🔹 Skilled Visa Pathway
Main Visas:
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Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)
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Subclass 190 (State Nominated)
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Subclass 491 (Regional Sponsored)
Requirements:
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Positive skills assessment from AITSL (requires IELTS 7788 or equivalent test).
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Competitive points score (age, work experience, education, English, etc.).
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Occupation (e.g., secondary school teacher, early childhood teacher) must be on the Skilled Occupation List.
Pros:
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Direct Permanent Residency (PR).
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No need for further study in Australia.
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Freedom to live and work anywhere (especially with Subclass 189).
Cons:
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High IELTS requirement (7788).
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Processing times can be long and competitive.
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If you fail IELTS or AITSL assessment, you can’t apply.
🔹 Student Visa Pathway (Subclass 500)
Requirements:
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Enrolment in an Australian course (e.g., Master’s in Education).
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Lower IELTS Academic requirement (6.0–6.5 overall, depending on the university).
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Proof of funds for tuition and living costs.
Pros:
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Easier entry: lower IELTS requirement.
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Opportunity to study, improve English, and gain Australian qualifications.
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Work rights (up to 48 hours per fortnight during study).
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Pathway to Temporary Graduate Visa (485), then skilled migration later.
Cons:
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Temporary visa — not PR at first.
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Tuition fees and cost of living can be high.
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You’ll still need to achieve IELTS 7788 (or equivalent) eventually for skills assessment and PR.
📝 At a Glance: Comparison Table
| Feature | Skilled Visa | Student Visa |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Requirement | 7,7,8,8 (Academic) | 6.0–6.5 overall |
| Outcome | Permanent Residency | Temporary stay (with PR pathway later) |
| Cost | Lower upfront, but strict requirements | Higher tuition + living costs |
| Work Rights | Full (as PR) | Limited (48 hrs/fortnight) |
| Processing | Competitive, points-based | Straightforward once accepted into a course |
Final Thoughts
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If you can achieve IELTS 7788, the Skilled Visa is the fastest and most direct way to PR.
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If not, the Student Visa is a valuable backup option that still gets you into Australia, helps you improve your English, and opens future migration doors.
Your choice depends on your current IELTS level, financial situation, and long-term goals. Either way, both pathways can eventually lead to living and teaching in Australia.
