Why Software Engineers Are in High Demand in Australia
Australia’s digital economy is growing at one of the fastest rates in the world, with every industry, from healthcare to finance, relying on software, automation, and cloud-based systems to operate efficiently.
This transformation has created a nationwide shortage of qualified Software Engineers and Developers, making it one of the most in-demand occupations for both local and international talent.
According to the Australian Government’s Jobs and Skills Outlook, demand for software professionals is expected to continue rising sharply over the next decade. Organisations are seeking skilled engineers who can develop scalable systems, manage data securely, and integrate emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and cloud computing.
Because of this sustained demand, Software Engineers (ANZSCO 261313) and related ICT roles are listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) — meaning they are eligible for Australia’s key skilled migration programs, including:
- Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent Visa
- Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated Visa
- Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
For international graduates and professionals, this makes software development not only a stable and lucrative career path but also a clear route to Permanent Residency (PR).
This article will break down how software engineers and developers can qualify for PR in Australia, covering visa options, skills assessment, state nomination opportunities, and current job trends in the tech industry.
Key Occupations and Visa Eligibility
Software professionals fall under several closely related occupations on Australia’s Skilled Occupation Lists (SOL).
Each role is eligible for Skilled Migration Visas, including Subclass 189, 190, and 491, provided applicants meet qualification and skills assessment standards set by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
Below is a summary of the main PR-eligible ICT occupations related to software development:
| Occupation | ANZSCO Code | Visa Options | Skills Assessment Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | 261313 | 189, 190, 491 | ACS |
| Developer Programmer | 261312 | 189, 190, 491 | ACS |
| Analyst Programmer | 261311 | 189, 190, 491 | ACS |
| ICT Business Analyst | 261111 | 189, 190, 491 | ACS |
| Systems Analyst | 261112 | 189, 190, 491 | ACS |
About the Skills Assessment (ACS)
To be considered for skilled migration, your education and work experience must be assessed by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
The ACS evaluates whether your qualification and professional background are comparable to Australian standards in the ICT field.
Basic ACS Requirements:
- A Bachelor’s or higher degree in IT, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related discipline.
- If your qualification is not ICT-major, you must show additional work experience to compensate for skill gaps.
- Minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience (or 1 year post-qualification for Australian graduates).
- Applicants with Australian degrees can also complete a Professional Year in ICT to improve their PR eligibility and gain extra migration points.
Visa Eligibility Overview
All the occupations above qualify for Australia’s main skilled migration visas:
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) – No state nomination required; purely points-based.
- Subclass 190 (State Nominated Visa) – Requires state or territory nomination; adds +5 migration points.
- Subclass 491 (Regional Skilled Work Visa) – For applicants who work or study in regional areas; adds +15 migration points.
These visas allow software professionals to live and work in Australia permanently (or provisionally for 491), with pathways to Permanent Residency and Citizenship.
By meeting ACS standards and aligning your role with one of these ANZSCO codes, software professionals position themselves among the most consistently invited occupations in Australia’s migration program.
Step-by-Step PR Pathway for Software Engineers and Developers (with 2025 Data)
The PR pathway for software engineers remains one of the strongest in Australia, but the invitation cut-off scores show just how competitive this field has become.
According to the latest 2025 SkillSelect invitation round, Software Engineers and related ICT occupations were invited at a minimum score of 95 points for Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa).
This places them among the highest-ranking occupations across all professions.
Here’s how the process works — and how you can plan your journey strategically.
Step 1: Complete a Recognised ICT Qualification
- Graduate with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or Information Technology from a CRICOS-registered Australian institution.
- International students who complete their study in Australia can later apply for a Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485) to gain local experience.
Step 2: Obtain a Skills Assessment from ACS
All software professionals must have their qualifications and work experience assessed by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
To qualify for a positive skills assessment, you must show that your degree and experience match the requirements of your nominated occupation (e.g., Software Engineer, Developer Programmer).
For international graduates:
- If your course is ICT-major, no additional work experience is required.
- If your qualification is not ICT-major, ACS may require up to 4 years of relevant work experience.
Completing a Professional Year in ICT after graduation can add 5 PR points and satisfy the work experience requirement.
Step 3: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Once your ACS assessment and English test (IELTS/PTE) are ready, you can lodge an EOI through SkillSelect for the following visa subclasses:
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) — No state nomination; highly competitive.
