If you are choosing a university based solely on its global ranking, you might be making a strategic mistake.

For international students in 2025, the goal isn't just a degree—it is a Permanent Residency (PR) pathway. And in that race, where you live matters just as much as what you study.

While your friends in Sydney and Melbourne struggle with high living costs and hyper-competitive 190 invitation rounds, students in Canberra are quietly building a "double advantage" on the Canberra Matrix.

At Right & Associates, located just a 5-minute walk from the ANU campus, we specialize in turning Student Visas (Subclass 500) into Skilled Migration success stories. Here is the 5-Year Plan we use to guide our students.

The "Double Dip": How Canberra Students Win on Points

The Canberra Matrix rewards loyalty. Unlike other states that might ignore your history, the ACT Government gives you points for almost everything you do while studying here.

We call it the "Double Dip" Strategy:

  1. Points for Studying: Completing 2 years of study at an ACT institution (like ANU, University of Canberra, ACU, or CIT) gives you 10 Matrix Points.
  2. Points for Living: By the time you finish that 2-year degree, you have also earned 10 Points for Residency (2-3 years duration).

The Result: You start your migration journey with 20 points in the bank before you even find a job. A student in Sydney moving to Canberra after graduation starts with 0.

The "Regional" Safety Net (Subclass 485)

Did you know the entire ACT is classified as a "Designated Regional Area"?

This status grants you a massive safety net after graduation.

  • Standard 485 Visa: 2-3 years of work rights (depending on your degree).
  • Regional Extension: Because you studied and lived in Canberra, you may be eligible for an extra 1 to 2 years on your Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).

Why this matters: That extra time is gold. It gives you more time to find a professional job, earn a higher salary, or wait for a 190/491 invitation round without the panic of a visa expiry date.

The "PhD Stream" Update (2025)

For our high-level researchers, the ACT has long been a haven. However, a critical update has changed the landscape.

Previously, PhD graduates from ACT universities enjoyed near-instant weekly invitations. In 2025, PhD graduates are now invited during standard selection rounds.

  • The Good News: You are still highly prioritized.
  • The Caution: You can no longer rely on a "next week" invite. You need a migration agent to time your application perfectly with your visa expiry.

Best Courses for PR in Canberra (2025-26)

Based on the new ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List (reduced to 105 jobs), we are advising students to look beyond generic Business degrees.

Top "PR-Ready" Fields in the ACT:

  • Nursing & Allied Health: (The #1 priority sector).
  • Teaching: Specifically Secondary and Special Needs teachers (Primary teaching is often more competitive).
  • Construction Management: With Canberra's infrastructure boom, these roles are safe.
  • IT & Cyber Security: Canberra is the government capital; Cyber Security specialists are in perpetual demand.

Local Tip: You don't need to attend a university to get points. CIT (Canberra Institute of Technology) offers trade courses (like Carpentry and Commercial Cookery) that are high-demand pathways for the 190/491 visa.

We Are Your Local Campus Experts

We don't just know the laws; we know the layout. Right & Associates Canberra is located at 17-21 University Ave—literally in the student hub of the city.

  • ANU Students: We are a 5-minute walk from campus.
  • UC & CIT Students: We are one bus ride away.

Stop taking advice from friends who are guessing. Start your 5-Year Plan with the agency that has been guiding students since 2001.

Ready to choose the right course? Book a Student Strategy Session

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Moving to Canberra to study is one of the smartest moves you can make. However, remember you need to live here for at least 12 months (usually) before you can claim "Canberra Resident" status for Matrix points.

Yes, but typically it must be part of a CRICOS-registered course package. The study must be "continuous." We can help you package your English course with a Diploma or Degree to ensure every week counts.

No, Matrix points for study are generally awarded for the primary applicant's study. However, if your spouse studies and gets a skilled job, they could become the primary applicant! We often "flip" applications to whichever partner has the highest score.