Thinking about studying in Australia? You are not alone. With its top-ranked universities, safe cities, and work opportunities, it is one of the most popular choices for students worldwide. But let’s be honest, figuring out what to study can feel like a lot. You want a course that is not just interesting but also opens up career paths, pays well, and ideally helps with permanent residency. This guide breaks down the best courses to study in Australia after 12th, with real talk on fees, salaries, universities, and why these programs are in demand.
Most Popular Courses in Australia for International Students (2025)
Here’s a quick look at the most in-demand courses international students are going for in 2025:
- Business and Management
- Engineering
- Information Technology (IT)
- Nursing and Healthcare
- Education and Teaching
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Environmental Science
- Social Work
- Design and Creative Arts
- Agriculture and Veterinary Science
Business and Management
Still one of the most versatile degrees out there. Whether you want to start your own thing or join a multinational, this course keeps options open.
- Tuition Fees: AUD 28,000 – 50,000/year
- Starting Salary: AUD 60,000 – 90,000/year
- Top Universities: University of Melbourne, UNSW, Monash University
- Why Students Choose It:
- Opens doors to marketing, HR, analytics, and finance roles
- Internship-heavy programs with global links
- 85% of business grads land a job within 6 months (StudyMove, 2024)
Engineering
From building bridges to designing software systems, engineers are always in demand in Australia.
- Tuition Fees: AUD 40,000 – 55,000/year
- Starting Salary: AUD 70,000 – 100,000/year
- Top Universities: University of Sydney, Monash University, University of Queensland
- Why It Works:
- Part of Australia’s Skilled Occupation List
- Students can specialise in civil, mechanical, electrical, or software
- PR prospects are strong, especially in regional jobs
Information Technology (IT)
With the tech industry booming, IT courses are a smart bet for students who want high salaries and job flexibility.
- Tuition Fees: AUD 42,000 – 55,000/year
- Starting Salary: AUD 80,000 – 120,000/year
- Top Universities: RMIT, University of Melbourne, UTS
- Why Students Pick IT:
- High demand for cybersecurity, AI, and data science skills
- Internships with firms like IBM, Accenture, and Atlassian
- Over 90% of IT grads get hired within 6 months (JobOutlook, 2025)
Nursing and Healthcare
There’s no shortage of opportunities here. Australia needs nurses and allied health workers across hospitals and communities.
- Tuition Fees: AUD 25,000 – 40,000/year
- Starting Salary: AUD 75,000 – 95,000/year
- Top Universities: University of Sydney, Deakin University, Griffith University
- Why It’s Worth It:
- Courses include clinical placements
- Nurses are in high demand in regional and urban areas
- Great for students seeking PR after graduation
Education and Teaching
If you love teaching or working with kids, this course is for you. Australia needs more qualified teachers, especially in rural regions.
- Tuition Fees: AUD 25,000 – 35,000/year
- Starting Salary: AUD 70,000 – 85,000/year
- Top Universities: University of Melbourne, QUT, UniSA
- Why It’s a Good Choice:
- Focus on early childhood and secondary education
- Jobs in both public and private sectors
- Teaching is on Australia’s Medium to Long-term Strategic Skills List
Hospitality and Tourism
Perfect for social people who love fast-paced work environments. Australia’s tourism sector is back on its feet, and skilled workers are needed.
- Tuition Fees: AUD 20,000 – 35,000/year
- Starting Salary: AUD 50,000 – 65,000/year
- Top Institutions: Blue Mountains Hotel School, William Angliss Institute
- Why It Stands Out:
- Practical experience through internships and placements
- High seasonal job availability
- Pathways to management-level positions
Environmental Science
If you care about the planet, this one’s for you. Australia is leading research in biodiversity, sustainability, and conservation.
- Tuition Fees: AUD 30,000 – 38,000/year
- Starting Salary: AUD 60,000 – 85,000/year
- Top Universities: James Cook University, University of Queensland, ANU
- Why It’s Relevant:
- Global demand for environmental scientists is rising
- Career paths in research, NGOs, and government policy
- Bonus: Incredible fieldwork locations in Australia’s unique ecosystems
Social Work
This course attracts students who want to give back to society. There’s a high demand for qualified social workers across Australia.
- Tuition Fees: AUD 27,000 – 36,000/year
- Starting Salary: AUD 65,000 – 80,000/year
- Top Universities: University of Melbourne, Flinders University, Griffith University
- Why Students Enroll:
- Emotional fulfilment and high employability
- Access to work in mental health, family services, community work
- On the skilled migration list
Design and Creative Arts
Graphic design, UI/UX, fashion, and fine arts are booming thanks to digital media expansion.
