Best Courses to Study in Australia in 2024

Australia stands tall among global educational destinations. Several (read: almost all) Australian universities consistently land in world university rankings every year. The quality of education and the international recognition of degrees from Australian institutions make it popular among students worldwide. If you’re keen to be among that number, why not start by exploring the best courses to study in Australia in 2024?

What Should I Study in Australia?

There are thousands of courses to choose from when studying in Australia. Our shortlist of popular courses in Australia takes into consideration several key criteria.

Academic Reputation: Our recommendations reflect the global reputation of the university and the specific programs. These courses align with the industry needs, demands, and trends of the present-day and near future. These programs all develop a strong foundation and practical skills in their field.

Graduate Employability: Opting for a course in high demand increases your chances of employment and potential for permanent residency in Australia. The best courses to study in Australia offer a balance of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. They take into account industry needs and trends, ensuring you are career-ready with the skillsets that make you an easy hiring decision for employers.

Resources & Industry Connections: The university’s facilities, research opportunities, and industry connections are also an important consideration. A supportive learning environment, state-of-the-art resources and facilities, and collaboration with professionals enhance the overall educational experience.

Now, let’s have a look at some of the popular courses in Australia to consider for 2024:

1. Computer Science

Spotlight University: The University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne’s Computer Science programs offer an innovative academic experience. At diploma, undergraduate, and graduate levels, the curriculum guarantees that you have both academic understanding as well as the practical abilities to stand out in the competitive global market.

In fact, the University of Melbourne is the leading Australian university for Computer Science & Information Systems, according to QS World University Rankings 2023.The curriculum covers core areas like algorithms, artificial intelligence, and software engineering. Below is a brief breakdown of programs the School of Computing and Information Systems offers:

Undergraduate	Graduate
Bachelor of Science: • Computer & Software Systems Major • Data Science Major • Spatial Systems Major	Graduate Coursework Programs: Master of: • Information Systems • Information Technology • IT Management (Executive) • Applied Data Analytics • Computer Science • Data Science • Mechatronics Engineering • Science (Bioinformatics) • Software Engineering • Spatial Engineering
Bachelor of Design: • Computer & Software Systems Major • User Experience Design • Spatial Systems Major	Research Degrees: • Master of Philosophy (Engineering) • Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering)

You’ll gain hands-on experience through projects and internships. Also, you have the opportunity to collaborate on advanced research. This will prepare you for a range of roles in the tech industry.

At undergraduate level, tuition fees range between AUD 39,552 and AUD 53,016 per year. And for postgrad, you’ll need about AUD 52,800 per year as tuition fees.

If the tuition fees are making you fret, don’t write off these courses just yet. There are different scholarship options available for the program too! Here are some of your options:

• International Undergraduate Scholarships

• Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships (MGRS)

• Science Graduate International Scholarship

• Melbourne International Fee Remission Scholarships (MIFRS)

• John and Allan Gilmour Research Awards

Other Top Computer Science Programs to Consider in Australia

University Name	Undergraduate	Postgraduate
University of Technology Sydney	• Enterprise Systems Development Courses • Computer Graphics & Animation	• Enterprise Software Engineering Specialization • Computer Graphics & Games • Business Intelligence Specialization
University of Adelaide	Bachelor of: • Computer Science • Mathematical and Computer Sciences • Media with Bachelor of Computer Sciences • Information Technology	Master of: • Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning • Computer Science • Computing & Innovation • Cyber Security • Data Science
Macquarie University	Bachelor of: • Information Technology • Cyber Security • Game Design & Development	Master: • Data Science • Information Systems Management • Information Technology in Artificial Intelligence

2. Data Science 

Spotlight University: The University of New South Wales (UNSW)

Studying Data Science at UNSW means learning from the best. This program holds one of the top spots in Australia in the discipline. The UNSW ranks in the global top 50 for Mathematics, Engineering & Technology, and Economics & Econometrics. You’ll access the multidisciplinary expertise and resources of UNSW’s Science, Engineering, and Business School studying a data science program at this university.

At UNSW, you can choose from the following data science routes:

Undergraduate	Postgraduate
Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions	• Master of Data Science • Master of Data Science & Decisions • Graduate Certificates and Diplomas Postgraduate Research:  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) • Masters by Research

The future is promising for aspiring Data Scientists. The professional demand for Data Scientists is booming across various industries. Career opportunities in data science extend from start-ups to established giants like Coles, AirBnB, Spotify, Netflix, and Greenpeace, offering a diverse range of exciting prospects.

