Gaining Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia is a dream for many international students, and choosing the right course is a critical first step. With immigration policies constantly evolving, enrolling in one of the PR courses in Australia can significantly boost your chances of building a long-term future Down Under.
In this blog, we’ll explore the most popular PR list courses in Australia, understand what makes a course eligible for PR, and help you answer the question: which masters courses are eligible for PR in Australia?
What Are PR Courses in Australia?
PR courses refer to study programs that are aligned with Australia’s skill shortages and immigration goals. These typically include qualifications in sectors such as healthcare, IT, construction, and education. Most of these courses are listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), a key requirement for skilled migration visas.
By completing a PR-related qualification, students can often qualify for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), the State Nominated visa (subclass 190), or the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). In short, selecting from the right PR courses in Australia gives you a head start on the path to permanent residency.
PR List Courses in Australia 2025: What’s Trending?
The PR list courses in Australia 2025 are updated in response to changing skill shortages. For 2025, the following programs remain among the most in-demand:
- Nursing
- Automotive
- Cabinetmaking
- Early Childhood Education
- Social Work
- Secondary School Education
- Plumbing
- Carpentry and Joining
These courses are frequently featured in both the national and state occupation lists, making them reliable options for students aiming for PR. Studying one of these PR list courses in Australia not only opens career opportunities but also increases the likelihood of meeting post-study visa requirements.
Which Masters Courses Are Eligible for PR in Australia?
Many students prefer to pursue a postgraduate degree, hoping it leads to permanent residency. So, which masters courses are eligible for PR in Australia? Here are a few standout examples:
- Master of Nursing
- Master of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)
- Master of Social Work
- Master of Teaching (Secondary)
All of these programs include practical placements, which strengthen your skill set and improve your chances of passing the skill assessment, another key PR requirement.
PR Listed Subject in Australia: A Smarter Way to Choose
When choosing your course, it’s essential to also consider the PR listed subject in Australia. These subjects correspond directly with job roles in high demand. Popular examples include:
- Engineering & Construction subjects
- Nursing, Aged Care & Health Sciences
- Education, particularly Early Childhood and STEM
- Hospitality & Trade-related subjects
If you’re unsure what to pick, reviewing the MLTSSL or SOL is a great starting point. Choosing the right PR listed subject in Australia ensures your education investment leads to immigration opportunities.
How to Choose a PR Related Course in Australia
Here are a few helpful tips when deciding on a PR related course in Australia:
- Check the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) – Does your chosen course match a job on the list?
- Ensure CRICOS Registration – The course must be CRICOS-approved and meet the Australian Study Requirement.
- Study in a Regional Area – Doing so adds more points under the PR system.
- Skill Assessment Pathway – Make sure your qualification leads to an occupation with a clear assessment process.
Final Thoughts: PR Subjects in Australia That Lead to Residency
With hundreds of programs to choose from, selecting the right PR subjects in Australia can feel overwhelming. But with expert advice and proper research, the process becomes clearer.
Whether you’re pursuing engineering, IT, teaching, or nursing, there are well-defined PR related courses in Australia that can transform your academic journey into a permanent residency pathway.