Study Agriculture in Australia: Courses, Careers, and Opportunities

Here’s why you should study Agricultures courses in Australia:

1. Learn in an environment that inspires Australia isn’t just big—it’s built for learning agriculture. With wide-open farms, diverse ecosystems, and all kinds of weather, it’s the perfect place to get your hands dirty and truly understand how farming works in the real world.

2. Earn a degree that travels with you An Australian qualification is recognised and respected around the world. With agriculture being a global priority, your degree can take you just about anywhere.

3. Be part of a future-focused industry Australia is leading the way in agriculture and agritech. You'll learn how to blend traditional knowledge with modern tools to tackle global challenges—from food shortages to climate change.

4. Grow with a strong and steady sector Agriculture is a key pillar of australia’s economy:

• It made up 2.7% of the GDP in 2022–23

• It contributed to 13.6% of exports

• And it supported 278,500+ jobs, with more growth on the way

5. Work with the latest in farming tech From drones and sensors to climate-smart practices, Australia’s farms are high-tech. This means you won’t just learn theory—you’ll graduate with skills that employers are actively looking for.

6. Use data to drive decisions Tools like Digital Earth Australia give real-time satellite data on crops, water, and land health. You'll learn how to make smart, informed decisions based on actual insights—not just guesswork.

7. Explore a wide range of crops and produce Thanks to its diverse climate, Australia grows almost everything—from fruits and veggies to grains and livestock. In 2022–23 alone:

• Fruit production was worth $6.3 billion

• Vegetables brought in $5.8 billion There’s no shortage of specialisations to dive into.

8. Be part of a global trade network Australian agricultural exports are in high demand. With recent trade agreements and lifted restrictions, the industry is booming—like the $720 million boost in Queensland alone after trade reopened with China.

Here are some areas that you might be interested in:

• Crop science

• Forestry

• Horticulture

• Agriculture

• Floristry

• Agricultural science

Aquaculture (including fish production / fisheries)

Australia is home to many top universities. According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, 6 of the top 100 universities for Agriculture and forestry courses are in Australia.

• The University of Queensland

• The University of Melbourne

• Australian National University (ANU)

• The University of Western Australia

• The University of Sydney

• The University of Adelaide

• James Cook University

• Monash University

• Murdoch University

• RMIT University

• University of Tasmania

• Curtin University

Tuition fees for agriculture programs in Australia vary based on the level of study and the university. Here’s a general estimate:

• Undergraduate courses: AUD 30,000 – AUD 45,000 per year

• Postgraduate courses: AUD 35,000 – AUD 50,000 per year

Eligibility for agriculture courses in Australia varies by course level and institution, but here’s a general guide to help you get started:

1. Undergraduate Programs Academic Requirements

• Australian students: Completion of Year 12

• International students: Equivalent secondary education

Subject Prerequisites: English, Mathematics, and one or more sciences (e.g., Biology, Chemistry)

English Language Proficiency: IELTS or equivalent (required for non-native English speakers)

2. Postgraduate Programs

Academic Requirements

• A relevant bachelor’s degree with a satisfactory GPA

• Related degrees or significant professional experience may also be considered

English Language Proficiency: IELTS or equivalent, as per university-specific criteria

Work Experience: Maybe required for some specialised programs

3. Vocational (VET) Courses

Academic Requirements: Completion of Year 12 or equivalent

English Language Proficiency: Required for international students

Additional Requirements (May Vary by Institution)

• Interviews or portfolios (especially for hands-on/practical courses)

• Relevant industry experience (mainly for postgraduate entry)

Studying agriculture in Australia can open doors to a wide range of rewarding and meaningful careers. Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, science, or working hands-on with the land, there’s a path for you. Some of the popular career options for graduates include:

• Farmer

• Aquaculture farmer

• Agricultural scientist

• Conservation officer

• Park ranger

• Landscape gardener

• Soil scientist

• Viticulturalist (grape grower – often for wine production)

Australia’s agricultural industry relies heavily on skilled professionals, and demand remains strong. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics Labour Force Survey (2024), the sector employed an average of 257,000 people in the year leading up to November 2023 — a 2.4% increase from the previous year.

Broadacre farming continues to be the largest employer, followed closely by fruit and tree nut growing, dairy farming, and vegetable and mushroom cultivation.

Whether you're aiming for research, fieldwork, or running your own agri-business, agriculture in Australia offers promising prospects for international students.

A degree in agriculture doesn’t just offer meaningful work — it also comes with solid earning potential. While your exact salary will depend on factors like your experience, role, skills, and where you work, here’s a general idea of what you can expect:

If you hold an undergraduate degree

Graduates starting out in the agriculture sector typically earn between AUD 50,000 and AUD 70,000 per year. This range reflects entry-level roles and can vary depending on the company and location.

If you hold a postgraduate degree

A Master’s in Agriculture (like an MS in Agricultural Science) can lead to an average salary of around AUD 72,000 annually — often higher if you move into specialist or leadership positions.

What Affects Your Salary?

• Experience: The longer you work in the field, the more you can earn.

• Specialisation: Roles like agronomists or agricultural consultants often offer higher salaries.

• Location: Jobs in larger cities or high-demand regions may come with better pay compared to rural areas.

Agriculture is a dynamic and growing field in Australia — and for the right candidate, it offers both purpose and a promising paycheck.

_{*Sources: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/products/insights/snapshot-of-australian-agriculture}

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_{https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en_in/plan-your-studies/areas-of-study/agriculture-and-agritech}

_{https://www.ga.gov.au/scientific-topics/dea/agriculture}

_{https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/industry/agriculture/australian-agriculture-horticulture/latest-release}

_{https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/australia-and-uae-sign-a-new-freetrade-agreement/news-story/9dafac38e3fcdeb55ca27b498f85695f}

_{https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en_in/plan-your-studies/areas-of-study/agriculture-and-agritech}

_{https://www.payscale.com/research/AU/Degree%3DMaster_of_Science_%28MS%29%2C_Agriculture/Salary}