Specialist Educational Qualifications Points for Skilled Migration
The Australian skilled migration points test provides 10 additional points for an eligible specialist educational qualification.
These points are commonly referred to as STEM points because the qualifying fields include specified areas of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and information technology.
To qualify, you must have completed an eligible master’s degree by research or doctoral degree in Australia, with at least 2 academic years of study at the Australian educational institution in a specified field of education.
The 10 points are part of the General Points Test used for points-tested skilled migration, including subclass 189, subclass 190 and subclass 491.
Who Can Claim the 10 Specialist Education Points?
You may be able to claim the 10 points if you satisfy all of the specialist educational qualification requirements.
Your qualification must be:
- a master’s degree by research, or
- a doctoral degree;
- awarded by an Australian educational institution;
- based on study of at least 2 academic years at that institution; and
- in a specified field of education.
The qualification must be a master’s degree by research or Doctoral degree. A master’s degree completed through coursework does not satisfy this particular requirement.
The Qualification Must Be Australian
The specialist qualification must be awarded by an Australian educational institution.
An overseas master’s by research or overseas doctoral degree does not satisfy the specialist educational qualification provision merely because the qualification is in an eligible STEM or ICT field.
The Two Academic Years Requirement
Your specialist master’s or doctoral degree must include at least 2 academic years of study at the Australian educational institution.
This is a specific requirement for the specialist educational qualification.
The Specialist Education Fields for STEM Points (Skilled Migration)
Your research Masters or PhD must fall within one of the three broad fields below, in one of the listed narrow specialisations. If your field does not appear in the narrow field list, you cannot claim the 10 STEM points for skilled migration — even if your degree is research-based.
| Broad Field of Education | Narrow Field of Education |
| Natural and Physical Sciences | Biological Sciences |
| Chemical Sciences | |
| Earth Sciences | |
| Mathematical Sciences | |
| Natural and Physical Sciences | |
| Other Natural and Physical Sciences | |
| Physics and Astronomy | |
| Information Technology | Computer Science |
| Information Systems | |
| Information Technology | |
| Other Information Technology | |
| Engineering and Related Technologies | Aerospace Engineering and Technology |
| Civil Engineering | |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Technology | |
| Engineering and Related Technologies | |
| Geomatic Engineering | |
| Manufacturing Engineering and Technology | |
| Maritime Engineering and Technology | |
| Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and Technology | |
| Other Engineering and Related Technologies | |
| Process and Resources Engineering |
VisaAid’s migration consultants confirm whether your research degree qualifies for the STEM points skilled migration claim, calculate your full pr points calculator score and identify the fastest pathway to an invitation. Book your free assessment to get started.
Specialist Education Points and Your Overall Points Score
The 10 specialist education points can form part of your overall score under the skilled migration points test. An eligible applicant may also qualify for points under other categories, depending on their individual circumstances.
For example, an eligible Australian research degree may also be relevant when assessing the Australian Study Requirement and, where applicable, regional study points. Reviewing these categories together can help identify which points you can lawfully claim and whether there are other eligible categories that may improve your overall score.
Check the latest SkillSelect invitation rounds to see current scores attracting invitations in your occupation.
Related Points Test Pages
- Skilled Visa Points Test Table — Full Guide
- Australian Study Requirement Points
- Regional Study Points
- Professional Year Points
- English Language Points
- Work Experience Points
- Partner Skills Points
Book your free points assessment — VisaAid’s consultants confirm your qualification type, verify your degree falls within an eligible field, and calculate your complete skilled migration points score in a single session.
