Doc Summary
Choosing what to study in Australia is a major decision with long-term career and migration implications. This guide outlines in-demand fields, entry and visa requirements, costs, scholarships, and practical pathways so you can make a confident, informed choice.
Quick answer: What should I study in Australia? #
If you want strong job prospects and clear pathways, consider:
- Nursing and allied health – high demand, strong career growth, regulated pathways
- Information technology and cyber security – skills shortages, excellent salaries
- Engineering and construction management – infrastructure growth and sustainability focus
- Business, accounting, and analytics – broad careers, global relevance
- Education and early childhood – steady demand and community impact
- Hospitality and tourism – flexible entry, work-integrated learning
How to choose the right course (step-by-step) #
- Match goals to outcomes: Clarify if your priority is employability, migration, research, or entrepreneurship. Consider target roles and salary expectations.
- Check demand data: Review skills shortages and job growth on Labour Market Insights and the Skilled Occupation Lists.
- Confirm provider quality: Ensure your course is on CRICOS and delivered by providers regulated by TEQSA (higher education) or ASQA (VET).
- Assess entry and English requirements: Compare prerequisites (e.g., math/physics for engineering; background checks for education/health). Plan IELTS/PTE scores early.
- Calculate total cost and ROI: Include tuition, living costs, placements, and exam fees. Estimate post-graduation earnings and time-to-employment.
- Use pathways: Combine VET + university, credit transfers, or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to save time and money.
Top fields to study in Australia in 2025 #
Health: Nursing and Allied Health #
Why: Australia faces sustained demand for Registered Nurses, aged care, mental health, and allied health professionals. Clinical placements develop job-ready skills.
Typical courses: Diploma of Nursing (VET), Bachelor of Nursing, Master of Nursing (for career changers), allied health programs (Physiotherapy, OT, Public Health).
Notes: Registration standards apply; confirm supervised practice hours and provider accreditation on TEQSA or board websites.
Information Technology and Cyber Security #
Why: Persistent skills shortages across software engineering, cloud, data, AI/ML, and cyber security. Strong salaries and industry certifications.
Typical courses: Diploma/Advanced Diploma of IT (VET), Bachelor of IT/Computer Science, Master of Cyber Security, data analytics specialisations.
Tip: Stack vendor certifications (AWS, Azure, Cisco, CompTIA) alongside your degree for faster employability.
Engineering and Construction Management #
Why: Infrastructure, energy transition, and sustainability projects are expanding. Civil, electrical, mechanical, and mechatronics are consistently needed.
Typical courses: Bachelor of Engineering (with Honours), Master of Engineering, Graduate Certificate in Project/Construction Management.
Tip: Seek accredited programs and internships to meet professional membership criteria.
Business, Accounting, and Analytics #
Why: Broad career options in finance, auditing, marketing, and data-driven roles. Analytics and risk/compliance are growth areas.
Typical courses: Bachelor/Master of Professional Accounting, MBA, Master of Business Analytics, marketing and supply chain majors.
Tip: Many programs offer work-integrated learning and industry projects for practical exposure.
Education and Early Childhood #
Why: Consistent demand for qualified teachers and early childhood educators across states and territories.
Typical courses: Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (VET), Bachelor of Education, Master of Teaching (Primary/Secondary).
Note: Working With Children Checks and placements are mandatory.
Hospitality, Tourism, and Culinary #
Why: Australia’s hospitality sector is vibrant and offers multiple employment pathways for students.
Typical courses: Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery, Diploma of Hospitality Management, tourism and event management degrees.
Tip: Strong opportunities to gain local work experience while studying.
Study levels and smart pathways #
- VET (Certificates–Advanced Diplomas): Hands-on, industry-aligned, often lower tuition. Can articulate into a bachelor with credit.
- Higher Education (Bachelor–Master): Deeper academic training, professional accreditation, and higher starting salaries in many fields.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): If you have experience, RPL can convert it into nationally recognised qualifications—saving time and cost. Explore support with Skills Campus.
Entry, visa, and English requirements #
Most international students apply for the Student visa (subclass 500). Review eligibility, financial capacity, Genuine Student requirements, and health insurance (OSHC) on the official site: Department of Home Affairs.
English tests: Many providers accept IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL with minimum scores varying by level and course (e.g., Nursing often requires higher scores). If you need support, consider an English package or direct entry program.
Provider checks: Ensure the course is listed on CRICOS and the provider is regulated by TEQSA or ASQA.
Costs, scholarships, and ROI #
- Tuition: Varies widely (approx. AUD 10,000–30,000+ per year for VET; AUD 25,000–50,000+ for higher education). Specialist programs may cost more.
- Living costs: Budget for accommodation, transport, food, and health insurance. Cities like Sydney/Melbourne are typically higher cost.
- Scholarships: Many universities and state programs offer merit and need-based support for international students—check provider pages and state initiatives.
- Return on investment: Compare graduate outcomes using Labour Market Insights and provider graduate surveys. Consider internship/placement support as a key ROI factor.
Making your choice with Skills Campus #
At Skills Campus, we help you:
- Map goals to high-demand Australian courses and institutions
- Compare VET vs university pathways, credit transfer, and RPL options
- Understand English, academic, and financial requirements
- Prepare a compelling application and plan your study-to-work pathway
Get personalised, up-to-date advice based on your background, budget, and career objectives.
Final checklist before you apply #
- Confirm field demand and job outcomes for your target city/state
- Verify CRICOS listing and accreditation
- Check entry prerequisites and English scores
- Compare total cost, placements, and support services
- Plan your visa evidence, timelines, and OSHC
- Consider bridging, foundation, or RPL to accelerate progress
Ready to plan what to study in Australia? Get expert, honest advice from Skills Campus and move forward with confidence. Visit skillscampus.com.au or contact our team today: skillscampus.com.au/contact.
