University Courses for a PR Pathway
Australia is one of the top destinations for international students seeking higher education. From top-ranked universities and world-class education to a unique way of life for students to experience - there is much Australia has to offer. While many international students spend a few fruitful and enriching years in Australia, many opt for a pathway to PR.
If you are looking to obtain PR in Australia through higher education, there are many options and courseloads to choose from. Certain courses will make it easier for you to obtain PR, but ensure that the course you select will be relevant to your desired career path.
University Course or Trade Course?
Before diving into the kinds and names of courses, you must ask yourself an important question: am I looking for a university course or a trade course? These 2 pathways are distinct and will have different impacts on your career.
University courses primarily involve intense academic research for a certain number of years until the student obtains a degree. Simply put, universities are higher education providers.
Trade courses primarily involve the study of specific, practical-oriented skills (e.g. construction, mechanics, commercial cookery, etc). Students of this course select a specialisation and learn to perfect it by the end of their study.
University Courses for PR
If you select university courses for your PR pathway, there are specific courses available that will make your journey easier. Your journey from university to PR may look something like this:
- You will enrol yourself for a university course that educates you about an occupation that has been listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Upon graduation, you will be granted a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) that will allow you to work and remain in Australia temporarily. To enrol yourself for the PR pathway, you will be required to select from the visas below:
- TSS 482 Visa
- Skilled Visa (Subclass 489/190/189)
- Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 186)
- Regional Sponsored RSMS Visa (Subclass 187)
3. Once you determine which visa pathway you will opt for with the help of your visa provider, you will undergo a skills assessment from the relevant skills assessing authority. To meet the requirements, your education and applicable work experience must meet the assessing authority’s criteria.
4. Upon receiving a positive skills assessment, you will be eligible for the aforementioned visas. This will take you on a new pathway towards PR.
While the MLTSSL consistently updates itself with the various occupations that make one eligible for PR, here are a few university course branches that will give you an idea of applicable courses and occupations:
Trade Courses for PR
If you select trade courses for your PR pathway, there are specific courses available that will make your journey easier. Your journey from a trade school to PR may look something like this:
- You will enrol yourself for a university course that educates you about an occupation that has been listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Upon graduation, you will be granted a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) that will allow you to work and remain in Australia temporarily. To enrol yourself for the PR pathway, you will be required to select from the visas below:
- TSS 482 Visa
- Skilled Visa (Subclass 489/190/189)
- Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 186)
- Regional Sponsored RSMS Visa (Subclass 187)
3. While your 485 Visa is valid, you will be completing a 12-month Job Ready Program (JRP) through TRA. It is mandatory for international student graduates who hold an Australian qualification issued by a CRICOS-registered training organization.
4. Upon receiving a positive skills assessment, you will be eligible for the aforementioned visas. This will take you on a new pathway towards PR.
While the MLTSSL consistently updates itself with the various occupations that make one eligible for PR, here are a few trade course branches that will give you an idea of applicable courses and occupations:
Keep In Mind
We understand that there are an array of factors you need to consider when thinking about this. But along with your courseload and PR pathways, kindly keep in mind other factors that will be deeply influential throughout your journey in Australia.
- Age: Many visa subclasses strictly pose age limits after which any applicant will be denied a visa.
- English Proficiency: English is the primary language of Australia, if your proficiency is not up to the government’s standard requirements, it may affect your chances.
- Employment Experience: You stand a chance to gain some enriching employment experiences in Australia. When filling out the skills assessment, your employment experience may add value to your application.
- Partner’s Skills: If you and your partner are both planning to obtain PR in Australia, ensure that your partner holds skills that may add value to their application.
- Qualifications: You will need not be able to begin your PR pathway unless you complete your degree, be it in university or trade school.
Disclaimer: Kindly note that the information provided here does not constitute legal advice. This must solely be regarded as content that provides general immigration information and is not a substitute for professional legal advice that occurs between an immigration lawyer and a client.
Path Migration strongly recommends readers to contact certified immigration lawyers for a holistic overview of the Australia immigration system and a detailed analysis of each case.
