Looking to study engineering in Australia? Explore top courses, fees and career pathways in our comprehensive guide.
Australia has a world-class reputation for educational standards, with Australian universities ranked among the best globally. Our engineering courses are designed to meet international standards, so you’ll graduate with a qualification that you can take anywhere.
Australia boasts a strong engineering tradition, particularly due to our transportation, mining and technology sectors, but also in areas such as biomedical engineering, mechatronics and automation. This means you can take advantage of the strong industry networks, cutting-edge research facilities and practical knowledge developed in the field over the course of generations.
In engineering, 58.5% of workers in Australia were born overseas, so our industry reflects global best practice. As a student here, you’ll have the opportunity to forge links with both your peers and experienced professionals from across the world.
To assist you in making a well-informed decision about studying engineering in Australia, we will explore the following topics on this page:
Here are the top engineering courses that can be undertaken across Australia, with a spotlight on the offerings at RMIT University. They can help you find engineering roles across different industry sectors, or pursue more long-term engineering careers.
A Bachelor of Engineering is a four-year undergraduate course that covers the science, mathematics, design and professional practice that you’ll need for a career in engineering. You’ll also build engineering skills and knowledge, and have the opportunity to specialise in an area of your choice. At RMIT, a built-in honours year means you have more opportunities to study in depth, while our International Industry Experience and Research Program provides workplace training and academic research placements.
Build on your existing engineering skills and knowledge with a Master of Engineering, a two-year postgraduate course that lets you specialise in your chosen field. Build high-level technical knowledge and appropriate professional skills through project-based and multidisciplinary learning. There are many specialty areas within engineering, including manufacturing, robotics and mechatronics, environmental, automotive, and sustainable systems. At RMIT, project-based common courses are structured to reflect the collaborative, multidisciplinary team approach of industry, so you’ll graduate ready to join the real world.
A Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering is a four-year undergraduate course that provides you with globally accredited qualifications. Learn the fundamentals of engineering sciences, mathematics, engineering design and engineering professional practice – then decide if you want to focus on the general field of mechanical engineering or other areas such as manufacturing, automotive, business, mathematics or computing. At RMIT, study includes industry placements as well as lab work where you conduct experiments and design solutions for industry-relevant problems.
Build the skills to plan, design, construct, supervise, manage and maintain infrastructure projects in Australia and overseas. Civil engineering is focused on the basic needs, facilities and infrastructure required to run modern society. In the four-year Bachelor of Civil Engineering course, you can specialise in civil infrastructure projects, geotechnical works, structures, transport or water resources. At RMIT, we’re renowned for industry-based, practical learning. Strong relationships with local and international industry leaders enable us to provide you with work placements, industry projects, mentoring and opportunities to work with partner organisations overseas.
In the four-year Bachelor of Electrical Engineering course, you’ll learn the processes behind the production and distribution of electricity. You’ll develop high-level technical and design skills, focusing on a specialist area that could be energy conversion, power systems, renewable energy, high-voltage equipment or control engineering. At RMIT, our industry connections mean you’ll work on real-world projects and design creative solutions to actual problems on work placements in Australia or overseas.
To study engineering at RMIT, you’ll need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
*Please use this as a guide only. You are strongly advised to check the minimum English requirements required for your preferred course.
There are many diverse career opportunities open to engineering graduates, across a broad range of industries. Engineering courses provide in-demand, transferable skills, which can lead to employment in roles such as:
When thinking about the place that will be your home for the next few years, consider factors such as safety, culture, infrastructure and more. Think about how far away from home you want to live and whether you have a dream university in mind. Additionally, consider the reputation of the city among future employers. For example, Melbourne is widely recognised as Australia’s best city for students and consistently ranks among the Most Liveable Cities in the World.
Academic requirements can vary between different business courses, so it’s important to review the specific details of your preferred course before applying. For instance, the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree will have different academic requirements to a Master of Engineering, due to the variations in the level of study or equivalent experience required for certain postgraduate courses.
Tuition fees are also course-specific, so make sure to check the annual fees listed on your preferred course’s page. Most universities display these fees on their course pages, providing the most accurate and up-to-date information. The range of tuition fees can significantly change based on the level of study, making the course pages the most reliable source for tuition fee details.
A city’s cost of living is another vital factor to consider. Manage your costs by considering factors such as accommodation options (on-campus vs off-campus), transportation expenses and potential work options while studying.
In addition to everyday living expenses, remember study-related costs beyond course fees. This may include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and other fees associated with your course. Conducting thorough research will help you create a realistic budget and make informed financial decisions.
When shortlisting universities, research academic rankings to gain a comprehensive view of a university’s strengths. Influential rankings such as QS World University Rankings, Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) and Times Higher Education (THE) World Rankings evaluate universities based on criteria like teaching, academic reputation, research impact, student satisfaction and employability. While rankings provide insights, they should be considered alongside other factors such as course offerings, faculty expertise and location.
RMIT University is ranked in the top 10 universities in Oceania for engineering.
At RMIT, you’ll take on local or international industry placements, and tackle research projects in partnership with industry, building your professional network.
Your work will be largely laboratory-based, where you’ll conduct experiments and design your own solutions for various industry-relevant projects.
Qualify for Engineers Australia membership, with the degree recognised by all 18 countries that are signatories to the Washington Accord*.
* QS rankings by subject 2023
You can also book an 1-on-1 online or phone consultations with our team about your study options, entry requirements, eligibility, scholarships and much more.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.
