Living in Australia as a Student — Explore Your Options
Where in Australia Should You Study?
Where you choose to study in Australia affects more than just your daily life — it affects your living costs, your employment opportunities during study, your access to state nomination for skilled migration, and even your points score if you study and live in a regional area. This guide covers each state and territory so you can make an informed choice before you enrol.
Why Study in Australia?
Australia is home to five of the world’s top 30 student cities — meaning wherever you study, you’ll be in a location that’s genuinely set up for international student life. But choosing the right city or state matters beyond lifestyle. Where you study can affect your student visa (subclass 500) application, your access to state nomination for skilled migration, and whether you’re eligible for regional study points. Use the tabs to explore each state and territory in detail.
Australia consistently ranks among the world’s top study destinations for international students — and for good reason. With more than 22,000 courses across 1,100+ CRICOS-registered institutions, including seven of the world’s top 100 universities, Australia offers academic depth and variety that few countries can match. Australian universities rank strongly across natural sciences, engineering, medicine, life sciences and mathematics — disciplines that also connect to strong skilled migration pathways.
Australia’s cities are just as highly rated as its institutions. Five Australian cities feature in the world’s top 30 student cities, assessed on student mix, affordability, quality of life and employer activity — all factors that matter when you’re living, studying and looking for part-time work in a new country. The Australian Government also provides significant annual funding for international scholarships — see the Scholarships tab in the Australian Education section for current programs.
If you have a specific field in mind, Australia has a top-50 university in at least one of the following disciplines: Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Life and Agricultural Sciences, Clinical Medicine and Pharmacy, and Physics. See courses with good PR prospects to find which study fields and occupations lead to the strongest skilled migration pathways.
More than 2.5 million former international students have gone on to build careers and make contributions after studying in Australia. Australian research and innovation has produced 15 Nobel laureates and a remarkable number of everyday technologies — from Wi-Fi and ultrasound to the Bionic Ear, the cervical cancer vaccine and the Black Box Flight Recorder. Studying in Australia means being part of that tradition.
Where You Study in Australia Affects Your Migration Pathway
For international students with PR as a goal, your study location is a strategic decision — not just a lifestyle one:
- Regional study adds points — studying in a regional area and living there on a 485 visa earns up to 5 additional points on the Skilled Visa Points Test
- Regional 485 extension — an additional 1–2 years on the 485 may be available for regional graduates
- State nomination availability varies — each state nominates different occupations for the 190 visa and 491 visa; some states actively target graduates from their own institutions
- Living costs vary significantly — Melbourne and Sydney are the most expensive cities; regional areas and smaller capitals like Adelaide, Hobart and Darwin are significantly more affordable
Explore each state and territory using the tabs, then get a free student visa assessment to confirm which location best fits your study goals and migration pathway.
About Canberra and the ACT
Canberra consistently ranks as one of the world’s cleanest and safest cities, with mild weather and four distinct seasons. Its compact layout makes it easy to navigate — most universities, government buildings, cultural institutions and key amenities are within short commuting distance of each other.
Canberra is home to a range of CRICOS-registered institutions including:
- The Australian National University (ANU) — one of Australia’s leading research universities and consistently ranked in the world’s top 30
- University of Canberra — known for professionally oriented degrees with strong industry placement components
- Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) — the ACT’s primary TAFE provider, offering VET qualifications across a wide range of industries
Why study in Canberra?
Canberra offers international students a genuinely balanced experience — strong academic programs, a multicultural community, and access to sporting, cultural and outdoor activities that larger cities can’t always match. The cost of living is lower than Sydney and Melbourne, which makes it easier to manage financially while studying.
For school students: Canberra’s unique Year 11 and 12 college system separates senior secondary education from high school, creating a focused, university-preparation environment for young adults. ACT students consistently achieve the highest median ATAR in Australia. The continuous assessment system is particularly suited to international students — there is no single high-stakes external exam at the end of Year 12, meaning your performance throughout the year determines your result.
Canberra schools have a strong focus on gifted and talented programs and offer a broad curriculum designed to suit students of all academic levels, learning styles and interests.
Government schooling in the ACT is among the strongest in Australia — government school students here consistently outperform national benchmarks. An international education in Canberra provides a credential that is genuinely recognised, and a pathway into the next stage of education or employment from a strong starting position.
