Earning While Studying: PR Courses That Allow Work Rights in Australia
PR courses in Australia are one of the smartest choices for Nepali students who want to study, earn, and eventually settle down.
These courses don’t just offer world-class education they align with Australia’s skilled occupation lists, opening a clear path to Permanent Residency (PR).
And the bonus? Most of these programs let you work part-time while studying, helping you gain local experience and support your living costs.
But here’s the catch:
Not all courses qualify for PR and not all offer the same post-study benefits.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What PR courses in Australia actually are
- Which courses lead to permanent residency
- How to earn legally while studying
- The best course to study in Australia for PR
- Tips to choose the right course and increase PR chances
What Are PR Courses in Australia?
PR courses (Permanent Residency courses) are study programs aligned with occupations listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Completing these courses makes students eligible to apply for skilled visas or state nominations after graduation.
These courses are often in areas with skill shortages across Australia, such as:
- Healthcare
- IT and Engineering
- Social Work
- Public Health
- Trades and Vocational Education
- Accounting and Finance
Many of these programs allow part-time work rights, helping you support your expenses while studying.
Can You Work While Studying PR Courses in Australia?
Yes. Under the current student visa conditions:
- You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session
- You can work unlimited hours during semester breaks
- Work must be legal and meet visa conditions
Tip: Always balance your working hours with your academic performance. Overworking can violate visa conditions and negatively affect your studies.
Best PR Courses in Australia That Allow Work Rights
Here are some of the top PR leading courses in Australia that are in high demand and allow part-time work during your study:
1. Nursing and Healthcare
Nursing is one of the most in-demand professions on Australia’s PR list.
Popular Courses:
- Diploma of Nursing
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Master of Nursing Practice
Why it’s great:
- High employability
- Eligible for Graduate visas
- Strong pathway to PR
Tip: Clinical placements in hospitals are often included in the program—giving you practical experience while earning credit.
2. Engineering
Engineering professionals are consistently in demand across Australia.
PR-recognised Specialisations:
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics
- Telecommunications
Why it’s great:
- High starting salaries
- Relevant to multiple PR pathways
- Accredited by Engineers Australia
3. Information Technology (IT)
The tech sector in Australia has massive growth potential.
In-demand IT Courses:
- Bachelor of Information Technology
- Master of Cybersecurity
- Master of Data Science
- Software Engineering
Benefits:
- Job-ready skills
- Internship options available
- Courses listed under MLTSSL
4. Public Health and Social Work
These courses are perfect if you’re passionate about community service and long-term career stability.
Courses to Consider:
- Master of Public Health
- Bachelor of Social Work
- Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
Why it’s great:
- Work-integrated learning included
- Often leads to state nomination PR
- Strong demand in rural areas
5. Accounting and Finance
If you love accounting, it can be a solid PR pathway.
Popular Programs:
- Bachelor of Accounting
- Master of Professional Accounting
Tip: Choose programs accredited by CPA Australia, CA ANZ, or IPA for PR eligibility.
6. Trade Courses in Australia for PR
Trade occupations are often overlooked but highly in demand in Australia. These diploma courses for PR in Australia offer fast pathways to skilled visas and PR.
Top Trade Courses:
- Certificate III in Carpentry
- Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
- Certificate III in Automotive Technology
- Certificate III in Plumbing
- Certificate IV in Wall and Floor Tiling
- Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
- Certificate III in Cabinet Making
Why it’s great:
- Shorter course durations
- Strong demand in regional areas
- Easy to find part-time apprenticeships
Pro Tip: Trade courses are best combined with Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) to gain work experience after completing your studies.
How to Choose the Best Course to Study in Australia for PR
Here’s a quick checklist Nepali students can follow:
Is the course listed on the PR course list Australia or Skilled Occupation List (SOL)?
Does it offer post-study work rights (Graduate Visa eligibility)?
Is it accredited by a relevant authority (e.g. CPA, Engineers Australia)?
Is the course CRICOS-registered and full-time?
Can it be studied in a regional area (which adds PR points)?
Benefits of Earning While Studying PR Pathway Courses
- Supports your cost of living in cities like Melbourne, Sydney, or Perth
- Helps build Australian work experience
- Boosts PR eligibility by gaining local skills and networks
- Improves your employability after graduation
Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a course not listed on PR lists
- Ignoring work limitations on a student visa
- Applying for unrelated courses just for visa reasons
- Overlooking location benefits (regional areas = more PR points)
Conclusion
Choosing the right PR courses in Australia that allow you to work while studying is a smart move especially for Nepali students aiming to settle long-term. From nursing and engineering to trade diplomas and IT, these programs offer strong career and migration outcomes.
Make sure you research well, stay compliant with visa rules, and plan your study and work strategy wisely.
Need Help Choosing the Right PR Course?
CIC Education Hub, best consultancy in Nepal specializes in helping Nepali students choose PR pathway courses in Australia that offer work rights, career growth, and visa success.
Book your free consultation today and take your first step toward building a future in Australia.
FAQs
1. What are PR courses in Australia?
PR courses are programs aligned with Australia’s skilled occupation list. Completing them makes students eligible for Permanent Residency (PR) pathways.
2. Can Nepali students work while studying PR courses in Australia?
Yes. If they need to pay for their education, students with student visas are permitted to work up to 48 hours every two weeks during classes and an unlimited number of hours during official breaks.
3. Which are the best PR pathway courses in Australia?
Top PR courses include Nursing, IT, Engineering, Public Health, and Trade courses like Carpentry and Cookery all linked to PR occupation lists.
4. Are trade courses good for PR in Australia?
Yes. Trade courses such as automotive, plumbing, and tiling are in high demand and are included in various state PR nomination lists.
5. How do I choose the right PR course as a Nepali student?
Choose a CRICOS-registered course listed on Australia’s PR occupation list that matches your career goals and offers post-study work opportunities.
