Trades Over Degrees? 5 Reasons They’re Winning the PR Game
For years, international students in Australia have been told that a university degree is the safest route to success. But as Australia’s migration landscape evolves, a surprising truth is emerging trade courses are now one of the strongest and most reliable pathways to Permanent Residency (PR).
With skills shortages growing across key industries, Australia is actively prioritising trade-qualified professionals over traditional degree holders. Here’s why trades are winning the PR game, and why they may be the smarter choice for your future.
- Trades Are in Critical Demand Across Australia
Australia is facing a nationwide shortage of skilled tradespeople, particularly in construction, plumbing, carpentry, tiling, and electrical work. These occupations consistently feature on the Medium and Long term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and state occupation lists, making them highly favourable for PR. Unlike many degree-based roles, trade jobs are essential, location-flexible, and hard to automate, ensuring long-term employability. - Lower PR Points, Higher Selection Rates
One of the biggest advantages of trade pathways is lower PR points requirements. Recent invitation rounds have shown trade occupations being picked at 65–70 points, compared to much higher thresholds for many professional roles.
This means:
● Less pressure to accumulate extra points
● Faster invitations
● Better chances of state or regional nomination
For many applicants, trades offer a more realistic PR outcome. - Faster Job Readiness & Practical Skills
Trade courses focus on hands-on, job-ready skills, allowing students to enter the workforce much faster than traditional degrees. Employers value experience over theory, and trades deliver exactly that.
With earlier employment comes:
● Australian work experience
● Higher PR points
● Stronger employer sponsorship prospects - Strong Regional PR Pathways
Regional Australia continues to be a major focus of migration planning. Trade professionals are highly sought-after in regional areas, unlocking additional PR pathways such as:
● State nomination
● Regional visas
● Priority processing
Studying a trade in a regional area can significantly boost your migration prospects. - Lower Study Costs, Higher ROI
Compared to university degrees, trade courses are more affordable, shorter in duration, and lead to well paying jobs sooner. This makes them an excellent option for students looking to reduce financial pressure while building a stable future in Australia.
Lower tuition + faster employment = smarter investment.
Why Choose New Edge?
At New Edge, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all advice. Our experts help you:
● Identify trade courses aligned with PR outcomes
● Choose the right state or regional pathway
● Understand skills assessments and visa strategies
● Save money through scholarships and exclusive offers
Take the Next Step
If you’re considering a trade course as your PR pathway, or unsure which option suits your
profile, New Edge is here to guide you every step of the way.
Book a free consultation with our experts now. Drop an email at contact@newedgecs.com or
visit https://newedgecs.com/.
Your PR journey doesn’t need to be complicated.
Make the smart move with New Edge.
