Best Courses to Study in Australia for International Students

Are you planning to study in Australia? There is a wide range of popular courses offered for international students in Australia, so read this blog to make the best choice for your bright future.

You would look into numerous courses, research top-ranked universities, gain an understanding regarding tuition costs, and also identify possible career opportunities after graduation.

You’ll have a clear picture of which courses offer the best opportunities for education, work, and long-term growth in Australia.

Key Takeaways:

• Australian universities are of high quality, offering a range of in-demand programs that international students can pursue
• Popular fields include Business, Engineering, Health & Nursing, IT, Arts, and Media & Communications.
• Graduates can access strong career opportunities, work during study, and in some cases, pathways to permanent residency.

Why Australia is a Top Destination for International Students

Australia is seen as one of the best places to study abroad thanks to its world-class education, multicultural environment, and excellent career opportunities.

• Globally recognised education: Australian qualifications are accepted worldwide, supported by top-ranked universities and strong research programs.
• Diverse international community: Students from over 140 countries create a welcoming and multicultural atmosphere that enriches learning.
• Work and migration pathways: Post-study work visas and clear routes to permanent residency make Australia appealing for international students.
• Wide study options: From business and IT to nursing and creative arts, courses are designed with real industry connections.
• Quality of life: Safe cities, modern campuses, and a vibrant lifestyle make studying in Australia both rewarding and enjoyable.

Most Popular Courses for International Students in Australia

Business and Management

Degrees in Business and Management such as MBA, International Business, Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain Management are in high demand for international students in Australia. The courses combine leadership development, decision-making, and knowledge in international business in an integrated manner, preparing graduates for challenging roles in their industries.

• Universities: Melbourne Business School (University of Melbourne), Sydney Business School, AGSM (University of New South Wales), Torrens University (Chifley Business School)
• Indicates Fees: In the area of Business and Management, international students can pay between AUD 20,000 to 50,000 each year.
• Career Pathways: Common careers include:Business Analyst, Marketing Manager, Financial Advisor, Management Consultant, Operations Manager.A number of graduates pursue a career in either entrepreneurship or an organizational leadership position

Engineering

Engineering continues to be a prominent field for pursuing education in Australia. Some popular areas for engineering studies in Australia include Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Environmental Engineering, among others.

• Universities: University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Griffith University, University of Adelaide – these feature in the prominent institutions for engineering courses.
• Indicative Fees: engineering courses could cost between AUD 20,000 to 45,000 each year for international students.
• Career Pathways: The graduates pursue careers in Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Environmental Engineer, or in specific fields such as renewable energy, robotics, and infrasystem development. According to the “engineering, automation, and technology” industry in Australia, more than 80% engineering graduates attain employment in the first six months following graduation.

Health and Nursing

Courses in nursing and health sciences gain popularity because of high demand in Australia for health professionals. Another reason for its popularity is nursing professionals’ international recognition, with stable employment in their profession.

• Universities: The University of Queensland offers a Bachelor of Nursing course. Other top-ranking universities include UTS, University of Sydney, Monash, Deakin.
• Indicative Fees: At UQ, the fee for a Bachelor of Nursing for international students is AUD 45,792 each year.
• Career Pathways: After graduation, students can pursue careers in areas such as: Registered Nurses (RNs), hospitals, aged care facilities, community health, mental health, and so on. Diploma holders can pursue careers as Enrolled Nurses. Another skilled occupation is nursing.

Information Technology (IT)

Information Technology and Computing, such as Software Development, Cybersecurity, AI, Data Science, and Cloud Computing, remain popular fields. Australia’s institutions rank among the top-ranked in the world for these areas, so it is a good choice.

• Universities: There exist top Australian Universities that offer Information Technology/ Computer Science courses.
• Indicative Fees: The fees for Information Technology and Computer Science courses for international students range between AUD 35,000 – 55,000 annually.
• Career Pathways: Career pathways offered in the mentioned fields are software developer, data scientist, cybersecurity analyst, AI engineer, systems architect. The technology industry in Australia is expanding rapidly, with many universities providing industry projects/interns.

Education

Programmes in teaching and education (Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary, Special Education) are becoming popular with the increase in the number of education services offered worldwide, leading to a high need for qualified teaching professionals. Australia has excellent training packages in these fields.

• Universities: Some top-ranked universities such as University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, among others, offer excellent education degrees.
• Indicator Fees: Education courses might range into moderate levels; for instance, using student contribution rates in Australia, fields such as Education in Australia pay less in relation to units for commerce/engineering compared to other fields.
• Career Pathways: After graduation, they can become school teachers (primary,secondary), special education teachers, curriculum developers, administrators in educational institutions, and trainers in private organizations.

