Study regional. Stay longer. Build a career in Australia.
Every regional university and TAFE in one place — campuses, courses, scholarships and the extra post-study work years that come with studying outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Find a course at a regional institution
Searches AMET’s live course database (the same ORCA course data behind amet.com.au/course). Results open in the full course finder, where you can compare and apply.
Search courses
Regional Australia on the map
Every pin is a campus in a Home Affairs designated regional area. Blue pins are Category 2 cities and major regional centres; teal pins are Category 3 regional centres — the tier with the longest post-study work rights.
Campuses
Regional universities and campuses
Compare campuses by state and regional category, then jump to courses, scholarships or add a university to your application.
Why study in regional Australia
The same Australian degree, recognised worldwide — with longer work rights, extra migration points and communities that want you to stay.
Up to 2 extra years of post-study work
After your first Temporary Graduate visa, a second 485 adds 1 year for Category 2 areas and 2 years for Category 3 areas — if you studied and lived regionally.
5 bonus points for skilled migration
The skilled migration points test awards 5 points for studying in regional Australia, on top of points for your Australian qualification.
Regional visa pathways
Regional employers and states can nominate graduates for the Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa, which has its own pathway to permanent residence.
Employers who need graduates
Regional hospitals, schools, agriculture, mining, construction and tourism recruit locally — and graduates face less competition than in the big three cities.
Lower living costs
Rent and everyday costs in most regional centres are lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, so scholarships and part-time pay stretch further.
Smaller classes, closer support
Regional campuses are known for smaller classes and staff who know students by name, with strong placements in health, education and industry.
Places held for 2027
The Government confirmed regional universities keep their stronger allocations in 2027, and every provider keeps at least its 2026 allocation.
Generous scholarships
Regional institutions offer some of the largest tuition reductions in Australia — commonly 20–30%, with selected awards of 50% or more.
Real Australian life
Beaches, reefs, rainforest and wine country on your doorstep, with friendly communities and easy access to state capitals.
3–4 years of post-study work — calculate yours
Graduates of a bachelor or masters degree get 2 years on the Post-Higher Education Work stream. Study and live regionally, and the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream can add 1 or 2 more years.
Age limit: 35 or under at application for most applicants (up to 50 for masters by research, PhD, and Hong Kong/BNO passport holders). Estimates only — eligibility is assessed by the Department of Home Affairs.
| Qualification | First 485 | + Category 2 | + Category 3 | Total (Cat 3) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor degree (incl. honours) | 2 years | +1 year | +2 years | 4 years |
| Masters by coursework / extended | 2 years | +1 year | +2 years | 4 years |
| Masters by research / PhD | 3 years | +1 year | +2 years | 5 years |
Second 485 requirements: you held a first 485 in the Post-Higher Education Work stream; your qualification is from a campus in a Category 2 or 3 regional area; and while on your first 485 you lived in a regional area (Category 2 or 3) for at least 2 years. Indian nationals have longer first-485 periods under AI-ECTA (masters 3 years, PhD 4 years). Hong Kong and BNO passport holders receive 5 years. VET/TAFE graduates use the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, which has no second regional 485. Check current rules on Home Affairs; AMET’s registered migration agents can confirm your case.
Scholarships at regional universities and TAFEs
Search international scholarships checked on each institution’s official website in October 2026. Most tuition scholarships are assessed automatically when AMET lodges your application.
Values, criteria and deadlines change — always confirm on the institution’s page. Some 2027 rounds were not yet published when checked; those show the 2026 terms.
Regional TAFEs
Practical diplomas and trade qualifications, often with guaranteed pathways into regional university degrees.
Apply to multiple regional programs at once
One form, multiple universities and TAFEs. Your AMET counsellor checks entry requirements and scholarships, then lodges each application for you — free of charge.
How it works
- Choose up to 10 programsUse “Add to application” on any university, scholarship or course, or type them here.
- A counsellor reviews your profileWe check entry and English requirements, scholarship eligibility and regional 485 options.
- Upload documents onceYou get one AMET student login to upload your passport, transcripts and English results.
- AMET lodges every applicationWe submit to each institution and track every offer for you.
- Accept, visa and arriveWe help with offer acceptance, OSHC, accommodation, the student visa and airport pick-up.
Prefer to talk first? Book a free consultation or message us on WhatsApp +61 433 463 333.
Ask Ava or TEMA — any time
Get instant answers about regional campuses, courses, scholarships and the 485 visa, 24/7.
Meet Ava
AMET’s virtual AI consultant — a face-to-face video chat about your study plans. Get your microphone and camera ready.
Chat with TEMA
AMET’s AI bot answers from AMET’s own course and study information, and hands you to a human counsellor when you’re ready.
Visa and education news for regional study
Policy changes affecting regional universities, TAFEs and international students.
Meet regional universities and TAFEs
Expos, webinars and on-spot assessment days with regional institutions at AMET offices worldwide.
Common questions
Which areas count as “regional”?
For migration purposes, everywhere except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane is regional. Category 2 covers Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle–Lake Macquarie, Wollongong–Illawarra, Geelong and Hobart. Category 3 covers all other regional areas, such as Darwin, Townsville, Cairns, Toowoomba, Armidale, Wagga Wagga, Ballarat, Bendigo and Launceston.
Do I have to stay in the same region after graduating?
To be eligible for the second 485, you must have lived in a Category 2 or 3 regional area for at least two years while holding your first 485. AMET’s migration agents can map out your timeline.
Is a regional degree different from a city degree?
No. Australian degrees are accredited nationally and the qualification is the same — many universities offer identical programs at city and regional campuses. Only regional campuses count towards the regional benefits.
Can I work while studying?
Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours in scheduled breaks.
Does AMET charge for applications?
AMET’s university admission service is free for students. Visa and migration services are quoted separately.
Ready to study regional?
Talk to an AMET counsellor about the right campus, course and scholarship.
