STEM Courses in Australia for International Students

Each year, thousands of students from around the world pursue STEM courses in Australia. There are various benefits of pursuing STEM education in Australia, including quality education, excellent job prospects, no language barriers, etc. STEM courses are popular among students since they provide unique specializations as well as lucrative job opportunities.

If you are willing to pursue STEM courses in Australia, this article is for you! Explore some of the popular STEM courses, top universities, eligibility requirements, costs, job profiles, etc.

Table of Contents

• List of STEM Courses in Australia 2022
• What are STEM Courses?
• Top Universities in Australia for STEM Courses
• Why Pursue STEM Courses in Australia?
• Eligibility Requirements for STEM Programs in Australia
• Cost of Pursuing STEM Courses at Australian Universities
• Scope of STEM Education in Australia

List of STEM Courses in Australia 2022

A number of top-notch universities in Australia offer various STEM specializations. Listed below are some of the popular STEM courses in Australia for international students: 

• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Programming 
• Environmental Studies
• Food Science 
• Horticulture Science
• Human Biology 
• Mathematics 
• Mechanical Engineering 
• Agricultural Engineering
• Animal Science
• Architectural Engineering
• Astronomy
• Biochemistry 
• Botany 
• Biology
• Physics 
• Plant Science
• Statistics 
• Zoology 

What are STEM Courses?

The STEM acronym stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The courses that fall under these subjects are called STEM courses. There is a wide range of opportunities to build a career in the STEM field, and it has been growing rapidly in the employment sector. In the beginning, STEM courses were popular in the USA, but now they are offered in many countries around the world, including Australia

Top Universities in Australia for STEM Courses

Due to its quality education and top-ranked faculty, Australia is one of the most popular study destinations. Here is the list of best universities in Australia offering STEM courses:

• University of Sydney
• Western Sydney University
• La Trobe University
• Australian National University
• Edith Cowan University
• University of Adelaide
• RMIT University

University of Sydney

Isn't it interesting to know that Australia's first astronaut was a graduate of the University of Sydney? STEM facilities at the university boast the latest equipment and technology, so you can get hands-on experience in the field of science and engineering.

Students are also encouraged to gain a global perspective when they graduate, so there are plenty of opportunities to study abroad and be involved in international fieldwork. Additionally, the University of Sydney strives to achieve gender equality in STEM fields. The following are some of the popular STEM courses offered by the University of Sydney:

• Agriculture and food
• Animal health and veterinary science
• Engineering and computing
• Mathematics and statistics
• Medicine
• Science
• Technology

Read More: University of Sydney

Western Sydney University

Western Sydney University is one of the top 2% of institutions in the world and is known for its global focus, research-driven approach, and commitment to making a positive impact on communities.

The university offers a program called Women in STEM Education (WiSE). This program is designed to support the career development of female students studying STEM disciplines at Western Sydney University. Following is a list of the top STEM courses offered at Western Sydney University:

• Astronomical and space science
• Mathematics and statistics
• Computer science
• Sport and exercise science
• Civil engineering
• Mechanical and aerospace engineering
• General engineering
• Electrical and electronic engineering
• Advanced science
• Agriculture and food science

Read More: Western Sydney University

La Trobe University

At La Trobe University, you can explore subjects that will prepare you for future careers in engineering and technology, such as machine learning, robotics, and cloud computing. It is also one of the great institutions to study science since you will learn from renowned scientists, participate in industry placements, and conduct research at top research centers. Following are the STEM courses available at La Trobe University:

• Agriculture
• Animal and veterinary biosciences
• Applied cloud technology
• Biological sciences
• Computer science
• Cyber security
• Health science
• Information technology
• Psychological science
• Veterinary nursing
• Wildlife and conservation biology

Read More: La Trobe University

Australian National University

Australian National University (ANU) is one of the leading universities to pursue STEM courses in Australia. For students, the university hosts STEM workshops to give them an overview of the subjects. Students are also given an opportunity to experiment in state-of-the-art laboratories while being mentored by professionals who have years of experience. ANU graduates have been rated as among the most employable graduates in Australia. Some of the popular STEM courses at Australian National University include:

• Biology 
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Earth and Marine Sciences
• Astronomy and Physics
• Environment and Sustainability
• Science Communication

Read More: Australian National University

Edith Cowan University

For the sixth consecutive year, Edith Cowan University (ECU) ranked highest among public universities in Australia for undergraduate teaching quality and skill development, according to QILT. 

