Study Engineering in Australia
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Erudera's Complete Guide to Studying Engineering in Australia
If you are thinking about studying the field of engineering abroad, look no further than Australia. In a fast-changing world, Australian universities aim to equip their students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen industry. These universities are around 37 in total and they not only offer a top-notch education but they also offer the best studying conditions so each student receives the knowledge and preparations needed to succeed in their respective fields. Therefore, studying engineering in Australia is definitely a great step to take for anyone who wishes to be at the top of the engineering field.
Reasons to Study Engineering in Australia
Outstanding Education
Australia is known for setting an international standard for excelling in education. The country has five higher education institutions that rank in the top 50 universities in the world for engineering and technology. Lecturers in undergraduate as well as postgraduate engineering degrees in Australia will work in making you an accredited professional engineer. During this period you will develop crucial skills and strengthen your knowledge through integrated work placements and the hands-on experience you will gain.
Vast Range of Engineering Courses
Australia makes a perfect place to study the field of engineering due to the broad range of engineering courses offered in its higher education institutions. In Australia some of the most popular fields of engineering that have high job prospects are: Aerospace engineering; Biomedical engineering; Civil engineering; Chemical engineering; Electrical and Computer Systems; Materials engineering; Robotics and Mechatronics engineering; Software engineering; Environmental engineering; Mechanical engineering.
Home to Some of The Best Student Cities in The World
Another factor that makes Australia a perfect place in which you can study is its reputation of having some of the best student cities in the world. These cities offer not only a combination of excellent universities, but they also offer high living standards to their international students. Australia’s best student cities are Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Wollongong, Canberra, and Hobart.
Extraordinary Resources for Study and Research
Universities in Australia are known for their high-performance research. Their research covers the development of new technologies such as electronic circuits, signal processing algorithms, etc. Australian universities' strong research focus allows students to interact closely with the engineering industry and engage as much as possible in leading research activities. This makes an additional reason as to why Australia makes a great place to study engineering.
Top Universities to Study Engineering in Australia
Some of the best universities in Australia for Engineering are:
- University of New South Wales
- University of Adelaide
- University of Technology Sydney
- University of Sydney
- RMIT University
- University of Queensland Australia
- Monash University
- Curtin University
- University of Wollongong
- Australian National University
Requirements
Being able to meet the eligibility criteria set by the university of your choice is crucial for you to gain admission into Australian universities. In Australia, requirements for engineering degrees vary between universities and degrees. However, there are general requirements that each higher education institution requires, and these include submitting all your academic records along with certified transcripts of secondary education, your statement of purpose, and personal documents such as your ID, and your passport.
Apart from the above-mentioned documents, you should also submit proof of English language proficiency. For engineering programs in Australia you must have an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL - 46, CAE - 162, PTE Academic - 42. Note that some universities state which test scores they would like to receive on their website. Apart from language requirements, depending on the level of study you aim to pursue, you may be required to submit a CV, have work experience, and prove that you can afford your studies abroad.
Application Process
The application process to Australian universities is not very complicated. Assuming that you have already done your research about the course you would like to choose, and you have chosen the best university that offers this course, all that is left for you to do is prepare your application and apply. Usually, international students apply to their chosen universities through their website or by sending their applications via post. Both forms are acceptable.
Australian universities state which documents you should attach to your application on their website. If you have any uncertainties, feel free to contact your university and ask for the information you need. Once you receive your letter of offer and acceptance form read it carefully and check if there are any additional conditions you must meet before receiving your CoE(Confirmation of Enrolment). After this, you should apply for a student visa (unless you are a New Zealand citizen) and prepare for departure.
Degree Duration: How Long Does It Take to Study Engineering in Australia?
Engineering programs in Australia take three to four years of full-time study to complete if you are pursuing a Bachelor’s degree. Depending on your prior study, some engineering programs may take two to three years of full-time study to complete. Postgraduate degrees in the field of engineering such as Master’s degrees take at least two years of full-time study to complete whereas an Australian engineering Ph.D. takes around three to four years of full-time study to complete.
The first year of your studies will be a general introductory year where you will learn about engineering in general and after that, you can choose your specialization. The engineering disciplines which you can choose to specialize in include chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical with aerospace engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics engineering, spatial or structural engineering, spatial engineering.
Tuition Fees: How Much Does It Cost to Study Engineering in Australia?
In Australia, tuition fees do not vary that much between universities, and degrees. For instance, tuition fees for an undergraduate engineering degree range from AU$19,800(US$14,688) to AU$49,000(US$36,351) per year. Whereas, the cost of tuition for postgraduate degrees in the field of engineering ranges from AU$19,000 (US$14,093) to AU$40,000 (US$29,671) per year. In general, depending on the university you chose to attend you can expect to pay from AU$19,000 (US$14,093) to AU$49,000 (US$36,351) annually for an engineering degree in Australia.
As an international student, you will most likely need to find accommodation and hence prepare for the expenses that come along with living in a dorm or private apartment. Considering that Australia has some of the best student cities in the world you will have plenty of options to find something that works best for you. General living expenses estimated by the Australian government hold an average of AU$21,000 (US$15,578) per year. However, this amount may change depending on your lifestyle choices.
Engineering Career Prospects in Australia
There are endless possibilities to what one can achieve with a degree in engineering, especially with one obtained in Australia. Graduating in this field will allow you to create practical solutions to problems that people face on a worksite, on a daily basis, and so on. Engineering graduates can go and work as Aircraft maintenance, aerospace and aeronautical engineers; Civil engineers; Electrical engineers; Industrial and mechanical engineers; Chemical and materials engineers; Telecommunications engineers; Mining engineers.
The salary of engineering graduates is as versatile as fields of engineering. In Australia, an automation engineer can earn around AU$92,200 (US$68,174) per year. A civil engineer can earn a yearly salary of AU$83,700 (US$61,889). An electrical engineer can earn around AU$92,800 (US$68,618) per year. Environmental engineers can earn around AU$77,800 (US$57,525). Mechanical engineers earn around AU$91,800(US$67,877). Mining engineers earn around AU$80,700 (US$59,672), and robotics engineers earn around AU$93,200(US$68,915) per year.
