STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degrees are quite popular in Australia, and there has been a growing demand for graduates with skills in these areas. In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to encourage more students to pursue STEM degrees, with the Australian government offering a range of initiatives to promote STEM education and careers.
According to the Department of Education, Skills and Employment, in the past 2 years, over 137,000 students were enrolled in STEM-related courses across all higher education levels in Australia, representing around 19% of all higher education students. The most popular STEM fields in Australia are engineering, mathematics, computer science, and the physical sciences.
Additionally, the Australian government has identified STEM as a key area for growth in the economy, and there are many job opportunities available for graduates with STEM qualifications. In fact, the Australian Bureau of Statistics predicts that employment in STEM occupations is expected to grow at almost twice the rate of non-STEM occupations over the next five years. Thus, making it the right time for you to invest in STEM degrees in Australia!
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- 1. Best Universities for STEM Degrees in Australia
- 2. Overview of Top Universities for STEM Courses in Australia
- 3. Popular STEM Courses in Australian Universities
- 4. Benefits of Studying STEM in Australia
- 5. Admission Requirements for STEM Degrees in Australia
- 6. Career Prospects for STEM Graduates in Australia
- 7. Scholarships for STEM Degrees in Australia
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Best Universities for STEM Degrees in Australia
Australia has some of the top universities in the world that offer excellent programs for STEM degrees. Here are some of the top universities for STEM courses in Australia:
University |
QS World University Ranking 2023 |
Popular Courses |
University of Melbourne, Parkville |
33 |
MBA Masters in Data Analytics |
Australian National University, Canberra |
30 |
Bachelor’s in Engineering Master’s in Computer Science |
University of Sydney, Sydney |
41 |
Bachelor’s in Engineering MBA Master of Science |
Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne |
296 |
Master of Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate of Cybersecurity |
University of Queensland, Brisbane |
50 |
Bachelors in Information Technology |
University of New South Wales, Sydney |
45 |
Masters in Mathematics Bachelors in Computer Science |

Overview of Top Universities for STEM Courses in Australia
The University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is a leading research university and is ranked as the best university in Australia for Engineering and Technology. It is also highly ranked in other STEM fields like Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics.
The Australian National University
The Australian National University is a highly ranked research university and is known for its excellence in STEM fields such as Engineering and Technology, Computer Science, and Mathematics. The university is also known to be one of the best IT universities in Australia.
The University of Sydney
The University of Sydney is another highly ranked research university and is recognized for its excellence in STEM fields like Engineering and Technology, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics.
Monash University
Monash University is one of the largest universities in Australia and is recognized for its world-class research and teaching in STEM fields such as Engineering and Technology, Computer Science, and Mathematics.
The University of Queensland
The University of Queensland is a highly ranked research university and is known for its excellence in STEM fields such as Engineering and Technology, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics.
The University of New South Wales
The University of New South Wales is a leading research university and is recognized for its excellence in STEM fields such as Engineering and Technology, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics.
Popular STEM Courses in Australian Universities
Here is a table of some popular STEM courses in Australian universities:
Course |
University |
Duration |
Level |
Computer Science |
The University of Sydney |
3 years |
Masters |
Electrical Engineering |
The University of Melbourne |
4 years |
Bachelors |
Biomedical Science |
Monash University |
3 years |
Masters |
Mathematics |
The University of Queensland |
3 years |
Bachelors |
Civil Engineering |
The Australian National University |
4 years |
Bachelors |
Data Science |
The University of New South Wales |
3 years |
Masters |
Physics |
The University of Western Australia |
3 years |
Masters |
Mechanical Engineering |
The University of Adelaide |
4 years |
Bachelors |
Environmental Science |
Griffith University |
3 years |
Masters |
Information Technology |
RMIT University |
3 years |
Masters |
Benefits of Studying STEM in Australia
There are numerous benefits to studying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses in Australia. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Quality Education: Australian universities are known for providing high-quality education in STEM fields, with many universities consistently ranking among the top universities in the world. Students can expect to receive a well-rounded education that equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their careers.
- Industry-relevant Courses: The STEM courses offered by Australian universities are designed in consultation with industry experts and professionals, ensuring that students receive education that is relevant to the current and future job market demands. Many courses also offer work-integrated learning opportunities, providing students with practical experience in their chosen fields.
