Top Regional PR Pathways in Australia: Why You Should Study Outside the Big Cities
The Advantage of Regional Australia
While Sydney and Melbourne are incredibly popular destinations for international students, the true strategic advantage for migration lies in "Designated Regional Areas." Places like Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, and the Gold Coast offer unparalleled benefits for those seeking Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia.
1. Extra Migration Points
If you live and study in a designated regional area for at least two academic years, you can claim an additional 5 points towards your skilled migration points test. In the competitive SkillSelect system, 5 points can be the difference between getting an invitation and missing out.
2. Extended Post-Study Work Visas
Graduates who study in regional areas are eligible for an extended Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). Depending on whether you studied in a Category 2 (Cities and Major Regional Centres) or Category 3 (Regional Centres and Other Regional Areas) location, you can get an extra 1 to 2 years on your 485 visa. This gives you far more time to secure relevant work experience.
3. State Nomination (Subclass 190 and 491)
State governments have specific quotas for skilled migrants, and they overwhelmingly favor applicants who already live, study, and work in their state. The Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visa is often much easier to secure than independent 189 visas, provided you are willing to commit to regional living.
Top Regional Universities to Consider
- University of Adelaide (Adelaide)
- University of Western Australia (Perth)
- University of Tasmania (Hobart)
- Griffith University (Gold Coast)
Contact Everest Education today for a free consultation on mapping your regional study pathway.
