Training Your Way to PR
The right Australian qualification can open a clear and reliable pathway to permanent residency.
WHY COMPLETE A QUALIFICATION IN AUSTRALIA?
Australia is a dream destination for many people who want to live and work abroad. However, not everyone immediately meets the requirements for a skilled visa or partner visa. Those who cannot demonstrate an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation Lists, or who do not yet have sufficient work experience, often reach a dead end when attempting to apply directly for a work visa.
But that does not mean the dream of living in Australia is out of reach. The Australian Government offers international students who complete a qualification in Australia—either through vocational education or university study—an alternative, clearly structured pathway with realistic chances of achieving long-term or even permanent residency.
The Three-Step Pathway to Permanent Residency
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF COMPLETING A QUALIFICATION IN AUSTRALIA?
An Australian qualification is not only a valuable investment in your professional future, it can also open the door to Permanent Residency (PR). Even a two-year vocational qualification in a relevant field can provide decisive benefits—particularly when the occupation appears on the relevant Australian Skilled Occupation List.
Key advantages include:
- simplified processes for skills assessment
- the ability to gain practical work experience directly in Australia
- additional points in the points test, significantly improving your visa prospects
For anyone planning to stay in Australia long-term or permanently, an Australian qualification can offer a realistic pathway. By completing a course or degree in Australia — and gaining the practical work experience that comes with it — additional visa options gradually become available:
Student Visa
At least two years of study or vocational training, including work rights during the course.
Graduate Visa
Temporary visa after successfully completing your studies, allowing you to gain Australian work experience.
Skilled Visa
PR via the General Skilled Migration Program or Employer Sponsorship, depending on your occupation.
WHAT ADVANTAGES DOES THIS OFFER FOR GSM AND THE POINTS TEST?
- improved chances of receiving state nomination from Australian states and territories
- stronger prospects for applicants who already have Australian work experience
- points test advantages through additional points for Australian study, study in regional Australia, relevant skilled employment and higher English language scores
Important note:
The goal of Permanent Residency should not be the only motivation for studying or completing a vocational qualification in Australia. What matters most is having a genuine interest in the chosen field. Only then can the course be completed successfully – and only then can the pathway to a sustainable career and a long-term life in Australia truly be shaped.
What needs to be considered when choosing a course?
An Australian Student Visa alone is not sufficient to automatically gain access to further visa options. What truly matters is the qualification obtained through the chosen course. Some study or training programmes undertaken on a Student Visa provide a direct pathway into one of the skilled visa categories. In other cases, a Temporary Graduate Visa is required as an interim step. This graduate visa extends the stay after completing the course and makes it possible to gain initial work experience in Australia. However, this visa is only available if specific requirements are met.
Therefore, it is essential to check in advance whether the intended course will lead to the right long-term visa options.
Choice of study location
- Extension of the Temporary Graduate Visa by up to 2 years
- Additional points in the points test for Skilled Migration
The Australian Government actively promotes regional areas. Those who study and live outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane benefit from considerable advantages:
Temporary Graduate Visa as a key component
The Graduate Visa is one of Australia’s most straightforward work visas and offers a number of benefits, particularly in relation to Permanent Residency:
- No points test required
- Flexibility: no job offer needed and no employer sponsorship required
- Full work rights during the visa period
- Inclusion of family members: partners and children receive the same visa rights (including full work rights for the partner)
- Stronger PR prospects: additional points for Australian study, regional study locations and work experience
- Competitive advantage for State Nomination (subclass 190, 491): many states prefer graduates who have already studied and worked locally
Access to the Temporary Graduate Visa
- Vocational Education
For vocational education pathways, access to the Graduate Visa is only available if the occupation you have trained for is listed on the Medium and Long-Term Skilled Occupation List (MLTSSL). Access to the Graduate Visa is possible under the following conditions:
- completion of at least two years of vocational training in Australia
- qualification in an occupation listed on the MLTSSL
- successful Skills Assessment (required for the Graduate Visa)
- application lodged within 6 months of course completion
- age limit: 35 years
Validity period:
- Vocational Education: 18 months
- Academic Qualification
If you have completed an academic qualification (Bachelor or higher) on a Student Visa, the field of study is not relevant for access to the Graduate Visa. Access is possible under the following conditions:
- at least two years of study in Australia
- qualification: Bachelor, Master or PhD
- application must be lodged within 6 months of completing the degree
- age limit: 35 years (or 50 years for Master by Research or PhD graduates)
Validity period:
- Bachelor / Master Degree: 2 years
- Master by Research / PhD: 3 years
- An extension is available for graduates who studied in regional Australia, ranging from one to two additional years.
Which qualifications lead to an occupation on the MLTSSL?
Job Ready Program with Graduate Visa
Your pathway to PR
A vocational qualification in Australia can be a powerful step towards securing Permanent Residency – it opens doors, but it also comes with potential pitfalls. What matters most is choosing the right qualification and aligning it from the outset with the visa options that fit your long-term goals. This is exactly where we come in: Visapath combines education expertise with migration know-how to develop the best pathway for your individual circumstances.
Interested in studying in Australia?
Learn more about selected fields of study, available course options, course content and study locations.
Hospitality, Tourism and Events
From hospitality management to event organisation, with courses ranging from six months to two years.
Engineering, Trades and Construction
Trade qualifications and hands-on courses in construction and building design offer a wide variety of pathways.
Health and Community Services
From social work and youth work to health and nursing programs – a broad range of specialised options are available.
Teaching and Education
A variety of early childhood and education courses that prepare you to work with and teach children and young people.
Business, Marketing and Accounting
From short six-month business programs to Advanced Diplomas in management, leadership or HR.
Creative Arts and Media
A wide selection of creative courses — from photography and digital editing, to graphic design and media production.
Information Technology
From programming to software development, the IT field offers a wide range of courses that provide training at the cutting edge of technology.
Design
Give your creativity free rein with courses in fashion design, interior design or interior decoration.
BEAUTY, WELLNESS AND SPORT
From beauty therapy and make-up to hairdressing and barber training, there are numerous course options available in this field.
ENVIRONMENT AND AGRICULTURE
A diverse range of courses in environmental studies, horticulture and agriculture, with various course durations.