Australia's Points-Based PR System Explained: How to Calculate Your Score and What You Need

The Points-Based System

Most skilled permanent residence visas in Australia use a points-based system through SkillSelect. You must score at least 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). However, due to competition, you typically need 80–90+ points to receive an invitation in popular occupations.

Points Breakdown

• Age (max 30 pts): 18–24: 25 pts | 25–32: 30 pts | 33–39: 25 pts | 40–44: 15 pts | 45–49: 0 pts
• English (max 20 pts): Competent: 0 | Proficient (IELTS 7.0 each): 10 pts | Superior (IELTS 8.0 each): 20 pts
• Overseas skilled work (max 15 pts)
• Australian skilled work (max 20 pts): 1 yr: 5 pts | 3 yr: 10 pts | 5 yr: 15 pts | 8 yr: 20 pts
• Australian qualification (max 20 pts): Bachelor: 15 pts | Masters/PhD: 20 pts
• State nomination (5 pts)
• Partner skills (5 pts)
• Regional study (5 pts)

Strategy for Nepali Graduates

Most Nepali graduates in IT or engineering can reach 75–80 points (age 30+, proficient English 10 pts, Australian bachelor 15 pts, 3yr Australian work 10 pts, state nomination 5 pts = 75 pts minimum). Achieving superior English (IELTS 8s) is the highest-value single action — adds 10 points over proficient.