For many international students in Australia, Permanent Residency (PR) is not just a
dream, it is a carefully planned goal. However, one of the most confusing parts
of the PR journey is understanding how
points are calculated, what actually counts, and how students can strategically increase their score over time.
Australia follows a points-based
migration system, mainly under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program.
What Is the Australian PR Points Test?
The PR
points test is used to assess eligibility for skilled migration visas
such as:
To submit an Expression
of Interest (EOI) in Skill select, you must score at least 65 points.
However, 65 is only the minimum in
reality, most invitations are issued to candidates with 75–90+ points, depending on occupation and visa type.
1. Age Points (One of the Most Important
Factors)
Your age at the time of invitation plays a major
role.
|
Age
Group |
Points |
|
18–24
years |
25 |
|
25–32
years |
30
(Maximum) |
|
33–39
years |
25 |
|
40–44
years |
15 |
|
45+
years |
0 |
Tip:
Students who graduate and apply for PR between 25–32 years are in the strongest position.
2. English Language Ability (High Impact)
English is one of the easiest ways to boost
points, especially for students. Many PR invitations are decided simply by English scores. Re-taking the test and
improving from 7 to 8 can add 10 extra
points which is often the difference between selection and rejection.
|
English Level |
IELTS / PTE Equivalent |
Points |
|
Competent
English |
IELTS
6 each band |
0 |
|
Proficient
English |
IELTS
7 each band |
10 |
|
Superior English |
IELTS 8 each band / PTE 79+ |
20 |
3. Educational Qualification Points
Points depend on the highest qualification assessed as relevant to your nominated occupation.
|
Qualification |
Points |
|
Doctorate
(PhD) |
20 |
|
Bachelor’s
or Master’s degree |
15 |
|
Australian
Diploma or Trade Qualification |
10 |
|
Award
or qualification recognized by skills authority |
10 |
Trade students (Plumbing, Electrical and
Carpentry):
Australian trade qualifications do earn
points, especially when combined with skills assessment and work experience.
4. Australian Study Requirement
If you complete at least 2 academic years of study in Australia, you receive 5
points which applies to University degrees, Diplomas and Trade courses
(CRICOS registered).
5. Skilled Work Experience (Australia VS
Overseas)
A. Australian
Skilled Work Experience
|
Experience |
Points |
|
1–3 years |
5 |
|
3–5 years |
10 |
|
5–8 years |
15 |
|
8+ years |
20 |
B. Overseas
Skilled Work Experience
|
Experience |
Points |
|
3–5
years |
5 |
|
5–8
years |
10 |
|
8+
years |
15 |
Note: Only post-qualification, skilled work
related to your nominated occupation is counted.
6. Study in Regional Australia (Strategic
Advantage)
If you complete at least one academic year while living and studying in a designated regional area, you gain 5 additional points. Regional areas
includes Adelaide, Tasmania, Hobart, Regional NSW, Regional Victoria, Most of
WA and SA. This is why many students now intentionally choose regional campuses.
7. State or Regional Nomination (Game
changer)
·
State
Nomination (Subclass 190): +5 points
·
Regional
Nomination (Subclass 491): +15 points
A candidate with 70 points can become 85
points instantly with a 491 nomination making them highly competitive.
8. Partner Skill Points
If you are married or have a partner, points may
apply.
|
Partner
Situation |
Points |
|
Partner
with skilled occupation + English |
10 |
|
Partner
with competent English |
5 |
|
Single
or partner is Australian PR/Citizen |
10 |
9. Professional Year Program (PY)
Students in Accounting, IT, Engineering who complete
a Professional Year in Australia receive 5 points.
How Students Can Actively Increase PR
Points
✔
Retake English tests
✔ Choose regional
study/work
✔ Gain Australian work
experience
✔ Apply for state or
regional nomination
✔ Improve partner
eligibility
✔ Select occupations
with strong demand
Important Reminder:
PR points do
not guarantee an invitation. Invitations depend on occupation ceilings,
state demand, migration planning levels and policy updates by the Department of
Home Affairs. This is why early
planning during study is critical.
Australian PR is not luck-based, it is strategy-based.
Students who understand points early can build the right work experience and
improve scores step by step.
Whether you are studying plumbing, electrical, nursing, IT, or business, knowing how your PR score is calculated puts
you one step ahead of thousands of
applicants.
Sample PR Score Calculations
Trade Student (Plumbing,
Regional Pathway)
·
Age (26): 30
·
English (IELTS 7): 10
·
Australian Diploma: 10
·
Australian Study: 5
·
Regional Study: 5
·
Australian Work (1 year): 5
·
Regional Nomination (491): 15
Total: 80 points
