Thinking of studying in Australia? You may want to look beyond the big-name cities. While places like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are popular, they don’t offer the same long-term advantages that regional areas do, especially if you’re aiming for permanent residency.
Studying in regional Australia can give you extra points on the immigration points test, longer post-study work visas, and access to more job opportunities. These benefits are part of the government’s effort to encourage international students to live, study, and work in areas that need more skilled workers. This approach is known as regional study, and it’s becoming a popular option for many students looking to stay in Australia after graduation.
Australia has divided the country into three categories when it comes to studying and migration:
Major Cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
Cities and Major Regional Centres: Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong, Hobart
Regional Areas and Other Regional Areas: All other parts of Australia
If you choose to study outside of the three major cities, you may qualify for more time on your post-study visa and extra points on the immigration points test. These added benefits are designed to attract students to areas that need more skilled workers and population growth.
Regional study points are extra points awarded to international students who choose to study and live in regional parts of Australia. These points are added to your total when applying for certain skilled migration visas. The more points you have, the better your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residency (PR).
Another big benefit of regional study is the chance to get more time on your post-study work visa. Here’s how it works:
If you study in one of the Cities and Major Regional Centres, like Perth or Hobart, you may get 1 extra year on your Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) after finishing a bachelor’s degree or higher.
If you study in a Regional Area or Other Regional Area, such as a smaller town or rural community, you could get 2 extra years on that same visa.
This means you could stay in Australia for up to four years after you graduate, giving you more time to gain work experience and apply for a skilled visa.
Another reason to consider regional study is the wider range of job options. Regional areas use the Regional Occupations List, which includes more jobs compared to the standard Skilled Occupation List used in major cities.
This can give you an edge if your profession is on the list, especially if you plan to apply for skilled migration. You’ll have more occupations to choose from, and possibly more sponsorship options too.
Studying in a regional area can also help you save money. Smaller cities and towns often have a lower cost of living. Rent is usually cheaper, public transport is less expensive, and general daily expenses may be easier on your budget. For many international students, this makes life more manageable and enjoyable while studying abroad.
The government has set aside 25,000 spots each year for regional visa applicants. This means if you apply for a visa from a regional area, your application might be processed faster than those coming from major cities.
Some regional areas also have what’s called a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA). These are special deals between the government and local regions to bring in skilled workers for jobs that can’t be filled locally. If you’ve studied in one of these areas, you may have more visa options through DAMA programs.
Students studying here can get:
If you’re aiming for permanent residency and want more time to work after your degree, regional study is a smart choice. It’s especially helpful if your profession is listed in the regional job lists, or if you’re studying a course that may lead to sponsorship under one of the skilled visa streams.
Families might also find regional areas more appealing due to the quieter lifestyle, lower living costs, and friendly communities.
Can I still get regional study points if I study online?
You usually need to live and study in the regional area in person for at least two years to qualify. Online-only study may not count.
Does my course have to be full-time?
Yes. Your course should meet the Australian study requirements, which usually means full-time study for at least two academic years.
Do I have to live in the same regional area where I study?
Yes, you need to both live and study in the regional location to qualify for the points and visa extensions.
Can I move to a major city after I graduate?
You can, but doing so may affect your visa eligibility or ability to claim regional study points. It’s best to complete all required conditions before moving.
Thinking about building a future in Australia? Choosing to study in a regional area might be the smartest step forward. With extra visa time, more job options, and the chance to earn regional study points, it’s a path worth considering.
Let Unique Education and Migration Services help you make the move. We can guide you in picking the right course and regional location that matches your goals. From enrolment to visa application, we’re here to support every step of the way. Reach out today to find out how regional study can work in your favour.
Let Unique Migration guide you every step of the way! Whether you need a skilled visa, family sponsorship, or expert migration advice, our team ensures a smooth and successful process.
Contact us today for a free consultation—your future starts here!
