A Complete Guide To
PR Courses in Australia: Pathways to Permanent Residency and Top Opportunities
Chapter 1
Overview
Australia, also referred to as ‘the Land Down Under’, is the world’s 3rd most popular destination for students seeking to pursue their higher studies abroad. The country’s robust economy, world-class education system & faculties, state-of-the-art universities, and well-developed curriculums in a multitude of disciplines has attracted more than 300,000 international students.
Considering Australia’s multicultural & vibrant cities, beautiful coastlines & geography, coupled with the fact that many students find it a highly welcoming and safe place to study, work and live, it comes as no surprise that many international students plan to live there permanently after completing their studies. To know more about why Australia is a great place to study and live in (and to know more about the economy), click here! (MBA in Australia)
This is where Permanent Residency (PR) comes into play. There are various pathways that an individual may choose in order to gain PR status in Australia. Obtaining a PR is highly useful as it allows you to settle permanently in the country and become a citizen, gaining access to plenty of work and life opportunities. It also provides you with a chance to contribute to the country and charges you with the duty of being a responsible citizen.
Further Stats about PR in Australia and Benefits of Applying for a PR in Australia –
Due to the pandemic, immigration has taken a hit during the years of 2020 and 2021. As of September 2020, net overseas immigration in Australia was 85,100 which was 65% lower than the previous 12 months (September 2019 period). During this time period, the Australian government granted 140,366 permanent skilled and family VISAs as well. In terms of temporary VISAs like study VISAs, 1,720,788 people held temporary VISAs as of 30 April 2021.
Over the past 22 years, a majority of Australia’s immigrants have come from India and China. The world is now slowly recovering from and learning to live with the COVID-19 pandemic. Universities world-wide are taking precautions and accepting students for offline classes once again. The same is true for Australia as well.
The Australian Government had announced earlier (in 2021), that the country will once again welcome international students from 1 December 2021, in order to support their education sector, and provide their economy with skilled workers.
For now, all vaccinated (both doses) VISA holders, inclusive of international students, are allowed to travel to the country. They will be required to present their vaccination certificates as proof of their vaccination status, and also present a -ve COVID-19 PCR Test Report dated 3 days before their scheduled departure. Good news for Indian Students – Both Covaxin and Covishield were declared as approved vaccines by the Australian Health Ministry.
Note: Students will need to adhere to the regulations imposed upon them and strictly follow quarantine rules upon their arrival. Those applying for their Student VISAs in Australia for the next academic year will also need to be fully vaccinated and comply with the VISA requirements of the country.
Benefits of obtaining a Permanent Residency or PR in Australia
Let us look at some more benefits of obtaining a Permanent Residency or PR in Australia –
- You can apply for Australian Citizenship a few years after receiving your PR.
- Free movement in and out of Australia for a period of 5 years (subject to COVID-19 regulations).
- The freedom to live and work in any part of Australia.
- You will be able to get your family permission to move with you, and can get them work and health benefits as well.
- Your children will be eligible for free education up to a certain age.
Best Ways to get Australian PR
Let us look at some of the best ways to apply for and obtain a PR in Australia:
- Skilled Migration
- State Nomination
- Employer Nomination Scheme
- Completion of a course associated with an occupation from the Skilled Occupation List
In this article, we will be focusing primarily on the last pathway, which is the path of completing a course that leads to higher chances of PR, and the courses that lead to better chances of a PR. The timeline for the same roughly goes like this:
- First, you must check whether your specialization or preferred occupation falls under the ‘Skilled Occupation List’. The Australia Govt. updates the latter regularly, so do check it out!
- Second, you will need to write standardized tests to gain admission into the best universities for your chosen specialization. You will also need to apply for a student VISA, which gives you the freedom to live, study and work in Australia for the duration of your course.
- Upon the completion of your course, you will need to apply for a post-study work VISA (subclass 485), and secure a job in Australia. Depending on your talent, company, and qualification, your post-study work VISA will range from 2-4 years.
- All of the above will add to your overall points in terms of PR applications. After completing all of the steps above, you have a really chance of obtaining a Permanent Resident Status in Australia when you apply.
Chapter 2
Top Courses in Australia for obtaining a Permanent Residency (PR):
As mentioned earlier, the Department of Immigration and Board Protection updates the Skilled Occupations List regularly. It is crucial that you select courses with excellent PR chances and prospects. Such courses and specializations are highly relevant, in-demand at present and with regard to the future, and have excellent job opportunities. This is one of the best ways to obtain a PR in Australia. So how does one go about identifying these courses? Don’t worry, for we have put together a neat little list of all the PR courses with excellent prospects!