ACT State Nomination — What International Graduates Should Know
The ACT government runs its own skilled migration nomination program, which can add 5 points to your score for the Skilled Nominated visa (190) or 15 points for the Skilled Work Regional visa (491). Nomination criteria, occupation lists and requirements are set by the ACT government and updated regularly — check the ACT government’s migration website for current open rounds.
Children of Higher Degree by Research (Masters and Doctoral) international students studying in Canberra are also eligible for fee waivers at ACT Government schools — see the Bringing your Children? tab for details.
Not sure whether Canberra is the right location for your study and migration goals? Get a free student visa assessment and we’ll compare your options across states and territories.
Study in New South Wales — Sydney and Beyond
New South Wales is Australia’s most populous state and its international education hub. Home to Sydney — one of the world’s great student cities — as well as thriving regional university towns, NSW offers international students a choice between a global city experience and a more affordable, community-focused regional lifestyle. For students with migration goals, NSW also runs one of Australia’s most active state nomination programs.
Why study in NSW?
NSW is home to more universities and registered education providers than any other Australian state, covering every level of study from VET certificates through to doctoral research. Its institutions are globally connected — linked to leading industry and research networks — and graduates from NSW institutions are working at senior levels in government and business around the world.
NSW’s education system has a strong global reputation for internationally recognised qualifications, high-quality research, teaching excellence, cultural diversity and a safe study environment. For international students, this combination of credential quality and environment is a significant draw — and for those aiming at skilled migration, an NSW qualification from a recognised institution carries weight with assessing authorities.
NSW universities and research institutions are embedded in global industry networks — meaning students graduate work-ready, with connections to the industries and employers most relevant to their field. This is particularly valuable during the 485 visa period, when building Australian work experience and employer relationships is the key to a strong skilled migration application.
NSW has Australia’s largest research sector, in a country ranked first in the Asia Pacific for research institution quality. For postgraduate research students, this means access to world-leading supervisors, facilities and publication networks — and for migration purposes, a PhD from an NSW institution earns 4 years on the 485 visa and 10 additional AQF points toward your qualification score.
For more on studying in Sydney specifically, visit study.sydney — the NSW Government’s international student information hub.
NSW State Nomination and Regional Study Advantages
NSW runs nomination programs for both the Skilled Nominated visa (190) and Skilled Work Regional visa (491). NSW 190 nomination adds 5 points to your skilled migration score; 491 nomination adds 15 points. Occupation lists and eligibility criteria are updated regularly by the NSW government — check the Study NSW and NSW government migration websites for current open rounds.
Regional study bonus: students studying and living in regional NSW — including Wollongong, Newcastle, the North Coast and Country NSW — can earn additional points and a longer 485 visa stay:
- 5 additional points on the Skilled Visa Points Test for regional study and regional living on a 485
- 1–2 extra years on the 485 visa for regional graduates
- Stronger access to 491 regional nomination — NSW regional areas are frequently included in 491 nomination rounds
If your occupation appears on NSW’s nomination lists and you’re weighing up Sydney versus a regional option, the migration advantages of regional NSW can be significant. Get a free student visa assessment to compare your options.
About the Northern Territory
The NT is one of Australia’s most multicultural regions — about 16% of Territorians were born overseas, and the territory’s population of over 100 nationalities brings a genuine diversity of culture, language and faith to everyday life. Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian places of worship are all well established, making the NT a welcoming environment for students of all backgrounds.
Darwin sits on a beautiful harbour and offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle with modern amenities — but with the warmth and community feel of a smaller city. Abundant natural resources and oil and gas reserves are positioning Darwin as Australia’s primary gateway to Asia, creating employment opportunities in resources, construction, defence and technology that are unique to this part of the country.
Alice Springs offers a completely different experience — the beauty of the Central Australian outback, a close-knit community and proximity to world-class natural attractions including Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. It’s a smaller centre with a distinctive cultural character shaped by its position at the heart of Australia’s Indigenous heritage.
Why Study in the Northern Territory?
The NT offers a full range of education options — government and independent high schools, VET providers and Charles Darwin University (CDU), which delivers bachelor’s and master’s degrees, PhD programs and VET certificates and diplomas under one institution. For international students, this means you can transition between qualification levels without changing cities or institutions.
Charles Darwin University is a member of the Australian Innovation Research Universities (AIRU) group and consistently ranks among the world’s top universities. Students benefit from modern facilities, small class sizes and a genuinely supportive learning environment — the kind of individual attention that’s harder to find at larger metropolitan universities. CDU’s dual-sector status (offering both higher education and VET) also makes it one of the few institutions where you can package courses across qualification levels with a single provider.