- Subclass 190 (State Nominated) — +5 points; each state sets its own requirements.
- Subclass 491 (Regional Skilled Work) — +15 points; ideal for graduates from regional universities.
Based on the 2025 invitation round:
- Software Engineer – Minimum 95 points (Subclass 189).
- Developer Programmer and Analyst Programmer – Similar thresholds. This means that applicants with strong English proficiency, local study, and regional or professional year points are far more likely to receive invitations sooner.
Step 4: Receive an Invitation and Apply for Your Visa
Invitations for ICT occupations are typically issued during quarterly rounds.
If you are nominated by a state (for 190 or 491), you can apply directly after receiving your state invitation.
Step 5: Transition to Permanent Residency
- Subclass 189 and 190 grant immediate Permanent Residency.
- Subclass 491 provides a 5-year provisional visa, allowing you to work and live in regional Australia. After 3 years, you can apply for Permanent Residency (Subclass 191) if income and residence criteria are met.
Example Pathway
Bachelor of Software Engineering Graduate → ACS Skills Assessment → Professional Year → EOI (95 points) → State Nomination (190) → PR.
States That Regularly Nominate Software Engineers
While Software Engineers are eligible for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), the competition for invitations remains very high, with minimum 95 points in the 2025 invitation round.
That’s why many applicants improve their chances by applying for a State or Regional Nomination, which adds 5 or 15 extra points and provides a more reliable pathway to PR.
Below is an overview of Australian states and territories that regularly nominate Software Engineers and Developers under Subclass 190 (State Nominated) and Subclass 491 (Regional Provisional) visas.
1. New South Wales (NSW)
- Occupation demand: Very high in metropolitan Sydney and regional tech hubs.
- Typical requirements:
- Must be living and working in NSW or have recent study in the state.
- At least 65–70 points (before state points) and relevant work experience.
- Pathways: 190 and 491 (regional NSW areas such as Newcastle and Wollongong).
- Why NSW? Sydney is Australia’s largest tech ecosystem, with employers actively hiring software professionals in fintech, cybersecurity, and SaaS.
2. Victoria (VIC)
- Occupation demand: High for Software Engineers, ICT Business Analysts, and Developers due to Melbourne’s large IT sector.
- Typical requirements:
- Must work in a STEM or digital occupation aligned with Victoria’s “targeted industries.”
- May need to demonstrate current employment in Victoria.
- Pathways: Subclass 190 and 491 (regional Victoria).
- Why VIC? Victoria actively nominates ICT roles under its Digital Target Sector, with strong demand in AI, data science, and app development.
3. Queensland (QLD)
- Occupation demand: Consistent across Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, and Gold Coast.
- Typical requirements:
- Recent ICT degree or post-study work experience in Queensland.
- Living and working in Queensland at the time of application.
- Pathways: 190 for onshore professionals; 491 for regional areas.
- Why QLD? Offers a balanced approach — easier nomination requirements than NSW or VIC, especially for onshore graduates with relevant work.
4. South Australia (SA)
- Occupation demand: High in software development, IT support, and systems analysis.
- Typical requirements:
- Graduated from a South Australian institution, or
- Employed in the ICT sector for at least 6 months.
- Pathways: Both 190 and 491, with clear regional migration support.
- Why SA? Known for being friendly to international graduates and offering pathways for offshore applicants.
5. Tasmania (TAS)
- Occupation demand: Moderate but consistent — focused on regional digital transformation projects.
- Typical requirements:
- Completion of a Tasmanian qualification, or
- Employment in a skilled occupation related to software or ICT.
- Pathways: 190 and 491.
- Why TAS? One of the easiest states for onshore nomination, especially for students who studied locally and hold a post-study work visa.
6. Western Australia (WA)
- Occupation demand: High across Perth and regional cities due to digital infrastructure investment.
- Typical requirements:
- Recognised ICT qualification, and
- Employment contract or experience in WA.
- Pathways: 190 and 491.
- Why WA? Offers offshore nomination opportunities, ideal for international professionals applying from abroad.
Summary of State Nomination Advantages
| Visa | State Points Bonus | Regional Requirement | Pathway to PR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 190 | +5 points | No | Direct PR |
| 491 | +15 points | Yes (regional) | PR via Subclass 191 after 3 years |
State nomination remains one of the most strategic routes for software professionals, especially those who studied or work regionally.