- Computer Sciences and Information Technology
- Engineering
- Dentistry
- Medical Courses
- Nursing
- Accounting
- Cooking and Chef Courses
- Construction and Building
- Education and Teaching
- Hospitality
Let us dive into the details of these courses and the top universities & job opportunities associated with these courses.
Computer Sciences and Information Technology
Honestly, this should come as no surprise, because Computer Science and IT courses and specialists are in demand throughout the world, and will continue to be in-demand for years to come. The case is no different in Australia! I have often believed that the discovery and innovation of computers and the internet is synonymous with the discovery of fire. The world would not be the same place without CS.
Top Universities for CS and IT in Australia:
- The University of Melbourne – 37th Rank
- The University of Sydney – 38th Rank
- Australian National University – 27th Rank
- University of South Wales – 43rd Rank
- RMIT University – 206th Rank
Top CS and IT Job Opportunities linked to PR in Australia:
- Software Engineer – 80,000 AUD or ~INR 43 Lakhs.
- Systems Analyst – 75,400 AUD or ~INR 40.5 Lakhs.
- Software Developer – 91,200 AUD or ~INR 49 Lakhs.
- ICT Engineer – 80,000 AUD or ~INR 43 lakhs.
- Network Specialist – 79,000 AUD or ~INR 42.5 Lakhs.
Engineering
Engineers are in high demand in Australia. The Land Down Under offers a diverse range of world-class engineering courses. They also address the needs of the country in various fields, and come up with solutions to myriad problems.
Top Universities for Engineering in Australia:
- Monash University – 58th Rank
- The University of Melbourne – 37th Rank
- The University of Sydney – 38th Rank
- Australian National University – 27th Rank
- University of Technology – Sydney – 133rd Rank
Top Engineering Job Opportunities linked to PR in Australia:
- Electrical Engineer – 76,300 AUD or ~INR 41 Lakhs.
- Civil Engineer – 82,000 AUD or ~INR 44 Lakhs.
- Mechanical Engineer – 73,300 AUD or ~INR 39.5 Lakhs.
- Chemical Engineer – ~INR 38.5 Lakhs.
- Aeronautical Engineer – ~INR 50.7 Lakhs.
- Agricultural Engineer – ~INR 36.5 Lakhs.
Dentistry
Dentistry courses are always in demand in Australia. You can either opt for a Master’s in Oral Health, become an Orthodontist, or specialize in Dental Sciences in general.
Top Universities for Dentistry in Australia:
- James Cook University – 424th Rank
- University of Adelaide – 108th Rank
- University of Queensland – 47th Rank
- University of Western Australia – 93rd Rank
Top Dentistry Job Opportunities linked to PR in Australia:
- Dentist – ~INR 66 Lakhs.
- Orthodontist – 112,600 AUD or ~INR 60 Lakhs
- Dental Technician – ~INR 33 Lakhs.
- Dental Therapist – ~INR 42 Lakhs.
Medical Courses
Where would mankind be without healthcare? As a species, the practice of medicine has taken us to new heights, and it continues to be vital. The same goes for nursing. The healthcare industry in Australia is highly developed, and the demand for medical professionals hasn’t dwindled. Courses range far and wide given the complexity of the body and mind.
Top Universities for Medical Courses in Australia:
- University of Melbourne – 37th Rank
- Australian National University – 27th Rank
- Deakin University – 283rd Rank
- The University of Sydney – 38th Rank
- University of New South Wales – 43rd Rank
Top Medical Job Opportunities linked to PR in Australia:
- General Physician – ~INR 1 crore.
- Surgeon – ~INR 87.4 Lakhs.
- Resident Doctor – ~INR 70 lakhs.
Nursing
One of the most sought after and perennially needed job roles in the healthcare industry is nursing and the points that apply to medical courses apply to them as well. Furthermore, nursing also has really high PR prospects.
Top Universities for Nursing in Australia:
- University of Adelaide – 108th Rank
- Monash University – 58th Rank
- University of Sydney – 38th Rank
- University of Adelaide – 108th Rank.
Top Nursing Job Opportunities linked to PR in Australia:
- Registered Nurse – ~INR 41 Lakhs.