The overall study experience in the NT is enriched by social and cultural opportunities that exist nowhere else in Australia — from Indigenous cultural experiences and national parks to the distinct food and music scene of Darwin’s waterfront.
The NT has consistently low unemployment, with strong part-time employment opportunities for students and genuine graduate career prospects — particularly in health, education, construction, resources and government, all of which are sectors with active recruitment in the territory.
For more on studying and living in the NT, visit studynt.nt.gov.au — the NT Government’s international student information hub.
NT Regional Study — Migration Advantages
The entire Northern Territory is classified as a regional area for Australian skilled migration purposes. This means studying and living in the NT on your student visa (subclass 500) and 485 visa qualifies you for:
- 5 additional points on the Skilled Visa Points Test for regional study and living
- 1–2 extra years on the 485 visa for regional graduates
- Priority access to 491 regional nomination — the NT nominates for the Skilled Work Regional visa (491) and actively encourages graduates to remain and work in the territory after completing their studies
The NT government also runs a dedicated skilled migration program — check the NT government’s migration website for current 491 nomination rounds and occupation lists.
For school-aged dependants: NT dependants of higher education and VET students are treated as international students and pay full school fees, with the exception of dependants of Australian Aid and some PhD scholarship holders. See the Bringing your Children? tab for details.
Not sure whether the NT fits your study and migration strategy? Get a free student visa assessment and we’ll map your options across all states and territories.
Study in Queensland — Brisbane, Gold Coast and Beyond
Queensland combines world-class education with one of Australia’s most diverse and liveable environments — from the cosmopolitan energy of Brisbane through to the beaches of the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, the tropical expertise of Cairns, and the vast outback interior. For international students, Queensland offers strong institutions at every qualification level, a warm climate year-round, a multicultural population and competitive living costs compared to Sydney and Melbourne.
- Brisbane — Queensland’s capital and Australia’s third-largest city. Home to the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Griffith University and a large number of VET and private higher education providers. Brisbane hosted the 2032 Olympics and is in the middle of a significant infrastructure and economic growth phase — a strong environment for graduate employment.
- Central Queensland — Built around Queensland’s mining and resources sector, Central Queensland is home to CQUniversity campuses across Rockhampton, Gladstone and Mackay. Engineering, mining technology and trades qualifications studied here connect directly to employment in one of Australia’s highest-paying industry sectors. Classified as regional for migration purposes — study here earns regional points and extended 485 stay.
- North Queensland — Home to James Cook University (JCU) in Cairns and Townsville, with world-renowned expertise in tropical sciences, marine biology, environmental management and health. JCU’s research into the Great Barrier Reef and tropical medicine is globally recognised. Fully regional — migration advantages apply.
- South East Queensland — The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast offer a combination of Griffith University, Bond University and USC campuses alongside a lifestyle that attracts international students worldwide. Lower living costs than Brisbane with strong tourism and hospitality employment during study.
- South West Queensland — Queensland’s agricultural heartland, with expertise in food production, agribusiness and rural industries. Classified as regional for migration purposes. Suited to students in agriculture, veterinary science and related fields.
Why Study in Queensland?
A Queensland education gives you practical, career-focused skills from institutions that are deeply connected to Queensland’s key industries — mining and resources, health, tourism, agribusiness, construction and technology. The state’s universities have strong industry placement programs, meaning most graduates enter the workforce with real work experience alongside their qualification. For international students with skilled migration in mind, Queensland’s diverse geography is a genuine advantage — Brisbane offers metropolitan employment and employer networks, while regional Queensland delivers the points, extended visa and nomination access that can make the difference between waiting for an invitation and receiving one.
Queensland also actively nominates skilled graduates for both the Skilled Nominated visa (190) and Skilled Work Regional visa (491) — check the Queensland government’s skilled migration website for current open rounds and eligible occupations.
Living in Queensland
Queensland is Australia’s second-largest state — nearly five times the size of Japan and seven times the size of Great Britain. With over 5.6 million residents, more than a third of whom are migrants or children of migrants, it’s one of Australia’s most multicultural states.
