Hello,

No, it is not mandatory to do a Master's course in Australia to apply for Permanent Residency (PR). However:

Studying in Australia can provide additional points under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, especially if the course meets specific requirements (e.g., STEM fields or areas of demand).

Hi Sanjeev,

Your query about PR (Permanent Residency) and studying in Australia involves understanding their immigration policies. Here's a concise breakdown of your options:

1. PR Application First, Then Enroll for a Master's Course :

• Eligibility for PR : To apply for PR directly, you must meet the requirements for skilled migration visas, such as the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) , Subclass 190 (State-Nominated Visa) , or Subclass 491 (Regional Skilled Visa) .

  • You need to be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and meet the points test requirements (age, education, work experience, etc.).
    
    

• Advantages : If you obtain PR first, you can study at reduced tuition fees, as PR holders are treated as domestic students. You'll also have unrestricted work rights.
  
  

• Challenges : Meeting PR requirements from outside Australia can be tough, as having Australian qualifications or work experience boosts your points significantly.
  
  2. Study on a Student Visa, Then Apply for PR :
  
  

• Advantages :

  • Pursuing a Master's in Australia (especially in a PR-friendly field like IT, healthcare, or engineering) makes you eligible for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) , giving you work rights after graduation.
    
    
  • Work experience gained during or after the course improves your PR points.
    
    
  • State sponsorships often favor graduates of Australian institutions.
    
    

• Challenges :

  • You'll initially need to pay international student fees and meet student visa conditions (attendance, course completion, etc.).
    
    
  • PR is not guaranteed; you'll still need to meet the points requirements.
    
    Recommendation:
    
    
• If you already meet PR eligibility criteria (points, skills, etc.), applying for PR directly is more cost-effective and offers flexibility.
  
  
• If not, studying in Australia is a practical pathway to enhance your chances of getting PR by gaining local qualifications and work experience.

Consult a registered migration agent for a personalized evaluation of your PR prospects. They can guide you based on your current qualifications, work experience, and long-term goals.

I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.

To get Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia, it's not required to pursue a master's degree on a student visa. You can apply for PR through different visa pathways like the Skilled Independent visa or Skilled Nominated visa, which are based on points. These visas assess factors like your age, education, work experience, and English proficiency.

However, studying in Australia can still help your PR chances. After completing a master's degree, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa, allowing you to work in Australia temporarily. This work experience can boost your points for a PR application.

It's important to know that recent changes in Australian immigration policies have led to an increase in student visa fees and stricter rules. From July 2024, the student visa fee was raised to A$1,600, and stricter measures are in place to prevent students from switching visas frequently.

In short, while studying in Australia can improve your PR prospects, it’s not the only way to apply for PR. You can still apply for PR through the points-based visa system without studying there. However, recent policy changes have increased fees and added regulations, so it’s a good idea to stay updated and consult with a migration expert to choose the best option for you.

It is not mandatory to complete a Master's degree in Australia on a student visa to apply for Permanent Residency (PR); you can apply for PR after completing your Bachelor's degree and then enroll in a Master's program while already holding PR status, provided you meet the necessary work experience and skills requirements for your chosen occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

Applying for PR:

To apply for PR, you usually need to meet points criteria based on factors like age, education, work experience, English language proficiency, and nominated occupation.

Pathway to PR:

Many international students choose to gain relevant work experience after their Bachelor's degree to improve their PR application chances.

Student visa to PR:

You can apply for PR while on a student visa, but you typically need to have completed your studies and meet the necessary requirements to be eligible.

Benefits of studying with PR:

If you already have PR, you might have more options for employment and potentially access to certain benefits while studying a Master's degree

BEST OF LUCK!!!