The points test is the foundation of Australia's skilled migration system. Use this page as your guide to understand exactly how points are calculated and how to maximise your score before submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.

Note: The interactive calculator tool is embedded on this page. The content below explains each category in detail.

Points Categories: Full Breakdown

1. Age (Maximum 30 Points)

• 18–24 years: 25 points

• 25–32 years: 30 points (maximum)

• 33–39 years: 25 points

• 40–44 years: 15 points

• 45 and over: 0 points (ineligible for most skilled visas)

2. English Language Ability (Maximum 20 Points)

• Competent English (IELTS 6.0 all bands): 0 points, minimum only

• Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 all bands): 10 points

• Superior English (IELTS 8.0 all bands): 20 points

3. Work Experience Overseas (Maximum 15 Points)

•  Less than 3 years: 0 points

•  3–4 years: 5 points

•  5–7 years: 10 points

•  8+ years: 15 points

4. Work Experience in Australia (Maximum 20 Points)

•  1–2 years: 5 points

•  3–4 years: 10 points

•  5–7 years: 15 points

•  8+ years: 20 points

5. Educational Qualifications (Maximum 20 Points)

•  Doctorate (PhD): 20 points

•  Bachelor's degree or higher (not PhD): 15 points

•  Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points

•  Award from an Australian institution or completed study in regional Australia: +5 points

6. Specialist Education Qualification, STEM (5 Points)

•  Master's degree by research or Doctorate in STEM from an Australian provider: 10 points

7. State or Territory Nomination (Maximum 15 Points)

•  Nominated by state/territory for 190 visa: 5 points

•  Nominated/sponsored for 491 visa: 15 points

8. Partner Skills (Maximum 10 Points)

•  Skilled partner (skill assessed, under 45, competent English): 10 points

•  Partner is an Australian citizen/PR, or you are a sole applicant: 10 points

9. Professional Year in Australia (5 Points)

10. Community Language (5 Points)

•   Accredited Naati translator/interpreter in a community language

11. Study in Regional Australia (5 Points)

What Score Do You Need?

Minimum score to submit EOI: 65 points. However, current invitation cutoffs for 189 are typically 80–95+ points, depending on occupation. The 190 and 491 pathways are more accessible with lower effective scores (state nomination adds 5–15 points).