Key facts for international students considering Queensland:
- Climate — average temperatures range from 15.7°C to 25.3°C with an average of eight hours of sunshine per day — one of Australia’s most reliably warm and sunny states
- International access — three international airports at Brisbane, Cairns and the Gold Coast make it easy to travel to and from most of Asia and the Pacific
- World Heritage Areas — Queensland is home to five UNESCO World Heritage Areas: Riversleigh Fossil Fields, the Wet Tropics (including Daintree National Park), the Great Barrier Reef, the Scenic Rim and Fraser Island — the world’s largest sand island
- Student lifestyle — the Gold Coast’s Q1 tower is the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere; the Great Barrier Reef is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World; koalas are Queensland’s state animal and can be seen across the state
- Cost of living — generally lower than Sydney and Melbourne, with regional Queensland significantly more affordable than Brisbane
Queensland Regional Study — Migration Advantages
Large parts of Queensland are classified as regional for Australian skilled migration purposes, including Central Queensland, North Queensland, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast and South West Queensland. Studying and living in these areas on your student visa (subclass 500) and 485 visa qualifies you for:
- 5 additional points on the Skilled Visa Points Test for regional study and living
- 1–2 extra years on the 485 visa for regional graduates
- Priority access to 491 regional nomination through Queensland’s skilled migration program
Brisbane is not classified as regional, but Queensland actively nominates across a wide range of occupations for the 190 visa — check current occupation lists and requirements on the Queensland government’s skilled migration website before enrolling.
Not sure whether Queensland fits your study and migration strategy? Get a free student visa assessment and we’ll compare your options.
Study in South Australia — Adelaide and Beyond
South Australia is internationally recognised as a centre for technology, research and innovation — and consistently rated as one of Australia’s most liveable and affordable states. Adelaide, the state capital, punches well above its size for academic excellence, cultural richness and quality of life. For international students, South Australia offers world-class institutions, generous transport concessions, lower living costs than the east coast capitals, and strong regional study advantages for those with migration goals.
Why study in South Australia?
Adelaide is widely regarded as Australia’s premier learning city. Its reputation for academic excellence is unmatched for a city of its size — Adelaide has produced five Nobel Prize Laureates and over 100 Rhodes and Fulbright scholars, earning it the title of Australia’s “Nobel Prize Capital.” Its institutions — the University of Adelaide, UniSA and Flinders University — are all research-intensive universities with strong international rankings and deep industry connections.
Student life in Adelaide is genuinely comfortable and affordable. Students can live in the heart of the city in quality accommodation, and Adelaide’s compact layout means nothing is too far — even the city beaches are only 30 minutes away by public transport. International students receive full transport concessions on Adelaide’s public transport network, providing meaningful cost savings over the course of a degree.
Adelaide is widely regarded as Australia’s food and wine capital — with more restaurants per capita than any other major Australian city. With a population of over 1.4 million people from all cultures and backgrounds, it is a genuinely multicultural city with a thriving events scene that makes it easy for international students to feel at home from the moment they arrive.
South Australia produces around 50% of all Australian wine and is home to the National Wine Centre of Australia. For students in viticulture, oenology, hospitality and food science, this makes SA a genuinely world-class study environment with direct industry access.
South Australia is known as the Festival State — home to some of Australia’s most celebrated annual events including the Adelaide Festival, Adelaide Fringe (the world’s second-largest arts festival), WOMADelaide, the Aboriginal Spirit Festival, Test cricket at Adelaide Oval, and the Santos Tour Down Under. The cultural calendar is genuinely rich and accessible, making Adelaide one of Australia’s most engaging student cities.
South Australia State Nomination and Regional Advantages
South Australia actively nominates skilled graduates for both the Skilled Nominated visa (190) and Skilled Work Regional visa (491). The SA government has historically been one of Australia’s more accessible state nomination programs — worth checking before you choose your study location.
Regional SA study advantages: all South Australian locations outside of Adelaide metropolitan area are classified as regional for migration purposes. Studying and living in regional SA on your student visa (subclass 500) and 485 visa qualifies you for:
- 5 additional points on the Skilled Visa Points Test for regional study and living
- 1–2 extra years on the 485 visa for regional graduates
- Priority access to 491 regional nomination through SA’s skilled migration program
The SA Government also provides a fee waiver for school-aged dependants of Higher Degree by Research students studying at South Australian universities who meet the eligibility criteria — see the Bringing your Children? tab for details.
Not sure whether South Australia fits your study and migration strategy? Get a free student visa assessment and we’ll compare your options across all states.
