If you’re planning to study in Australia and want to stay long-term, choosing PR-friendly courses is a smart move. Australia has a skilled migration program that rewards international students who graduate in fields that are in high demand. In 2025, there are specific courses that can boost your chances of gaining Permanent Residency (PR) after graduation.
This guide will help you understand which courses are considered PR pathways, why they’re important, and how to choose the right one based on your career goals and Australia’s migration trends.
Why PR-Friendly Courses Matter in Australia
Many international students dream of settling in Australia permanently. But not all courses provide a smooth path to PR. Courses linked to Australia’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) are more likely to improve your chances.
By choosing a PR-listed course, you increase your chances of:
- Getting a Post-Study Work Visa
- Meeting skills assessment requirements
- Gaining points for General Skilled Migration (GSM)
How to Check If a Course Is PR Friendly
You should check:
- Whether the related occupation is on the MLTSSL or STSOL
- If the profession is in-demand in your preferred state or territory
- Whether it allows skills assessment by relevant authorities
- If it leads to a job listed in the Australian Skilled Occupation List
Now let’s look at the top PR pathways by course type in 2025.
Nursing and Midwifery
Nursing remains one of the top PR-friendly choices in 2025. The Australian healthcare system is facing staff shortages, and graduates in this field are highly valued.
Popular courses:
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Master of Nursing (Advanced Practice)
Key benefits:
- Registered Nurse is on the MLTSSL
- Easy skills assessment through AHPRA
- High employability rate across all states
Engineering Courses
Engineering skills are in constant demand in Australia, especially in civil, mechanical, electrical, and mining fields.
PR-relevant engineering disciplines:
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Telecommunications Engineering
Why choose engineering?
- Engineers Australia provides smooth skills assessments
- Multiple fields fall under MLTSSL
- Salaries are competitive and jobs are widely available
Information Technology (IT)
IT and Computer Science continue to grow in demand as the Australian tech industry expands.
Top PR-aligned IT programs:
- Bachelor of Information Technology
- Master of Cyber Security
- Master of Data Science
Jobs leading to PR:
- Software Engineer
- Systems Analyst
- Network Administrator
- Cybersecurity Analyst
ACS (Australian Computer Society) is the body responsible for IT skills assessment.
Social Work and Community Services
Social work is a rewarding career and offers strong PR potential. Australia is focusing more on mental health and aged care, creating demand for social workers.
PR-friendly degrees:
- Bachelor of Social Work
- Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
Key advantages:
- Social Worker is on the MLTSSL
- Demand across rural and regional areas
- Positive skills assessments from AASW
Teaching and Education
Australia is looking for qualified educators, especially in secondary math, science, and special needs teaching.
PR-aligned teaching areas:
- Early Childhood Education
- Secondary Mathematics/Science Teaching
- Special Education
Why it helps your PR journey:
- Teachers are on the MLTSSL
- Skills assessed by AITSL
- High job vacancy in rural Australia
Trade and Vocational Courses
Not all PR pathways come through university degrees. Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses in trades are also PR-friendly.
In-demand trades include:
- Carpentry
- Plumbing
- Automotive Technician
- Welding
Assessment and PR perks:
- Skills assessed through TRA
- Eligible for 485 Graduate Visa
- Often included in State Nomination lists
Accounting and Finance
Accounting has been on and off the skilled occupation lists, but remains a possible PR route when combined with regional migration or state nomination.
Key courses:
- Bachelor of Accounting
- Master of Professional Accounting
PR prospects:
- Skills assessment via CPA Australia or IPA
- Some states still require accountants
- Works better when combined with work experience
Medical and Allied Health Courses
Health professionals continue to be among the most sought-after skills in Australia.
Top courses:
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Dentistry
Key details:
- Require registration and licensing
- High skill assessment standards
- Strong job opportunities in regional health services
Agriculture and Environmental Science
These fields are important for regional development and sustainability, especially in states like South Australia and Tasmania.
Popular PR courses:
- Bachelor of Agricultural Science
- Master of Environmental Management
In-demand roles:
- Agricultural Consultant
- Environmental Scientist
- Farm Manager
Why it helps:
- Often eligible for regional PR routes
- Skills shortage in rural zones
Hospitality and Cookery
If you pursue a commercial cookery course or hospitality management, there’s a PR pathway, especially in regional Australia.
Best programs:
- Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery
- Diploma of Hospitality Management
Path to PR:
- Gain work experience on a Temporary Graduate Visa
- Apply for regional nomination
- Skills assessed by TRA
Tips to Boost Your PR Application After Study
Even with the right course, you need a solid plan. Here are some steps to improve your chances:
- Study in regional areas: You can earn extra PR points.
- Get relevant work experience after graduation.
- Apply for the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa.
- Keep your English proficiency test results up to date (IELTS, PTE).
- Explore State Nomination Programs for additional points.
- Use the points-based system wisely by checking how many you currently have