Why Study in Australia?
Australia is among the top 3 most popular destinations for international students globally. It offers world-class education, strong work rights during studies, and for skilled professionals under 45, a structured pathway to permanent residency.
- World-class universities including Group of Eight — Australia's most prestigious research institutions
- 44,000 employer-sponsored permanent visa spots for 2025–26 — a record high
- Subclass 491 Regional visa — +15 bonus points, leads to PR after 3 years in regional area
- Strong demand for engineers, healthcare professionals, IT, and business managers
- Full-time work rights during semester breaks and scheduled holidays
⚠️ Important: Age Limit Applies
Applicants must generally be under 45 years old at the time of invitation for General Skilled Migration visas. Unlike Canada which has no age limit, Australia enforces this strictly. Check your eligibility before applying.
The Australian Points Test
To enter Australia's skilled migration pool you need a minimum of 65 points. Here is a breakdown of how points are calculated:
| Factor | Points Available |
|---|---|
| Age 25–32 | 30 points |
| Age 33–39 | 25 points |
| Age 40–44 | 15 points |
| Bachelor's degree | 15 points |
| Masters or PhD | 15–20 points |
| IELTS 7.0+ (Proficient English) | 10 points |
| IELTS 8.0+ (Superior English) | 20 points |
| Overseas work exp 8+ years | 15 points |
| Australian work exp 8+ years | 20 points |
| State nomination (190 visa) | +5 points |
| Regional nomination (491 visa) | +15 points |
| Partner skills/competent English | 5–10 points |
Competitive profiles in 2026 typically score 80+ points. A 491 regional nomination adds 15 points and is strongly recommended for Nigerian applicants who may not score 65 without it.
PR Pathways from Australia
- Subclass 189 (Independent) — No state nomination needed. Score 85+ recommended. Live and work anywhere in Australia.
- Subclass 190 (State Nominated) — +5 points from state nomination. Must live in nominating state for 2 years. Immediate PR.
- Subclass 491 (Regional) — +15 points. Live in regional area for 3 years, then apply for Subclass 191 PR. Best option for most Nigerian applicants.
- Subclass 186 (Employer Nominated) — Australian employer nominates you for direct permanent residency. 44,000 spots in 2025–26.
- Subclass 482 (Temporary Skills Shortage) — Work in Australia for 2–3 years, then transition to permanent 186 visa via employer.
Costs of Studying in Australia
- Tuition: AUD $20,000–$45,000 per year depending on programme and university
- Living costs: AUD $21,041 minimum required for visa (approximately AUD $1,750/month)
- Health cover: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) required — approximately AUD $600–$700 per year
- Student visa fee: AUD $710
- Skills assessment: Required from your relevant assessing body — approximately AUD $200–$1,000 depending on occupation
Top Universities in Australia
- University of Melbourne — Consistently ranked in world top 50. Strong arts, sciences, and professional programmes.
- Australian National University (ANU) — Top-ranked research university. Strong in engineering, sciences, and policy.
- University of Sydney — One of Australia's oldest and most prestigious universities.
- UNSW Sydney — Particularly strong in engineering, business, and law.
- University of Queensland — Strong in sciences, health, and engineering. Regional Queensland options available for 491 visa.
- Charles Darwin University, Murdoch, Federation University — Regional universities eligible for 491 visa — 15 bonus points.