Australia’s government actively encourages skilled migration to regional areas. That’s why studying in a designated regional location for 2+ years adds 5 points to your SkillSelect score. But which areas qualify, and should you consider it?
What Counts as “Regional” in Australia?
Regional areas are defined by postcodes and vary by state. Generally, anywhere outside capital cities and major urban areas counts. This includes cities like Wollongong, Newcastle, the Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Albury-Wodonga, and many others.
The Australian government publishes an official list of regional postcodes. Your institution must be located in a regional area for your study to count toward the points bonus.
The 2-Year Commitment
To get the 5 points bonus, you must study at a regional institution for at least 2 years and reside in that region for the same period.
Key requirement: Your main campus must be in the regional area. Online delivery or part-time attendance from a capital city doesn’t count.
Which Universities Are in Regional Areas?
Several major universities have regional campuses:
- University of Wollongong (Wollongong, NSW)
- University of Newcastle (Newcastle, NSW)
- Federation University Australia (Ballarat & Gippsland, VIC)
- Charles Darwin University (Darwin, NT)
- James Cook University (Townsville & Cairns, QLD)
- University of Tasmania (Multiple cities, TAS)
Plus many private colleges and smaller universities operate in regional areas.
Is Regional Study Right For You?
The 5-point bonus is valuable, but it comes with trade-offs:
- Pros: 5 extra points, potentially lower cost of living, smaller class sizes, stronger community connection
- Cons: Fewer jobs in your field, longer time before moving to a capital city, limited nightlife & cultural scene
Regional study makes sense if:
- You’re willing to commit to 2+ years in one region
- Your occupation has job opportunities in that region
- You want to maximise your points
- You’re open to building roots in a smaller community
The Strategy
Some students combine regional study with eventual relocation: study regionally for 2 years (get the bonus), then move to a capital city for professional year or work experience.
This strategy works if your occupation is in-demand in both places.
Every student’s situation is different. We help you decide if regional study fits your timeline and career goals.