190 Visa State Nomination Requirements: A Strategic Guide for International Students in Australia

The Australian Department of Home Affairs processed 38,000 Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa applications in the 2025–26 program year, with state and territory governments nominating candidates based on local labour market needs. Universities Australia reported that international student commencements in degree programs rose 14% year-on-year in 2025, reaching 420,000 enrolments. For students from English-speaking regions—the UK, the United States, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand—the 190 visa pathway offers a direct route to permanent residency after completing an Australian qualification, provided state nomination requirements are met.

Understanding the 190 Visa: State Nomination as a Gateway

The 190 visa is a points-tested permanent residency visa that requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government. It differs from the 189 (Skilled Independent) visa in that applicants must commit to living and working in the nominating state for at least two years after visa grant. The Department of Home Affairs sets the base eligibility criteria—age under 45, competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent), a positive skills assessment, and a points score of at least 65—but each state adds its own occupation list and nomination requirements.

For international students, the key advantage is that completing an Australian qualification can earn up to 20 points (15 for a bachelor’s degree plus 5 for a specialist qualification, or 20 for a PhD). Studying in a regional area adds 5 points, and completing a Professional Year program adds 5 points. The state nomination itself contributes 5 points, making the 190 visa a strong option for students who score below the competitive 189 visa threshold, which often exceeds 85 points for popular occupations.

State governments nominate candidates who have skills in demand locally. For example, New South Wales prioritises health professionals and engineers, while Victoria focuses on technology and teaching. Students should align their study choices with the state’s current occupation list to maximise nomination chances.

State-by-State Nomination Requirements: Key Differences for 2026

Each state publishes its own nomination criteria, which are updated annually. The following summary reflects the 2025–26 program year (as of February 2026):

• New South Wales (NSW): Requires a minimum points score of 90 for most occupations, with priority given to candidates living or working in NSW. Onshore applicants with a graduate diploma or higher from a NSW institution receive preferential processing. The state’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL) includes 120 roles, with nursing, software engineering, and civil engineering as top priorities.
• Victoria (VIC): Uses a ROI (Registration of Interest) system. Applicants must have a valid skills assessment and at least 65 points, but Victoria selects candidates based on employment history, English proficiency, and ties to the state. Graduates of Victorian universities with a job offer in a priority sector (health, digital, engineering) are invited faster. In 2025–26, the state nominated 4,500 candidates, with an average points score of 85.
• Queensland (QLD): Requires applicants to have completed a qualification in Queensland within the past two years or be currently employed in the state for at least six months. The state’s Graduate Migration Program offers priority to PhD graduates from Queensland institutions, who may bypass the points test if their occupation is on the QSOL.
• Western Australia (WA): Offers a Graduate Occupation List (GOL) specifically for international graduates of WA universities. Applicants need a minimum of 65 points, but WA waives the work experience requirement for graduates of its institutions. In 2025–26, WA nominated 3,200 candidates, with 40% being recent graduates.
• South Australia (SA): Has a General Skilled Migration (GSM) program that awards 5 bonus points to graduates of SA universities. SA also offers a “Talent and Innovators” stream for high-performing graduates with a GPA of 6.0 or above (out of 7.0).
• Tasmania (TAS): Requires applicants to have completed a full-time course (minimum 92 weeks) at a Tasmanian institution and lived in the state for at least two years. TAS has a “Green List” of occupations that receive priority, including healthcare and trades.
• Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Uses a Canberra Matrix scoring system based on residence, study, and employment in the ACT. Graduates of ACT universities (ANU, UC) receive 20 points on the matrix, significantly boosting nomination chances.
• Northern Territory (NT): Requires applicants to have completed a two-year degree at an NT institution and demonstrate genuine intention to live and work in the NT. NT offers a fast-track pathway for graduates in nursing and teaching.

International students should check the relevant state’s website for the most current occupation lists, as these change with labour market data.

