Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology capable of performing tasks that simulate human intelligence. It employs the use of various approaches like machine learning and deep learning that makes the job more natural. It is a new but rapidly growing field creating a huge demand with industries from all sectors on the lookout for skilled professionals.
AI courses in Australia are known for being rigorous and challenging since they emphasise on hand-on training. Here are some other reasons to consider Australia as your host country:
Home to leading AI companies: While studying you can take up an industry-based project with leading companies like Optus, Microsoft, Aerion,4Pi Labs, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Pivot Maritime International, Quantum Victoria and Axicor
Wide range of electives: You can club your degree with your interests by choosing from a range of electives like big data, cybersecurity digital business and digital health
Employment opportunities: AI is becoming increasingly relevant in all industries and simultaneously the demand for skilled workers is rising rapidly in Australia. Besides, with a strong focus on hands-on experience, students are ready to deal with real-work problems and become highly employable
Trending field with promising career: As forecasted in a recent McKinsey report, Al is expected to generate $13 trillion in economic activity by 2030, making it the perfect time to enrol in the course
High-tech institutions: You’ll have a chance to explore the newly developed Artificial Intelligence Lab of Australian institutions and work at the same
While each institution has its own set of requirements, here are the most common ones:
For bachelor’s, it’s important that you have mathematics as a subject in high school. In case, you don’t meet this level, you’ll have to take additional Mathematics units in your first year to satisfy the requirement
For master’s, you require a bachelor’s degree from an Australian institution or equivalent from a recognised institution with a GPA of at least 2.0 out of 4.0 in computing, engineering, science, or health
A good score in English-language proficiency tests like IELTS. Although, an overall band of 6.5 with no individual band less than 6 is preferred by most institutions
An undergraduate course in AI in an Australian institution is designed as a three-year full-time course, whereas a master’s is a two-year full-time course.
With the current digital disruption, there is a consistent demand for AI professionals in manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, automotive and more sectors. The graduates can find a range of career opportunities as:
Artificial intelligence architect
Software engineer
Machine learning engineer
Data scientist
Robotics engineer
Business intelligence developer
The salary level of AI specialists is similar to software engineers in Australia and ranges between $79 000 to $110 000*.
AI is a joint honours degree offered with a more generic computer science degree. The format includes a foundation of computer science with specialised command in AI. So, you’ll study modules in software engineering, computer programming, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. You’ll have to attend lectures, seminars, practical projects, and computer laboratory work so that you are fully equipped to dive in the job market as soon as you graduate.
*Source: https://www.payscale.com/research/AU/Job=Software_Engineer/Salary