Best PR-Friendly Courses in Australia (2026 Guide)

Australia is one of the top choices for students who want both quality education and long-term opportunities. With strong job prospects, a high standard of living, and a welcoming multicultural environment, Australia offers several PR-eligible courses that can help international students build a stable future. For many students, studying in Australia is not just about earning a degree, it is a strategic step toward gaining work experience.

Courses that are aligned with Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL) usually have better PR pathways. Fields like engineering, information technology, nursing, healthcare, teaching, and skilled trade courses are often in demand across different states. These industries often face shortages of skilled manpower, increasing the chances of employment and PR points. By selecting a course that matches Australia’s workforce needs, students can improve their job prospects, gain relevant experience, and move closer to achieving permanent residency.

What are the Best Courses to Get PR in Australia?

If you plan to study in Australia and hope to get PR in the future, choosing the right course is very important. As mentioned earlier, Australia gives better PR options to students who study courses linked to skill shortages. Picking a high-demand course can help you find jobs easier and improve your chances of getting permanent residency.

1. Information Technology and Computer Science

Information technology and computer science are popular PR-friendly courses in Australia because they connect to many skilled ICT jobs. Areas such as software development, data science, artificial intelligence, cyber security, and cloud computing support industries like finance, healthcare, government, and startups. Graduates can work as software developers, data analysts, cyber security specialists, or network engineers. PR options include skilled visas like 189, 190, and 491, as well as employer sponsorship. A skills assessment from ACS and good English scores can improve PR chances.

2. Engineering

This is one of the strongest course options for PR in Australia. Engineers are needed for roads, buildings, energy projects, mining, transport, and regional development. Common fields include civil, mechanical, electrical, mining, and environmental engineering. Graduates can work as engineers, engineering technologists, or quantity surveyors. PR pathways include 189, 190, and 491 visas, especially through regional nomination.

3. Nursing and Allied Health

Nursing and allied health courses are highly PR-friendly because Australia has ongoing shortages in hospitals, aged care, and community health services. Courses such as nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, medical imaging, dentistry, and speech pathology offer stable career options. Graduates often work as registered nurses, therapists, sonographers, or dental professionals. PR pathways include 189, 190, and 491 visas with state nomination. Registration with AHPRA and relevant professional boards is required for work and PR.

4. Education and Teaching

Teaching courses offer good PR opportunities, especially in early childhood education and regional areas. Australia is in a constant need of teachers for early childhood, primary, secondary, special education, and TESOL. Graduates can work in schools and education centres across the country. PR options mainly include state and regional visas such as 190 and 491, and in some cases 189. Teacher registration, English requirements, and supervised teaching practice are important for PR and employment.

5. Social Work and Community Services

Social work and community services courses match Australia’s growing need for support in mental health, disability services, child protection, aged care, and community programs. Courses in social work, counselling, welfare, and community services lead to roles like social worker, case manager, or community support officer. PR pathways include 189, 190, and 491 visas when the occupation is listed. Professional accreditation and practical placements during study help improve job and PR opportunities.

6. Accounting, Auditing and Finance

Accounting and finance courses can support PR, but competition is high due to many graduates. Courses include professional accounting, finance, auditing, and taxation. Common job roles are accountants, auditors, financial analysts, and finance managers. PR options include 189 and 190 visas when the occupation is listed, as well as state nomination in certain regions. CPA, CA ANZ, or IPA are required, and strong English, good results, and local work experience are very helpful.

7. Agriculture, Horticulture and Environmental Science

These courses are suitable for students who prefer regional life and are interested in sustainability and environmental work. Programs in agriculture, agribusiness, horticulture, environmental science, and land management lead to jobs such as agricultural consultants, environmental scientists, farm managers, and horticulturists. PR pathways mainly include regional visas like 491 and state nomination, along with employer sponsorship. Studying and working in regional areas helps meet skill shortages and increases migration points.

How To Choose The Best Course To Study In Australia For PR?

With many PR-friendly courses in Australia, choosing the right one can be challenging. Nepalese students should consider these key factors:

• Career Goals: Pick a course that matches your interests and future plans. If you enjoy helping people, healthcare courses like nursing are ideal. If technology excites you, IT or computer science may be a better fit.
• Budget: Consider the cost of your studies. A Diploma of Nursing (AUD 15,000 to 20,000/year) is more affordable than a Master’s degree (AUD 35,000 to 45,000/year). Check scholarships and financial aid options to support your studies.
• Regional Opportunities: Studying in regional areas such as Tasmania or South Australia can improve your PR prospects through additional points under the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190). Universities in these regions offer programs in nursing and IT at lower living costs.
• Duration and Work Experience: Shorter courses, like a 2-year Diploma of Nursing, allow you to start working sooner. Work experience through the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) can earn extra points for your PR application.

