Selecting a course of study beyond high school is one of the most pivotal decisions of life. It can make or break a student’s academic and professional future. While passion and preference should be the guiding factor, job prospects also play a crucial part in the decision. Full-time employment, average salaries, job role, and scope are some of the key factors. In essence, the primary goal of a graduate degree is a successful career.

Best Degrees To Study In Australia

Australian universities are one of the most popular study destinations. Here is a list of the best degrees in the country that can transform students into employable graduates:

  • Medical Science and Related Fields 🏥

    The percentage of graduates employed in different Medical sciences are as follows:

    • Employed Graduates of Rehabilitation Studies: 96%
    • Employed Graduates of Dentistry Studies: 94.5%
    • Employed Graduates of Pharmacy Studies: 93.6%
    • Employed Graduates of Medicine Studies: 92.9%
    • Employed Graduates of Veterinary Studies: 90.6%
    • Employed Graduates of Nursing Studies: 88.8%
    • Employed Graduates of Health Services & Support Studies: 88.4%

    Medical degrees have the highest labour force participation and employment rate in Australia. Graduation in one of these highly useful fields equips students with invaluable skills and offers a stellar career. Job roles include occupational therapist, hospital or industrial pharmacist, doctor, dentist, nurse, etc. To qualify, students must meet ATAR/IB requirements and GAMSAT scores. ACU, USYD, CSU, QUT, UTS, ANU, WSU, UC, & Monash University offer some of the most popular medical courses.

  • Teacher Education Degree 👩‍🏫

    Employed Graduates: 91.1%

    This field allows you to inspire and shape young minds. With a Bachelor of Education, students can teach in government or private schools. Students can choose between Primary, Secondary, or Early Childhood education courses. Leading universities offering education degrees include ACU, MQ, WSU, UQ, UNSW, UNE, and UON.

  • Engineering 🏗️

    Employed Graduates: 86.6%

    Engineering is a versatile degree that branches out into many fields such as aerospace, machine learning, thermodynamics, and infrastructure. Graduates can enter any sector, from defense to urban development, space exploration, or transport. Top universities for engineering include MQ, UNSW, and UON.

  • Business & Management 💼

    Employed Graduates: 86.3%

    In today’s economy, business acumen and financial skills are highly valued. Graduates can pursue careers in corporate finance, insurance, taxation, business analysis, risk management, and more. Leading universities for business degrees include UNE, UTS, ANU, ACU, MQ, Monash, and Griffith University.

  • Agriculture & Environment Study 🌱

    Employed Graduates: 85.9%

    Australia’s wealth of topographical resources makes agriculture and environmental studies essential. Graduates can work as agronomists, geologists, ecologists, botanists, wildlife biologists, meteorologists, and more. Top universities offering these courses include RMIT, UQ, University of Sydney, Griffith, Curtin, and Flinders University.

Degrees That Don’t Guarantee a Job

As per labor market trends, some subjects gain or lose their appeal over time. Various factors such as dwindling job demand or an oversupply of graduates may influence employability. Here’s a list of courses with declining employability:

  • Tourism, hospitality, personal services, sport, and recreation

    Employed Graduates: 82.1%

  • Humanities, culture, and social sciences

    Employed Graduates: 81.7%

  • Science and Mathematics

    Employed Graduates: 81.5%

  • Creative Arts

    Employed Graduates: 78.2%

  • Computing and information systems

    Employed Graduates: 77.5%

Things To Consider Before Studying in Australia

  • Pre-Requisites – Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements of universities in Australia, including visa procedures, health insurance, and bank accounts. International students may need documents like mark sheets, ATAR/IELTS/TOEFL scores, and letters of recommendation.
  • Cost of Studies – University education in Australia is expensive. Domestic students may pay between AUD 3,985 and AUD 14,630 depending on the course. International students pay an average of AUD 30,580 for an undergraduate degree. The student visa also requires proof of AUD 20,000 in a bank account for living costs. Consider private universities and international scholarships for affordable education.
  • Geographical Considerations – Australia’s diverse climate and geography should be considered. For instance, if you prefer fewer rainy days, Perth may be ideal. Marine enthusiasts may thrive near Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef rather than in Melbourne’s tech hub.
  • Future Plans – Consider your long-term goals. If you wish to pursue a post-graduate degree or a job outside Australia, opt for internationally accredited programs. If you want to stay in Australia, select degrees that make you eligible for a post-study visa. Ensure your job prospects fall in the skilled occupation category for a work visa.

While a student shouldn’t base their decision solely on employment trends, it’s wise to keep them in mind. They can provide variety and security for your professional future. If your chosen subject isn’t in demand, you can pivot to a related field with higher job prospects. For example, an undergraduate student passionate about mathematics may find greater career prospects in Engineering. It’s crucial to consider the most employable degrees, eligibility, and costs as part of the admission planning process. 💡