Australia's Points Test Redesign: Trade Qualifications to Count Like a University Degree

For years, a tradesperson and a graduate with the same experience and the same English score could end up with very different points totals, simply because one held a degree. The government has now signalled that this may change, at least for housing construction trades.

We want to be upfront about something before going further. This was flagged as a direction in the Minister's 17 September 2026 announcement. It has not been released as a finalised points table, and no start date has been confirmed. Anything you read that gives exact new point values is guessing.

This article sets out what was actually said, why it matters for trade occupations, what remains unknown, and what is sensible to do while the details are pending.

Key Takeaways 

• The government has said the points test will be redesigned to increase the economic value of skilled migration. 

• Housing construction trades were named as set to receive recognition equal to a university qualification.

• No finalised points allocation table has been published, and no implementation date has been confirmed. 

• Today, a qualification at degree level scores 15 points and a diploma or trade qualification scores 10, so the proposed change could close a five-point gap for eligible trades. 

• The points-tested visas affected would be the Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190) and Skilled Work Regional (491). 

• Do not pause your plans. Completing a skills assessment now costs you nothing if the rules change later. 

What Was Announced

In the 17 September 2026 migration announcement, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the points test would be redesigned with the aim of lifting the economic value of Australia's skilled migration program. The one concrete example given was housing construction: those trades would get the same recognition as a university qualification.

• A redesign of the points test, with the stated goal of increasing the economic value of skilled migration.

• Housing construction trades named as the first group to receive university-equivalent recognition.

• No further detail in the public reporting we have reviewed, including which trades, how many points, or when.

Where the Points Are Set: Schedule 6D of the Migration Regulations

The points test is not set by a policy page or a ministerial announcement. It is set out in full in Schedule 6D of the Migration Regulations 1994. That schedule is the legal source for how many points you receive for your age, English language ability, skilled employment, and your education and qualifications, which is where the trade-versus-degree gap sits.

This matters for one practical reason. Because Schedule 6D is part of the Regulations, a redesigned points test would need an amendment to that schedule before it takes legal effect. The 17 September announcement is a statement of direction. The points you can actually claim are whatever Schedule 6D says on the day your application is assessed.

• Schedule 6D applies to the points-tested visas: the Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190) and Skilled Work Regional (491).

• As of our review, no amended version of Schedule 6D reflecting the trade change has been published.

• When an amendment is made, it will appear on the Federal Register of Legislation, and the Home Affairs points table is expected to be updated to match.

Why This Matters for Trade Occupations

The points test has always rewarded formal academic qualifications more than trade credentials. The table below shows the education points as they stand today.

Points shown are from the current Home Affairs points table as we understand it. Always confirm the table in force on the day you lodge.

If trade qualifications were scored at degree level, a qualified tradesperson would gain up to five points. The pass mark is 65, but for competitive occupations the points needed to receive an invitation have tended to sit well above that, so five points can be the difference between waiting and being invited.

The change is also being framed as a response to the housing construction shortage. That is worth noting, because it suggests the policy is aimed at specific occupations rather than at every trade-qualified applicant.

What Is Confirmed vs Still Unknown

 

Who Should Watch This Space

• Tradespeople considering a points-tested visa such as the 189, 190 or 491, particularly those in housing construction occupations such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical and similar trades.

• Applicants currently just short of the points threshold, who may be pushed over it if the trade recognition applies to them.

• Overseas tradespeople, including those from Nepal, who are still deciding between a points-tested visa and an employer-sponsored route.

• Students in Australia studying a trade-related qualification, who should keep an eye on how qualifications completed in Australia are treated.

 What to Do While We Wait for Details

• Start your skills assessment. For most trades, the assessment is the step that takes the longest, and you will need a positive outcome whichever way the points test goes. Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) handles many trade assessments, but the right body depends on your occupation, so confirm before you pay for anything.

• Work out your current points. Use our points calculator to see where you stand today, so you know how much a five-point change would actually matter.

• Do not wait for the redesign before acting on other points. English score, age and work experience are usually where you can gain or lose points sooner.

• Keep your documents current. Skills assessment results, English tests and police certificates have expiry periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.  Will Trade Qualifications Now Count the Same as a University Degree?

The government has said housing construction trades will receive recognition equal to a university qualification as part of the points test redesign. The exact trades and point values have not been published, so this is not yet in force.

Q2.  When Will the New Points Test Take Effect?

No timeline has been confirmed. Until the department publishes a finalised table or the relevant legal instrument, the current points test applies.

Q3.  Should I Wait for the New Points Test Before Applying?

Not as a default. A delay costs you time, and the details are uncertain. Complete your skills assessment now, check your current points, and talk to a registered migration agent about whether waiting makes any sense for your situation.

Q4.  Which Trade Occupations Are Likely to Benefit Most?

Housing construction trades were the only group named. Occupations such as carpenters, plumbers and electricians are the obvious candidates, but this is an inference, not a published list. Wait for the official list before relying on it.

Q5.  What Is Schedule 6D of the Migration Regulations?

Schedule 6D of the Migration Regulations 1994 is the part of the law that sets out the points test used for skilled visas. It specifies how many points you receive for factors such as age, English language ability, skilled employment and education. Because the points are fixed in this schedule, a change to how trade qualifications score would need an amendment to it.

Q6.  Which Visas Use the Schedule 6D Points Test?

The points-tested visas are the Skilled Independent (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491). Employer-sponsored visas do not use the points test. The government has not yet said whether the redesign will apply to all three points-tested visas, so confirm this once the amendment is published.

Q7.  How Many Extra Points Could a Tradesperson Gain?

Today, a degree scores 15 points and a diploma or trade qualification scores 10. If housing trades were scored at degree level, the gain would be up to five points. That is an inference from the current table, not a published figure, and the wider table may change as part of the redesign.

Q8.  How Can I Check What My Qualification Is Worth Right Now?

Check your qualification against the current Home Affairs points table, which reflects Schedule 6D, and use a points calculator to total your score. Always confirm against the table in force on the day you lodge, and ask a registered migration agent if your qualification is unusual or was completed overseas.