Australia continues to be one of the top destinations for international students and skilled professionals, offering a variety of career opportunities and pathways to Permanent Residency (PR). Whether you're planning to study, work, or settle in Australia, it’s crucial to understand the process—from obtaining a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an accredited university to receiving your skills assessment through ANMAC (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council) and eventually applying for PR through visa pathways like subclasses 189, 190, and 491. This guide breaks down the essential steps to help you navigate the journey, including potential career opportunities and salary expectations once you’ve achieved PR.
The first step toward building your career in Australia is securing your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an accredited Australian university. The CoE is a vital document for your student visa application and proves your enrolment in an Australian educational institution. Here's how to get started:
You can check whether a university is registered with APHRA by visiting their official website and browsing the list of Approved Programs of Study. This will confirm whether the institution offering your course is accredited.
With your CoE, you’ll be ready to apply for your student visa and embark on your educational journey in Australia.
After completing your studies in Australia, the next essential step for healthcare professionals, especially nurses, is the skills assessment through ANMAC(Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council). This process ensures that your qualifications and experience meet Australia’s standards for nursing practice.
Once you’ve completed your studies and received a positive skills assessment, you can apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia. There are several visa pathways to PR, including subclasses 189, 190, and 491, each designed to accommodate different circumstances:
Points-Based System: All of these PR pathways are points-based. Your points are determined by factors such as age, education, work experience, English language skills, and other personal circumstances. The higher your points, the more likely you are to receive an invitation to apply for PR.
Once you’ve obtained PR and entered the workforce, you can expect competitive salaries that vary based on your profession, experience, and specialization. Here’s an overview of salary ranges across various industries:
The pathway from obtaining aConfirmation of Enrolment (CoE)to completing your studies, getting a skills assessment from ANMAC, and ultimately securing Permanent Residency (PR) inAustralia is filled with exciting opportunities. By following these steps—whether you're pursuing a career in nursing, engineering, IT, or any other skilled profession—you’ll be well on your way to contributing to Australia’s workforce while enjoying a high quality of life. With the right qualifications and the right visa, Australia offers a fulfilling career, with excellent pay rates, benefits, and the chance to live in a country renowned for its vibrant lifestyle and work-life balance. The journey from student to permanent resident might take some time, but with the right planning, dedication, and determination, a bright future in Australia is within reach.For more information on approved programs of study and ensuring your university is recognized by APHRA, you can visit their official Approved Programs of Study page.
For many students, studying abroad is an exciting adventure, but it can be even better if your spouse or de facto partner can join you. Fortunately, most countries allow you to include your partner in your student visa application as a secondary applicant, but there are some essential requirements and conditions to be aware of.
Business studies in Australia provide an exceptional foundation for those seeking to enter a vibrant and evolving career market.
Australia’s international student population is projected to hit record highs in 2025, with strong interest in Nursing, Early Childhood Teaching, and Social Work—fields offering high job demand and societal value. Key regions like South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales stand out for quality education and employment prospects. The blog also highlights a 15% rise in enrolments since 2019, driven by growth in the VET and higher education sectors. These trends signal strong opportunities for international students pursuing meaningful, in-demand careers.
Course | Bachelor’s Degree | Master’s Degree | Requirements or Considerations | English Language Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) | Tuition Fees (per year for international students) | Top Universities |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nursing | 3 years | 1-2 years | Clinical placements required; may need specific health immunizations. | Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93. | AUD $30,000 - $45,000 | University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, Monash University |
Information Technology | 3-4 years | 1-2 years | May require programming skills or prior coursework in IT. | Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93. | AUD $30,000 - $50,000 | Australian National University, University of New South Wales, University of Melbourne |
Accounting | 3 years | 1-2 years | Need to meet accreditation standards by professional bodies. | Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93. | AUD $30,000 - $40,000 | University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland |
Engineering (various fields) | 4 years | 1-2 years | Strong background in mathematics and physics required. | Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93. | AUD $35,000 - $45,000 | University of New South Wales, University of Sydney, Monash University |
Social Work | 4 years | 1-2 years | Practical experience or placements required. | Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101. | AUD $28,000 - $40,000 | University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland |
Education (various fields) | 4 years | 1-2 years | A police clearance and working with children check required. | Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101. | AUD $28,000 - $35,000 | University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Monash University |
Psychology | 3 years | 1-2 years | Requires strong research and psychological theory understanding. | Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101. | AUD $30,000 - $45,000 | University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, University of Queensland |
Occupational Therapy | 3-4 years | 1-2 years | May require pre-registration or relevant clinical experience. | Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101. | AUD $30,000 - $45,000 | University of Queensland, University of Sydney, Curtin University |
Architecture | 3-4 years | 2 years | Includes technical and creative coursework, portfolio may be required. | Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93. | AUD $35,000 - $50,000 | University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, Monash University |
Medicine and Health Sciences | 5-6 years | 2-4 years | Highly competitive entry, includes clinical placements and internships. | Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101. | AUD $45,000 - $70,000 | University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Australian National University |
State/Territory | Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) | Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa) |
---|---|---|
New South Wales (NSW) | Required for some occupations | Required for some occupations and regions |
Victoria (VIC) | Required | Required |
Queensland (QLD) | Not typically required, conditions apply | Required for some occupations and regions |
South Australia (SA) | Not typically required, conditions apply | Required for some occupations and regions |
Western Australia (WA) | Not typically required | Not typically required |
Tasmania (TAS) | Not typically required, conditions apply | Not typically required, conditions apply |
Northern Territory (NT) | Not typically required | Not typically required |
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | Required, uses Matrix system | Required, uses Matrix system |