Global Select Education and Migration Services
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Top 10 Proven Ways to Increase Your PR Points for Australian Permanent Residency

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Every year, millions of international students arrive in Australia with one common goal—to become permanent residents. However, the journey toward Australian Permanent Residency (PR) is competitive and governed by a points-based immigration system. The higher your score, the better your chances of being invited to apply.

The three main visa subclasses that allow you to gain PR include:

  1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
  2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
  3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
Quick Recap of Visa Types:
  1. 189 Visa–A federal PR visa with full freedom to work/study anywhere inAustralia.
  2. 190 Visa–Requires state nomination and is granted by state governments.
  3. 491 Visa–A provisional visa allowing skilled work/study in regional areas and leading to PR.

Let’s now explore 10 actionable ways to increase your PR points and edge closer to your dream of settling in Australia.

1. Meet the Education Requirements

Your highest level of education can significantly boost your score:

  • Diploma or trade qualification–10 points
  • Bachelor’s degree–15 points
  • Master’s or Doctoral degree–20 points

2. Fulfill Australian Study Requirements (ASR)

Studying in Australia can get you:

  • 5 points for any 92-week CRICOS-registered qualification.
  • 5 extra points for completing your course in a designated regional area.

3. Improve Your English Proficiency

Language skills can earn you between10 to 20 points.

4. Record Offshore Work Experience

Experience in your nominated occupation outside Australia in the last 10 years can give:

  • 5 points for 3–5 years
  • 10 points for 5–8 years
  • 15 points for 8+ years

5. Gain Valuable Work Experience in Australia

Local work experience is highly valued:

  • 5 points for 1 year
  • Up to 20 points for 8+ years in your nominated occupation

6. NAATI Accreditation

Become a certified translator/interpreter through NAATI to earn 5 additional points.This also opens up new job opportunities across Australia.

7. Partner Skills

Your partner can boost your score if they:

  • Have competent English–5 points
  • Meet age, skill, and English requirements–10 points
  • Are single? You’re not left behind–10 points available

8. Complete a Professional Year Program

In IT, business, accounting, or engineering? Completing aProfessional Year (PY)within the last 4 years will give you5 extra points and deepen your knowledge of Australia’s professional culture.

9. Secure a State Nomination

If you’re applying for a 190 or 491 visa, state or regional nominations are golden:

  • 190 Nomination–5 points
  • 491 Nomination–15 points

10. Apply Between Ages 25–32

This age group fetches the maximum of 30 points. Points decrease progressively as age increases. If you're over 45, unfortunately, you won’t earn any age-related points.

Australia’s PR system may seem overwhelming, but it's completely navigable with the right strategies. By targeting the high-value point categories such as language, education, experience, and regional preferences, you can optimize your profile for a successful outcome.

✔️ Always stay informed

✔️ Use official points calculators

✔️ Seek professional migration advice when needed

Your Australian dream is just a few strategic moves away.

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CourseBachelor’s DegreeMaster’s DegreeRequirements or ConsiderationsEnglish Language Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)Tuition Fees (per year for international students)Top Universities
Nursing
3 years1-2 yearsClinical placements required; may need specific health immunizations.Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93.AUD $30,000 - $45,000University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, Monash University
Information Technology
3-4 years1-2 yearsMay require programming skills or prior coursework in IT.Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93.AUD $30,000 - $50,000Australian National University, University of New South Wales, University of Melbourne
Accounting
3 years1-2 yearsNeed to meet accreditation standards by professional bodies.Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93.AUD $30,000 - $40,000University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland
Engineering (various fields)
4 years1-2 yearsStrong background in mathematics and physics required.Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93.AUD $35,000 - $45,000University of New South Wales, University of Sydney, Monash University
Social Work
4 years1-2 yearsPractical experience or placements required.Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101.AUD $28,000 - $40,000University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland
Education (various fields)
4 years1-2 yearsA police clearance and working with children check required.Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101.AUD $28,000 - $35,000University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Monash University
Psychology
3 years1-2 yearsRequires strong research and psychological theory understanding.Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101.AUD $30,000 - $45,000University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, University of Queensland
Occupational Therapy
3-4 years1-2 yearsMay require pre-registration or relevant clinical experience.Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101.AUD $30,000 - $45,000University of Queensland, University of Sydney, Curtin University
Architecture
3-4 years2 yearsIncludes technical and creative coursework, portfolio may be required.Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93.AUD $35,000 - $50,000University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, Monash University
Medicine and  Health Sciences
5-6 years2-4 yearsHighly competitive entry, includes clinical placements and internships.Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101.AUD $45,000 - $70,000University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Australian National University
State/TerritorySubclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa)Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa)
New South Wales (NSW)Required for some occupationsRequired for some occupations and regions
Victoria (VIC)RequiredRequired
Queensland (QLD)Not typically required, conditions applyRequired for some occupations and regions
South Australia (SA)Not typically required, conditions applyRequired for some occupations and regions
Western Australia (WA)Not typically requiredNot typically required
Tasmania (TAS)Not typically required, conditions applyNot typically required, conditions apply
Northern Territory (NT)Not typically requiredNot typically required
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)Required, uses Matrix systemRequired, uses Matrix system