing
• Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Studies)
• Master of Nursing Science
• Graduate Diploma of Nursing
• Graduate Certificate in Emergency Nursing

The relevant assessing authority is the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council.

Medical Courses

Medical degrees encompass diverse specialties such as general medicine and surgery.
Australia’s commitment to quality healthcare leads to consistent opportunities for medical professionals, making these courses a strong choice for PR applicants seeking to contribute to the country’s healthcare system.
Graduates have many potential career paths, including becoming general practitioners, surgeons, pediatricians, dermatologists, pathologists, or cardiologists.
Relevant qualifications that may assist you in obtaining PR include:
• Bachelor of Medicine
• Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)

The relevant assessing authority is the Medical Board of Australia.
International students who already have medical degrees in their own country should seek advice about becoming an international medical graduate (IMG).

Building and Construction Courses

Building and construction courses prepare students for careers in the booming construction industry. Australia’s growing infrastructure projects create a steady demand for skilled professionals in this sector, translating into PR opportunities for graduates.
Graduates can pursue careers as construction project managers, engineering managers, civil engineers, structural engineers, quantity surveyors, or building inspectors.
Building and construction courses that may assist you in obtaining PR in Australia include:
• Bachelor of Construction Management
• Bachelor of Civil Engineering
• Diploma in Building and Construction
• Advanced Diploma in Building Design (Architectural)
• Diploma of Building Design
• Certificate in Construction
• Certificate in Civil Construction

The relevant assessing authorities include the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Vocational Education, and Training Assessment Services, Engineers Australia, or others depending on the career you select.

Cooking and Chef Courses

Courses in cooking and culinary arts cater to the hospitality industry, which thrives in Australia. Skilled chefs and cooks are sought after in restaurants and hotels, providing PR prospects for those pursuing this culinary path.
Graduates can select careers such as chefs, cooks, pastry cooks, bakers, butchers as well as cafe or restaurant managers.
Some cooking and chef courses that may assist you in obtaining PR in Australia include:
• Certificate in Baking
• Certificate in Commercial Cookery
• Diploma in Culinary Management
• Certificate in Patisserie
• Certificate in Bread Baking

The relevant assessing authority is Trades Recognition Australia.

Automotive Courses

Automotive programs equip students with skills in vehicle maintenance and repair. As Australia maintains a significant automotive industry, graduates in this field can find PR opportunities in automotive service and maintenance roles.
Students who undertake these courses can pursue careers as automotive electricians or mechanics (such as general motors mechanics, motorcycle mechanics, diesel motor mechanics, or small engine mechanics.
Some automotive courses that may assist you in obtaining PR in Australia include:
• Certificate in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
• Diploma in Automotive Technology
• Certificate in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
• Certificate in Automotive Electrical Technology
• Certificate in Automotive Body Repair Technology

The relevant assessing authority is Trades Recognition Australia.

Plumbing and Technician Courses

Plumbing and technician courses train individuals for roles in plumbing, heating, and air conditioning. The ongoing need for skilled technicians in these areas ensures PR opportunities for graduates who pursue these trades.
Graduates can pursue careers as plumbers, drainers, gasfitters, and air conditioning and mechanical services plumbers.
Some plumbing and technician courses that may assist you in obtaining PR in Australia include:
• Certificate in Plumbing
• Diploma in Engineering Technology (Mechanical)
• Certificate in Gas Fitting
• Certificate in Plumbing and Services

The relevant assessing authority is Trades Recognition Australia.

Accountancy Courses

Accountancy courses prepare students for careers in finance and accounting. Australia’s business landscape relies on skilled accountants, offering PR prospects for graduates seeking to contribute to the country’s financial sector.
International students who undertake these courses can expect to become chartered accountants, financial analysts, tax consultants, or auditors.
Some accountancy courses that may assist you in obtaining PR in Australia include:
• Bachelor of Accounting
• Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
• Master of Professional Accounting
• Graduate Certificate in Finance and Accounting

The relevant assessing authorities are CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand or the Institute of Public Accountants.

Education and Teaching Courses

Education and teaching programs enable individuals to become educators in schools and universities. Australia continually seeks qualified teachers to provide quality education, creating PR possibilities for those entering the teaching profession.
Graduates can explore careers as primary school teachers, secondary school teachers, university lecturers, education advisers, or special education teachers.
Some education courses that may help you obtain Australian PR include:
• Bachelor of Education (Primary/Secondary)
• Master of Teaching
• Graduate Diploma in Education
• Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Teaching
• Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
• Master of Educational Leadership
• Graduate Certificate in Adult and Vocational Education

The relevant assessing authority is the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).

Hospitality Courses

Hospitality programs cover various aspects of the service industry, including hotel management and tourism. Australia’s vibrant hospitality sector offers numerous PR pathways for graduates who wish to work in this dynamic field.
International students may be able to explore careers as hotel managers, café or restaurant managers or event organizers.
Some education courses that might be able to help you obtain Australian PR include:
• Bachelor of Hospitality Management
• Diploma in Hospitality
• Certificate in Commercial Cookery
• Diploma in Event Management
• Bachelor of Event Management
• Certificate in Food and Beverage

The relevant assessing authority is Trades Recognition Australia.

Are you looking for PR courses in Australia?

It is vital that you seek professional advice before enrolling in a course in the hopes of obtaining a PR.
Collaborate with education agents, consult migration experts, and research professional associations to gather information on recognized courses and accreditation requirements.
Making an informed decision about your course of study is a crucial step in the journey toward obtaining PR in Australia.

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