10 Top Courses for International Students in Australia: From Eligibility to Employment – PFEC
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Many Indian students want a global degree that guarantees job security, PR pathways, and a better future. But with hundreds of options available, picking the right course can be overwhelming.
That’s why we created this guide. It highlights the top courses in Australia for Indian students—based on job demand, post-study work rights, and long-term PR potential. Whether you want to build a career in tech, healthcare, or business, this list of popular courses in Australia for international students will help you make a smart, confident choice.
1. Nursing and Healthcare
Why This Course Stands Out
Australia has a nationwide shortage of nurses and allied health professionals. Indian students who pursue these courses have a strong chance of securing jobs and PR.
Career Outcomes
After graduation, you can become a:
- Registered Nurse
- Aged Care Nurse
- Public Health Officer
These are job-oriented courses in Australia for Indian students, especially because they appear on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
Salary Insights
Average starting salary: AUD $65,000 – $85,000
Most graduates get employed soon after registering with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Top Universities in Australia Offering Popular Courses in Nursing
- University of Sydney
- Monash University
- Deakin University
- University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
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Expert Tip:
Make sure your nursing course is accredited by ANMAC (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council). This is mandatory for job registration and smooth visa processing.
2. Information Technology (IT) and Cybersecurity
Why This Course Is a Top Choice
Australia is investing heavily in digital infrastructure. Roles in cybersecurity, data science, and cloud computing are growing fast. For Indian students, IT is one of the best courses to study in Australia due to high job demand and global career flexibility.
Career Outcomes
You can work as a:
- Software Developer
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Cloud Engineer
These are job-oriented courses in Australia for Indian students, with direct PR pathways under the MLTSSL.
Salary Range
Average salaries range from AUD $70,000 to $100,000, depending on your role and skills.
Top Universities in Australia Offering Popular Courses in IT
- University of Melbourne
- UNSW Sydney
- RMIT University
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Expert Tip:
Choose IT programs that offer co-op placements or industry internships. These provide real-world skills and often lead to job offers before graduation.
3. Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical)
Why It’s One of the Top Courses in Australia for Indian Students
Australia needs engineers across construction, energy, and smart infrastructure. That makes engineering one of the top courses in Australia for Indian students with a strong migration advantage.
Career Opportunities
You can become a:
- Civil Engineer
- Electrical Systems Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
Many engineering roles are listed on the MLTSSL, which supports your skilled visa or PR application.
Salary Expectations
Fresh graduates earn between AUD $70,000 and $95,000, based on field and state. Salaries are higher in regional areas due to demand.
Top Australian Universities for Engineering Courses
- University of Sydney
- Monash University
- University of Queensland
- University of Adelaide
Expert Tip:
Pick a course accredited by Engineers Australia. It is essential for migration, licensing, and better employment chances.
4. Business and Management
Why It’s One of the Top Courses in Australia for Indian Students
Business and management programs, especially MBAs, are highly preferred by Indian students. These courses offer global recognition, strong return on investment, and clear PR outcomes. They are part of the list of popular courses in Australia for international students due to high job placement rates.
Specialisations and Career Scope
You can specialise in:
- Finance
- Marketing
- Supply Chain
- Human Resources
- International Business
These are job-oriented courses in Australia for Indian students with career options in banking, consulting, logistics, and corporate leadership.
Work-Integrated Learning
Most programs offer:
- Internships with Australian firms
- Co-op placements as part of your degree
- Capstone projects with real businesses
These enhance your resume and often lead to direct job offers.
Salary Range
MBA graduates earn between AUD $80,000 to $120,000 based on role and industry.
Top Universities in Australia Offering Popular Business Courses
- University of Melbourne (Melbourne Business School)
- UNSW Sydney
- Monash University
- Macquarie University
Expert Tip:
Apply to AACSB-accredited programs for better job recognition in Australia and abroad. These are preferred by global employers.
5. Data Science and Analytics
Why It’s One of the Best Courses to Study in Australia for Indian Students
Data is the backbone of every modern business. This makes Data Science one of the top courses in Australia for Indian students who want a future-proof, high-paying career.
What You’ll Learn
Courses cover:
- Python, R, SQL, and Tableau
- Machine learning, data mining
- Data visualisation and cloud platforms
Programs often include real-time case studies and industry-led capstone projects.
Career Opportunities
Graduates can work as:
- Data Analyst
- Data Engineer
- Machine Learning Specialist
- Business Intelligence Developer
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These are job-oriented courses in Australia with fast-growing roles across finance, retail, healthcare, and tech.
Salary Range
Data Science graduates earn between AUD $85,000 and $110,000 annually.
Top Australian Universities for Data Science
- University of Melbourne
- University of Sydney
- University of Queensland
- Deakin University
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Expert Tip:
Choose programs that offer internships or partnerships with tech firms. They give you hands-on experience and improve your employability.
6. Architecture and Construction Management
Why It’s One of the Top Courses in Australia for Indian Students
With rapid urban growth and a push for green infrastructure, Architecture and Construction Management are emerging as job-oriented courses in Australia for Indian students. These sectors offer long-term stability, creative roles, and regional migration benefits.