Hospitality and Tourism

Due to the popular tourism industry in Australia, the fields such as Hospitality Management, Event Planning, Tourism Marketing, Hotel Operations attract significant interest from students aiming for internationally focused careers.

• Universities: The Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School, Torrens University, Southern Cross University run popular hospitality courses.
• Indicative Fees: Programs offered in Hospitality and Tourism for international students range between AUD 28,000 – 38,000 in fees each year.
• Career Pathways: Some possible career paths for graduates would be Hotel Managers, Event Coordinators, Tourism Officers, Resort Managers, among others in the travel industry.

Arts and Design

Areas such as Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Digital Media, Animation, and Film & Music Production have also been drawing many international students’ attention. Australia’s cultural diversity and arts institutions make Arts & Design an attractive course for international students.

• Universities: RMIT University, Deakin University, University of South Australia offer popular design/architecture courses.
• Indicative Fees: Programs could be priced between AUD 40,000 – 60,000 for design and architecture courses every year.
• Career Pathways: Some possible career paths for graduates would be Graphic Designer, Architect, Multimedia Artist, UI/UX Designer, Animator, Urban Planner, Interior Designer.

Social Work

Degrees in Social Work, Community Services and Counselling are increasingly chosen by students interested in societal impact and career stability. Australia’s growing need for professionals in social welfare and mental health supports this trend.

• Universities: Universities providing Social Work courses appear under wider university entries (for instance, UTAS for social work)
• Indicative Fees: Social work fees generally fall into moderate fee bands. As for University of Southern Queensland’s fee structure, Social Work (Professional Pathway Social Work) is listed in similar fee bands in “Health & Community / Visual and Performing Arts / Social Work”.
• Career Pathways: Graduates pursue careers in community services, child protective services, mental health, nonprofit organizations, counseling, social policies in the government, or NGOs.

Environmental Science

Environmental Science/Sustainability is an increasingly popular area of study, with industry increasingly focused on sustainability for their own activities in relation to the environment. Sustainable Development, Conservation Biology & Environmental Management is an excellent area for someone interested in sustainability-related research in the long term.

• Universities: There are many Australian Universities that offer excellent Environmental Science/Sustainability courses.
• Indicative Fees: Environmental Science courses are generally classified together with “science /environmental studies/applied sciences”. As stated in the “Professional Pathway Environmental Studies”, within the international fee bands list offered by UWA, these courses fall within “Science / Environmental Studies”.
• Career Pathways: After completing their graduation, students can opt for the following careers in Environmental Science – Environmental Consultants, Conservation Scientists, Climate Policy Analysts, Sustainability Officers, Ecologists, etc.

Media and Communications

It is a popular choice for overseas students, and it encompasses topics such as journalism, content, PR, media production, among others.

• Universities: University of Sydney offers a Bachelor in Media and Communication with career paths in journalism, digital production, among others; University of Adelaide also offers a Bachelor in Media and Communication with skills for a global media industry.
• Indicative Fees: Undergraduate media/mass communication courses for international students in Australia range in tuition fees from AUD 38,000 to 46,000 each year, depending on the institution.
• Career Pathways: Students commonly pursue employment opportunities in roles such as public relations consultants, content developers, social media managers, digital communications experts, or journalistic careers that utilize skills in creative arts and technology.

FAQs

1. Can international students work during their stay in Australia?

Yes, international students in Australia can work no more than a maximum of 48 hours in a fortnight as they pursue higher education. Moreover, during their holiday periods, they are able to work an unlimited number of hours.

2. Which courses offer PR (Permanent Residency) in Australia?

Some courses in Australia offer Permanent Residency (PR), especially those matching with occupations listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation Lists.

• Engineering: Classes in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering.
• Healthcare: Nursing, Physiotherapy, & Medical Sciences
• Information Technology: BSc in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Analytics.
• Education: Teaching of Childhood and Secondary Education.
• Accounting & Finance: Accounting, auditing, financial planning.
• Trades: Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical.

Obtaining qualifications in such domains would result in a higher level of eligibility in PR on various visas.

3. How do I choose the right course for my career goals in Australia? 

Choosing the right course entails matching your interests with career opportunities. You could consider the following steps: 

• Establish Career Objectives: Decide on the type of career that you would like to pursue. 
• Assess Your Strengths And Interests: Identify areas in which you perform well and enjoy doing so. 
• Research Course Content and Outcomes: Examine the curriculum and possible careers linked with the course. 
• Seek Guidance: You could make use of professional services like career guidance professionals to understand appropriate choices. 

Conclusion 

Studying in Australia offers students quality education, practical experience, and a promising future. By exploring the type of course that fits your skills and preferences, you are able to create your own way to success in a diverse environment. 

Last updated on 12/12/2025