Engineering in Australia: Top Courses, Fees and Career Pathways

A 10% increase was noted in job vacancies in engineering in March 2024, as recorded in 2024 data shared by the Australian Engineering Labour Market Overview. The surge in vacancies has inevitably created an increased demand for Engineering education in Australia. This article explores some of the top Engineering programs to pick in Australia in 2025. 

_{Related Source: https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sites/default/files/2024-09/The-Engineering-Labour-Market-Overview-August-24.pdf}

Why Study Engineering in Australia?

There is a steady growth and demand for Engineering programs at Australian colleges among international students. Some of the top reasons why Engineering in Australia is a popular choice among overseas learners are:

• High job prospects: Students completing an Engineering program at an Australian university are eligible to be employed across varied sectors. This is attributed to the high demand for Engineers in Australia as well as the critical skills that graduates possess.

• Varied specializations: Australian colleges offer a wide array of specializations in their Engineering programs. Students are free to opt for any specialization as per their academic interests or career goals. These include mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, or biomedical engineering.

• Accreditation: All Engineering programs at Australian institutions receive professional accreditation from Engineers Australia. This makes the degree recognised and valid globally.

Top Engineering Courses in Australia    

Australia offers a host of domain options in Engineering for students to specialise in. Students can choose the specific line of engineering as per their career aspirations. Some of the top Engineering courses in Australia are listed below.

List of Best Universities/Colleges to Study Engineering in Australia

Many of Australia’s institutions feature among the top ranks in QS World University Rankings in the field of Engineering. The table below highlights some of the best engineering colleges in Australia:

_{Related Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-subject-rankings/engineering-technology?countries=au}

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements to Study Engineering in Australia

Students who wish to pursue Engineering in Australia must meet certain prerequisites to be considered eligible for admission into a university. Most Australian colleges define the following criteria for admission for international students:

• For admission into undergraduate Engineering programs, students must produce a certificate of completion of senior secondary education from a recognized school board in India. All academic transcripts must also be submitted at the time of application.

• Students applying for postgraduate programs in Engineering in Australia must produce their undergraduate degree certificate in addition to their senior secondary education certificates.

• All international students must produce the scores of the IELTS Test Report Form as desired by the applied university. Many Australian institutions demand an overall score of 6.5 in IELTS, with no band less than 6.0.

_Source: https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-australia/engineering/

Cost of Studying Engineering in Australia for Indian Students

Every university in Australia offering a degree in Engineering is likely to have a different fee structure for the course. The variation in the cost of Engineering in Australia depends on several factors, such as the rank of the university, its location, the degree level, and course curriculum. Hence, it is recommended that you check with the specific university that you are applying to for the course fee. 

The average cost of pursuing a Masters of Civil Engineering in Australia is estimated at around AUD 69,888 per annum (approximately). The figures are indicative only and subject to change annually, from one university to another, and as per the degree level. 

_Source: https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-australia/masters-of-civil-engineering-in-australia/ 

Visa Requirements for Indian Students to Study Engineering in Australia

International students must apply for a Student Visa for Australia to pursue Engineering in the country. The essential requirements for Indian students to study in Australia are listed below:

• Proof of admission to the applied university

• Proof of payment of visa application fee

• Academic transcripts

• Work experience certificates (if applicable)

• Proof of finances 

• Recent photographs (passport-sized)

• Valid passport 

• Proof of Genuine Temporary Entrant

• Proof of English proficiency such as IELTS test score

• Details of OSHC health insurance cover 

Career Pathways After Completing Engineering in Australia

Students graduating in Engineering courses in Australia can apply to a wide range of job roles as there is tremendous demand for qualified and skilled Engineers in the country. Some of the top roles and their corresponding pay scales are shared in the table below:

_{Related Sources: https://au.indeed.com/career/mechanical-engineer/salaries
https://au.indeed.com/career/automation-engineer/salaries?from=top_sb
https://au.indeed.com/career/environmental-engineer/salaries?from=top_sb
https://au.indeed.com/career/civil-engineer/salaries?from=top_sb
https://au.indeed.com/career/electrical-engineer/salaries?from=top_sb}

Student Essentials Services (SES) by IDP for Studying Abroad

The study abroad experience can be both exciting and overwhelming. IDP Education Consultants offer Student Essentials Services (SES) to make this journey more comfortable for you. Some of our most popular services to international students travelling abroad are:

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to help you cover your medical expenses while in Australia  

• Accommodation arrangements in Australia for students, such as homestays, apartments, etc. 

• Money transfer services, including payment of admission fees to the chosen university, buying health insurance, or covering rental costs

• Student banking services, such as opening bank accounts for the student, help with managing their finances, and more, even before they arrive in Australia

FAQs for Engineering in Australia

1. Are Australian Engineering degrees recognized internationally?

Yes, the degree obtained in Engineering from an Australian university holds recognition, validity, and relevance globally. This is primarily due to its accreditation by Engineers Australia.

2. Which Engineering is the most in-demand in Australia?

Some of the top-demanded Engineering degrees in Australia are:

• Civil Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Software Engineering

3. Is work experience a part of Engineering programs in Australia?

Many Australian colleges incorporate work experience into their course curriculum for Engineering programs. This enables students to get hands-on training in the domain.

4. Are online or part-time Engineering programs available at Australian institutions?

Yes, some Australian colleges, such as Charles Darwin University, offer online Engineering programs.

5. How long is an Engineering course in Australia?

The actual duration of the program may vary for different institutions based on the curriculum and the level of degree pursued. Undergraduate Engineering programs may generally last 4 years, while postgraduate degrees may last for 2 years.

_{Related Source: https://www.rmit.edu.au/study-with-us/international-students/study/engineering-in-australia}

6. Is it easy to get a job in Australia as an Engineer?

Australia generally enjoys a fairly high demand for skilled and qualified Engineers, so the job prospects for Engineering graduates seem quite attractive.

7. Can students transfer between Australian colleges for Engineering programs?

Yes, students are allowed to transfer from one Australian university to another to continue their Engineering course. However, the transfer process may require credit transfer for the previously completed course. Do check with your IDP Education Consultant for more details.

_{Updated on 24 January, 2025}