While the independent (189) pathway demands a very high score, state and regional nominations provide a faster, more achievable alternative to securing PR.
Job Outlook and Salary Insights
The career outlook for Software Engineers and Developers in Australia remains exceptionally strong — both in major cities and regional tech hubs.
Driven by ongoing digital transformation across industries, this profession continues to appear on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) year after year.
1. Employment Growth and Demand
According to Jobs and Skills Australia (2025 update):
- Software and Application Programmers are projected to grow by over 25% in the next 5 years.
- The demand is driven by ongoing investment in cloud computing, cybersecurity, fintech, AI, and data-driven applications.
- Employers across Australia — from government to startups — are reporting consistent skill shortages, especially for mid- and senior-level developers.
This strong national demand makes Software Engineering one of the most stable and PR-relevant careers in the ICT sector.
2. Average Salary Range
Salaries for Software Engineers vary depending on experience, location, and technical specialisation.
Here’s an overview:
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary (AUD) | Typical Location |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level / Graduate | 70,000 – 85,000 | Regional or entry corporate roles |
| Mid-level (2–5 years) | 90,000 – 115,000 | Major cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) |
| Senior / Lead Engineer | 120,000 – 160,000+ | Large tech firms, financial institutions, or government |
| Software Architect / Manager | 150,000 – 200,000+ | Advanced enterprise & strategic roles |
- Regional areas often offer competitive salaries paired with lower living costs, making them attractive for PR applicants holding Subclass 491 visas.
- Specializations in DevOps, cloud architecture, cybersecurity, and data analytics typically command higher pay.
3. Top Hiring Industries
- Information Technology Services — software consulting and system integration.
- Financial and Banking Sector — fintech, payment systems, and data analytics.
- Healthcare Technology — electronic health records and telemedicine platforms.
- Government Digital Services — large-scale digital infrastructure and cloud projects.
- Education and Startups — web platforms, SaaS solutions, and automation tools.
4. Regional Job Opportunities
As remote and hybrid work become the norm, regional employers increasingly hire software professionals from outside metropolitan centres.
Cities such as Adelaide, Hobart, and Newcastle are rapidly emerging as regional tech ecosystems, supporting migration through Subclass 491 nominations and longer-term PR benefits.
In short, Software Engineers and Developers enjoy strong job security, competitive salaries, and clear PR potential, especially when leveraging regional opportunities and strategic migration planning.
How RACC Can Help
Planning your PR pathway as a Software Engineer or Developer requires more than just technical qualifications, it’s about choosing the right strategy based on your education, points, and location.
At RACC Indonesia, we specialise in helping ICT graduates and professionals navigate Australia’s skilled migration process from study to permanent residency.
Here’s how we can support your journey:
1. Course and University Consultation
If you’re just starting your study journey, RACC helps you:
- Choose a CRICOS-registered ICT or Software Engineering program that meets ACS accreditation standards.
- Identify regional universities that offer longer post-study work visas (Subclass 485) and extra migration points.
- Understand which degree specialisations (Software Engineering, AI, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity) offer the best PR outcomes.
2. Skills Assessment and PR Planning
For graduates and professionals, RACC assists with:
- Preparing your Australian Computer Society (ACS) skills assessment application.
- Reviewing your education and work experience to match the correct ANZSCO occupation.
- Advising whether you should take a Professional Year Program in ICT to gain both work experience and additional PR points.
3. State Nomination and EOI Strategy
RACC provides end-to-end support for Expression of Interest (EOI) and state nomination submissions:
- Identifying which states are currently nominating Software Engineers (e.g., NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA).
- Advising how to meet specific state criteria such as onshore employment or regional study.
- Ensuring your EOI points are optimised with English, regional study, and partner skills where applicable.
4. Post-Study and Employer-Sponsored Options
If you’re on a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), RACC helps you:
- Explore employer sponsorship pathways (Subclass 482 / 186) in Australia’s tech sector.
- Transition strategically from temporary to Permanent Residency under 189, 190, or 491.
Studying or working as a Software Engineer in Australia offers more than a high-paying tech career, it opens the door to a long-term, stable future through PR.
With RACC’s guidance, you can navigate every step confidently, from skills assessment to visa approval.
Start building your career and PR pathway in Australia’s tech industry today.
Contact RACC Indonesia for a free consultation on your Software Engineering or ICT PR strategy.
