Your guide to choosing a course that leads to strong career opportunities and potential PR pathways.
Why Study in Australia in 2026?
1. Nursing and Healthcare 🩺
Healthcare continues to dominate the Australian skilled occupation list. Courses like Bachelor of Nursing, Master of Public Health, and Allied Health programs (Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Medical Laboratory Science) are in high demand.
Why Nursing and Healthcare courses are in demand:
- Australia's aging population and ongoing healthcare workforce shortages.
- Strong PR prospects under the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
- Average annual salary is more than AUD $80,000 for registered nurses.
Popular universities to study Nursing and Healthcare:
- Australian Catholic University (ACU) – Excellent clinical placements and nationwide campuses.
- Deakin University – Industry-aligned and highly rated for nursing employability.
- Central Queensland University (CQU) – Strong in regional healthcare programs with PR pathways.
Want to become a healthcare professional in Australia? Book a free consultation with AECC.
2. Information Technology (IT) & Cybersecurity 💻
As industries digitise, IT professionals are more essential than ever. Courses in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Cybersecurity lead to high-paying jobs across all sectors.
Why IT and Cybersecurity courses are in demand:
- Businesses prioritising data security and automation.
- Government investment in digital infrastructure.
- Starting salaries from AUD $70,000 to $120,000.
- RMIT University – Leading in applied computing and cybersecurity.
- Torrens University – Modern IT programs with strong industry partnerships.
- University of New South Wales (UNSW) – Advanced AI and data analytics courses with strong global reputation.
Tip: Combine IT with Business Analytics for even more career flexibility.
3. Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Mining) 🏗️
Engineering fields are seeing a resurgence with Australia's focus on sustainability, infrastructure, and renewable energy projects.
Why Engineering courses are in demand:
- Growing construction and renewable sectors.
- Many roles are included in the Medium & Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- PR pathway opportunities for engineers.
Popular universities:
- University of Queensland (UQ) – Known for civil, environmental, and energy engineering.
- Monash University – Excellent graduate outcomes and global recognition.
- University of Newcastle – Highly rated for civil and mechanical engineering with strong industry integration.
4. Business Analytics and Data Science 📊
Courses in Business Analytics and Data Science are in high demand across finance, marketing, and tech industries.
Why Business Analytics and Data Science courses are in demand:
- Employers need professionals who can interpret and apply data insights.
- High salaries and flexibility across sectors.
- Available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Popular universities with Business Analytics and Data Science:
- Macquarie University – Strong focus on business analytics and financial data.
- RMIT University – Offers practical data science and analytics degrees.
- University of South Australia (UniSA) – Excellent graduate employability in analytics and management.
5. Psychology and Mental Health 🧠
Australia's growing focus on mental health and wellbeing has made psychology an emerging field with both research and applied opportunities.
Why Psychology and Mental Health courses in demand:
- Increasing investment in mental health services.
- Clinical psychologists are on the Skilled Occupation List.
- Clear postgraduate pathways for specialization.
Popular universities with Psychology and Mental Health courses:
- Australian Catholic University (ACU) – Focus on community and applied psychology.
- Griffith University – Strong postgraduate psychology and counselling pathways.
- University of Tasmania (UTAS) – Affordable, research-driven psychology degrees with regional PR advantages.
6. Environmental Science and Sustainability🌱
Climate change policies and renewable energy projects have pushed environmental studies into the spotlight.
Why are Environmental Science and Sustainability courses in demand:
- Strong government initiatives for sustainability.
- Jobs available in both public and private sectors.
- Average salaries range between AUD 70,000–100,000.
Popular universities:
- Australian National University (ANU) – Prestigious environmental and climate studies programs.
- Central Queensland University (CQU) – Practical environmental science and agricultural sustainability programs.
- Murdoch University – Known for renewable energy and environmental management degrees.
7. Research Degrees (Masters by Research/PhD) 🧪
Research degrees gained popularity as there are flexible research degrees that international students can take.
Why Research Degrees are in demand:
- Australia is heavily investing in research and innovation
- Specific research degrees have more flexibility for international students to apply
- PR advantage through employment in research or university sectors
Popular universities:
- University of Queensland – Globally recognized for multidisciplinary research.
- Australian National University (ANU) – Strong government and policy-linked research.
- Torrens University – Modern, student-focused PhD and research programs in applied fields.
8. Education and Teaching 👩🏫
Teachers — especially in early childhood, special education, and STEM — remain in shortage across many Australian states.
Why Education and Teaching courses are in demand:
- Consistent inclusion on skilled occupation lists.
- Government initiatives to attract international teaching talent.
- PR potential after gaining work experience.
Popular universities with Education and Teaching courses:
- Deakin University – Leading provider of teacher education and placements.
- Australian Catholic University (ACU) – Popular for early childhood and primary education.
- Charles Sturt University (CSU) – Regional locations offer bonus PR points and strong teaching pathways.
9. 🏗️ Construction Management and Architecture
The booming housing and infrastructure sectors make construction management and architecture two of the fastest-growing career paths.
Why Construction Management and Architecture courses are in demand:
- Large-scale infrastructure investments by the Australian government.
- Demand for project managers and design professionals.
- Median salary: AUD 90,000+.
Popular universities with Construction Management and Architecture:
- RMIT University – Offers design-led and construction management courses.
- University of New South Wales (UNSW) – Known for architecture and project management excellence.
- Curtin University – Strong construction management and quantity surveying programs.
10. Biotechnology and Life Sciences 🔬
With Australia's advanced healthcare research, biotech and biomedical science graduates are finding roles in research, pharmaceuticals, and diagnostics.
Why are Biotechnology and Life Sciences courses in demand:
- Global biotech innovation boom.
- PR and research career opportunities.
- Pathways to PhD and industry R&D jobs.
Popular universities:
- University of Queensland (UQ) – Globally recognized for biotechnology and biomedical science.
- Monash University – Renowned for pharmaceutical sciences and biotech innovation.
- Torrens University – Modern, applied biotechnology and health science programs.
When to Apply for the 2026 Intakes
Most Australian universities have two main intakes: February/March (Semester 1) and July/August (Semester 2). Some institutions also offer October/November intakes, ideal for postgraduate programs. Early applications (by mid-2025) are recommended to secure seats and scholarships.
Final Thoughts
At AECC, we help international students:
- Find the right university and course
- Get visa and scholarship guidance
- Build pathways to long-term success in Australia
Find your course - Book a FREE AECC counselling session with us
