Many students have heard of the "two-year Australian study requirement" and "regional study points," but how exactly do you qualify for these points? What's the difference? We'll explain it all clearly today!

1. What is the ASR (Australian Study Requirement)?

ASR = Australian Study Requirement (two years of study). It is one of the most common points claims for Skilled Migration (189/190/491) applications, and the 485 visa is also based on this requirement.

To meet the ASR, you must satisfy all of the following conditions simultaneously:

The total registered course duration is at least 92 weeks (approx. 2 years).

The actual study time in Australia is at least 16 months.

The course(s) must be completed in Australia, resulting in an Australian qualification (degree/diploma/trade qualification).

Study must be in-person or mixed mode; no more than 25% can be completed online.

Important Exceptions & Notes:

Distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic (especially from offshore) may be accepted but requires the education provider to complete a Form 1545 as proof.

Credit transfer/exemption does not affect the total duration calculation.

Multiple courses can be combined to meet the two-year requirement (e.g., Diploma + Bachelor).

2. Regional Study Points

On top of meeting the ASR, if your study was completed in a designated Australian Regional Area, you can claim an additional 5 points for Skilled Migration!

However, these 5 points are not easily obtained, and this is a high-frequency reason for skilled migration visa refusals. To claim the points, you must meet all of the following:

The entire course must be completed in a designated regional area (both living and attending classes).

There should be no long-term residence in a non-regional area during the study period (short holidays or training are acceptable).

No distance learning is accepted for this claim.

If temporary absence is required due to course arrangements (e.g., mandatory placement/internship), supporting documents from the education provider are needed.

"Regional Areas" refer to all areas except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Examples include:

Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Darwin, Canberra, Gold Coast

All other regional centres and areas.

3. The Difference and Relationship Between the Two Points

4. Common Misconceptions & Q&A

Q: I studied a 2-year master's in Wollongong but lived in Sydney during holidays. Can I claim the points?
A: You can claim the ASR (2-year study) points, but NOT the regional study points, as you must complete the entire course while living in the regional area.

Q: I did a 3-year bachelor's in South Australia. The first 1.5 years were online from China due to COVID-19, and the last 1.5 years were completed onshore in SA. Can I claim the points?
A: You can claim the ASR (2-year study) points, but NOT the regional study points, as the entire course was not completed in the regional area.

Q: I studied for 6 months at a university in Sydney, then transferred to another university in a regional area. The original 2-year course had 6 months of credit exemption, so I only studied for 1.5 years in total. Can I claim the points?
A: Most likely YES for both, provided the period from the start date of the second (regional) course to the completion date is at least 16 months, meeting the ASR. The entire regional course portion was completed in the regional area.
BUT NOTE: Such a scenario may not meet the specific "Graduate" stream requirements for state nomination in some states, e.g., Tasmania, Western Australia, Queensland, etc.

Q: My university's main campus is in the city, but I studied at and lived near its regional branch campus. Can I claim the points?
A: Yes, eligibility is based on the location where you actually attended classes and lived.

Q: Do holidays spent overseas break the continuity?
A: No, as long as the course itself is continuous and completed.

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Conclusion

Applicants wishing to claim regional study points need to plan carefully from the start of their studies and be prepared:
Meticulously keep records of your residence in the regional area throughout your study period, as you will need to provide this evidence in the future!