Top 10 In-Demand Courses in Australia with PR Pathway

10 In-Demand Courses in Australia to Get Your PR

Engineering

Engineering is one of the most diverse fields in Australia, covering disciplines like civil and mechanical engineering, as well as those in the manufacturing and energy sectors. 

According to recent statistics from Engineers Australia, the demand for engineering-related skills grew at a rate three times faster than the overall workforce. So, it’s no surprise that many overseas skilled engineers have been eyeing the opportunity to fill in this labour gap.

If you have a knack for engineering, now’s a great time to pursue it.

Annual tuition fee	AUD 24,000 – AUD 50,000
Institutions	University of MelbourneMonash UniversityUniversity of New South Wales
Career Roles	Building TechniciansCivil EngineerMechanical EngineerElectrical EngineerIndustrial Engineer
Income range (annual)	AUD 100,000 – AUD 120,000

Computer and IT

With the rapid development of computer technology and software applications, there is always a continuous demand for skilled computer scientists and specialists. This is particularly true in areas such as cybersecurity, cloud solutions and financial technology.

If you’re interested in this area, Australian businesses, big and small, will surely be eager to have you onboard. They will need your expertise to help keep up with the changes in the digital world.

Annual tuition fee	AUD 18,000 – AUD 45,000
Institutions	Western Sydney UniversityCurtin UniversityMonash University
Career Roles	Cybersecurity AnalystAI EngineerSoftware DeveloperIT ConsultantWeb Developer
Income range (annual)	AUD 70,000 – AUD 130,000

Education

If you love teaching or perhaps enjoy coaching others and seeing people improve, over time, consider getting an education diploma or degree in Australia.

As you know, Australia has a robust education system, attracting students from around the world. The quality isn’t going anywhere, with recent statistics projecting that the education sector will grow by 13.4% by 2026 from 2021.

While many opportunities exist in school education, there are also numerous ones in preschool education and educational support services.

Annual tuition fee	AUD 20,000 – AUD 45,000
Institutions	Deakin UniversityUniversity of SydneyUniversity of Melbourne
Career Roles	Primary School TeacherHigh School TeacherTertiary Education TeacherTeacher Aide
Income range (annual)	AUD 86,000 – AUD 100,000

Trades

Trades programs focus on hands-on skills training in areas such as plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, automotive and building construction, among many others. 

As they deal with highly technical knowledge and skills, they remain sought after in Australia and have been in national shortage for years.

With that said, if you pursue this path, you’ll have a good chance of getting permanent residency.

Annual tuition fee	AUD 7,500 – AUD 15,000
Institutions	TAFE QueenslandAustralian Institute of Technical TrainingVictoria UniversityMelbourne Polytechnic
Career Roles	ElectricianPlumberCarpenterMechanicConstruction Project Manager
Income range (annual)	AUD 45,000 – AUD 95,000

Psychology

With more people understanding the importance of mental health comes more demand for mental health services in Australia. Recent statistics tell us that there will be over 4000 new job openings for psychologists and psychotherapists by 2026.

While most of them work in the healthcare and social assistance sector, you can also focus on areas like education or public administration – something to think about as you start studying psychology.

Annual tuition fee	AUD 20,000 – AUD 50,000
Institutions	University of MelbourneUniversity of South AustraliaDeakin UniversityAustralian Catholic University
Career Roles	Clinical PsychologistCounsellorHuman Resources StaffMarketing/Advertising Staff
Income range (annual)	AUD 50,000 – AUD 127,000

Social Assistance and Welfare

Social assistance and welfare programs focus on providing care and assistance to individuals in need. They cover areas such as aged care, disability support, childcare and community services.

Along with nurses and other medical practitioners, they make up 15% of the workforce, making this sector one of the fastest growing in Australia.

Annual tuition fee	AUD 10,000 – AUD 30,000
Institutions	TAFE QueenslandBox Hill InstituteSouth Metropolitan TAFE
Career Roles	Aged Care WorkerChild CarerDisability Support Worker
Income range (annual)	AUD 55,000 – AUD 130,000

Nursing

Nursing programs prepare you for careers in healthcare, focusing on patient care, treatment administration and health promotion. 

Especially with the aging workforce in this sector, nurses are more in demand than ever before, with job opportunities available in hospitals, aged care facilities and community health centres. 

Annual tuition fee	AUD 20,000 – AUD 45,000
Institutions	Griffith UniversityLa Trobe UniversityMonash University
Career Roles	Registered NurseMidwife
Income range (annual)	AUD 70,000 – AUD 120,000

Medicine

In Australia, having specialised skills in medicine is essential, whether you’re a medical technologist, allied health professional or general practitioner. Because Australia’s population is getting older and medical tech is getting more advanced, there’s still a big need for these professionals. 

By focusing on any of these fields, you can contribute to Australia’s economy and situation in exchange for the chance to get PR.

Annual tuition fee	AUD 40,000 – AUD 80,000
Institutions	Australian National UniversityUniversity of Queensland CQ UniversityUniversity of Melbourne
Career Roles	General PhysicianCardiologistPhysiotherapistMedical Researcher
Income range (annual)	AUD 77,000 – AUD 145,000

Cookery

If you’re good at cooking mouth-watering meals, consider pursuing cookery courses. Chefs are one of the fastest-growing jobs in the country, with statistics showing that over 11,000 new jobs will be open by 2026.

Most of these opportunities are in the accommodation and food services sector. So, you can definitely pursue further studies in hospitality management to advance your career.

Annual tuition fee	AUD 8,000 – AUD 25,000
Institutions	Canberra Institute of TechnologyLe Cordon Bleu AdalaideStanley College Perth
Career Roles	Cook/ChefSous ChefFood StylistMenu Developer
Income range (annual)	AUD 65,000 – AUD 120,000

Automotive

Courses on automotive train you on things like vehicle maintenance and repair, as well as tools used to diagnose modern vehicles and automobiles.

According to statistics, a total of 29 brands of electric cars were sold in 2021, showing that more people are choosing electric vehicles. This also means that Australia will need more experts in this area for the years to come.

Annual tuition fee	AUD 9,000 – AUD 20,000
Institutions	RMIT UniversityKangan InstituteTAFE Western Australia
Career Roles	General Motor MechanicAuto Sales ManagerVehicle Electrician
Income range (annual)	AUD 65,000 – AUD 120,000