MLTSSL Migration Pathway

Computer Network & Systems Engineer

ANZSCO Code: 263111 | Infrastructure & Cloud Specialist

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Strong Future Demand

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High Job Security

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MLTSSL Visa Pathway

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$95k – $135k Avg Salary (AUD)

PR Pathway Overview

Study

→

Graduate

→

485 Visa

→

Work

→

Skills Assess

→

EOI

→

Invitation

→

Visa Grant

Most applicants aim for 80+ points. Regional Advantage: Studying or working in regional Australia provides a significant advantage and grants an additional +5 points to your total. The estimated total timeline from course commencement to permanent residency grant is typically 4 to 6 years.

Occupation Overview

QualificationsBachelor's degree in Network Engineering or IT (AQF Level 7).
Key CertificationsCCNA/CCNP certifications are highly valuable for PR.
Course ExamplesBachelor of Network Engineering (HE20530) or Cisco CCNP.
Course Duration3–4 years (Full-time)
Course CostAUD $32,000–$50,000 / Year
Entry Req.Successful completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) with background in Mathematics/Computing; minimum English proficiency score of IELTS Academic 6.0 overall (with no individual band below 5.5) or equivalent.
IntakesFebruary, July, November

Job Description & Strategic Insight

Computer Network and Systems Engineers plan, design, install, and configure complex computer networks and systems. In the current Australian landscape, demand is surging for specialists in Cloud Infrastructure, SD-WAN, and Network Security expansion.

Business Opportunities • IT Managed Service Provider (MSP)
• Cloud Networking Consultancy
• SD-WAN Deployment Specialist
• Corporate Network Security Firm

Simple 4 Step Process

Enrol to a Course

Firstly, you must enrol in the right course/courses – one that trains you for a position on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

FIND A COURSE

Apply for 485 visa

After graduation, you may be eligible to apply for a temporary work visa called 485 Graduate Visa.

Undertake a Full Skill Assessment

ICT occupations undertake the ACS (Australian Computer Society) Skills Assessment which requires an eligible qualification and either a Professional Year Program or 12-months of related post-qualification work experience.

Apply for 189, 190, 491 visas

Finally... you may be eligible to apply for General Skilled Migration Visas: The Skilled Independent (Subclass 189), State Nominated (Subclass 190) or Regional Nominated (Subclass 491) Visas.

Visa & PR Pathways

Skilled Independent

Subclass 189

Direct Permanent Residency
Points-based (No sponsor needed)
Full access via MLTSSL status

Skilled Nominated

Subclass 190

Permanent Residency
State/Territory nomination
+5 Points bonus for nomination

Regional Skilled

Subclass 491

5-year provisional visa
+15 Points for Regional
Pathway to 191 Permanent Residency

Employer Sponsored

Subclass 482

Temporary Skill Shortage
Medium-term stream sponsorship
Pathway to PR available

Regional Employer

Subclass 494

Regional Employer Sponsored
Priority Processing
Direct PR pathway available

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the course entry requirements for a Computer Network & Systems Engineer program?

Entry requirements generally require completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) with a background in Mathematics or Computing for a Bachelor's degree. International applicants require an English proficiency score equivalent to IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no individual band below 5.5.

What are the primary university course intakes available for this field?

The standard primary course intakes across most Australian academic networks are scheduled for February, July, and November every calendar year.

What is the standard course duration to complete my qualification?

A professional Bachelor of Network Engineering or an aligned Bachelor of Information Technology degree program typically takes 3 to 4 years of full-time study to successfully complete.

Does studying in regional areas of Australia add points to my PR pathway?

Yes. Successfully completing your studies or maintaining employment in designated regional areas of Australia grants you an additional +5 points bonus toward your General Skilled Migration profile score.

Is the Computer Network & Systems Engineer role in demand in Australia?

Yes, the role features very strong future demand across Australia. There is an ongoing priority recruitment focus for cloud deployment specialists, network infrastructure security architects, and enterprise systems managers.

Do I need a mandatory state license or registration to work in Australia?

No mandatory state license is required to legally practice. However, migrating candidates must secure a positive Skills Assessment from the Australian Computer Society (ACS). Industry vendor credentials like Cisco (CCNA/CCNP) or AWS/Azure certifications are also highly recommended.

What is the average salary expectation for this occupational role?

The average market salary expectation spans between $95,000 to $135,000 AUD per year. Senior cloud engineers, network architects, or specialized security advisors can command figures significantly higher than this baseline range.