Australia’s robust economy and skilled occupation shortages make it a prime destination for international students seeking education and permanent residency (PR). By choosing courses aligned with the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), International students can fast-track their PR journey. Below, we have listed high-demand degrees and affordable institutions for 2025-2026, along with career prospects and PR strategies.
What and why to study in Australia that would lead to Permanent Residency?
- High-Demand Fields: Healthcare, IT, engineering, and trades dominate Australia’s SOL.
- Post-Study Work Visa: Graduates gain 2–4 years to work and earn PR points.
- Affordable Options: Public universities and TAFE institutes offer cost-effective programs.
University Degrees with Strong PR Prospects:
University degrees typically offer a more in-depth theoretical understanding and can lead to higher-skilled occupations often prioritized for PR. Here are some key fields and universities to consider, along with estimated 2025 annual fees for international students (please note these are indicative and subject to change; always check the university’s official website for the most up-to-date information):
University-Level Degrees Leading to PR
- Engineering
- Specializations: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Software, Environmental.
- Top Universities & Estimated Annual Fees (2025):
- Australian National University – AUD 45,000
- University of Melbourne – AUD 47,000
- RMIT University – AUD 38,000
- Career Prospects: Civil Engineer, Software Engineer, Electrical Engineer.
- PR Pathway: Occupations listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL); assessment by Engineers Australia.
- Information Technology (IT)
- Specializations: Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Network Engineering.
- Top Universities & Estimated Annual Fees (2025):
- University of Queensland – AUD 42,000
- University of Melbourne – AUD 45,000
- RMIT University – AUD 39,000
- Career Prospects: Software Developer, ICT Security Specialist, Systems Analyst.
- PR Pathway: Occupations on MLTSSL; assessment by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
- Nursing and Midwifery
- Top Universities & Estimated Annual Fees (2025):
- Griffith University – AUD 33,000
- La Trobe University – AUD 35,000
- University of Sydney – AUD 37,000
- Career Prospects: Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Midwife.
- PR Pathway: High demand; assessment by the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)
Within the Health Sector there are other relevant degrees that students can study that would lead to a secure Permanent Residency. Diploma of Nursing would make you eligible for an enrolled nurse, through which one can apply for 491 and 190 visa subclass.
- Social Work
- Top Universities & Estimated Annual Fees (2025):
- University of Melbourne – AUD 32,000
- University of Queensland – AUD 34,000
- University of Sydney – AUD 36,000
- Career Prospects: Social Worker, Community Worker, Youth Worker.
- PR Pathway: Occupations on MLTSSL; assessment by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
- Education and Teaching
- Specializations: Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary Education.
- Top Universities & Estimated Annual Fees (2025):
- Monash University – AUD 30,000
- University of Sydney – AUD 33,000
- University of Queensland – AUD 31,000
- Career Prospects: Primary Teacher, Secondary Teacher, Special Needs Educator.
- PR Pathway: Occupations on MLTSSL; assessment by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).
Affordable Degrees and Vocational Courses at Private Colleges/Institutes:
Private colleges and institutes can sometimes offer more affordable degree options and specialized vocational training that aligns with in-demand trades. While thorough research is crucial to ensure quality and recognition, these can be viable pathways:
Healthcare (Aged Care, Disability Support): While often offered as vocational courses, these sectors have significant demand. Look for Diploma or Certificate-level qualifications.
Colleges/Institutes: Many Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) across Australia offer these qualifications. Research based on location and reviews (e.g., Australian Pacific College, Stanley College). Annual fees can range from AUD $8,000 – $15,000 depending on the course and duration.
Trades (Automotive Mechanics, Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters): Skilled tradespeople are consistently in demand in Australia. These are typically offered as Certificate III or IV level qualifications.
Colleges/Institutes: TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutions across different states (e.g., TAFE NSW, TAFE Queensland, Holmesglen Institute in Victoria) are reputable providers. Annual fees can vary, generally ranging from AUD $10,000 – $18,000. Private RTOs also offer these courses.
Early Childhood Education and Care: Like university degrees, vocational diplomas can provide a pathway to working in this in-demand sector.
Colleges/Institutes: Many RTOs and some private colleges (e.g., Australian Child Care Career Options) offer Diploma-level qualifications. Fees can range from AUD $9,000 – $16,000 per year.
| # | College Name | Courses | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australian Trade Training College (ATTC) | Automotive, Bricklaying | Automotive: ~AUD 5,000–17,144; Bricklaying: Inquire |
| 2 | ECA College | Business/IT (limited trade) | Diploma of IT: AUD 8,400 total |
| 3 | Brightannica College | Business, IT | Diploma of IT: ~AUD 6,400/year |
| 4 | Selmar Institute of Education | Commercial Cookery | ~AUD 15,000–20,000/year |
| 5 | Academia International | Cookery, Hospitality | ~AUD 15,000–18,000/year |
| 6 | Australian College of Trade (ACT) | Carpentry, Bricklaying | ~AUD 12,000–16,000/year |
| 7 | Everthought College of Construction | Carpentry, Bricklaying | ~AUD 14,000–18,000/year |
| 8 | Australian National College of Beauty (ANCB) | Hospitality | ~AUD 10,000–15,000/year |
| 9 | MCIE (Melbourne College of Information Technology) | Engineering (Diploma-level) | ~AUD 12,000–16,000/year |
| 10 | Australian College of Information Technology (ACIT) | Engineering (IT-focused) | ~AUD 8,000–12,000/year |
| 11 | Australian Skills Group | Carpentry, Bricklaying | ~AUD 10,000–15,000/year |
| 12 | TrainSmart Australia | Cookery (Hospitality) | ~AUD 14,000–18,000/year |
| 13 | Builders Academy Australia | Carpentry, Bricklaying | ~AUD 13,000–17,000/year |
| 14 | Australian College of Technical Training | Automotive, Engineering | ~AUD 12,000–16,000/year |
| 15 | Stanley College | Cookery, Automotive | Cookery: ~AUD 15,000–20,000/year; Automotive: ~AUD 12,000–16,000/year |
| 16 | Unity College Australia | Carpentry, Construction | ~AUD 11,000–15,000/year |
| 17 | Australian College of Applied Professions (ACAP) | Project Management (trade-adjacent) | ~AUD 15,000–20,000/year |
| 18 | Australian Harbour International College | Cookery, Hospitality | ~AUD 14,000–18,000/year |
| 19 | Australian Institute of Technical Training | Automotive, Engineering | ~AUD 10,000–14,000/year |
| 20 | Institute of Culinary Excellence | Commercial Cookery | ~AUD 16,000–22,000/year |
