What is the points score required for Australia PR as an Indian student?

The minimum points score to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) is 65 points. However, most occupations are currently being invited at 80–90+ points due to high competition. Key points sources: age under 25 (30 points), Australian bachelor's (15 points), 3–5 years skilled work experience (10–15 points), partner skills (5 points), English (Superior) (20 points). Average Indian CS graduate with Australian master's scores 75–85 points.

Which Australian state is easiest for state nomination (Subclass 190/491)?

For Indian IT and engineering graduates, states like South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania have relatively more accessible nomination criteria and lower competition. Victoria (Victoria Skilled Migration) and NSW are competitive due to high demand. Regional nominations (491) are more accessible but require 3 years of regional residence after the visa grant before PR eligibility.

What is the 485 visa work right for Indian students in Australia?

The Subclass 485 Graduate visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia with no restrictions on work hours or occupation. Unlike the student visa (limited to 48 hours/fortnight during study), the 485 visa gives you full work rights. This lets you gain Australian skilled work experience needed for the points test and state nomination.

Australia 485 Visa & PR Pathway for Indian Students 2026

Q: How long does the Australia 485 visa last for Indian students?

The 485 Graduate visa duration depends on your study location and degree type. For graduates of regional institutions or graduates studying in a regional area, the Graduate Work stream gives 18 months. The Post-Study Work (PSW) stream gives 2 years for bachelor's degrees, 3 years for master's by coursework or research, and 4 years for doctoral degrees. Regional study can add an extra 1–2 years.

Q: Can I get PR in Australia after studying there as an Indian student?

Yes. The most common PR pathway for Indian students is: study in Australia → 485 post-study work visa (2–4 years) → gain Australian skilled work experience → submit EOI under SkillSelect (Subclass 189 or state-nominated 190/491) → receive invitation to apply → Permanent Residency granted. The process typically takes 3–5 years post-graduation.

Key Fact: Australia offers one of the most accessible PR pathways for Indian students globally. Unlike Canada (IRCC lottery) or USA (H-1B lottery), Australia uses a points-based SkillSelect system — your score determines your invitation. Study smart, work in the right occupation, and PR is achievable in 3–5 years.

What is the Subclass 485 Graduate Visa?

The Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily. It bridges the gap between your student visa and Permanent Residency or other long-term visa options.

There are two streams under the 485 visa:

Graduate Work stream: For graduates with skills in a specific occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Grants 18 months.
Post-Study Work (PSW) stream: For graduates of Australian bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees from Australian institutions. Duration varies by degree level.

Most Indian students from Hyderabad apply under the PSW stream as it is more flexible — no occupation-specific requirement.

485 Visa Duration: Metro vs Regional

Degree Level	Metro Duration	Regional Duration	Notes
Bachelor's Degree	2 years	3 years	+1 year bonus for regional study
Master's by Coursework	3 years	4 years	Most popular for Indian students
Master's by Research	3 years	4 years
Doctoral Degree (PhD)	4 years	5 years	Longest work rights window

Regional universities are those located outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane metro areas. Examples: University of Wollongong, University of Newcastle, Charles Darwin University, University of Southern Queensland. Studying at a regional institution adds 1 year to your 485 duration AND gives you 5 extra points in the skilled migration points test.

Eligibility & Application Process

To qualify for the 485 PSW stream, you must:

Have held an Australian student visa (Subclass 500) within the past 6 months
Have completed a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree at an Australian institution
Be under 50 years of age at the time of application
Have a valid passport and meet health and character requirements
Hold Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band, or equivalent)

Important: Apply for the 485 visa before your student visa expires. The application fee is AUD 1,895 (approx. ₹1.05 lakh). Health insurance (OSHC) must be extended to cover the full 485 visa period.

Application Steps

Receive your degree completion letter / testamur from your Australian university
Complete the online application at ImmiAccount (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)
Submit documents: passport, degree certificate, English test results, health examination
Pay the visa application fee: AUD 1,895
Await biometrics request (if applicable) and decision
Processing time: typically 4–8 months (apply well before student visa expires)

Australia Points Test — How to Score 80+

The Australian skilled migration system uses a points-based model. Here is a breakdown of how Indian students typically score:

Factor	Points	Notes
Age 25–32	30	Maximum points at this age bracket
Age 33–39	25	Still competitive if other scores are high
English: Competent (IELTS 6.0)	0	Baseline — no extra points
English: Proficient (IELTS 7.0)	10	Each band 7.0+
English: Superior (IELTS 8.0)	20	Each band 8.0+ — target this for PR
Australian bachelor's qualification	15
Australian master's / PhD	15 or 20	Master's = 15; PhD = 20
Skilled work experience in Aus (3 yrs)	10	In nominated occupation
Skilled work experience in Aus (5+ yrs)	15
Regional study (1+ year)	5	Study or work outside major cities
Partner skills bonus	5–10	Spouse with skilled English + occupation
Specialist education (PhD in STEM)	10	Research doctorate only
Typical Indian CS grad (age 27, master's, IELTS 8, 3yr Aus exp)	80–85	Competitive for most occupations

GoWest Strategy: Most invitations in IT occupations in 2026 are being issued at 80–90 points. If you are studying at a regional university, choosing IELTS 8+ as a target, and have 3+ years of Australian work experience, you can realistically hit 80–85 points. State nomination (190/491) is a powerful shortcut — it adds 5 points and can help you get invited earlier.

