Studying the right course may increase your chances of Australian permanent residency or other work visas.
Enrol in a trade course that educates you for an occupation that is on the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The course should take at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) of study in Australia and be closely related to that occupation.
485 visa (Post-Vocational Education Work stream): an 18 month visa for international students who complete a diploma or trade qualification in Australia taking 2 academic years or more. You need a qualification closely related to an occupation on the relevant list, a skills assessment application and must be under 35 when you apply.
While on the 485 visa, complete the 12 month Job Ready Program (JRP) through TRA. It is for international student graduates who hold an Australian qualification issued by a CRICOS registered training organisation based on studies in Australia and can lead to a positive skills assessment.
After receiving a positive skills assessment, you may be eligible for the Skills in Demand 482 visa, 491 Regional Skilled visa, 494 Employer Sponsored Regional visa and if you have enough points for other Skilled visas (189 and 190 visa).
Occupation lists change regularly. Check the current skilled occupation list before you enrol.
The trade industry is expected to record employment growth in the coming years, therefore skilled trade workers are in demand. Studying a trade course is comparably cheaper than doing a university course, shorter in duration, usually has a practical and industry placement component which can lead to the 485 graduate visa and then possibly a Skills in Demand employer sponsored visa.
How to choose the best course to study in Australia?
Note: from 2 October 2026 most temporary visa holders can no longer apply for a Student visa while in Australia, and current students can generally only change courses onshore if they move up to a higher level. Plan your full study path before you start. See Student visa changes from 2 October 2026 and Student visa to PR.
