Regional Australia PR Pathway Visa Options and Bonus Point 2026
Regional Australia PR Pathway: Best Cities to Study in 2026
Studying in regional Australia is one of the easiest ways to gain permanent residency (PR) in 2026. When you study outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, you can earn 5 to 15 extra points. These points can greatly improve your PR chances.
Australia now focuses more on regional cities. Many large cities, such as Perth, Adelaide, and the Gold Coast, are classed as regional areas. Because of this, international students enjoy modern living, more job options, and faster visa decisions.
Why Regional Australia is best for PR
Under the 2026 immigration rules, regional study offers many benefits:
- You gain 5 extra points for studying in a designated regional area.
- You can receive 15 bonus points through a Subclass 491 state nomination.
- You may stay 1–2 years longer on a post-study work visa.
- Living costs are lower than in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
In short: Regional Australia gives you a faster PR pathway with less competition and better career options.
Read: 5 Cheapest Low Tuition Fee Universities in Europe
Top 5 Regional Cities to Study in 2026
Below is a list of the best cities for 2026 and their specialties:
| City | Category | Key Advantages | Top Occupations |
| Perth | Category 2 | All the facilities of a big city, strong economy | Engineering, IT, Nursing |
| Adelaide | Category 2 | Entire city is regional, with a high PR rate | Teaching, Healthcare, Defense |
| Gold Coast | Category 2 | Hub for tourism and entertainment, excellent weather | Tourism, Hospitality, Social Work |
| Hobart | Category 3 | 2 years extra work permit, easy nomination | Agriculture, Marine Science |
| Darwin | Category 3 | Fastest PR pathway, low competition | Trade Skills, Community Services |
1. Perth – Gateway to Western Australia
Perth is Australia’s largest regional city. It has strong demand in mining, engineering, and technology. Students who finish their studies here in 2026 can apply sooner for the Subclass 491 visa.
2. Adelaide – A student-friendly city
Adelaide is the capital of South Australia, yet it still counts as a regional area. The state nomination process is clear and supportive for international students.
How to get PR through the Regional Pathway
Follow these simple steps:
- Choose a course from the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Study in a regional campus for at least two years.
- Complete your skills assessment after graduation.
- Submit your Expression of Interest through SkillSelect.
• Apply for state nomination under the Subclass 491 or 190 visa.
Tip: In 2026, students in STEM and healthcare fields will have the best PR chances.
Read More: Study Hacks
FAQ
The Regional Australia PR Pathway allows international students to gain extra migration points by studying and working in designated regional areas, leading to faster permanent residency.
Students receive 5 bonus points for regional study and up to 15 additional points through state nomination under regional visa programmes.
The most common visa is the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa, which offers bonus points and a direct pathway to permanent residency.
Yes. Regional areas have lower competition, higher state nomination chances, and additional PR points compared to Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
You must complete at least two academic years of study in a designated regional area to qualify for migration benefits.
Courses linked to the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), especially in STEM and healthcare, offer the highest PR success rates.
