Top 8 Popular Courses for International Students to Study in Australia

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Australia is known to be a country that has been producing high-quality graduates with both local and international students. The Australian lifestyle attracts students from all parts of the world due to its world-class education, beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, easy commutes and multicultural food scene. This diverse country also offers a variety of courses from many reputable universities that cater to possibly everyone. 

However, if you’d like to apply for permanent residency after obtaining your degree, you should definitely select courses that are in demand in Australia. 

Here are the Top 8 Popular Courses for International Students to Study in Australia which will help you gain employment and maximize your chances of successful immigration. 

  1. Accounting 
  2. Agricultural Science 
  3. Architecture 
  4. Actuarial Science 
  5. Engineering 
  6. Computer Science 
  7. Psychology 
  8. Tourism & Hospitality Management 

1. Accounting

Accounting is a profession for keeping & interpreting financial records – either for individual clients, small businesses or larger organizations. Common tasks and responsibilities of accountants include: ensuring the compliance of relevant laws and regulations, preparing and maintaining important financial reports, preparing tax returns and offering guidance on revenue enhancement and profit maximization. 

Upon studying Accounting – you will be able to choose from various career paths such as: 

  1. Accountant
  2. Financial Analyst 
  3. Credit Manager 
  4. Investment Manager 
  5. Payroll Manager 
  6. Trust Manager 

*NOTE: Do keep in mind that the qualifications required vary depending on chosen career paths! Contact us for more information!

An entry-level Accountant can expect to earn an average annual salary of around A$48,530 while an accountant of 2-4 years of experience can expect to earn an average annual salary of around A$55,137. Mid-level & experienced accountants with 5-20 years of experience can expect to earn from a range of $67,700 to A$76,700. 

Here are the:

Best Universities to Study Accounting in Australia, Based on QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021 (Accounting & Finance)

University of Melbourne – 18th Place

The University of New South Wales – 19th Place 

The University of Sydney – 21st Place 

Monash University – 32nd Place 

Australian National University – 42th Place 

For more information regarding the courses available, entry requirements, course structure, intake dates and annual fees – click the button to enquire!

2. Agricultural Science

Agricultural Science covers a broad range of biological sciences, with a main focus in economic and social science practiced in the field of agriculture. The field of agricultural science aims to actively seek different methods of increasing crop yields, increase productivity of farmland, reduce risk and loss due to insects as well as develop the most efficient system to increase overall food quality. Agricultural Science is a popular course to study in Australia due to the overwhelming number of farms country wide. 

Upon studying Agricultural Science – you will be able to choose from various career paths such as: 

  1. Farm Manager 
  2. Agricultural Consultant 
  3. Geneticist 
  4. Soil Scientist 

*NOTE: Do keep in mind that the qualifications required vary depending on chosen career paths! Contact us for more information!

An early career in Farm, Ranch or other Agricultural Manager with less than 4 years experience can expect to earn an average annual salary of around A$62,500 while more experienced individuals with 10 or more years of experience can expect to earn an average annual salary of A$67,000

Here are the:

Best Universities to Study Agricultural Science in Australia, Based on QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021 (Agriculture & Forestry)

University of Queensland – 26th Place 

Australian National University – 39th Place 

University of Western Australia – 51th Place 

University of Melbourne – 55th Place 

University of Sydney – 60th Place

For more information regarding the courses available, entry requirements, course structure, intake dates and annual fees – click the button the enquire!

3. Architecture

Architecture is the design of buildings and physical structures. Known as a combination of both science and arts, architects’ main roles & responsibilities include designing creative and visually appealing structures whilst also ensuring their designs are safe and functional in everyday life. Architects are usually directly responsible for working with the client to draw and draft designs of their desired structure followed by engineers and contractors in bringing a drawing on paper to a real building. 

Upon studying Architecture – you will be able to choose from various career paths such as: 

  1. Architect 
  2. Architectural Model Specialist 
  3. 3D Visualizer 
  4. Landscape Architect 
  5. Design Consultant 

*NOTE: Do keep in mind that the qualifications required vary depending on chosen career paths! Contact us for more information!

An entry-level Architect with less than 1 year experience can expect to earn an average annual salary of around A$50,500, early career Architect with 1-4 years of experience can expect to earn an average annual salary of around A$62,000 while mid-career architects earn an average annual salary of A$71,500 followed by experienced Architects with up to A$ 85,700. 

Here are the:

Best Universities to Study Architecture  in Australia, Based on QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021 (Architecture & Built Environment)

University of Sydney – 21st Place 

University of Melbourne – 23rd Place 

RMIT University – 28th Place 

New South Wales University – 33rd Place 

Curtin University – 51st Place

For more information regarding the courses available, entry requirements, course structure, intake dates and annual fees – click the button to enquire!

