Top PR Courses in Australia for International Students
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Australia continues to be a global hotspot for international students in Australia 2026. With over half a million international students enrolled annually, the country not only offers excellent academic opportunities but also provides a clear pathway to Permanent Residency (PR). Choosing the right course is crucial because not all degrees lead to PR opportunities. To maximise your chances of securing PR, it’s important to pursue a program that aligns with Australia’s Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). This blog explores the top PR courses in Australia for 2026, eligibility details, universities offering these programs, and practical tips to help you align your education with PR goals.
Why Study PR-Friendly Courses in Australia?
Studying PR-eligible courses is more than just an academic choice — it’s a strategic move for your future. When you decide to study in Australia, you’re not only earning a world-class qualification but also opening doors to long-term residency and career opportunities. Here’s why:
Better PR Success Rates: If you study in Australia in a field that matches occupations in shortage, your chances of securing PR through points-tested visas like Subclass 189, 190, or 491 increase significantly.
Work Opportunities: Employers in Australia prefer graduates from high-demand fields such as healthcare, IT, engineering, and education — all strong pathways to PR.
Global Recognition: Degrees earned when you study in Australia are internationally recognised, giving you a competitive edge worldwide while also aligning with PR prospects locally.
Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485): By completing at least two years of full-time study in Australia, you become eligible for the Post-Study Work stream, which provides valuable work experience before applying for PR.
Regional Study Advantage: When you choose to study in Australia’s regional areas — such as Tasmania, Adelaide, or Darwin — you gain extra PR points and enjoy extended post-study work rights, making PR even more attainable.
Top PR Courses in Australia (2026)
1. Engineering
Engineering remains one of the strongest PR pathways. Australia has a consistent shortage of engineers across various fields due to large-scale infrastructure projects, mining, and renewable energy expansion.
Specialisations in demand:
Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mining and Petroleum Engineering
Software Engineering
PR Benefit: Engineers are listed under the MLTSSL, giving students better PR prospects. You’ll need a skills assessment from Engineers Australia after graduation.
Top Universities:
University of Sydney
Monash University
University of Queensland
RMIT University
📌 Example: Civil Engineers are particularly in demand due to Australia’s ongoing housing and transport infrastructure projects.
2. Information Technology (IT) & Cybersecurity
As digitalisation accelerates, Australia faces a major skills gap in IT and cybersecurity.
Specialisations in demand:
Cybersecurity
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Software Development
Cloud Computing
Data Science
PR Benefit: Roles like Software Engineer, ICT Business Analyst, and Systems Analyst are featured on the MLTSSL. Skills assessments are conducted by ACS (Australian Computer Society).
Top Universities:
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
University of Melbourne
RMIT University
QUT
📌 Fact: The Australian government predicts a shortage of over 100,000 IT professionals by 2030, making IT one of the most secure PR pathways.
3. Nursing and Healthcare
Healthcare is one of the most PR-friendly industries due to ageing populations and increased demand for skilled medical professionals.
Specialisations in demand:
Registered Nursing
Aged Care & Disability Support
Midwifery
Physiotherapy
Occupational Therapy
PR Benefit: Healthcare graduates must register with AHPRA and can apply for skills assessments. Nurses are consistently listed under the MLTSSL.
Top Universities:
Deakin University
Griffith University
University of Adelaide
University of Sydney
📌 Example: Registered Nurses often receive priority invitations for PR applications due to critical shortages.
4. Education and Teaching
Teachers play a vital role in Australia’s skilled migration strategy.
Specialisations in demand:
Early Childhood Education
Primary Teaching
Secondary Teaching (Maths, Science, English)
Special Needs Education
PR Benefit: Teaching is listed on the skilled occupation list. Graduates require a skills assessment from AITSL (Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership).
Top Universities:
University of Queensland
Monash University
University of Sydney
QUT
📌 Tip: Early Childhood Education is particularly PR-friendly, as many regional areas struggle with teacher shortages.
5. Accounting and Finance
Accounting continues to be a popular PR choice, though competition is high.
Specialisations in demand:
Professional Accounting
Management Accounting
Auditing
Financial Planning
PR Benefit: Graduates must undergo assessment by CPA, CA ANZ, or IPA. While competitive, strong demand for accountants keeps this course PR-relevant.
Top Universities:
UNSW Sydney
Deakin University
Macquarie University
University of South Australia
📌 Note: State nomination often helps accountants secure PR faster.
6. Social Work and Community Services
Social workers are increasingly important in areas such as mental health, aged care, and child welfare.
Specialisations in demand:
Social Work
Community Development
Youth Work
Counselling
PR Benefit: The role of Social Worker is on the MLTSSL, and skills assessments are carried out by AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers).
