Bupa Insurance
Key Advantages of Studying in Regional Australia
Guide to Earning Points for Studying in Regional Australia
Applicants seeking extra points towards an Australian General Skilled Migration visa can qualify by completing higher education in designated regional areas.
Eligibility Criteria for Extra Study Points
To claim 5 points under the Australian study requirement for regional study, you must meet the following conditions:
Qualification Level: Hold a minimum of one eligible degree, diploma, or trade qualification from an accredited Australian institution.
Campus Location: Complete your qualification while physically residing and attending classes on-site in a designated regional area.
Delivery Mode: Distance education and online learning do not count toward this requirement.
Residency: You must live in the designated area for the full duration of the study period used to meet the Australian study requirement.
Designated Regional Locations
Any location outside of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane qualifies as a regional destination for visa purposes. Major regional cities include Perth, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra, Newcastle, Wollongong, Lake Macquarie, Geelong, and Illawarra.
Applicable Skilled Visa Subclasses
Points earned through regional study apply to several General Skilled Migration (GSM) pathways:
Subclass 189: Skilled Independent Visa
Subclass 190: Skilled Nominated Visa
Subclass 491 / 489: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visas
Subclass 887: Skilled Regional (Residence) Visa
Regional Postcodes by State and Territory
| State / Territory | Designated Regional Coverage | Regional Postcode Ranges |
| New South Wales | Entire state (excluding Greater Sydney, Newcastle, Central Coast, Wollongong) | 2311–2312, 2328–2411, 2420–2490, 2536–2551, 2575–2594, 2618–2739, 2787–2898 |
| Victoria | Entire state (excluding Metropolitan Melbourne) | 3211–3334, 3340–3424, 3430–3649, 3658–3749, 3753, 3756, 3758, 3762, 3764, 3778–3781, 3783, 3797, 3799, 3810–3909, 3921–3925, 3945–3974, 3979, 3981–3996 |
| Queensland | Entire state (excluding Greater Brisbane and Gold Coast) | 4124–4125, 4133, 4211, 4270–4272, 4275, 4280, 4285, 4287, 4307–4499, 4515, 4517–4519, 4522–4899 |
| Western Australia | Entire state (excluding Greater Perth metro) | 6041–6044, 6083–6084, 6121–6126, 6200–6799 |
| South Australia | Entire state | All postcodes |
| Tasmania | Entire state | All postcodes |
| Northern Territory | Entire territory | All postcodes |
Schedule a consultation with a registered migration agent to evaluate your qualification details, review current postcodes, and receive personalized advice on your immigration pathways.