- Tuition Fees: AUD 25,000 – 45,000/year
- Starting Salary: AUD 55,000 – 75,000/year
- Top Universities: RMIT, UNSW, Swinburne
- Why Creatives Love It:
- Portfolio-driven careers with freelance potential
- Courses include digital media, animation, and interaction design
- Study + side hustle = winning combo
Agriculture and Veterinary Science
Agriculture plays a big role in Australia’s economy, and the sector needs skilled grads.
- Tuition Fees: AUD 30,000 – 45,000/year
- Starting Salary: AUD 65,000 – 85,000/year
- Top Universities: University of Adelaide, CSU, University of Sydney
- Why It’s Practical:
- High placement rates in regional areas
- Hands-on learning with farms, labs, and field studies
- Added points for regional PR applications
Comparison Table: Top Courses in Australia
| Course Area | Avg. Tuition (AUD/year) | Starting Salary (AUD) | PR Friendly? |
| Business & Management | 28,000 – 50,000 | 60,000 – 90,000 | Moderate |
| Engineering | 40,000 – 55,000 | 70,000 – 100,000 | High |
| IT | 42,000 – 55,000 | 80,000 – 120,000 | High |
| Nursing | 25,000 – 40,000 | 75,000 – 95,000 | Very High |
| Teaching | 25,000 – 35,000 | 70,000 – 85,000 | High |
| Hospitality & Tourism | 20,000 – 35,000 | 50,000 – 65,000 | Moderate |
| Environmental Science | 30,000 – 38,000 | 60,000 – 85,000 | High |
| Social Work | 27,000 – 36,000 | 65,000 – 80,000 | High |
| Design & Arts | 25,000 – 45,000 | 55,000 – 75,000 | Moderate |
| Agriculture & Vet Sci | 30,000 – 45,000 | 65,000 – 85,000 | Very High |
Conclusion
Choosing the right course in Australia is not just about what sounds good on paper, it is about what fits your passion, future plans, and budget. Whether you see yourself in a hospital ward, designing the next big app, teaching kids, or managing a global brand, there’s a path for you here.
Australia offers more than just a degree, it gives you hands-on experience, multicultural learning, and a real shot at building your future. The courses listed above are popular for a reason, they open doors. Now it’s on you to take the first step.
Still unsure? That’s totally okay. Take your time, talk to advisors, compare universities, and picture the life you want. Your journey starts with one smart decision, make it count.
Related Post:
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- Cost of Living in Australia for International Students
- Top Cities in Australia for International Students
- Affordable Cities for International Students in Australia
- Upcoming Intakes in Australia 2025-2026
- Best Courses in Australia After 12th
- 5 Top Apps to Boost Your Budget
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the most popular courses for international students in Australia?
Business, Engineering, IT, Nursing, and Hospitality are among the most sought-after courses for international students in 2025.
2. Which course is best for PR in Australia?
Courses in Nursing, IT, Engineering, and Social Work offer high chances of permanent residency due to skill shortages.
3. What is the average tuition fee for studying in Australia?
Tuition fees range from AUD 20,000 to 55,000 per year depending on the course and university.
4. Which course in Australia has the highest salary after graduation?
Information Technology tops the list, with average graduate salaries reaching up to AUD 120,000 per year.
5. Are Australian degrees valid globally?
Yes, degrees from Australian universities are recognized worldwide, especially in English-speaking countries.
6. Which universities are best for business and management in Australia?
University of Melbourne, UNSW, and Monash University are top-ranked for business studies.
7. Can I work while studying in Australia?
Yes, international students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the semester and full-time during breaks.
8. Is engineering a good course to study in Australia?
Absolutely. Engineering is PR-listed and offers strong job prospects, especially in civil and software branches.
9. What are the top universities for nursing in Australia?
The University of Sydney, Griffith University, and Deakin University offer leading nursing programs with clinical placements.
10. How long are undergraduate courses in Australia?
Most bachelor’s degrees take 3 years, but some programs like engineering may take 4 years.
11. Which course is best for getting a job quickly in Australia?
IT, Nursing, and Engineering have the highest post-study employment rates, often within 6 months of graduation.
12. What is the cost of studying hospitality in Australia?
Tuition for hospitality programs ranges from AUD 20,000 to 35,000 per year.
13. Which course is best for creative students?
Design and Creative Arts, including animation, graphic design, and UI/UX, are ideal for artistic students.
14. Can I switch courses after coming to Australia?
Yes, but you must meet visa and academic requirements. Always consult your university and immigration advisor first.
15. Are scholarships available for international students in Australia?
Yes, many Australian universities offer merit-based and need-based scholarships for international students.