Study in Tasmania — Hobart, Launceston and the North West
Tasmania is one of Australia’s best-kept study secrets. Smaller, quieter and more affordable than the mainland capitals, it offers international students a genuinely distinctive Australian experience — world-class natural environments, first-class institutions, strong community connections and, for students with migration goals, the full suite of regional study advantages. The entire state is classified as regional for migration purposes.
Why Study in Tasmania?
Tasmania offers first-class education across every qualification level — university degrees, VET certificates and diplomas, English language programs and high school — through institutions whose qualifications are recognised nationally and internationally. The University of Tasmania is a research-intensive university with particular strength in marine and Antarctic science, ecology, health, law and the arts.
Affordability and liveability are two of Tasmania’s strongest drawcards for international students. Living costs — including rent, food and transport — are significantly lower than Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The state is compact and easy to navigate; there are no traffic jams and most students can reach their campus, local shops and restaurants quickly and easily.
Tasmania has fewer international students than other Australian states — and this is a genuine advantage. With more daily interaction with local students and the broader Tasmanian community, your English language skills improve faster and your social connections go deeper. Tasmania is consistently rated as one of Australia’s safest destinations; students move freely in the evenings without the safety concerns common in larger cities.
Getting to Tasmania
Tasmania is more accessible than many students expect. Hobart and Launceston are both serviced by direct flights from Melbourne (approximately 50 minutes) and Sydney (approximately 1.5 hours), with multiple carriers and more than 10 flights per day. The Spirit of Tasmania ferry service also connects the north-west coast to Melbourne for students who want to bring a vehicle or travel with more luggage.
Tasmania Regional Study — Migration Advantages
The entire state of Tasmania is classified as regional for Australian skilled migration purposes — making it one of the most migration-advantageous study locations in the country. Studying and living in Tasmania on your student visa (subclass 500) and 485 visa qualifies you for:
- 5 additional points on the Skilled Visa Points Test for regional study and living
- 1–2 extra years on the 485 visa for regional graduates
- Priority access to 491 regional nomination through Tasmania’s skilled migration program
The Tasmanian government actively nominates skilled graduates for both the Skilled Nominated visa (190) and Skilled Work Regional visa (491) — with particular focus on health, education, engineering and technology occupations that are in short supply in the state. Check the Tasmanian government’s skilled migration website for current open rounds and eligible occupations.
For school-aged dependants: most dependant students are required to pay tuition fees to attend a Tasmanian government school — see the Bringing your Children? tab for details and current fee information.
Not sure whether Tasmania fits your study and migration goals? Get a free student visa assessment and we’ll compare your options across all states and territories.
Study in Victoria — Melbourne and Regional Victoria
Victoria is Australia’s education powerhouse. Home to Melbourne — one of the world’s great student cities — as well as thriving regional university towns, Victoria offers international students an unmatched combination of world-class institutions, cultural richness, industry connections and lifestyle. For students with migration goals, Victoria also has one of Australia’s most active state nomination programs and significant regional study advantages outside the Melbourne metropolitan area.
Why Study in Victoria?
Melbourne consistently ranks among the world’s most liveable and best student cities — recognised internationally for its cosmopolitan character, multicultural communities, food and coffee culture, fashion, sport and entertainment. For international students, Melbourne offers the social and cultural depth of a world city alongside the academic infrastructure to match.
QS consistently ranks Melbourne among the world’s leading student cities — assessed on quality of living, university reputation, student mix, employer activity and affordability. It regularly places alongside London, Tokyo, Seoul and Munich in global student city rankings, making it one of the most internationally credentialled study locations on earth.
Victoria’s education infrastructure is the most concentrated in Australia. Ten world-leading universities operate cutting-edge facilities with internationally experienced academic staff and outstanding student services. Victoria has five of Australia’s top 20 universities, one in the world’s top 30 and two in the world’s top 100 — credentials that carry genuine weight with employers and assessing authorities.
Victoria’s VET sector is equally strong. High-quality TAFEs and private providers deliver industry-relevant, practical training with direct employer connections — ensuring graduates enter the workforce work-ready. VET and university institutions across Victoria also work together through formal credit pathway arrangements, meaning students can move between qualification levels with recognised credit transfer and access dual qualifications where relevant. For students on the trade courses to PR pathway, Victoria’s strong VET and employer network is a significant advantage during the Job Ready Program.
