A university degree is not just an academic milestone. In many immigration systems, it is a measurable asset that directly converts into permanent residence (PR) points. Governments that use skilled migration frameworks often treat education as a predictor of long-term economic contribution, which is why formal qualifications can significantly strengthen an applicant’s immigration profile.
However, not all countries reward degrees in the same way. Some allocate fixed points. Others treat education as a tradeable factor within a broader eligibility system. And in some systems, a degree matters only if it is officially recognized or assessed.
This guide explains how major immigration destinations reward education and what that means for global applicants planning their PR strategy.
Why Education Matters in Points-Based Immigration Systems?
Countries that operate points-based migration systems typically assess applicants across several factors:
- Education level
- Work experience
- Language ability
- Age
- Salary level
- Occupation demand
Education is often one of the strongest scoring categories because it reflects skill level, employability, and potential economic integration.
That said, education alone rarely guarantees PR. It must work in combination with language scores, relevant work experience, and in some cases, a job offer.
6 Countries that Award PR Points According To Your Degree Type
Below is a latest 2026 comparison of how major immigration systems allocate education points under their primary skilled migration pathways:
| Country / PR Pathway | Bachelor’s Degree Points | Master’s Degree Points | PhD / Doctorate Points | Minimum Overall PR Points Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada (Express Entry – CRS Core Human Capital) | Up to 120 points (single applicant) | Up to 135 points | Up to 150 points | No fixed pass mark; competitive CRS score required |
| Australia (Skilled Migration – Points Test) | 15 points | 15 points | 20 points | 65 points (minimum eligibility threshold) |
| New Zealand (Skilled Migrant Category) | 3–4 points (Level 7–8 qualification) | 5 points (Level 9) | 6 points (Level 10) | 6 points total required under current SMC framework |
| United Kingdom (Skilled Worker – Tradeable Points System) | 0 direct points for bachelor’s alone | 0 direct points | 10 points (relevant PhD) / 20 points (STEM PhD) | 70 total points required |
| Hong Kong (Quality Migrant Admission Scheme) | 10–20 points (varies by stream) | 20–30 points | 30+ points | Passing score required under General Points Test |
| Austria (Red-White-Red Card – Highly Qualified Workers) | Points awarded based on qualification type | Higher points for advanced degrees | Maximum education points for doctorate | 70 points (Highly Qualified category) |
Note: Foreign qualifications in most countries require formal recognition or credential assessment before education points are granted.
So, now lets discuss each of these in detail.
1# Canada: Education as a Core Scoring Factor
Canada’s Express Entry system assigns substantial points to education under its Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). A bachelor’s degree alone can contribute significantly to the overall score, while master’s and doctoral degrees provide even stronger boosts.
Foreign degrees usually require an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to confirm equivalency. Without assessment, applicants cannot claim education points for overseas qualifications.
Recent structural changes in Express Entry have made education even more central in competitiveness, particularly after adjustments to job offer scoring rules. For many applicants, education now plays a larger role in distinguishing profiles within the candidate pool.
2# Australia: Clear and Fixed Education Points
Australia operates one of the most transparent points-based immigration systems. The skilled migration framework assigns:
- 15 points for a recognized bachelor’s or master’s degree
- 20 points for a doctorate
Applicants must reach at least 65 points to be eligible, though competitive invitations often require higher scores. Education points in Australia are straightforward, but qualifications must meet Australian recognition standards. In regulated professions, additional licensing may still be required. You may check your PR points here https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/tools/points-calculator.
3# New Zealand: Qualification Level Matters
New Zealand’s Skilled Migrant Category allocates points based on qualification level within its national framework. Higher-level qualifications such as master’s and doctoral degrees receive more points.
Under the current structure, applicants of skilled migrant visa must accumulate sufficient total points across education, employment, and other criteria to qualify. As in other systems, overseas qualifications may require formal assessment before being accepted for immigration scoring.
4# United Kingdom: Education as a Tradeable Factor
The UK Skilled Worker route uses a tradeable points system rather than a traditional education-points structure. While a bachelor’s degree alone does not add direct points, a relevant PhD can provide:
- 10 additional points
- 20 points if the PhD is in a STEM field related to the job
Applicants must meet a 70-point threshold overall (Ref), combining job offer requirements, skill level, salary level, and language ability. In the UK system, education becomes especially valuable at doctoral level, particularly in research and STEM-intensive occupations.
5# Hong Kong: Points Under Talent-Based Migration
Hong Kong’s Quality Migrant Admission Scheme allocates points under a General Points Test. Education is a significant scoring factor, with higher degrees earning progressively more points (Ref).
The scheme targets highly skilled individuals without requiring a prior job offer. Education strength can meaningfully impact competitiveness within the selection system.
6# Austria: Education Within the Red-White-Red Card System
Austria’s Red-White-Red Card for Highly Qualified Workers includes education as part of a broader scoring matrix. Advanced academic qualifications increase total points and improve eligibility prospects.
Applicants must meet a minimum threshold (typically 70 points under the highly qualified category) to qualify (Check your points here https://www.migration.gv.at/en/service-and-links/points-calculator/). As with other EU countries, recognition of foreign qualifications is an important procedural step.
The Recognition Factor: Why Assessment Is Critical?
One common misunderstanding is assuming that any foreign degree automatically earns full immigration points. In reality, most countries require:
- Credential evaluation
- Qualification equivalency confirmation
- Accreditation verification
Without formal recognition, a degree may not count toward immigration scoring. This step is particularly important for applicants educated outside the destination country’s recognized academic systems.
Does a Higher Degree Always Mean Faster PR?
Not necessarily. While a PhD may provide the highest education points, PR approval ultimately depends on:
- Total point score
- Occupational demand
- Language proficiency
- Age bracket
- Work experience
- Annual immigration quotas
A candidate with a bachelor’s degree, strong language scores, and in-demand occupation may outperform a PhD holder with weak language proficiency.
Education is powerful — but it is one component of a broader selection system.
Strategic Takeaways for Global Applicants
If PR is your long-term goal, consider these principles:
- Choose degrees that align with skilled occupation lists.
- Ensure your qualification is from a recognized and verifiable institution.
- Plan early for credential assessment requirements.
- Combine education with language improvement and work experience.
- Understand whether your target country rewards degrees heavily or moderately.
Immigration systems are designed around measurable contributions. A degree increases credibility, but its real power lies in how well it integrates into the country’s broader economic framework.