Australia is a popular destination for Indian students looking to immigrate abroad.
With high-quality education, attractive post-study work rights, and pathway options to permanent residency (PR), Australia offers a complete package.
Choosing the right course is crucial to maximizing your chances of securing PR after studying in Australia.
This article will reveal the top courses for PR in Australia, along with eligibility criteria and long-term scope.
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Why Study in Australia for PR?
Australia has a booming international education industry backed by world-class universities and vocational institutes.
Graduates can gain up to 4 years of post-study work visa depending on their degree.
This period of post-study work experience helps tremendously in applying for PR by boosting points in areas like Australian skilled work experience and employer sponsorship.
PR pathways like SkillSelect and state-sponsored visas look favorably on degrees from Australian institutions. Graduates in high-demand occupations are especially prized.
Overall, studying full-time in Australia sets students up beautifully for transitioning to skilled migration and permanent residency if desired.
Best Courses for PR in Australia in 2023
Not all degrees are created equal when it comes to skilled migration potential.
Here are the best courses for PR in Australia in 2023:
Engineering Degrees
Engineering disciplines like civil, mechanical, mechatronics, mining, petroleum, and aeronautics are perpetually in shortage in Australia.
These degrees from recognized Australian unis provide excellent PR prospects.
IT and Computer Science Degrees
With advanced digital infrastructure and a thriving technology startup scene, Australia has a huge demand for IT professionals.
Degrees in subjects like software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, and app development are smart choices.
Healthcare Degrees
Australia’s rapidly aging population requires more healthcare workers, especially nurses, physical therapists, and medical lab technicians. Clinical psychology is another option.
Teaching Degrees
Experienced, qualified teachers and early childhood educators are sorely needed across Australia. Primary and secondary teaching degrees lead to good PR potential.
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Accounting and Finance Degrees
From major cities to rural towns, Australia’s job market eagerly seeks accounting and finance graduates to fill open roles. Degrees in these numerical fields offer stability.
Trades and VET Courses
For hands-on learners, vocational courses in skilled trades like plumbing, electrical, carpentry, welding, and automotive work provide pathways to PR through employer sponsorship.
No matter which field you pursue, full-time university degrees tend to provide more points and surer PR prospects than shorter vocational diplomas and certificates.
Key PR Eligibility Requirements
Beyond picking the right degree, you must meet other criteria to achieve PR via the points-tested General Skilled Migration (GSM) program:
- Age under 45 years
- Minimum competent English score
- Positive skills assessment for your occupation
- Recent Australian work experience in your field
- High points score on skills, age, language ability, etc.
Scoring at least 65 points is recommended to maximize PR approval odds under the SkillSelect system.
Having an occupation on the Medium to Long-term Strategic Skills List also helps.
Gaining Australian skilled work experience through post-study work rights gives a major leg up.
But PR success ultimately depends on the demand for your particular profession.
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Long-Term Scope and Advantages
Life in Australia after PR offers tremendous advantages:
- Access to healthcare under Medicare and medical services
- Ability to live and work anywhere in Australia, including remote areas
- Options for sponsoring family members and relatives
- Protection against deportation or removal
- Access to government services and social security benefits
- Ability to become an Australian citizen later if desired
PR is the pathway to making Australia your long-term home with security and stability.
The job scope for PR holders is also excellent due to Australia’s continually growing labor shortages in areas like healthcare, engineering, tech, and education.
Degree-holders in these fields enjoy high demand and negotiating power.
Cost of Studying and Living in Australia
Studying and living costs in Australia are quite high compared to other countries, but also come with high future earning potential:
- Tuition fees: $25,000 to $45,000 per year
- Living expenses: $15,000 to $25,000 per year
- Rent allowance: $200 to $350 per week
- Healthcare coverage: $500 to $600 per year
Scholarships, part-time work of up to 40 hours during term, and internships all help offset costs for international students in Australia.
Graduates seeking PR can expect starting full-time salaries in the range of $45,000 to $90,000 in fields like engineering, IT, and healthcare depending on experience.
This earnings potential balances the higher costs.
Conclusion
Australia offers the complete package for students seeking world-class education, temporary graduate work rights, and pathways to permanent residency.
Careful course selection, strong academics, language skills, and post-study Australian work experience are key to maximizing PR eligibility.
Degrees linked to perpetually in-demand fields like healthcare, engineering and IT remain top choices.
Completing an educational program from a reputable Australian institution also provides key immigration points.
With proper planning and effort, the Australian PR dream is very achievable for international graduates.
The phenomenal lifestyle, job opportunities, and immigration security make it a worthy long-term goal.
FAQ
Which Course Has the Highest PR Chances?
Engineering, nursing, medicine, IT, and accounting generally have the best PR prospects based on Australia’s perpetual skills shortages.
Does a Master’s Degree Help More for PR?
In most cases, a master’s degree gives you a slight edge but is not critical. Relevant Australian work experience after graduation is more important.
How Long Is the PR Process After Studying?
Most students apply for PR in their final semester. The application process takes 6-8 months if all requirements are met.
Can I Get PR Directly After Graduating?
It’s possible but tough. Gaining local skilled work experience through the post-study visa helps immensely in applying directly for PR.
What Jobs Can I Get After PR?
PR allows you to live and work in any occupation, anywhere in Australia. Your degree and experience will guide job prospects in that field.