In recent years, engineering specialisations in Australia have become increasingly popular among international students. These programs offer a wide range of opportunities, excellent employment prospects, and advantages for immigration. Today, let’s take a closer look at engineering in Australia.

What is Engineering?

Engineers are individuals with the skills to operate, design, manage, and evaluate engineering systems. The title “engineer” is typically reserved for those with specialised degrees or equivalent work experience in one of the fields of engineering.

Engineers are often confused with scientists, but the key difference lies in their focus. Scientists explore nature to discover general principles, while engineers apply these established principles in mathematics and science to solve real-world problems. Scientists study the world to find universal laws, while engineers use these laws to design tangible objects.

Engineering Job Outlook

According to data from Australia, graduates in engineering find it easier to secure employment compared to students in business or arts-related fields, and they often receive higher salaries. Students studying engineering in Australia can apply to become members of Engineers Australia (IEAust) upon graduation, providing a solid foundation for future immigration prospects.

What Are the Main Types of Engineering?

Civil Engineering

Australian universities place a strong emphasis on practical experience in civil engineering programs. Students not only learn comprehensive civil engineering knowledge but also have the opportunity to choose specific areas within civil engineering, such as structural construction, transportation, geomechanics, water engineering, and more. Civil engineering is also one of the professions eligible for immigration assessment in Australia, making it an attractive option for future development. An Australian Master’s degree in engineering is globally recognised and allows graduates to work in engineering-related roles worldwide.

Graduates in civil engineering in Australia have an easier time finding employment compared to students in traditional popular fields, and their salaries are relatively high.

Recommended Schools and Programs:

• University of Melbourne: Master of Engineering (Civil)
• University of Sydney: Master of Engineering (Civil Engineering)
• University of New South Wales: Master of Engineering (Civil Engineering)
• University of Queensland: Master of Engineering (Civil Engineering)
• Monash University: Master of Professional Civil Engineering

Environmental Engineering

Environmental engineering is one of the high-tech fields of development in the 21st century. This program cultivates students with a strong foundation in environmental engineering theory, professional technology, and engineering design capabilities, particularly in areas such as biogeochemical treatment of (high-concentration) organic wastewater, sustainable landfill disposal, and ecological engineering for environmental pollution control.

Official Australian analysis indicates a strong upward trend in employment rates for environmental workers over the past five years and projected growth over the next ten years. Demand for positions is high, with many full-time roles available.

Recommended Schools and Programs:

• University of New South Wales: Master of Engineering (Environmental Engineering)
• University of Melbourne: Master of Environmental Engineering
• University of Technology Sydney: Environmental Engineering
• University of Queensland: Master of Engineering (Urban Water Engineering)
• University of Sydney: Master of Engineering (Sustainability and Environmental Engineering)

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering programs aim to train students in designing, developing, testing, and producing various mechanical systems. Australia’s government policy of attracting overseas engineering talent has made mechanical engineering one of the golden immigration professions in the Australian study abroad market.

Most Australian universities’ mechanical engineering programs are immigration programs that require assessment by Engineers Australia (EA). This profession is included in Australia’s long-term immigration list.

Recommended Schools and Programs:

• University of Melbourne: Master of Engineering (Mechanical)
• University of New South Wales: Master of Mechanical Engineering
• Australian National University: Master of Engineering in Mechatronics
• University of Sydney: Master of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering)
• Monash University: Master of Advanced Engineering (Mechanical Engineering)

Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineers are primarily responsible for designing, developing, supervising, installing, operating, and maintaining electrical and electronic systems, machines, and equipment. Future employment opportunities for electrical engineers include high-voltage equipment design, development, production, and management in the power equipment manufacturing industry. They can also work in technical and management roles related to high-voltage equipment operation and maintenance. Additionally, they can find positions in the IT, communications, and automotive industries, engaging in hardware development, assembly, testing, and maintenance work. Opportunities also exist in teaching and research at universities and research institutes.

Recommended Schools and Programs:

• Australian National University: Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering
• University of Sydney: Master of Engineering (Electrical Engineering)
• University of Melbourne: Master of Engineering (Electrical)
• University of New South Wales: Master