Top Universities:
University of Melbourne
University of Western Australia
Griffith University
Flinders University
📌 Example: Social work is particularly valuable in regional migration programs, giving applicants a double advantage.
7. Trade Courses (VET Pathway)
Vocational Education and Training (VET) provides cost-effective PR pathways for students who prefer practical skills.
Specialisations in demand:
Carpentry
Plumbing
Welding & Fabrication
Automotive (Mechanics, Diesel Fitting)
Building & Construction
PR Benefit: Trades feature heavily on the skilled occupation lists. Students who complete VET programs can apply for state sponsorship or regional visas.
Top Institutions:
TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutes across Australia
Melbourne Polytechnic
Holmesglen
📌 Fact: Many regional areas of Australia prioritise skilled tradespeople for PR because of labour shortages.
To maximise PR opportunities, students must meet these criteria:
Education Requirements
Undergraduate: Class 12 or equivalent.
Postgraduate: Relevant bachelor’s degree.
Duration
Minimum 2 years (92 weeks) in a CRICOS-registered institution.
English Proficiency
IELTS 6.5+ or equivalent (course-specific).
Visa Pathway
Start with Subclass 500 (Student Visa).
After completion, apply for Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate Visa).
Gain work experience → PR application.
Skills Assessment
Required for professional occupations like nursing, teaching, engineering, and accounting.
MDOEC – Best Overseas Education Consultants
Choosing the right PR course can be overwhelming — that’s where MDOEC (My Dream Overseas Education Consultants) comes in.
✅ Expert Counselling: Guidance on PR-friendly courses, universities, and states.
✅ Visa Support: Assistance with Student Visa (Subclass 500), Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485), and PR process.
✅ University Applications: Tie-ups with top Australian universities.
✅ Financial Guidance: Help with education loans, scholarships, and budgeting.
✅ End-to-End Support: From profile evaluation to departure briefing.
📌 MDOEC has helped hundreds of students successfully pursue their Australian education and migration dreams.
Top Universities & Institutions Offering PR-Friendly Courses
University of Sydney – Engineering, Nursing, PR Communication.
University of Melbourne – Social Work, Teaching, Marketing Communications.
RMIT University – IT, Engineering, PR, Business.
University of Technology Sydney (UTS) – IT, Nursing, Communication.
Deakin University – Nursing, Accounting, Public Relations.
La Trobe University – Social Work, PR, Education.
Monash University – Engineering, Teaching, Healthcare.
Flinders University – Community Services, Nursing.
TAFE Institutes – Trade & vocational training.
How to Choose the Right PR Course
Check if the course is on MLTSSL/STSOL.
Ensure the program is CRICOS-approved.
Select courses of at least 2 years duration.
Consider regional universities for extra PR points.
Balance career interest with PR potential.
Factor in skills assessments and registration requirements.
FAQs on PR Courses in Australia (2026)
1. What is the best PR course in Australia?
Nursing, IT, Engineering, and Social Work are consistently the strongest PR options.
2. Do trade courses really lead to PR?
Yes — VET trade programs like carpentry and plumbing are highly valued in regional PR pathways.
3. How long should I study to qualify for PR?
At least 2 years full-time in a CRICOS-approved institution.
4. Can I directly apply for PR after study?
No, you must first apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), gain work experience, and then transition to PR.
5. Which Australian states are easier for PR?
Regional states such as South Australia, Tasmania, and Northern Territory often provide easier state nominations.
6. Are Public Relations courses eligible for PR?
Not directly. While PR as a communication subject (offered at UTS, RMIT, La Trobe) enhances employability, PR as in permanent residency is better achieved via nursing, IT, trades, and social work.
7. Can I switch courses if I realise my course is not PR-eligible?
Yes, but you must maintain student visa compliance and ensure the new course is CRICOS-registered.
8. Do regional universities really give PR advantages?
Yes, studying in regional areas adds extra PR points and provides extended post-study work visas.
Conclusion
Australia is not just an education destination; it’s a pathway to a secure future. By choosing PR-eligible courses like nursing, IT, engineering, teaching, accounting, social work, and trades, international students can secure both career growth and permanent residency. With expert guidance from MDOEC – Best Overseas Education Consultants, your study abroad journey becomes easier, smarter, and future-focused. Whether it’s selecting the right course, applying to top universities, or navigating PR pathways — MDOEC ensures you’re always a step ahead.
🌏 Study Abroad with MDOEC. Build your future in Australia today!
About the Author Bio
Rikhil Nair is the Director of MDOEC, a leading overseas education consultancy helping students achieve their global study dreams with personalised guidance and end-to-end support. Passionate about empowering young talent, Rikhil combines industry expertise with a hands-on approach to simplify the study abroad journey. Outside of work, he enjoys travelling to new countries, exploring different cuisines, and playing cricket. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
