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How the Australian PR Points System Works for International Students

PR Pathways

How the Australian PR Points System Works for International Students

The points-based system is the gateway to skilled migration - but the scoring rules are more nuanced than most guides admit. Here's exactly how points are calculated and how to maximise your score.

PR Pathways8 min readActive Study Australia

The Australian points test is the engine of the General Skilled Migration program. If you are planning to move from a student visa to permanent residency, understanding exactly how points are calculated - and how to maximise your score - is not optional. It is the difference between receiving an invitation in six months and waiting years.

The Minimum Threshold

To submit an EOI in SkillSelect, you need a minimum score of 65 points. But 65 points will not get you an invitation in most occupations - the competitive score in popular fields is typically 85-100+ points. Your goal is to score as high as possible, not just to meet the minimum.

Age (Maximum 30 Points)

  • 18-24: 25 points
  • 25-32: 30 points
  • 33-39: 25 points
  • 40-44: 15 points
  • 45-49: 0 points
  • 50+: Not eligible

Age is the single largest points category and the one you have no control over. Every year you delay costs you points - sometimes critically.

English Language Ability (Maximum 20 Points)

  • Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band): 0 points - required but no bonus
  • Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 each band): 10 points
  • Superior English (IELTS 8.0 each band): 20 points

Achieving Superior English is one of the highest-value things you can do to improve your score. An additional 10 points - from Proficient to Superior - is significant in a competitive pool.

Want to know your estimated points score before you commit?

We model your full SkillSelect score in your free assessment - before you choose a course.

Skilled Employment Outside Australia (Maximum 15 Points)

  • Less than 3 years: 0 points
  • 3-5 years: 5 points
  • 5-8 years: 10 points
  • 8-10 years: 15 points

Skilled Employment in Australia (Maximum 20 Points)

  • 1-3 years: 5 points
  • 3-5 years: 10 points
  • 5-8 years: 15 points
  • 8-10 years: 20 points

This is why the Subclass 485 is so valuable. Every year you work in a skilled role in Australia while holding a 485 adds to this category.

Educational Qualifications (Maximum 20 Points)

  • Doctorate (PhD): 20 points
  • At least a Bachelor's degree: 15 points
  • Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points
  • + Completed in Australia: 5 additional points for any of the above

We model your full points score in your free assessment - before you commit.

Book a free consultation and know exactly where you stand before choosing a course.

Nomination and Sponsorship (Maximum 15 Points)

  • State or territory nomination (Subclass 190): 5 points
  • Provisional regional sponsorship (Subclass 491): 15 points

Community Language and Regional Study

If you are accredited in a NAATI-recognised language other than English, you receive 5 points. Completing at least one year of study at a regional campus awards a further 5 points.

Building Your Points Strategy

Most international graduates start with approximately 65-75 points (30 for age + 15-20 for qualifications + 0-10 for English + 5 for Australian study). To reach the 85-90 points many competitive occupations require, you typically need to add points from English, Australian work experience, and state/regional nomination.

Modelling your likely score before you choose your course - and before you sit your English test - is exactly what our MARA-registered agents do in your free assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to start your journey to Australian PR?

Book a free consultation with our MARA-registered migration agents and get a personalised study and PR pathway mapped for you.

Migration Institute of AustraliaMember of Migration AllianceQEAC L085 AustraliaMigration Agents Registration Number 2318131Australian Government Office of the Migration Agents Registration AuthorityICEF Agency Status

We are a licensed Migration Agent. Our License details can be found here.

You can find more information about migration agents at the Migration Agent Registration Authority www.mara.gov.au