If you have studied and lived in any designated regional area postcodes of Australia, you may be able to claim 5 additional points under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) points test.
Any area in Australia EXCEPT Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane is now considered “Regional.”
This means major cities like Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, and Canberra are officially classified as regional, allowing you to claim extra points and access more visa pathways.
Note: Studying and living in these areas doesn’t just give you 5 extra points—it also opens the door to the Subclass 491 visa (15 points) and extended post-study work rights!
Check your postcode below to see which category you fall under.
| State / Territory | Category 2: Cities & Major Centres | Category 3: Other Regional Areas |
| New South Wales | 2259, 2264 to 2308, 2500 to 2526, 2528 to 2535, 2574 | 2250 to 2258, 2260 to 2263, 2311 to 2490, 2527, 2536 to 2551, 2575 to 2739, 2753 to 2754, 2756 to 2758, 2773 to 2898 |
| Victoria | 3211 to 3232, 3235, 3240, 3328, 3330 to 3333, 3340, 3342 | 3097 to 3099, 3139, 3233 to 3234, 3236 to 3239, 3241 to 3325, 3329, 3334, 3341, 3345 to 3424, 3430 to 3799, 3809 to 3909, 3912 to 3971, 3978 to 3996 |
| Queensland | 4207 to 4275, 4517 to 4519, 4550 to 4551, 4553 to 4562, 4564 to 4569, 4571 to 4575 | 4124 to 4125, 4133, 4183 to 4184, 4280 to 4287, 4306 to 4498, 4507, 4552, 4563, 4570, 4580 to 4895 |
| Western Australia | 6000 to 6038, 6050 to 6083, 6090 to 6182, 6208 to 6211, 6214, 6556 to 6558 | All other WA postcodes |
| South Australia | 5000 to 5171, 5173 to 5174, 5231 to 5235, 5240 to 5252, 5351, 5950 to 5960 | All other SA postcodes |
| Tasmania | 7000, 7004 to 7026, 7030 to 7109, 7140 to 7151, 7170 to 7177 | All other TAS postcodes |
| ACT | All postcodes in the ACT | None |
| Northern Territory | None | All postcodes in the NT |
| Norfolk Island | None | All postcodes in Norfolk Island |
| Other Territories | None | All postcodes in a Territory other than the ACT, NT, or Norfolk Island |
The Department of Home Affairs divides regional areas into categories, each offering different incentives for skilled migrants and international graduates.
Includes: Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong, and Hobart.
Includes: All other regional postcodes (see table below).
You can use these designated regional area postcodes to apply for or satisfy the conditions of the following visas:
If you are unsure whether your study location qualifies as a Designated Regional Area or whether you can claim the additional 5 points, it is important to assess your eligibility correctly.
Book a consultation with our registered migration agent to review your circumstances and ensure you claim the right points for your GSM visa application.