At Edith Cowan University, the focus is primarily on developing highly effective classroom teaching in Science. The innovative teaching approach at ECU prepares students to solve real-world problems. Listed below are the top STEM courses offered by Edith Cowan University:

• Engineering
• Technology
• Cybersecurity
• Psychology
• Medical and health sciences
• Nursery and midwifery

Read More: Edith Cowan University

University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers a STEM academy for students in Years 8-12. By offering interactive workshops, activities, and events in schools and online, the STEM Academy motivates students to pursue STEM education. Additionally, they have a Women in STEM program which aims to encourage women to pursue careers in the STEM field. Listed below are some of the popular STEM courses at the University of Adelaide:

• Agriculture
• Animal and veterinary sciences
• Biomedical science and biotechnology
• Computer science and IT
• Earth and environmental sciences
• Engineering
• Mathematical sciences
• Science and technology

Read More: University of Adelaide

RMIT University

RMIT University is one of the best universities in Australia for studying STEM courses. This is because they literally have an entire STEM college! The four schools of RMIT university are- the School of Computing Technologies, the School of Engineering, the School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, and the School of Science. These schools offer a range of programs, from certificates to PhDs.

Through their Empowering Women in STEMM program, the university also encourages women to explore STEM fields and make a positive contribution. Some of the courses offered by RMIT University are given below:

• Artificial intelligence
• Computer science
• Aerospace engineering and aviation
• Biomedical engineering
• Chemical engineering
• Civil engineering
• Sports science
• Environmental science
• Nanotechnology

Read More: RMIT University

Why Pursue STEM Courses in Australia?

STEM studies in Australia offer a wide range of career opportunities. Let's look at some of the reasons why you should consider pursuing STEM courses in Australia:

• Agriculture and farming connect all Australians, which is why students choose agricultural courses. Food and agriculture are essential components of life. Understanding how living organisms interact with their surroundings, managing them, and improving our current crop management systems are crucial for crop management and climate change.
• Australia's universities are ranked 16th in the world for animal health and veterinary science. The study of animal health and veterinary science can be beneficial in many ways. It can be used to create an optimal way of raising animals as well as to protect and manage animals at risk.
• There is a wide scope of engineering courses in Australia. Engineering and IT are among the highly sought-after skills worldwide. With AI and computer science, as well as hands-on engineering, you can create innovative solutions that make a positive difference.
• Australia has five universities ranked among the top fifty in the world for its medicine programs. Therefore, you get to study at some of the world's best universities.
• Demand for IT graduates is expected to increase by 12% in Australia in the near future. There are many tech companies in Australia, which makes it easier to find employment. IBM and Canon both have research and development departments here. 
• Permanent residency is easier to obtain in Australia than in the US or UK. Upon completion of the course, you can obtain a Post Study Work Visa.

Eligibility Requirements for STEM Programs in Australia

Applicants will need a minimum score of 60 points on their invitation letters to be considered for admission. Candidates must also provide identification documents, fulfill the age, health, and character requirements, and demonstrate English language proficiency. In Australia, STEM-qualified individuals are those with post-secondary qualifications at the Certificate III level or higher in any of the following fields:

•  Natural and Physical Sciences (NPS)
•  Information Technology (IT)
•  Engineering and Related Technologies (ERT)
•  Agriculture, Environment and Related Studies (AERS)
•  Mathematical Sciences

Cost of Pursuing STEM Courses at Australian Universities

Cost of study is a major concern of students who wish to study abroad. These expenses can put a strain on your bank account. However, there's good news for you. As reported by The Guardian, tuition fees for STEM courses in Australia will decrease in the coming intake seasons. At present, STEM course costs vary based on the university and course. The costs normally range between $28,000 and $50,000. (INR 15,62,274 – 27,89,776). 

Scope of STEM Education in Australia

STEM fields offer a variety of careers in both the public and private sectors. Those who graduate with STEM degrees have a better chance of finding decent-paying jobs. Here are some of the popular job profiles and salaries for STEM graduates in Australia:

Job Profiles	Salary (AUD)	Salary (INR)
Petroleum Engineer	181,000	1,00,00,000
Agricultural Scientist	82,000	45,79,964
ICT Security Architect	180,000	1,00,53,579
Research Scientist	70,000	39,09,725
Production Operator	65,000	36,30,459