How to Calculate Australia SkillSelect Points
What is Australia SkillSelect Points?
The Australia SkillSelect Points Calculator estimates your score for the General Skilled Migration (GSM) points test used in subclass 189 (independent), 190 (state-nominated), and 491 (regional) visa applications. You need a minimum of 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest, but competitive invitation scores are typically 80-95 points depending on your occupation.
Formula
- A
- Age Points (points) — Max 30 at ages 25-32, decreasing to 0 at age 45+
- E
- English Points (points) — Competent (0), Proficient (10), Superior (20) based on IELTS/PTE/TOEFL
- W_os
- Overseas Experience (points) — 3-4 years (5), 5-7 years (10), 8+ years (15)
- W_au
- Australian Experience (points) — 1-2 years (5), 3-4 years (10), 5-7 years (15), 8+ years (20)
- Q
- Education Points (points) — Doctorate (20), Bachelor's/Master's (15), Diploma (10), Trade (10)
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Enter your age — maximum 30 points for ages 25-32, decreasing at younger and older ages, with no points at 45 or above
- 2Provide your English test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, CAE) — scored as competent (0), proficient (10), or superior (20)
- 3Enter your years of skilled overseas and Australian work experience in your nominated occupation
- 4Select your highest educational qualification and whether it was obtained in Australia
- 5Add applicable bonuses: partner skills, state nomination (5 points for 190), regional sponsorship (15 for 491), STEM qualification, credentialed community language, or professional year
Worked Examples
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Assuming 65 points guarantees an invitation — 65 is only the minimum to submit an EOI; actual invitation rounds for popular occupations often require 80-95 points
- ✕Not getting a skills assessment before applying — a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority is mandatory and can take 2-4 months
- ✕Claiming overseas work experience that has not been assessed as skilled by the relevant authority — only experience in your nominated or closely related occupation counts
- ✕Forgetting that you cannot claim points for both a partner's skills (10 points) and being single (10 points for single applicants without a skilled partner)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an invitation after reaching 65 points?
Wait times vary dramatically by occupation. In-demand occupations like software engineering or nursing may see invitations at 65-75 points, while oversupplied categories like accounting may require 90+ points and still face long waits. Invitation rounds are typically held monthly.
Can I get points for a professional year program?
Yes. Completing a recognized professional year program in Australia adds 5 points. These programs are available for accounting, IT, and engineering graduates and typically take 44-52 weeks to complete, including an internship component.
What is the age cutoff for the points test?
You must be under 45 at the time of invitation to be eligible for subclass 189 and 190 visas. Applicants aged 45-49 may still be eligible for the subclass 491 (regional) visa in some circumstances. No age points are awarded for applicants 45 or older.
Does a state nomination guarantee an invitation?
A state nomination for subclass 190 adds 5 points and comes with a direct invitation from the state, but you still need to meet the 65-point minimum and pass health and character checks. For subclass 491, regional sponsorship adds 15 points and requires living and working in a designated regional area.
Ready to calculate? Try the free Australia SkillSelect Points Calculator
Try it yourself →