Australia has a long-standing reputation for being an excellent destination for international students, and it is not hard to see why.
Living and studying in Australia gives you access to some of the most breathtaking natural sceneries you can see in your lifetime. You will also enjoy plenty of glorious weather, a vibrant cultural scene and a high standard of living. Most importantly, you will be studying at some of the best universities in the world.
With a well-developed higher education system, Australia offers a wide range of study programmes, spanning from humanities to science. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options.
If you struggle to decide what course to study in Australia, worry not: we have compiled a list of the most popular degrees in the country to help you narrow down your options. These sought-after degrees can deepen your understanding of the world and improve your employability, preparing you for career success.
Keep reading to make up your mind about what degree to pursue in the Land Down Under.
Business and management
With so many multimillionaires acquiring their wealth through entrepreneurship, it is no wonder that business and management is one of the most popular degrees among international students.
Business schools in Australia are internationally renowned and have a pivotal focus on the Asia-Pacific region, providing students with a global perspective. The University of Sydney, Monash University and the University of Melbourne are examples of Australian higher education institutions with reputable business and management courses.
You will develop desirable financial management skills when studying for a business and management degree, contributing to your employability. Strategic planning, taxation, accounting and financial modelling are some of the skills you will learn during your studies.
Business and management is a study field that can lead to many attractive careers, including accounting, market research and corporate finance. It will also equip you with the knowledge you need to run your own business.
Medicine
Healthcare is one of the most in-demand sectors in Australia, making medical degree holders highly employable. With an average employment rate of 91.1%, medical graduates in Australia can enjoy a promising career.
Australian medical degrees often include clinical practice, problem-solving and self-directed learning. A medical degree in Australia generally requires 5 to 6 years to complete.
Australian medical qualifications are recognised worldwide, and admissions are highly competitive. If you are interested in pursuing medicine in Australia, we recommend starting your preparation in secondary school, for example, securing good grades for science subjects such as biology and chemistry.
If you aim to study for a postgraduate degree, you will be required to sit for the Graduate Medical School Admission Test (GAMSAT), so it is best to prepare for the test in advance.
Accounting
Accounting is an in-demand field globally, both in terms of personal and corporate finance. Accounting graduates can hence enjoy a high salary potential.
Australia is not short of universities that offer reputable accounting degrees, such as the University of New South Wales (UNSW), the University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne. With a globally recognised degree, accounting graduates in Australia have exposure to plenty of job opportunities worldwide.
Dentistry
Studying dentistry in Australia gives you exposure to the latest dental innovations. Typically, an Australian dentistry degree takes 5 to 7 years to complete. The programme includes basic medical studies, problem-based learning and practical training.
After finishing your dentistry degree, you may also undertake additional studies to specialise in a particular field, such as orthodontics and periodontics.
Unlike other medical degrees, you don't have to provide your GAMSAT results when submitting your application. Additionally, upon obtaining your dentistry degree, you will usually be qualified as a professional and can start practising as a dentist right after graduation.
Law
Most higher education institutions in Australia offer law degree programmes, teaching students logical reasoning, creative problem solving and effective communication. Internationally recognised, Australian law degrees are highly sought-after and can open you up to job opportunities worldwide.
Australian universities known for their law degrees include the Australian National University, UNSW Sydney and the University of Melbourne.
Creative arts and design
Home to multiple world-class art institutions, Australia offers a variety of creative arts and design courses, including performing arts, visual arts, graphic design, communications and multimedia studies.
A degree in arts and design allows you to pursue diverse career paths, such as advertising, media, design and marketing. With such a versatile degree, you won't be short of career options, especially if you wish to work in creative fields.
Education
Education professionals are responsible for inspiring youngsters and shaping their minds by helping them understand the world, making teaching one of the most rewarding jobs in the world.
As teaching methods continue to advance, there is a growing need for highly skilled teachers. Australian universities offer education programmes that incorporate coursework, research and practical training. These programmes cover various areas such as early childhood, primary, secondary and special needs education.
With a diverse range of education courses available, you can pursue a degree in the specific area of education that interests you.
Engineering
If you are curious about how you can combine creativity and scientific knowledge, pursuing an engineering degree in Australia could be the right move for you. By studying for an engineering degree, you will learn how to design and construct machinery, vehicles, aeroplanes and buildings.
Engineering is a versatile field that offers many streams of specialisms, including thermodynamics, aerospace, power generation and geotechnical engineering. These specialisations can lead to a variety of career paths. For instance, engineering graduates can explore a career in transport, urban development and defence.
Check out Macquarie University, UNSW Sydney and the University of Newcastle for some of the most prestigious engineering courses in Australia and the world. According to Glassdoor, you can expect an average yearly salary of AUD 81,000 as an engineering graduate.
Environmental science
Environmental science is a popular subject in Australian universities. It combines natural and social sciences to explore conservation and sustainable development. Australia's distinctive natural landscapes provide an ideal setting for studying environmental science.
With growing emphasis on sustainability in different industries, there is a high demand for skills addressing sustainability challenges. This results in numerous job opportunities for environmental science graduates in fields such as sustainability consultancy and urban planning.
Computer science
The rapid advancement of technology has sparked a growing interest in pursuing a degree in computer science to secure a better future. Digital transformation across various industries has created many new careers nearly unheard of just a decade ago. Examples include data science, security engineering, cloud engineering and artificial intelligence development.
Studying for a degree in computer science can help you access the many emerging jobs in this booming world of technology. You can't go wrong with getting the qualification at a world-class Australian university known for its computer science programmes, for instance, the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University (RMIT University).
Computer science graduates in Australia can expect to earn an average salary of AUD 60,000 to AUD 80,000 per year. As you build your experience, you can earn between AUD 80,000 and AUD 100,000 as a mid-level professional in a few years. Senior roles can bring you an annual income of more than AUD 100,000.
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