The 8 Best Courses to Study in Australia for a Pathway to PR (2026 Guide)
Choosing a course to study in Australia is more than an academic decision; it's a crucial step that can shape your migration future. Many international students dream of turning their Australian education into a long-term stay through work visas and eventually Permanent Residency (PR).
At Work Visa Lawyers®, we've guided thousands of students and skilled migrants through this process. Based on our migration law expertise and the latest government policies, here are the top eight courses in 2026 that can increase your chances of getting a Graduate visa and moving toward PR.
For those over 35, we've included a strategic course option to address recent visa changes.
Why Your Course Choice Matters
Your study program must align with Australia's migration pathways. Here's why your course selection is crucial:
- Eligibility for Post-Study Work Visas: To apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), your course must meet strict criteria, including duration and CRICOS registration.
- Age Limits Matter: As of 1 July 2024, the age limit for most subclass 485 streams is 35 years or under. However, for certain research degrees, the age limit remains under 50.
- Occupation Alignment: Your course should lead to an occupation listed on the official Skilled Occupation Lists—such as the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), or Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL)—which are updated regularly by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Regional Pathways: Studying and living in regional Australia may open doors to extra points, state nominations, and even additional graduate visa time.
- Migration Policy is Dynamic: Rules change. That's why early and informed planning matters—now more than ever.
Top 8 Courses That Can Lead to PR in Australia
High-Demand Trade Qualifications
Trade occupations are the backbone of Australia's construction industry and offer strong migration pathways. In the last three subclass 189 invitation rounds, many construction occupations were invited with a minimum of 65 points, highlighting that construction is now a high priority in Australia. To qualify for the Post-Vocational Education Work stream of the subclass 485 visa, you must complete at least 92 weeks of study in a CRICOS-registered vocational course that leads to an occupation on the relevant skilled list.
1. Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling
Typical Duration: 2 years
Tiling is part of the booming construction sector. This qualification can lead to occupations that may receive invitations with as few as 65 points.
2. Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
Typical Duration: 92 weeks
Painters are vital to Australia's ongoing housing projects. This practical course can support migration and help meet skills assessment requirements via Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).
3. Certificate III in Carpentry
Typical Duration: 2 years
Carpenters remain in high demand, particularly in growth areas like South Australia and Queensland. State nomination or employer sponsorship are often options after graduation.
4. Certificate III in Solid Plastering
Typical Duration: 2 years
With consistent demand across residential and commercial projects, this course could provide a pathway into skilled migration or subclass 482 sponsorship.
In-Demand Professional Degrees
5. Bachelor of Nursing
Typical Duration: 3 years
Nursing is one of Australia’s most in-demand professions and consistently listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Graduates can apply for a 485 visa (Post-Higher Education Work stream).
- Many nurses are eligible for direct entry into state-nominated or independent skilled migration programs (subclass 190, 491, 189).
- As per Ministerial Direction 105, nursing visa applications are given priority 2 processing.
6. Bachelor of Community Services
Typical Duration: 3 years
This degree equips you for roles such as social worker, youth worker, or community welfare officer. These occupations are vital in regional and remote areas, where migration incentives and state nomination options are often available.
Work Visa Lawyers has seen excellent outcomes for graduates of this program, especially when paired with regional study incentives and targeted skilled lists.
7. Teaching and Education (Secondary or Specialised)
Typical Duration: 2-4 years, depending on the qualification
Secondary teaching and STEM education are highly valued across Australia.
- Teaching occupations are listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and state occupation lists.
- Like nursing, teaching occupations receive priority 2 visa processing under Direction 105.
- Graduates are eligible for a subclass 485 visa and can later transition to skilled or sponsored visas.
- Many teachers were invited in the last three subclass 189 invitation rounds.
A Strategic Option for Applicants Over 35
8. Master of Business (Research) or Two-Year Research Master's Degree
Typical Duration: 2 years
This is a strategic option for professionals over 35.
- Master’s by research students over 35 can apply for the Graduate Visa.
- There is eligibility for extending the graduate visa.
- Applicants up to 50 years old may qualify for a Second Post-Higher Education Work stream, depending on their course and where they studied; the Australian institution needs to be located in a regional area.
- Research degrees offer unlimited work rights during study, which means no 48-hour per fortnight work restriction.
- Institutions like Flinders University offer research degrees tailored to business, law, and interdisciplinary fields, aligning well with migration options.
🔍 If you're 35+ and looking for a migration reset or second chance—this is your best bet.
From Study to PR: Understanding the Visa Pathway
Choosing the right course is the first step. After graduation, the typical pathway involves gaining work experience before applying for permanent residency.
- Start with the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485): This visa is a critical bridge between your studies and skilled migration. It allows you to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily after you have finished your studies, giving you the opportunity to gain valuable local work experience.
- Pursue a PR or Sponsored Visa: With work experience, you can then explore several visa options:
- Skilled Visas: These include the Skilled Independent (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visas.
- Employer-Sponsored Visas: If you find an employer willing to sponsor you, you could be eligible for the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482), Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), or Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visas.
Key Steps Before Enrolling
Before you commit to a course, make sure you do your homework:
☑️ Check that your intended course is CRICOS registered.
☑️ Match your course to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation Lists.
☑️ Check if the occupation is in demand nationally or in a specific state or territory.
☑️ Consult a migration lawyer early. The Skilled Occupation Lists can change, so don't base your entire plan on current information without getting expert advice.
How Work Visa Lawyers Can Help
As one of Australia’s leading migration law firms, Work Visa Lawyers offers:
- Course & Visa Strategy Consultations
- Visa Application Management (Student, 485, 482, 189, 190, 491 and more)
- Support for Skills Assessments
- State Nomination & Regional Advice
- Updates on Law & Policy Changes
Our lawyers are legally trained, experienced, and deeply focused on Australian migration law—ensuring accurate, practical advice based on real-world outcomes.
Next Steps
Choosing the right course in 2026 can be your first and smartest step toward living in Australia long-term. While no single degree guarantees PR, these eight options give you stronger footing for visas and permanent pathways.
Ready to start? Let Work Visa Lawyers help you map your study and migration path.
FAQs
Q: Is it true that research degrees offer better visa options for those over 35? A: Yes. A two-year research master's or PhD allows subclass 485 visa eligibility up to age 50, unlike other qualifications capped at 35.
Q: Can I apply for PR right after study? A: Not usually. You will likely need to gain work experience (via the 485 visa), pass a skills assessment, and then apply for PR pathways such as the 189, 190, or 491 visa.
Q: What if I want to study in a regional area? A: Studying in regional Australia is a great strategy. It may provide access to longer graduate visas, state nominations, and additional points toward PR.
Q: Is my trade qualification enough to apply for PR? A: It depends. You'll need to meet skills assessment and work experience requirements. Trade occupations like carpentry, tiling, and plastering are commonly eligible.
Q: What about courses like IT or Cookery? A: While IT and Cookery have been popular pathways in the past, recent changes in Australia's migration priorities have shifted the focus to sectors like construction and healthcare. The courses in this guide are aligned with current high-demand areas and recent government invitation trends. Migration pathways are dynamic, which is why consulting with an expert for the latest advice is essential.
Q: How often do the occupation lists change? A: Usually once or twice a year—but changes can happen at any time. That's why ongoing professional advice is crucial.
