From GCC to Australia: The Complete Settlement Guide for Malayali Families (2025–26)
By Abin Mathew Varghese | Guide to Heights | Updated December 2025
If you are a Malayali family living in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, or Bahrain, you already know one hard truth:
no matter how long you live in the GCC, permanent residency or citizenship is never guaranteed.
Many parents have spent 20–40 years in the Gulf—working, paying taxes, raising children—yet retirement often means returning to India.
Australia changes this story.
Not just through education, but through a clear, legal, and achievable pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) and citizenship.
Why Australia Is the Best Choice for GCC Malayali Families
The GCC Reality
- No citizenship pathway
- Visa tied to employer
- Children cannot stay independently after a certain age
- No voting rights or long-term security
- Retirement means exit
The Australian Advantage
- Student Visa → Graduate Visa → PR → Citizenship
- Work rights during study
- Post-study work visa (2–6 years)
- PR leads to citizenship in 4 years
- Ability to sponsor parents later
Australia PR Pathway Through Education – Step by Step
- Student Visa (Subclass 500) – Study a CRICOS-approved course (minimum 2 years)
- Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) – Work full-time for 2–6 years
- Skilled Migration (189 / 190 / 491) – Apply through points system
- Citizenship – Eligible after 4 years of PR
Australia PR Points System Explained
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Age (25–32) | 30 |
| English (PTE 79+ / IELTS 8) | 20 |
| Australian Bachelor | 15 |
| Australian Master / PhD | 20 |
| Australian Work Experience | 10 |
| Regional Study | 5 |
| State Nomination (190) | 5 |
| Regional Nomination (491) | 15 |
Minimum eligibility: 65 points
Realistic invitations: 80–95+ points
Best Courses for PR in Australia (2025–26)
Healthcare & Nursing (Top PR Course)
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Master of Nursing Practice
- Salary: AUD 70,000–90,000+
Information Technology
- Cyber Security
- Data Science
- Software Engineering
- Salary: AUD 80,000–120,000+
Engineering
- Civil, Mechanical, Electrical
- Engineers Australia accreditation required
Accounting & Finance
- CPA / CA gives extra PR points
Trades & Vocational Courses
- Aged Care
- Automotive
- Chef / Cook
The Regional Australia Advantage (PR Game Changer)
Regional Australia excludes only Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane CBD.
Benefits
- +5 PR points for regional study
- +15 PR points for 491 visa
- Post-study work up to 6 years
- Lower living costs (20–40%)
- Less competition
Top Regional Universities
- University of Adelaide
- Deakin University (Geelong)
- James Cook University
- University of Tasmania
- University of Canberra
Financial Planning: Cost vs Return
2-Year Master’s Program
- Tuition: AUD 50,000–80,000
- Living: AUD 25,000–35,000/year
- OSHC: AUD 1,200–1,500/year
Work Rights
- 48 hours/fortnight during study
- Minimum wage: AUD 24.10/hour
- Earn up to AUD 35,000/year
Genuine Student (GS) Requirement – What Immigration Checks
- Why this course?
- Why this university?
- Career clarity
- Financial capacity
- Realistic post-study plans
Important: Never mention PR as your primary reason.
Student Visa Application – Step-by-Step
- PTE / IELTS
- Course & university selection
- Offer letter
- Pay deposit → CoE
- OSHC
- Financial documents
- GS statement
- Visa application (Subclass 500)
- Medical
- Visa grant
Family & Parent Sponsorship
- Bring spouse & children
- Limited work rights for dependents
- After citizenship, sponsor parents
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing courses only for PR
- Ignoring regional study
- Low English scores
- Late planning (age points drop after 32)
- DIY visa filing
Why Guide to Heights?
- Specialists in GCC Malayali students
- PR-focused course planning
- Visa, GS, documentation support
- Offices in Kerala, UAE & Australia
FAQs
Can GCC students get PR in Australia?
Yes, through study + skilled migration.
Which course gives fastest PR?
Nursing, IT, Engineering, and Trades.
Is regional Australia better?
Yes – more points, longer visas, less competition.
Can parents be sponsored later?
Yes, after citizenship.
Final Words
Your family spent decades building a life in the Gulf.
Now, it’s time to build a permanent future in Australia.
Guide to Heights – Creating New Possibilities.