Victorian universities and VET providers lead Australia in the delivery of education services internationally — a reflection of the global recognition their programs carry. A qualification from a Victorian institution is understood and valued by employers, professional bodies and assessing authorities worldwide.
The Victorian Government provides a dedicated International Student Care Service — a state-funded support network staffed by multilingual professionals who provide advice and assistance on health, legal, employment and accommodation issues. For international students navigating life in Australia for the first time, this service is a genuine resource that sets Victoria apart from other states.
Victoria State Nomination and Regional Study Advantages
Victoria runs one of Australia’s largest state nomination programs, actively nominating skilled graduates for both the Skilled Nominated visa (190) and Skilled Work Regional visa (491). The Victorian government targets occupations in health, education, engineering, technology, construction and professional services — check the Study Melbourne website and Victoria’s skilled migration program for current open rounds and eligible occupations.
Regional Victoria study advantages: all Victoria locations outside the Melbourne metropolitan area are classified as regional for migration purposes. Studying and living in regional Victoria on your student visa (subclass 500) and 485 visa qualifies you for:
- 5 additional points on the Skilled Visa Points Test for regional study and living
- 1–2 extra years on the 485 visa for regional graduates
- Priority access to 491 regional nomination with strong regional Victoria quotas
Tuition discounts for dependants: international students at Victorian tertiary institutions whose children attend Victorian government schools receive tuition discounts — see the Bringing your Children? tab for the current discount structure.
Not sure whether Melbourne or regional Victoria fits your study and migration goals? Get a free student visa assessment and we’ll map the right location for your situation.
Study in Western Australia — Perth and Beyond
Western Australia is Australia’s largest state, its biggest export earner and one of its most dynamic study destinations. Perth — the state capital — is a modern, fast-growing city with world-class education institutions, year-round sunshine, a relaxed lifestyle and some of Australia’s lowest student-to-city ratios. For international students, WA offers strong institutions, genuine employment opportunities in high-paying sectors, and significant regional study advantages across one of Australia’s largest and most resource-rich territories.
Why Study in Western Australia?
Western Australia offers something most study destinations can’t — world-class education combined with genuine employment demand in some of Australia’s highest-paying industries. Mining, resources, engineering, health, agriculture and renewable energy are all major employers in WA, and many of these sectors have occupations on the MLTSSL with active state nomination. For international students with skilled migration in mind, WA’s industry landscape is one of the most directly relevant to post-study employment of any Australian state.
Perth is known for its genuinely friendly and relaxed atmosphere — a city where the Australian lifestyle is at its most authentic. International students consistently find it welcoming and easy to integrate into, with a multicultural community, a strong café and food scene and a pace of life that’s more manageable than Sydney or Melbourne without sacrificing quality.
Perth is a city in sustained growth. Infrastructure investment has reshaped the city over the past decade — the expanded international airport, the city rail network, riverside and beachfront developments, and major commercial precincts have made Perth one of Australia’s most liveable and connected cities. Year-round sunshine, 12,500km of pristine coastline and easy access to world-class natural environments make WA’s lifestyle offering genuinely hard to match.
Research in Perth is globally respected across medicine and health sciences, agriculture, chemistry, geology, metallurgy, engineering, astrophysics, renewable energy and environmental management — fields that also directly correspond to WA’s major employment sectors. Studying in WA means joining an academic and professional network that is genuinely connected to industry — and for international graduates, that network is one of the most valuable assets for building the Australian work experience needed for skilled migration.
Western Australia State Nomination and Regional Study Advantages
Western Australia actively nominates skilled graduates for both the Skilled Nominated visa (190) and Skilled Work Regional visa (491). WA’s nomination program has historically focused on occupations in health, engineering, mining, construction and education — sectors where the state has persistent skills shortages. Check the Migration WA website for current open rounds and eligible occupations.
Regional WA study advantages: all WA locations outside the Perth metropolitan area are classified as regional for migration purposes. Studying and living in regional WA on your student visa (subclass 500) and 485 visa qualifies you for:
- 5 additional points on the Skilled Visa Points Test for regional study and living
- 1–2 extra years on the 485 visa for regional graduates
- Priority access to 491 regional nomination — WA’s regional areas are consistently included in nomination rounds
Children of international higher degree students in WA can access subsidised government schooling at the same fee level as local students — see the Bringing your Children? tab for eligibility and details.
Not sure whether WA fits your study and migration strategy? Get a free student visa assessment and we’ll compare your options across all states and territories.
