Pathway to PR: How Studying in Australia Can Lead to Permanent Residency

  • Date Icon August 26, 2025
Pathway to PR How Studying in Australia Can Lead to Permanent Residency

Australia is among the top global destinations for higher education because it offers recognition and esteem for qualifications received abroad and world class employment outcomes. For many young people, receiving an education in Australia is a step to receiving not just a degree but also a ticket to long-term stay options. Education in Australia offers international students, including those where the intent is to study in Australia from India after the 12th class, clear pathways to PR or Permanent Residency. For students thinking why study in Australia, the quality of education, multicultural society, and migration options make Australia an excellent option. 

PR Eligibility Factors for Students in Australia

Obtaining PR after graduating from your program is not automatic; you will need to meet the eligibility requirements determined by the Australian immigration system:

  • Age limits (usually less than 45 years)
  • Qualifications recognized in Australia
  • English language ability demonstrated through IELTS, PTE or TOEFL
  • Relevant work experience in Australia
  • Partner’s skills and qualifications

Applicants frequently ask questions such as what is the maximum acceptable gap for study in Australia after 12th or how to study in Australia while considering PR. Even though universities and immigration authorities accept gaps with certain reasonable limits if there is valid reasoning present with documentation showing obligations that justify the gap, having the eligibility factors completed early will allow the applicant to have a seamless transition from study to permanent residency.

PR Pathway After Completing Studies in Australia

The most common path from study to PR follows these steps – complete an eligible course, apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), gain relevant work experience, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), and finally apply for PR through the various skilled migration programs.

For those who are working out how much money it costs to study in Australia based on Indian rupees, proceeding to study courses that align with PR offers long-term value. Essentially the best courses to study in Australia for PR are nursing, IT, engineering, and teaching. If you can also choose the best course to study in Australia based on the skilled occupation list, you will greatly increase your chances of PR.

Visa Streams That Lead to Permanent Residency

After completing studies, international students can choose among several visa pathways:

  • Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485)
  • Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
  • Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
  • Employer-Sponsored Visas (Subclass 482 and 186)

For applicants, including those intending to study in Australia after 12th, discovering visa streams at the beginning of their educational journey is conducive to making informed decisions. Many applicants rely on study in Australia consultants who can help narrow down the pathways according to their qualifications and intentions for their careers.

Key Conditions for Applying PR Post-Study

Students seeking PR are required to meet certain criteria:

  • Completion of an eligible program from an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List
  • Completed a minimum of two full years of study in Australia
  • Have valid overseas health insurance
  • Meet the English language requirements
  • Relevant work experience or qualification.

When students are strategizing, they often consider the overall costs to study in Australia from India including tuition and living expenses. Knowing the overall study in Australia cost for Indian students helps in making decisions in selecting courses. For many, these financial implications also clarify why to study in Australia rather than other global study destinations.

Step-by-Step PR Application Journey

The overall process for applying for PR after study consists of:

  • Determining whether you are eligible under the points-based migration system.
  • Choose an appropriate PR visa category.
  • Collect all documentation needed, including academic transcript, English test results, and evidence of work experience.
  • Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
  • Wait for Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). 
  • Lodge the PR application and application fee. 
  • Wait for final approval.

The steps apply to all international students, but many students will work with study in Australia consultants to eliminate errors and speed up the process. Applicants also ask how much money do I need to study in Australia so they can consider their finances properly before starting this process.

PR Visa Costs for Indian Students

PR Visa TypeFee in AUDApprox. Fee in INR
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)AUD 4,770INR 2,60,338
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)AUD 4,765INR 2,60,065
Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)AUD 4,770INR 2,60,338

Aside from visa fees, students also need to consider tuition and the average living expenses in Australia. For the applicants, especially those calculating the study in Australia for Indian students, these are expenses for accommodation, transport, and personal expenses. For Indian students, the cost of living in Australia will generally be between AUD 18,000-AUD 22,000.

Why PR in Australia is Worth It

Obtaining PR offers significant advantages:

  • Freedom to live, work, and study without restriction
  • Access to public healthcare and social benefits
  • Ability to sponsor eligible family members
  • Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship

For many students, this outcome makes the overall cost to study in Australia from India worthwhile. It also offers a solid question of why study in Australia, because the benefits last much longer than a qualification.

FAQs

Ques. 1. Can international students apply for PR while studying in Australia?

Ans: students must first complete eligible qualifications and usually gain work experience before applying for PR.

Ques. 2. Which are the best courses to study in Australia for PR?

Ans: Nursing, engineering, IT, accounting, and education are among the top options linked with skilled occupation lists.

Ques. 3. How much money is required to study in Australia in Indian rupees?

Ans: On average, students need INR 20–25 lakhs per year to cover tuition and living expenses.

Ques. 4. What is the average cost of living in Australia for students?

Ans: International students should budget between AUD 1,500–2,200 per month for accommodation, food, and utilities.

Ques. 5. How much gap is accepted for study in Australia after 12th?

Ans: Generally, 1–2 years of gap is acceptable for undergraduate programs, and up to 5 years for postgraduate study with valid justification.