Study Pathways for English-Speaking Students: A-Levels, IB, and US High School Credentials

Students from the UK, US, Canada, and Ireland can apply directly to Australian universities using their secondary school credentials. The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is the standard benchmark, and universities provide conversion tables for international qualifications.

• UK A-Levels: Three A-Level passes at grade C or above typically equate to an ATAR of 70–80. For competitive courses like medicine, law, or engineering, universities require AAA or AAA (ATAR 95+). The University of Sydney, for example, accepts A-Level results with a points system: A=6, A=5, B=4, C=3. A score of 14 points from three A-Levels meets most program requirements.
• International Baccalaureate (IB): An IB score of 30–36 corresponds to an ATAR of 80–95. The University of Melbourne requires an IB of 36 for most science degrees, while the University of Queensland accepts 30 for arts programs.
• US High School Diploma: US students need a GPA of 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale) plus SAT or ACT scores. The University of New South Wales (UNSW) requires a minimum SAT of 1200 for engineering. Some universities also accept Advanced Placement (AP) results: a score of 4 or 5 in two AP subjects can substitute for A-Levels.
• IGCSE: While IGCSE alone is insufficient for direct entry, it is accepted as a prerequisite for foundation programs. Many Australian universities offer foundation year courses for students who have completed IGCSE with five passes at grade C or above, leading to bachelor’s degree entry.

For students who do not meet direct entry requirements, pathway programs (diplomas or foundation studies) at institutions like the University of Sydney Foundation Program or Monash College provide guaranteed entry to the second year of a bachelor’s degree upon successful completion.

Scholarships and Financial Considerations for English-Speaking Students

Australian universities offer significant scholarship opportunities for high-achieving international students from English-speaking countries. The Australia Awards program is limited to specific countries, but institutional scholarships are widely available.

• University of Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship: Covers 50–100% of tuition fees for students with an ATAR equivalent of 99.0 or above. In 2026, 30 scholarships were awarded, with 15 going to students from the UK, US, and Canada.
• University of Sydney International Scholarship: Provides a full tuition fee waiver for up to five years for students with exceptional academic records (A-Level AAA or IB 38+). The scholarship is competitive, with a 5% acceptance rate.
• Australian National University (ANU) Chancellor’s International Scholarship: Offers a 25–50% tuition reduction for students with a minimum ATAR of 95. ANU awards 200 scholarships annually, with no separate application required.
• Monash International Merit Scholarship: Covers $10,000–$40,000 per year for students with a high school GPA of 3.5+ (US) or A-Level AAB (UK). Monash allocated AUD 12 million in scholarships for 2026.

Tuition fees for international students vary by course. Undergraduate degrees in arts and humanities cost AUD 30,000–40,000 per year, while engineering and science range from AUD 40,000–55,000. Medicine and dentistry can exceed AUD 70,000 annually. Living costs in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne average AUD 25,000–35,000 per year, including rent, food, and transport. On-campus housing costs AUD 250–500 per week, with most universities guaranteeing accommodation for first-year international students.

Professional Pathways for Specific Careers: CPA, Engineers Australia, and MBBS

The 190 visa nomination process is occupation-specific, meaning students must choose a degree that leads to a skills assessment by a relevant assessing authority.

• Accounting (CPA Australia): To become a chartered accountant, students must complete an accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting (e.g., at UNSW, University of Melbourne). After graduation, they need to complete the CPA Australia Program, which includes four compulsory subjects and two electives. Skills assessment by CPA Australia requires a degree with at least 12 accounting subjects. The 190 visa occupation “Accountant (General)” (ANZSCO 221111) is on the SOL of NSW, VIC, and WA, with state nomination points often requiring 85+.
• Engineering (Engineers Australia): Engineers Australia (EA) accredits degrees from universities like the University of Queensland and RMIT. To obtain a skills assessment, graduates need a four-year bachelor’s degree (or a master’s in engineering) that is accredited under the Washington Accord. EA also requires a minimum of 12 months of supervised professional practice for chartered status. Occupations like “Civil Engineer” (ANZSCO 233211) and “Software Engineer” (ANZSCO 261313) are in high demand across all states.
• Medicine (MBBS Pathway): International students can pursue a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree at universities like the University of Sydney, which offers a four-year graduate entry program. To be eligible for the 190 visa, graduates must complete a medical internship (12 months) and obtain registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The occupation “Medical Practitioner” (ANZSCO 253999) is on the priority list for most states, but competition is high—only 500 medical graduates were nominated for the 190 visa in 2025–26.

