Australia PR Points Calculator 2026: How Many Points Do You Need?

The Australian points test (SkillSelect) is a points-based immigration system similar to Canada's CRS. You need at least 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), but the actual invitation threshold in 2026 is typically 80–95+ points for most occupations. This guide explains how every point is calculated and what you can do to reach the invitation threshold.

Age Points (Maximum 30 Points)

• 18–24 years: 25 points
• 25–32 years: 30 points (maximum — this is the optimal age bracket)
• 33–39 years: 25 points
• 40–44 years: 15 points
• 45 and over: 0 points (and ineligible for many visa subclasses)

English Language Points (Maximum 20 Points)

• Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in all bands): 0 bonus points (minimum requirement only)
• Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 in all bands): 10 points
• Superior English (IELTS 8.0 in all bands): 20 points

English is the highest-return investment for India-origin applicants. Moving from 7.0 (proficient) to 8.0 (superior) IELTS adds 10 points — equivalent to 5 extra years of work experience. Most competitive applicants in 2026 have superior English (20 pts).

Skilled Work Experience Points

• Australian skilled work experience: 5 pts (1 yr), 10 pts (3 yrs), 15 pts (5 yrs), 20 pts (8+ yrs)
• Overseas skilled work experience: 0 pts (< 3 yrs), 5 pts (3–4 yrs), 10 pts (5–7 yrs), 15 pts (8+ yrs)
• Overseas experience in same occupation as Australian work: doubled to 20 pts for 8+ years

Education Points (Maximum 20 Points)

• PhD (doctorate): 20 points
• Bachelor degree or higher (not PhD): 15 points
• Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points
• Australian study requirement: +5 bonus if degree was from an Australian institution (2 academic years)
• STEM degree from Australia: No automatic bonus but counts for Australian study

Other Bonus Points

• Partner skills (partner's degree + competent English): +10 points
• Partner NAATI translation accreditation: +5 points
• Community language (NAATI accreditation in a LOTE): +5 points
• Regional study (2 years in Australian regional area): +5 points
• State/territory nomination (190 visa): +5 points
• Regional visa nomination (491 visa): +15 points

Typical Scores for Indian Applicants

• Age 28, B.Tech, 5 years offshore exp, IELTS 7.0: 25+10+10+15 = 60 points (below EOI threshold — needs improvement)
• Age 28, B.Tech, 5 years offshore exp, IELTS 8.0: 25+20+10+15 = 70 points (EOI eligible, may get invited in some occupations)
• Age 28, PhD, 5 years offshore exp, IELTS 8.0: 25+20+10+20 = 75 points (competitive for most occupations)
• Age 27, B.Tech + Australian master's, 3 yrs exp, IELTS 8.0: 30+20+5+20+5 = 80 points (highly competitive)

For Indian applicants, the clearest path to 80+ points is superior IELTS (8.0), Australian study, and working in a critical-shortage occupation with a state nomination. These three alone can bridge a 15-point gap.