4. Actuarial Science

Actuarial Science is the study that applies both mathematical and statistics to assess risk in insurance, finance and other industries & professions. This field is all about calculating money-related risk through probability, adequate business knowledge and statistics. They evaluate how likely an event is to occur and calculate the financial impact of it towards individuals, companies and organizations. Individuals that have graduated with an actuarial science degree are known as actuaries.

Upon studying Actuarial Science – you will be able to choose from various career paths such as: 

  1. Risk Analyst 
  2. Insurance Actuarial Science 
  3. Business Analyst 
  4. Investment Analyst 
  5. Data Scientist 

*NOTE: Do keep in mind that qualifications required vary depending on chosen career paths! Contact us for more information!

An entry-level Actuary with less than 1 year experience can expect to earn an average annual salary of around A$71,200, early career with 1-4 years of experience can expect to earn an average annual salary of around A$85,00 while mid-career actuaries earn an average annual salary of A$119,700 followed by experiences Actuaries with A$114,400.

Here are the:

Best Universities to Study Actuarial Science in Australia, Based on QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021 (Statistics & Operational Research) 

University of Melbourne – 36th Place 

Australian National University – 50th Place 

Monash University – 61th Place 

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) – 65th Place 

University of New South Wales – 72nd Place 

For more information regarding the courses available, entry requirements, course structure, intake dates and annual fees – click the button to enquire! 

5. Engineering

Engineering is the application of both mathematics and science in which helps to design, build, maintain and improve a wide range of things such as structures, machines, electronic devices, systems and processes. The work of Engineers can be seen in everything we do on a daily basis which includes the roads we drive on, the smartphones we use as well as the food we eat. An Engineering course will equip you with various methods of applications to help solve health and safety, cultural and even environmental concerns. However, Civil engineering vacancies continue to dominate the Australian engineering employment landscape. 

Types of Engineering Fields:

I. Civil Engineering 

Deals with designing, constructing of infrastructure. Civil Engineers are the ones behind the creation of roads, bridges, dams and buildings. 

Upon studying Civil Engineering – you will be able to choose from various career paths such as: 

  1. Site Engineer
  2. Construction Engineer 
  3. Urban Planning Engineer 
  4. Structural Engineer 

II. Chemical Engineering 

Uses a combination of engineering and science to aid in the processing of food, create industrial chemicals and make pharmaceuticals. 

Upon studying Chemical Engineering – you will be able to choose from various career paths such as:

  1. Petroleum Engineer
  2. Environmental Engineer 
  3. Waste Management Engineer 
  4. Safety Engineer 

III. Mechanical Engineering 

Responsible for designing and manufacturing products and machines. Mechanical Engineers are the ones behind the manufacturing of aerospace, computer-aided design, robotics and even nanotechnology. 

Upon studying Mechanical Engineering – you will be able to choose from various career paths such as: 

  1. Automotive Engineer
  2. Industrial Machinery Engineer
  3. Robotics Engineer
  4. Manufacturing Engineer

IV. Electrical Engineering 

Centred around electric-powered technology. Electrical Engineers work with electrical components, devices and systems such as power generators, wires and microchips to design and develop electrical equipment as well as test and supervise the production of these items. 

Upon studying Electrical Engineering – you will be able to choose from various career paths such as: 

  1. Telecommunications Engineer
  2. Design Engineer
  3. Control Engineer
  4. Computer Engineer

*NOTE: Do keep in mind that qualifications required vary depending on chosen career paths! Contact us for more information!

An entry-level Engineer graduate with less than 1 year experience can expect to earn an average annual salary ranging from A$60,333 to A$64,428, early career Engineers with 1-4 years of experience can expect to earn an average annual salary ranging from A$70,696 to A$71,643 while mid-career Engineers earn an average annual salary ranging from A$86,041 to A$89,327 followed by experienced Engineers ranging from A$103,920 to A$121,089.

Here are the:

Best Universities to Study Engineering in Australia, Based on QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021 (Engineering & Technology)

University of New South Wales (UNSW) – 36th Place 

University of Melbourne – 50th Place 

Monash University – 58th Place 

University of Sydney – 65th Place 

Australian National University – 79th Place 

For more information regarding the courses available, entry requirements, course structure, intake dates and annual fees – click the button to enquire!

6. Computer Science

Computer Science is the study of information processes and creating computer programmes. It involves a range of theoretical studies of algorithms, computations and information to the practical issues of implementing computational systems in hardware and software. Main roles & responsibilities of computer scientists include using technology to solve problems and prepare for the future. They also write and program software to create applications and websites. Their primary focus, however, is to validate and develop models for interaction between people and computers or software and devices. Specialising in areas such as machine learning, data management and banking give great career outcomes for international students in Australia as due to it’s excellent technical education. 

