Study Physics in Australia
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Erudera's Complete Guide to Studying Physics in Australia
Australia has some of the world’s highest ranked universities in the field of physics. This fact has made students from all over the world come and study physics in Australia. In addition to this, Australia has world-class researchers and research facilities, excellent industry partners, and leading lecturers. It is also one of the most welcoming countries for all students around the world - its fascinating landscapes, dreamy beaches, and welcoming people making international students from all over the world more than eager to study in the country.
Reasons to Study Physics in Australia
Leading Physics Department
An advantage of studying physics in Australia is that you will be joining a global research community and get to work with the excellent team of researchers in Australian universities. These professionals work in different fields starting from astrophysics to nuclear physics and not only, and they aim to push the boundaries of each student, so they can learn through the challenging environment in Australian universities.
Develop your expertise
Another advantage of studying the field of physics in Australia is that you will be able to get hands-on experience in your respective field. Australian universities have established some of the best study conditions for all their students with their innovative labs, excellent lecturers, world-known research facilities and teams. Taking advantage of all these beneficial factors will help you develop an expertise in the field of physics that is not easy to be obtained elsewhere.
Rewarding Postgraduate Experience
As a physics graduate in Australia your choices of employment are extensive. In addition to gaining a deep understanding of the field of physics, which will definitely put you at an advantage in the job market, you will also gain an internationally recognised qualification. Also, considering that your physics degree will most likely include mathematical and computer science courses you will be able to find employment in the field of physics and not only.
Top Universities to Study Physics in Australia
Some of the best universities in Australia for Physics are:
- University of Adelaide
- University of Melbourne
- Australian National University
- University of Sydney
- Monash University
- University of Western Australia
- University of New South Wales
- University of Queensland Australia
- Swinburne University of Technology
- RMIT University
Requirements
Universities in Australia will primarily look at your most recent academic qualifications. Your grades will matter quite a bit when you apply, and your university may have some qualification preferences such as having good grades in specific subjects (i.e. maths or another science subject). More information about the requirements can be found on the university website.
Furthermore, in Australia, when you apply to university you must also submit proof of English language proficiency. This is usually done by submitting scores of your universities’ preferred test (i.e. IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge Test, etc). As part of the requirements you may also need to have work experience, submit a CV, academic qualifications, and fill out an application form.
Application Process
To apply for a physics course in Australia you will need to:
- Find a physics course you like
- Find the university that offers that course
- Check your eligibility
- Prepare all the supporting documents that are required by the university
- Fill out the application form
- Check for the deadlines
- Apply on time!
After admission:
- Apply for a Visa
- Look for accommodation
- Start your journey in Australia
Degree Duration: How Long Does It Take to Study Physics in Australia?
In Australia, the duration of an undergraduate degree in the field of physics is typically 3 to 4 years of full-time study. A Master’s degree usually lasts from 1 to 2 years. Whereas a Ph.D. in physics takes at least 3 years of full-time study to complete. Note that Australian universities also offer their students the opportunity to study part-time but not all of them offer this opportunity to international students.
Some of the fields in which you will gain a deeper knowledge while studying physics in Australia include Quantum and Atomic Physics, Nuclear Physics and Radiation, Fluids, Thermal Physics, Electricity and Magnetism to name a few. All these subjects are designed with the aim of providing students with a great understanding of physics, its principles and applications.
Tuition Fees: How Much Does It Cost to Study Physics in Australia?
Tuition fees for international students studying physics in Australia range from AU$40,000 (US$29,372) to AU$47,000 (US$34,512) per year. In Australia, you will pay tuition fees based on the subjects you study where each physics course you take has an associated fee. Apart from tuition, additional expenses include paying university application fees, and course materials which might not be included in the cost of tuition.
As an international student you will also have to pay for Overseas Student Health Cover. You can pay for your OSCH through your university or through the website of the agency that provides the service. Accommodation and living costs are additional factors that you must add to your expenses. In Australia you can expect to pay around AU$27,000 (US$19,857) per year for accommodation and living expenses.
Physics Career Prospects in Australia
Graduates of the field of physics in Australia are in high demand. A growing number of institutions seek the expertise of these highly qualified scientists, so your opportunities to find a job in the field of physics once you graduate are quite high. Depending on what field you prefer the most you can then choose your profession. You can work as an astronomer, lecturer, clinical scientist, nanotechnologist, radiation protection practitioner, teacher, sound engineer, etc.
Your salary will then depend on which one of the above-mentioned professions (or the many others that are offered to physics graduates) you choose. Your years of experience are also an important determining factor of your salary. For example, a physicist who has one to four years of experience earns around AU$77,000 (US$56,452) per year. While someone who has more than five years of experience earns around AU$90,000 (US$66,202) per year.
