PR & Visa Pathways
Australia's Points System Explained — How Many Points Do You Actually Need?
65 points makes you eligible for Australian skilled migration but real invitations need 90+. Learn how to score age, English, education and experience points.
Published 2025-01-25 · Updated 2026-02-14 · 11 min read
The skilled migration program uses a points-based system to select candidates. Understanding how points work is crucial for planning your PR pathway.
Minimum Requirements
To submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), you need:
- Be under 45 years old
- Have competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
- Have a positive skills assessment
- Have at least 65 points
Reality check: While 65 is the minimum, competitive occupations often require 80-95+ points to receive an invitation.
Points Breakdown
Age (Maximum 30 points)
| Age | Points |
|---|---|
| 18-24 | 25 |
| 25-32 | 30 |
| 33-39 | 25 |
| 40-44 | 15 |
| 45+ | 0 (ineligible) |
English Language (Maximum 20 points)
| Level | Points | PTE Score | IELTS Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competent | 0 | 50 | 6.0 |
| Proficient | 10 | 65 | 7.0 |
| Superior | 20 | 79 | 8.0 |
Pro tip: Improving from Proficient to Superior English is one of the easiest ways to gain 10 extra points.
Skilled Employment (Maximum 20 points)
Overseas Experience
| Years | Points |
|---|---|
| 3-4 | 5 |
| 5-7 | 10 |
| 8+ | 15 |
Australian Experience
| Years | Points |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | 5 |
| 3-4 | 10 |
| 5-7 | 15 |
| 8+ | 20 |
Australian experience is valued more highly than overseas experience.
Education (Maximum 20 points)
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctorate | 20 |
| Bachelor's or Master's | 15 |
| Diploma/Trade | 10 |
Australian Study (5 points)
Awarded for completing at least 2 years of study in Australia resulting in a qualification.
Specialist Education (5 points)
Additional points for a Master's or Doctorate in STEM fields from an Australian institution.
Partner Skills (Maximum 10 points)
- Partner with skills assessment + competent English: 10 points
- Partner with competent English only: 5 points
- Single applicant: 10 points
State/Regional Nomination
- State nomination (190): 5 points
- Regional nomination (491): 15 points
Other Points
- NAATI credential: 5 points
- Professional Year program: 5 points
- Study in regional Australia: 5 points
Example Calculation
Typical student scenario:
- Age 26: 30 points
- Bachelor's degree: 15 points
- Australian study: 5 points
- Competent English: 0 points
Total: 50 points — Need 15 more for minimum
With improvements:
- Superior English (+20): 70 points
- 1 year Australian work (+5): 75 points
- State nomination (+5): 80 points
Strategy Tips
Quick Wins
- English: Often the fastest way to gain points
- Work experience: Even 1 year Australian experience adds 5 points
- State nomination: Research which states need your occupation
Long-Term Planning
- Choose occupations in demand
- Consider regional pathways for extra points
- Build genuine work experience in your field
- Get your skills assessment early
Remember: Points requirements and occupation lists change frequently. What's competitive today may differ in 6-12 months. Stay updated and get professional advice.