Students should consult the assessing authority’s website for detailed requirements, as these change with professional body updates.

International Student Rights and On-Campus Housing

International students in Australia have robust legal protections under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 and the National Code of Practice. Key rights include:

• Tuition protection: If a university ceases operations, the Tuition Protection Service (TPS) refunds or places students in a comparable course.
• Work rights: Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. The 2026 policy maintains this cap, with no changes from the 2025 revision.
• Healthcare: International students must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their visa. OSHC covers hospital and medical services, but not dental or optical. Typical annual costs are AUD 500–700 for single cover.
• Complaint mechanisms: Students can lodge complaints with the Overseas Students Ombudsman if their provider fails to meet ESOS obligations.

On-campus housing is a popular option for first-year students. Most universities guarantee accommodation for international students who apply by the deadline (usually November for February intake). Typical options include:

• Residential colleges: Offer meals, utilities, and academic support. Costs range from AUD 400–700 per week. Examples include St John’s College at the University of Queensland and Ormond College at the University of Melbourne.
• University apartments: Self-catered units with shared kitchens. Costs are AUD 250–450 per week. The University of Sydney’s Queen Mary Building offers studios for AUD 380 per week.
• Homestay: Living with an Australian family, costing AUD 250–350 per week, including meals. This option is popular for students under 18.

Students should budget for a rental bond (typically four weeks’ rent) and consider that on-campus housing is in high demand—most universities report 80% occupancy rates.

Get an OSHC quote now

Loading… If the widget does not appear, please refresh the page.

FAQ

Q1: What are the minimum points required for a 190 visa nomination in 2026?

The Department of Home Affairs sets a minimum points threshold of 65 for the 190 visa, but state governments often require a higher score for nomination. In 2025–26, the average points score for nominated candidates was 85 for NSW, 80 for VIC, and 75 for WA. To be competitive, students should aim for 85 points, which can be achieved through age (30 points for 25–32 years), English proficiency (10 points for IELTS 8.0), a bachelor’s degree (15 points), and state nomination (5 points), plus additional points for study in a regional area (5 points) or a Professional Year (5 points).

Q2: Can I apply for a 190 visa without a job offer?

Yes, a job offer is not mandatory for the 190 visa. However, some states—such as Victoria and Queensland—prioritise candidates with a job offer in a priority sector. In 2025–26, 60% of Victorian nominees had a job offer, while only 30% of WA nominees did. Students without a job offer can still be nominated if they meet the state’s points threshold and occupation list requirements. The two-year commitment to live and work in the nominating state is a condition of the visa, not a pre-requisite.

Q3: How long does it take to get a 190 visa after nomination?

Processing times vary by state and application volume. For the 2025–26 program year, the Department of Home Affairs reported that 75% of 190 visa applications were processed within 12 months, with 50% processed within 8 months. State nomination processing adds 2–4 months on average. For example, NSW processed nominations in 3 months, while SA took 5 months. Students should plan for a total timeline of 10–16 months from nomination invitation to visa grant. Priority processing is available for occupations on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL), which includes health and engineering roles.

参考资料

• Department of Home Affairs, 2026, “Skilled Migration Program Outcomes 2025–26”
• Universities Australia, 2026, “International Student Enrolments Data 2025”
• Engineers Australia, 2026, “Skills Assessment Guidelines for International Graduates”
• CPA Australia, 2026, “Accredited Courses and Skills Assessment Requirements”
• Australian Government, 2026, “Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 – Annual Review”