- Multicultural Environment: Australia is a culturally diverse country, with a large international student population. Studying STEM in Australia provides students with the opportunity to interact with people from different cultures and backgrounds, broadening their horizons and helping them develop a global perspective.
- Post-Study Work Opportunities: Australia offers excellent post-study work opportunities for international students who have completed their STEM courses. Students can gain valuable work experience in their chosen fields, making them more competitive in the job market and potentially qualifying them for permanent residency.
- Quality of Life: Australia is known for its high quality of life, offering a safe and welcoming environment for international students. The country has a well-developed infrastructure, modern cities, beautiful natural scenery, and a vibrant culture that make it an ideal place to live and study.
Admission Requirements for STEM Degrees in Australia
Admission requirements for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degrees in Australian universities vary depending on the institution and the specific course. However, here are some general admission requirements that students can expect:
- Academic Requirements: Australian universities generally require international students to have completed their high school education, with good grades in relevant subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. The minimum academic requirements for admission to undergraduate STEM courses are typically an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) score of 70 or higher, or an equivalent score in the student's home country.
- English Language Proficiency: International students whose first language is not English are required to provide proof of English language proficiency by taking tests such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or Pearson Test of English (PTE). The minimum English language proficiency requirements may vary depending on the course and the university.
- Entrance Exams: Some STEM courses may require students to take entrance exams, such as the Graduate Australian Medical School Admission Test (GAMSAT) for medical courses or the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT) for health science courses.
- Additional Requirements: Some STEM courses may require students to have additional skills or qualifications. For example, courses in Engineering and Computer Science may require students to have some programming skills or prior experience in a related field.
Career Prospects for STEM Graduates in Australia
To understand the career prospects for STEM graduates in Australia we have tabulated some of the most popular job profiles post pursuing STEM courses in Australia:
Industry |
Job Profile |
Salary Range |
Information Technology |
Software Developer |
AUD 60,000-120,000 |
Data Analyst |
AUD 50,000-110,000 |
|
Cybersecurity Analyst |
AUD 70,000-140,000 |
|
IT Project Manager |
AUD 90,000-160,000 |
|
Engineering |
Civil Engineer |
AUD 60,000-130,000 |
Mechanical Engineer |
AUD 60,000-130,000 |
|
Electrical Engineer |
AUD 65,000-140,000 |
|
Software Engineer |
AUD 70,000-130,000 |
|
Health Science |
Medical Scientist |
AUD 50,000-90,000 |
Biomedical Engineer |
AUD 60,000-120,000 |
|
Science |
Research Scientist |
AUD 60,000-120,000 |
Environmental Scientist |
AUD 50,000-90,000 |
|
Mathematics |
Actuary |
AUD 60,000-130,000 |
Data Scientist |
AUD 70,000-130,000 |
|
Statistician |
AUD 60,000-120,000 |
Scholarships for STEM Degrees in Australia
There are various scholarships available for students who wish to pursue STEM degrees in Australia. Here are some of the most popular scholarship programs:
- Australia Awards Scholarships: These scholarships are funded by the Australian government and are awarded to international students from developing countries. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, living expenses, and other benefits.
- Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarships: These scholarships are also funded by the Australian government and are available to international students who wish to pursue a postgraduate degree in STEM fields. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, travel expenses, and living expenses.
- University-Specific Scholarships: Most universities in Australia offer scholarships for international students who wish to pursue STEM degrees. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs.
- STEM-related Industry Scholarships: Many industries, such as mining, energy, and technology, offer scholarships to students who wish to pursue STEM degrees. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, living expenses, and also provide internship or work experience opportunities.
- Research Scholarships: Various research institutions and universities in Australia offer scholarships to students who wish to pursue research in STEM fields. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and also provide research funding.
In conclusion, the STEM education system in Australia is considered one of the best in the entire world. Universities have a strong reputation for academic excellence, world-class facilities, and research opportunities. And, with the availability of immense future prospects for STEM in Australia, studying at one of these universities can provide you with a strong foundation for a successful and rewarding career in a growing industry!
If you further wish to know more about the best engineering universities in Australia or about the international student experience in Australian universities offering STEM courses, our Yocket study abroad experts are just a phone call away!