- Anaesthesia Nurse – 104,000 AUD or ~INR 55.9 Lakhs
- Nurse Practitioner – ~INR 67 Lakhs.
Accounting
Australia has plenty of excellent banks and top firms in the world for finance, accounting, and record keeping. The demand for accountants has been rising steadily, and the field has excellent job prospects.
Top Universities for Accounting in Australia:
- University of New South Wales – 43rd Rank
- University of Sydney – 38th Rank
- Australian National University – 27th Rank
- University of Queensland – 47th Rank
- University of Adelaide – 108th Rank
Top Accounting Job Opportunities linked to PR in Australia:
- Accountants, obviously : P – ~INR 33 Lakhs.
- Auditors – ~INR 30 Lakhs.
- Financial Managers – ~INR 53 Lakhs.
- Budget Analysts – ~INR 52 Lakhs.
- Bankers – 81,000 AUD or ~INR 43.5 Lakhs
Culinary Courses
We’ve all seen or heard bits of MasterChef I presume? The hospitality and hotel sector in Australia is one of the most successful and dynamic sectors in the world. The demand for creative chefs is sky-high given that the cooking industry is heavily correlated to the hospitality sector.
Top Universities for Culinary Courses in Australia:
- Skills Australian Institute
- Crown College
- Australian College of Trade
- Melbourne Polytechnic
Top Culinary Job Opportunities linked to PR in Australia:
- Chef – ~INR 33 Lakhs
- Sous-chef – ~INR 32 Lakhs
- Baker – ~INR 32 Lakhs
Construction and Building
Architecture, civil engineering, and construction is important in most countries, and Australia is no exception. Construction and Building is an excellent way to get a PR and the subject is taught by some of the world’s best universities which are located in Australia.
Top Universities for Construction and Building in Australia:
- University of Canberra
- University of New South Wales – 43rd Rank
- Bond University
- Macquarie University
- Melbourne Polytechnic
Top Construction and Building Job Opportunities linked to PR in Australia:
- Architect – 92,000 AUD or ~INR 49.4 Lakhs
- Building Inspector – ~INR 56 Lakhs.
- Construction Manager – ~INR 53 Lakhs.
Hospitality
The hospitality and hotel sector in Australia is one of the most successful and dynamic sectors in the world. With some of the world’s most beautiful tourist destinations and natural wonders, Australian coastlines and landscapes contribute significantly to its economy through tourism and hospitality.
Top Universities for Hospitality Courses in Australia:
- Victoria University
- Murdoch University
- Southern Cross University
- The University of Queensland – 47th Rank
- Edith Cowan University
Top Hospitality Opportunities linked to PR in Australia:
- Hotel Manager – ~INR 34.5 Lakhs.
- Hospitality Manager – ~INR 38 Lakhs.
- Tourism Manager – 95,000 AUD or ~INR 51 Lakhs.
- Restaurant Manager – varies widely between ~INR 40 Lakhs to 1 crore.
- Pastry Cook – ~INR 32 Lakhs
- Chef – ~INR 33 Lakhs
- Hotel Support Staff – varies widely.
Business Administration and Management
For a detailed guide on an MBA in Australia, click here. An MBA is one of the best ways to obtain a PR in Australia!
Secure that dream admit
Right from LOR, University Shortlisting, SOP, Application Reviews till Visa Counselling. Galvanize has your back.
Find out howOther Courses :
Other Courses that are also good pathways to PR but are slightly more difficult include:
Social Work
Social Work – This field is attracting students who wish to contribute towards the greater good.
Top Universities for Social Work Courses in Australia:
- University of Melbourne
- University of Auckland
- Monash University
- University of South Australia
Top Social Work Opportunities linked to PR in Australia:
- Welfare Worker
- Welfare Centre Manager
- Community Worker
Psychology
Psychology – As every country should, Australia also places importance on mental well-being and has a high demand for Psychologists.
Top Universities for Psychology Courses in Australia:
- University of Melbourne – 37th Rank
- Australian National University
- Monash University – 58th Rank
- University of South Australia – 108th Rank
Top Psychology Opportunities linked to PR in Australia:
- Psychologist – ~INR 56 Lakhs.
- Case Worker – ~INR 43 Lakhs.
- Counsellor – ~INR 45 Lakhs.
- Child Psychologist – ~INR 57 Lakhs.
Written by Saahil R Bhatt.
Guided by Pavitra Srinivasan and the Galvanize In-house Experts
Cheers and Best Wishes from Galvanize Global Education.
