Studying in Melbourne offers more than just earning a qualification. For many international students, it’s also about laying the foundation for a career and creating opportunities for permanent residency (PR).
Selecting a course from PR list courses in Australia that matches your interests while also appearing on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List is essential. Victoria’s state nomination programs play a big role too, as they reward graduates from in-demand fields with additional PR points. Making a smart course choice today can ease your journey from student life to a stable future in Australia.
- Healthcare Programs & Nursing
Nursing remains one of the most reliable pathways to PR for international students in Melbourne.
A diploma of nursing, Bachelor, or Master of Nursing opens doors to careers in hospitals, community clinics, and aged care centres, and these degrees regularly feature on Victoria’s Skilled Occupation List.
The need for qualified healthcare workers is consistently strong throughout Australia, giving graduates in this sector quicker job placements and an advantage in gaining higher PR points. - Information Technology (IT) Courses
Melbourne’s IT sector is experiencing a boom, with high demand for software engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and data analysts. Universities such as Monash, RMIT, and the University of Melbourne offer programs that hold global recognition.
Completing a degree in IT opens opportunities for graduates in leading companies and strengthens their chances of obtaining PR through skilled migration. Their eligibility increases even more if they complete a Professional Year Program in IT after graduation. - Early Childhood and Teaching Courses
Early Childhood and Teaching Courses Education is another field that has been consistently in demand.
Whether it’s early childhood education or secondary teaching, or applying for certificate iv in training and assessment, Melbourne has a strong need for qualified educators. Graduates from teaching programs frequently appear on Victoria’s state nomination priority lists.
This positions teaching as an appealing choice for students seeking a career that is both rewarding and supportive of their PR goals. - Social Work and Community Services
Social Work and Community Services Students driven by a passion for supporting others can find both meaningful careers and strong PR prospects through social work and community service studies.
Melbourne’s need for social workers, counsellors, and community support specialists continues to grow. A Graduates in these areas who are prioritized under the skilled migration program make a positive impact on society and enter occupations that . - Engineering and Trade Courses
Continuous construction projects and expanding technical sectors are driving the need for engineers and skilled trades workers in Melbourne.
Civil engineering jobs in Australia, mechanical, and electrical engineering qualifications in Australia earn high recognition, while vocational programs like plumbing, carpentry, and air-conditioning and refrigeration offer practical routes to lucrative careers. Since Victoria faces a shortage of trained professionals, many of these courses provide strong PR prospects. - Cost of Living and Part-Time Work Opportunities in Melbourne
Melbourne offers an excellent standard of living, though students should anticipate the related expenses. Rent generally ranges between AUD 200–350 per week, with additional costs for food, transport, and utilities.
International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the semester, which helps them manage their expenses. Students frequently take on part-time jobs in retail, hospitality, or areas related to their courses. Websites like Seek and Indeed, along with university career services, make finding the right opportunities simpler. - PR Pathways After Studying in Melbourne
Completing your studies marks the first step in building a future in Australia. Many international graduates pursue the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which allows them to gain valuable local work experience.
Pathways such as the Professional Year Program (designed for IT, Accounting, and Engineering graduates) or employer-sponsored visas can further strengthen PR eligibility. Victoria offers state nomination under subclass 190 or 491 visas, especially to graduates who have studied and worked in Melbourne. With tools like the Australia PR points calculator, you can effectively plan your PR journey.
Tips for Choosing the Right Course in Melbourne
When selecting the right course in Melbourne, students need to balance their personal interests with the career opportunities available in Victoria’s job market.
Careful planning is essential before applying, making sure to consider both immediate career options and future PR opportunities.
Reviewing state occupation lists, joining career workshops, and consulting registered migration agents can provide valuable guidance to ensure your choice supports your future goals.
Ready to Find the Best PR Course in Melbourne?
ApplyOn supports students at every stage of their journey – from selecting courses that align with PR pathways to managing applications, student visas, and long-term migration planning.
Whether they choose undergraduate, postgraduate, or vocational studies, our team guides them toward academic success and a secure future in Australia. We help students plan their future with tools for calculating PR points for a smoother pathway to permanent residency. You can book a free consultation today, and ApplyOn will lead your study journey in Melbourne. Check your PR score with the PR points calculator today!
