General · 2026 Guide
Study vs PR — Which Is Better?

Should you study first, or apply for PR right now? Both work. But one fits your case better. Here is how to choose.
Pick PR if you have
A degree, 3+ years of work, and IELTS 7.0+. You can save 2 years and lots of money. Direct PR is the best path.
Pick study if you
Have low scores, no work history, or want to switch fields. Study gives you local school, local work, and 600+ extra PR points later.
The cost gap
Study costs $20K-$60K per year. PR costs $2K-$10K total. But study leads to higher long-term pay in many fields.
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Frequently asked questions
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