Upon studying Computer Science – you will be able to choose from various career paths such as: 

  1. Web Developer 
  2. Database Analyst 
  3. Software Engineer 
  4. Java Programmer 
  5. Cybersecurity Analyst

*NOTE: Do keep in mind that the qualifications required vary depending on chosen career paths! Contact us for more information!

An entry-level Computer Science graduate with less than 1 year experience can expect to earn an average annual salary of around A$61,658, early career Computer Science graduate with 1-4 years of experience can expect to earn an average annual salary of around A$73,439 while mid-career graduates earn an average annual salary of A$89,087 followed by experienced Architects with up to A$98,864. 

Here are the:

Best Universities to Study Computer Science  in Australia, Based on QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021 (Computer Science & Information Systems)

University of Melbourne – 39th Place 

University of Sydney – 50th Place 

Australian National University – 51st Place 

University of New South Wales – 59th Place 

University of Technology Sydney – 75th Place 

For more information regarding the courses available, entry requirements, course structure, intake dates and annual fees – click the button to enquire!

7. Psychology

Psychology is the study of human mind & behaviour, focusing on understanding how human beings think, feel, act and interact with themselves and their surroundings. Undertaking a course in Psychology will teach you the foundations of psychology including the comprehensive understanding of the human mind with various research methodology skills such as lab experiments, field surveys and natural observations. Roles & responsibilities of Psychologist include providing diagnostic interviews, psychological testing and individual/group psychotherapy. In Australia, the skills shortage list includes clinical psychologists, educational psychologists, organisational psychologists and psychotherapists which increases your chances of employability upon graduation. 

It is important to note that higher levels of qualifications (Master’s Degree & phDs) are required to become licensed practicing Psychologist. 

Upon completing necessary qualifications – you will be able to choose from various career paths such as: 

  1. Clinical Psychologist 
  2. Counselling Psychologist 
  3. Industrial & Organizational Psychologist
  4. Educational Psychologist 
  5. Forensic Psychologist 
  6. Sports Psychologist

*NOTE: Do keep in mind that the qualifications required vary depending on chosen career paths! Contact us for more information!

An entry-level Psychologist can expect to earn an average annual salary of around A$68,600 while a Psychologist of 2-4 years of experience can expect to earn an average annual salary of A$72,800. Mid-level & experienced psychologists with 5-20 years of experience can expect to earn from a range of A$84,700 to 87, 665. 

Here are the:

Best Universities to Study Psychology in Australia, Based on QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021 (Psychology)

University of Melbourne – 20th Place 

University of New South Wales (UNSW) – 24th Place 

University of Queensland – 26th Place 

University of Sydney – 30th Place 

Australian National University – 38th Place 

For more information regarding the courses available, entry requirements, course structure, intake dates and annual fees – click the button to enquire!

8. Tourism & Hospitality Management

Tourism and hospitality management is basically a career in delivering good customer service to consumers of certain products or services in sectors such as food and beverage, events, travel and accommodations. Tourism has been identified as one of Australia’s ‘high-growth’ sectors over the next two decades, while employment in the hospitality sector is forecast to grow considerably over the upcoming years. Both sectors of tourism & hospitality management have opened up about 1.4 million jobs combined which also increases chances of employability upon graduation. 

Upon studying Tourism & Hospitality Management  – you will be able to choose from various career paths such as: 

  1. Event Planner 
  2. Hotel Manager
  3. Restaurant Manager
  4. Catering Manager 
  5. Food & Beverage Manager 

*NOTE: Do keep in mind that qualifications required vary depending on chosen career paths! Contact us for more information!

An entry-level job in Tourism & Hospitality management can pay an average annual salary of A$55,053 while an early career of 2-4 years of experience can expect to earn an average annual salary of around A$59,400. Mid-level positions pay A$67,00 while the highest level positions can earn A$73,834 and above. 

Here are the:

Best Universities to Study Tourism & Hospitality Management in Australia, Based on QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021 (Hospitality & Leisure Management)

Griffith University – 21st Place 

Blue Mountains International Hotel Management – 26th Place 

University of Queensland – 31st Place 

James Cook University – 51st Place 

Monash University – 61st Place

For more information regarding the courses available, entry requirements, course structure, intake dates and annual fees, click the button below!

Contact us to find out more!

Student enquiries:

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Email: [email protected]

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About The Author

Raveena Rakni Suresh Raj 

Leo baby & a psych major

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