Studying the right course may increase your chances of Australian permanent residency or other work visas.
Enrol in a university 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-Higher Education Work stream): available to international students who complete a bachelor degree or higher in Australia taking 2 academic years or more. It is generally granted for 2 years (bachelor or coursework masters) or 3 years (masters by research or PhD), and you must be under 35 when you apply (with some exceptions). You may be eligible for an additional one or two years if you study in a regional area.
Obtain a skills assessment from the relevant skills assessing authority. Your education and in some cases your work experience must meet the assessing authority requirement. It is very important that the university/course that you choose to do your studies in Australia 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).
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.