How To Choose The Right PR Course For Nepalese Students?

Choosing the right course for PR in Australia depends on your goals, interests, and long-term plans. Look at courses in demand, check career growth and salaries, compare study duration and costs, and consider regional opportunities. You can pick a course that fits your profile and improves your PR chances, by thinking about these factors:

1. If You Want the Safest PR Option

For the highest chance of PR, choose fields always in demand, like Nursing, Early Childhood Education, or Social Work. Studying these courses, especially in regional areas and with skills assessment, can boost your PR points. Programs with practical experience or internships make your pathway even stronger.

2. If You Want High Salary + PR Potential

Courses in IT, Engineering, and Data Science pay well and are in long-term demand, improving PR eligibility. Choose programs with skills assessment, internships, or Professional Year programs. Look for courses on the MLTSSL or STSOL lists, and consider regional work for extra PR points.

3. If You Have Budget Constraints

If costs matter, consider diplomas, trade programs, or regional institutions. They are cheaper than full degrees and often take less time. Many diplomas can later lead to a degree, giving flexibility. Studying in regional areas also reduces living costs and adds PR points.

4. If You Want Faster Workforce Entry

If you want to start working quickly, diploma-to-degree or vocational courses are ideal. They are short, hands-on, and give skills employers need. You can earn earlier, gain work experience, and improve your PR chances. Focus on in-demand occupations and regional opportunities to maximize benefits.

How The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) Affects PR Eligibility

The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is an official list updated by the Australian government that highlights occupations with worker shortages. Choosing a career on this list can improve your chances of getting permanent residency, as Australia actively encourages skilled professionals in these fields. The SOL is divided into several categories:

• Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL): These occupations have long-term demand and are the best for PR.
• Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL): Jobs on this list may require employer sponsorship to qualify for PR.
• Regional Occupation List (ROL): Studying and working in regional Australia can increase your PR opportunities if your occupation is on this list.
• Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL): This list includes occupations eligible for the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), a temporary employer-sponsored visa. With relevant work experience and employer support, this pathway can eventually lead to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).

Why Choose AIMS Education for Best PR-Friendly Courses in Australia (2026 Guide)?

Choosing the right education consultant can make your journey to study in Australia much easier. AIMS Education is a trusted consultancy for Nepali students, providing complete guidance throughout the application process. We assist with preparing all financial documents, including salary slips, business income, pensions, savings, and education loans, to meet visa requirements.

• Expert Financial Guidance: We help you understand what documents are needed and how to present them clearly.
• Up-to-Date Information: AIMS keeps you informed about the latest rules, tuition fees, and living costs in Australia.
• Financial Planning Support: We guide you in showing proof of funds, managing loans, and planning living expenses effectively.
• Personalized Support: Our team answers questions and gives advice based on your individual situation.
• Smooth Application Process: With our help, you can focus on preparing for your studies while ensuring all financial documents are complete and credible, improving your chances of visa approval.

Conclusion

Starting your journey to Australian PR is a big decision that can shape your future, career, and family opportunities. With the right guidance and a clear plan, achieving PR is not just possible, it’s within reach. Australia offers stability, quality education, excellent healthcare, and a safe, thriving environment to build a fulfilling life. AIMS Education is here to support you every step of the way. As we are the best education consultancy in Nepal, we are here to help you from the very beginning.

We help you choose the right course, prepare your documents carefully, and guide your application with clarity and confidence. Your dream of making Australia home deserves a process that feels smooth, secure, and well supported. With the right plan and the right team beside you, your path to Australian PR can mark the start of a brighter and rewarding future. To know more about the Australian student visa process, you can check our other blogs too.

Frequently Asked Question

What are the PR leading courses in Australia 2026?

PR-leading courses in Australia for 2026 include nursing, information technology, engineering, teaching, social work, and skilled trade courses. These fields are linked to occupations facing skill shortages and are listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List, which improves PR eligibility.

Which course is in high demand in Australia?

Healthcare, IT, engineering, and education courses are currently in high demand across Australia. These sectors continue to grow due to population increase, technology development, and infrastructure projects, creating steady job opportunities for international graduates.

Which study is best for the future in Australia?

Studies related to healthcare, technology, sustainability, and infrastructure are considered best for the future. These sectors are expected to grow long-term, offering stable jobs and better PR chances as Australia focuses on development and digital transformation.

Which city gives PR fast in Australia?

Regional cities such as Adelaide, Hobart, Perth, and Darwin often provide faster PR options. These areas offer extra migration points, less competition, and strong demand for skilled workers, making PR pathways easier compared to major cities.