Skilled Occupation List for Indian Graduates

Your occupation must be on the MLTSSL or STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List) to qualify for PR. Top occupations for Indian students in Australia:

Occupation	ANZSCO Code	List	Assessing Authority	189 Eligible?
Software Engineer	261313	MLTSSL	ACS	✅ Yes
ICT Business Analyst	261111	MLTSSL	ACS	✅ Yes
Data Scientist	272511	MLTSSL	ACS / VETASSESS	✅ Yes
Civil Engineer	233211	MLTSSL	Engineers Australia	✅ Yes
Accountant (General)	221111	MLTSSL	CPA / CA ANZ	✅ Yes
Registered Nurse	254411	MLTSSL	ANMAC	✅ Yes
Cook	351411	STSOL	VETASSESS	❌ State nomination only

PR Pathways: 189 vs 190 vs 491

Three main pathways for Indian students to gain Australian PR after graduation:

189

Skilled Independent

No sponsor/state needed
Permanent from Day 1
Highest points needed (80–90+)
Occupation on MLTSSL
Live anywhere in Australia

190

Skilled Nominated

State/territory nomination
+5 points bonus
Permanent from Day 1
Must live/work in state (2 yrs)
Good for 75–85 point range

491

Skilled Regional

Regional state nomination
+15 points bonus
Temporary (5 years first)
PR after 3 yrs regional work
Best for 65–75 point range

State Nomination — Best States for Indian Students

State / Territory	190 Available?	491 Available?	Best For	Competition Level
South Australia (SA)	✅	✅	IT, Accounting, Engineering, Healthcare	⭐⭐ Moderate
Western Australia (WA)	✅	✅	Engineering, Mining, IT	⭐⭐ Moderate
Tasmania	✅	✅	All occupations (high acceptance)	⭐ Low
Victoria (VIC)	✅	✅	IT, Finance, Education	⭐⭐⭐ High
NSW	✅	✅	All; very competitive for IT	⭐⭐⭐ High
Queensland (QLD)	✅	✅	Healthcare, Engineering	⭐⭐ Moderate

Full PR Timeline: Student Visa → Permanent Residency

Typical Timeline for Indian IT Graduate (Master's by Coursework)

Year 0: Apply for Australian master's (2-year programme)
Year 1–2: Study in Australia on Student Visa (Subclass 500); work up to 48 hrs/fortnight
Year 2: Complete degree; apply for 485 Graduate visa (3 years for master's)
Year 2–3: Work full-time on 485; gain skilled work experience in ANZSCO occupation
Year 3: Achieve positive skills assessment (ACS for IT occupations)
Year 3: Submit EOI in SkillSelect; apply for state nomination (190) in SA/WA/TAS
Year 3–4: Receive invitation to apply for Subclass 190 Permanent Residency
Year 4–5: PR granted — you are now a Permanent Resident of Australia!

Choosing where to study: If PR is your goal, study at a regional university (e.g., University of Wollongong in Wollongong, University of Newcastle) — you get +5 points for regional study AND your 485 visa is 4 years instead of 3. This extra year of Australian work experience can make the difference between an 80 and 85-point score.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Australia 485 visa last for Indian students?

It depends on your degree level and study location. Master's by coursework graduates studying in metro areas get 3 years. Regional study adds 1 extra year. PhD graduates get 4 years (5 if regional). Apply before your student visa expires.

What points score is needed for Australia PR as an Indian student?

Minimum to lodge EOI is 65 points, but most occupations are inviting at 80–90+ points in 2026. Aim for 80+ by combining: age under 30 (30 pts), master's degree (15 pts), IELTS 8+ (20 pts), 3 years Australian work experience (10 pts) = 75 pts base, with state nomination giving +5 more.

Which Australian state is easiest for state nomination?

South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania are generally more accessible for Indian IT and engineering graduates. Victoria and NSW are the most competitive due to high applicant volumes. Apply to multiple states simultaneously — there is no penalty for applying to more than one.

Can I get PR in Australia after studying there as an Indian student?

Yes — the pathway is: Student Visa → study → 485 Graduate Visa → skilled work experience → skills assessment → EOI submission → state nomination → PR grant. The full process typically takes 3–5 years post-graduation depending on your points score and occupation demand.

Plan Your Australia PR Strategy with GoWest

Our visa specialists help you choose the right programme, university, and state nomination strategy to maximise your PR chances from Day 1.

Free PR Strategy Call

No.102, Megasri Classics, Punjagutta, Hyderabad • +91 96765 89996

Ananya Gupta

Visa & Admissions Specialist, GoWest Overseas Education Consultants

6+ years specialising in Australian and Canadian visa processing for Hyderabad students. Expertise in points-based migration and skilled nomination strategies.