What You’ll Learn
Programs cover:
- Sustainable and eco-friendly design
- Urban planning and landscape architecture
- Project management and site coordination
- Construction technology and BIM software
These are practical, industry-linked courses that prepare students for real-world projects.
Career Scope
After graduation, you can work as:
- Architect
- Construction Project Manager
- Urban Planner
- Site Engineer
Regional cities like Geelong, Newcastle, and Darwin are hiring due to high infrastructure spending.
Salary Range
Entry-level salaries start from AUD $65,000 to $90,000, depending on your role and location.
Top Universities in Australia Offering Popular Courses in Architecture
- RMIT University
- University of Sydney
- Deakin University
- University of Newcastle
Expert Tip:
Choose a program in a regional area to gain extra PR points and increase your stay-back period after graduation.
7. Education and Teaching
Why It’s Among the Best Courses to Study in Australia for Indian Students
Australia is facing a national shortage of trained teachers, making this one of the best PR-linked and job-oriented courses in Australia for Indian students. It offers strong career growth, meaningful work, and PR eligibility.
Specialisations You Can Pursue
- Early Childhood Education
- Primary or Secondary Teaching
- Inclusive or Special Needs Education
Programs include supervised school placements that build classroom experience and boost employability.
Career Scope
Teaching is in demand across all Australian states, especially in:
- Regional towns
- Indigenous communities
- Special education settings
Courses aligned with MLTSSL improve your PR chances under Subclass 189 and 190.
Salary Range
Graduates earn AUD $70,000 to $95,000 depending on their teaching level and region.
Top Universities in Australia Offering Education Courses
- Monash University
- University of Queensland
- University of Wollongong
- Charles Sturt University
Expert Tip:
Select a course approved by your target state’s teacher registration authority. This speeds up certification and ensures a smooth transition into full-time teaching.
8. Hospitality and Tourism
Why It’s One of the Top Courses in Australia for Indian Students
Hospitality and tourism are among the most job-oriented courses in Australia for Indian students. With the tourism industry rebounding, skilled graduates are in high demand across Australia’s major cities and tourist hubs.
What You Learn
Courses include:
- Hotel and resort operations
- Food and beverage management
- Tourism marketing
- Event planning and guest services
Programs offer paid internships and industry placements to build hands-on experience.
Career Scope
You can work in:
- Hotels and luxury resorts
- Cruise lines and airlines
- Tourism boards and event firms
Popular roles include hotel manager, guest service agent, tour coordinator, and event planner.
Salary Range
Entry-level salaries start at AUD $50,000 and can rise to AUD $80,000 with experience.
Top Universities in Australia Offering Popular Hospitality Programs
- Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School
- Griffith University
- William Angliss Institute
- Torrens University
Expert Tip:
Choose institutions with strong industry partnerships. They increase your chances of placement in five-star hotels and global tourism firms.
9. Psychology and Social Work
Why It’s One of the Best Courses to Study in Australia for Indian Students
Mental health support and social care roles are growing across Australia, especially in regional and community settings. These courses combine purpose-driven work with solid PR pathways.
What You Learn
Programs cover:
- Counselling and therapy techniques
- Behavioural science and social policy
- Community support services
- Clinical psychology
All programs include practical placements and supervised field training.
Career Scope
After graduation, you can work in:
- Hospitals and mental health clinics
- Schools and rehabilitation centres
- NGOs and social service agencies
You can become a registered psychologist, counsellor, or licensed social worker.
Salary Range
Professionals earn AUD $65,000 to $95,000 depending on the role and location.
Top Universities in Australia Offering Psychology and Social Work Programs
- University of Melbourne
- Flinders University
- University of Sydney
- Deakin University
Expert Tip:
Ensure your program is accredited by AHPRA or AASW. This is essential for licensure and improves your PR chances after graduation.
10. Environmental Science and Sustainability
Why It’s One of the Top Courses in Australia for Indian Students
With a global push toward sustainability, Environmental Science is now a high-demand course in Australia. Indian students can build careers in climate policy, resource management, and green innovation—fields aligned with Australia’s long-term migration and environmental goals.
What You Learn
You’ll study:
- Climate change and sustainability
- Environmental law and policy
- Ecology and biodiversity
- Renewable energy systems
Most programs include fieldwork, lab research, and policy analysis.
Career Scope
Graduates find jobs as:
- Environmental officers
- Sustainability consultants
- Conservation scientists
- Climate policy analysts
Salary Range
Entry-level roles start at AUD $55,000. Senior roles can exceed AUD $100,000 with experience.
Top Universities in Australia Offering Environmental Science
- Australian National University
- University of Queensland
- James Cook University
- University of Tasmania
Expert Tip:
Choose courses linked to Australia’s regional environmental strategies. These programs often receive better funding and offer faster PR pathways.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Course for Your Future in Australia
Your course decides your future in Australia. This list of popular courses in Australia for international students is tailored to help Indian students select high-ROI programs with strong job and PR outcomes.
If you want to work in tech, support global health, or tackle climate change, Australia has the right course for you.
Final Tip:
Always check:
- If the course is on the MLTSSL
- The university’s ranking and industry links
- Available scholarships for Indian students
Still unsure? Talk to a PFEC expert and get a custom roadmap built around your goals.
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