Australia is one of the most popular destinations for Indian students who wish to study, work, and eventually settle abroad. One of the main pathways to settle permanently in Australia is through the Points-Based Skilled Migration System. Understanding how PR points work is crucial for Indian students planning their long-term future in Australia.
This blog explains how many points are required for Australia PR, how the points are calculated, and how Indian students can improve their chances.
Australia uses a points test to assess skilled migrants under visas such as:
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
To be eligible, applicants must score at least 65 points, but in reality, higher scores (80–100+) significantly improve invitation chances.
Minimum eligibility: 65 points
Competitive score (recommended): 80–100+ points
Higher-demand occupations: Often require more points
⚠️ Meeting 65 points does not guarantee an invitation. Invitations depend on occupation demand and competition.
| Age Group | Points |
|---|---|
| 18–24 years | 25 |
| 25–32 years | 30 (Maximum) |
| 33–39 years | 25 |
| 40–44 years | 15 |
| 45+ | 0 |
📌 Most Indian students fall into the 25–32 age bracket, which is ideal for PR.
| English Level | IELTS / PTE Score | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Competent | IELTS 6 / PTE 50 | 0 |
| Proficient | IELTS 7 / PTE 65 | 10 |
| Superior | IELTS 8 / PTE 79 | 20 |
💡 English points are one of the easiest ways to increase your PR score.
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctorate (PhD) | 20 |
| Bachelor’s / Master’s Degree | 15 |
| Australian Diploma / Trade Qualification | 10 |
🎓 Most Indian students with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree get 15 points.
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Studied in Australia (2 academic years) | 5 |
✔️ Completing at least 2 years of study in Australia earns extra points.
| Experience | Points |
|---|---|
| 3–4 years | 5 |
| 5–7 years | 10 |
| 8+ years | 15 |
| Experience | Points |
|---|---|
| 1–2 years | 5 |
| 3–4 years | 10 |
| 5–7 years | 15 |
| 8+ years | 20 |
🧑💻 Australian work experience is more valuable than overseas experience.
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Completed Professional Year in Australia | 5 |
📌 Common for IT, Accounting, and Engineering graduates.
| Category | Points |
|---|---|
| State Nomination (Subclass 190) | 5 |
| Regional Nomination (Subclass 491) | 15 |
| Studied in Regional Australia | 5 |
🏘️ Studying or working in regional areas boosts PR chances significantly.
| Partner Status | Points |
|---|---|
| Skilled Partner | 10 |
| Partner with Competent English | 5 |
| Single or Partner is PR/Citizen | 10 |
👫 Single applicants often score higher points.
Profile Example:
Age: 26 → 30 points
English: IELTS 8 → 20 points
Education: Master’s degree → 15 points
Australian Study: Yes → 5 points
Professional Year: Yes → 5 points
Single applicant → 10 points
Total = 85 Points
✅ Strong chance of receiving an invitation
Some occupations offer better PR prospects:
Information Technology (IT)
Nursing & Healthcare
Engineering
Accounting
Teaching
Social Work
Trades (Plumbing, Electrical)
✔ Improve English score (PTE/IELTS)
✔ Study in regional Australia
✔ Complete a Professional Year
✔ Gain Australian work experience
✔ Apply for state nomination
✔ Choose PR-friendly occupations
For Indian students, Australia offers a clear and structured PR pathway through its points-based system. While 65 points is the minimum requirement, aiming for 80+ points greatly improves success. Strategic course selection, strong English scores, and regional study can make a big difference.
