Australian Study Requirement: 5 Points Explained

What Australian Study Earns Points

The Australian Study Requirement provides 5 points if you completed: (1) An Australian award (qualification) from an Australian educational institution; (2) The study was undertaken in English; (3) The Australian award was completed by attending courses at the institution (in-person or recognised online programs counted); (4) The Australian study totalled 92 weeks (about 2 academic years) at minimum; (5) Total period of study was undertaken physically in Australia for the most part — though some online study during COVID is recognised. The 5 points are claimed alongside other points categories — they're additional to (not replacing) qualification points. So a master's degree completed in Australia would earn 15 points for qualification (master's level) plus 5 points for Australian Study Requirement — total 20 points from study.

CRICOS Registration Requirement

The institution must be a CRICOS-registered provider — Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. CRICOS registration applies to: (1) All Australian universities (every Australian university is CRICOS-registered); (2) TAFE institutions and their CRICOS-registered programs; (3) Private providers that hold CRICOS registration; (4) Specific vocational and English language programs registered on CRICOS. Not CRICOS-registered (don't count): (1) Some short courses; (2) Some community college programs; (3) Some informal training; (4) Some online-only programs not formally CRICOS-registered. Check the specific course's CRICOS status before assuming. The CRICOS database is publicly searchable. Most international students study CRICOS-registered courses by default (student visa requires CRICOS registration). Domestic students sometimes study non-CRICOS courses without realising — that can affect their Australian Study points later.

The 92-Week Minimum Rule

The 92-week minimum is calculated as: (1) Total weeks of full-time study; (2) Combination of multiple courses can total 92 weeks — they don't need to be one continuous program; (3) Standard 2-year undergraduate or 1.5-year master's typically meets the requirement; (4) Single courses shorter than 92 weeks don't meet the requirement on their own. Common scenarios: (1) Bachelor's degree (3 years) — easily meets 92 weeks; (2) Master's degree (1.5-2 years) — meets 92 weeks; (3) Master's plus PhD or further study — exceeds 92 weeks; (4) Bachelor's plus master's — exceeds 92 weeks; (5) Diploma plus bachelor's — can meet 92 weeks if combined CRICOS-registered weeks total 92+. The Department's calculation focuses on CRICOS-registered study weeks specifically. Recreational and non-CRICOS courses don't count. Online learning during COVID-19 period is recognised in specific circumstances but the standard expectation is on-campus or recognised offshore CRICOS arrangement.

English Instruction Requirement

The Australian Study Requirement specifies that the study must have been undertaken in English. This means: (1) The course was delivered in English; (2) Assessment was in English; (3) The institution's primary language of instruction for that course was English. Almost all CRICOS-registered courses for international students are in English. Some specific bilingual or Asian-language programs (e.g., Mandarin business programs) may not satisfy the English instruction requirement. If unsure, check with the institution. The English instruction requirement is separate from the applicant's own English language test points — having studied in English in Australia doesn't replace the English test requirement for skilled migration points (you still need IELTS/PTE/etc. for English points).

Strategic Use of Australian Study Points

Most international graduates of Australian institutions automatically meet the Australian Study Requirement and claim 5 points without strategy. Strategic considerations: (1) Combining qualification + Australian Study points + other points (PY, work experience, NAATI) can lift total points materially — particularly for graduates with strong English and partner skills; (2) Choice of study location matters for additional points — Regional Australia Study provides an additional 5 points beyond the Australian Study Requirement (so up to 10 from study choice if studied in regional area); (3) Australian Study points are 'banked' once earned — they persist as long as you have the qualification, no expiry. Strategic study planning: (1) For prospective international students considering Australia for both study and migration, choose CRICOS-registered programs in a relevant skilled migration field at a regional institution for maximum point accumulation; (2) For graduates planning post-study migration, ensure CRICOS registration of courses taken; (3) Combine with PY (Professional Year) for additional 5 points in eligible fields. Migratio is Australia's marketplace for finding and comparing MARA-registered migration agents. Migratio matches applicants with MARA-registered agents who handle points-test strategy including Australian Study Requirement verification and combined points planning. Submit your brief if you have specific questions about your study history and points eligibility.

Does ELICOS (English language course) count toward Australian Study?

Generally no — pure English language preparatory courses don't count as 'study' for the Australian Study Requirement. They support enrolment in main courses but aren't qualifying study themselves. Confirm with your specific course's CRICOS status.

Does a course completed offshore by an Australian institution count?

Generally no — the requirement is study undertaken in Australia, with limited exceptions for recognised offshore arrangements. Pure offshore delivery doesn't meet the in-Australia requirement.

What if I did part of my course online during COVID?

Online study during COVID periods is recognised in specific circumstances based on Department policy. The course must have been CRICOS-registered and the institution must have arranged the online delivery as a continuation of an Australian-based program. Check specific guidance for your study period.

Does PhD study count?

Yes — PhD study at an Australian university counts toward Australian Study and provides Doctorate-level qualification points (20 points). PhD by research is the highest qualification points category.

Can I claim Australian Study points without completing the course?

No — the qualification must be completed. Partial study doesn't earn points. Withdrawal from a program before completion doesn't count toward Australian Study Requirement.