1. The “Big Three” Exceptions
In 2026, the Department of Home Affairs defines “Regional Australia” as everywhere EXCEPT:
- Sydney (Metropolitan)
- Melbourne (Metropolitan)
- Brisbane (Metropolitan)
If you study or live anywhere else—including major cities like Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, and Canberra—you are eligible for regional incentives.
2. The Three Categories of Australia (2026)
Category 1: Major Cities
- Locations: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane.
- Incentives: Standard points only. No “Regional Study” points.
Category 2: Cities and Major Regional Centres
- Locations: Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle, Wollongong, Geelong, and Hobart.
- Incentives: * 5 Extra Points for Regional Study.
- Access to an additional 1 year on a Subclass 485 Post-Study Work visa.
Category 3: Regional Centres and Other Regional Areas
- Locations: All other areas (e.g., Darwin, Cairns, Townsville, Ballarat, Byron Bay).
- Incentives: * 5 Extra Points for Regional Study.
- Access to an additional 2 years on a Subclass 485 Post-Study Work visa.
- Priority processing for regional visas.
3. Designated Regional Postcodes List (2026)
| State / Territory | Regional Postcodes (Eligible for 5 Points) |
| New South Wales | 2250 to 2258, 2259, 2260 to 2263, 2311 to 2490, 2536 to 2551, 2575 to 2739, 2787 to 2898 (Includes Wollongong & Newcastle). |
| Victoria | 3211 to 3334, 3340 to 3424, 3430 to 3649, 3658 to 3749, 3810 to 3909, 3921 to 3996 (Includes Geelong & Ballarat). |
| Queensland | 4124 to 4125, 4211, 4270 to 4275, 4306 to 4499, 4515 to 4899 (Includes Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast). |
| Western Australia | ALL POSTCODES (Perth is now fully classified as regional for migration purposes). |
| South Australia | ALL POSTCODES (Including Adelaide). |
| Tasmania | ALL POSTCODES (Including Hobart). |
| Northern Territory | ALL POSTCODES (Including Darwin). |
| ACT | ALL POSTCODES (Including Canberra). |
4. How to Claim the 5 Points
To successfully claim these points in your Expression of Interest (EOI) in 2026, you must meet the Australian Study Requirement while:
- Living in a designated regional area.
- Studying at a campus located in that regional area.
- No Distance Ed: Study undertaken via distance education or “online-only” while living in a city does not count toward regional points.
5. The “Bonus” 15 Points
While studying in a regional area gives you 5 points, being nominated by a state for a Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visa gives you an automatic 15 points.
In 2026, many tradies and healthcare workers are finding that moving to Category 3 areas (like Darwin or Regional WA) is the fastest way to hit a 90+ point total without needing a perfect English score.