Career prospects include roles such as Data Consultant, Business Insights, Analytics Manager, Data Analyst, and Marketing Data Scientist. With the prevalence of data running through every professional space and industry, you’re set up for career success with a data science degree from UNSW.

The tuition fee for studying Data Science at UNSW at undergraduate level is AUD 46,885 for the first year, as of 2023. At graduate level, the first-year fee for a Master’s degree is AUD 47,240 at the time of writing.

The UNSW also offers scholarship options to make these best courses to study in Australia more financially viable. Some of your options are:

• International Scientia Coursework Scholarship

• Australia’s Global University Award

• India Future of Change Scholarship

• UNSW College Award

• International Student Award

Other Top Data Science Programs to Consider in Australia

University Name	Undergraduate	Postgraduate
Swinburne University of Technology	Bachelor of Data Science	Master of Data Science
RMIT University	Bachelor of Data Science	Master of Data Science
La Trobe University	Bachelor of Information Technology	Graduate Diploma in Data Science Master of Data Science

3. Finance 

Spotlight University: Monash University

A Bachelor of Finance at Monash University equips you with technical and analytical skills to navigate the intricate world of finance. The curriculum includes cash flow, asset and risk management, capital markets, stock portfolios, international finance, and forecasting and budgeting. The courses aim at fulfilling the needs of banks, financial institutions, and major public and private companies.

Finance is one of the backbones of modern economy and business. With Monash’s industry-aligned programs, you will find yourself with diverse career opportunities thanks to the relevant, specialized knowledge and skill you will bring to the workforce.

Throughout the course, you will develop the ability to create financial policies and innovative products, tackle complex financial issues, and adeptly utilize mathematical models. The program structures around four key themes:

• Foundation Commerce Knowledge

• Specialist Discipline Knowledge

• Capstone Experience

• Free Elective Study

The full fee for studying the Bachelor of Finance at Monash University in 2024 is AUD 52,200.

Monash University offers a diverse range of scholarships, with over 360 types totalling up to $280,000. These scholarships include one-off payments or continued support throughout your course. Here are a few for you to consider:

• Monash Master of Financial Mathematics Scholarship

• Monash University International Research Scholarship (MUIRS)

• Monash Business School International Pathway Scholarship

• Monash International Merit Scholarship

• Monash International Leadership Scholarship

Other Top Finance Programs to Consider in Australia

University Name	Undergraduate	Postgraduate
University of Sydney	Bachelor of: • Commerce • Commerce & Bachelor of Laws • Commerce & Advanced Studies	Master of Commerce
University of Queensland	Bachelor of: • Advanced Finance & Economics (Honours) • Bachelor of Commerce • Bachelor of Advanced Business	Master of: • Business Analytics • Finance and Investment and Management
Deakin University	Bachelor of: • Commerce • Commerce/Bachelor of Laws • Commerce/Bachelor of Business Analytics	Master of: • Commerce • Finance • Business Administration • Professional Accounting

4. Engineering 

Spotlight University: Australian National University (ANU)

ANU is in the global top 100 best universities in the world for Engineering, according to QS Top Universities. ANU engineering graduates stand among the world’s most employable. For five consecutive years, ANU has secured the top spot in Australia in the Times Higher Education Global University Employability Ranking.

Careers in engineering are vast, with high demand in Australia and overseas. ANU engineering graduates bring exceptional value to employers. The programs the ANU School of Engineering offers includes some of the best courses to study in Australia, such as:

Undergraduate	Postgraduate
Bachelor of: • Engineering (Honours) • Engineering (R&D) (Honours) • Engineering (Honours) in Software Engineering	Master of Engineering in: • Electrical Engineering • Mechatronics • Renewable Energy

ANU graduates find success in various organizations, including IBM, Northrop Consulting Engineers, Department of Defence, Energy Australia, CEA Technologies, and Ford, to name a few.

For the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) program and Master of Engineering programs, the annual indicative fee rounds up to AUD 50,760.00 at the time of writing.

Some scholarship opportunities at ANU for you to explore include:

• Chancellor’s International Scholarship

• College of Engineering and Computer Science International Postgraduate Merit Scholarship

• College of Engineering and Computer Science International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship

• Research School of Engineering Top-Up Scholarships

• Australia Awards Scholarships

• Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarships

Other Top Engineering Programs to Consider in Australia

University Name	Undergraduate	Postgraduate
Monash University	Bachelor of: • Engineering • Engineering & Architectural Design	Master of: • Engineering • Engineering Sciences • Professional Engineering • Transport & Mobility Planning
University of Wollongong	Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in: • Architectural Engineering • Biomedical Engineering • Civil Engineering • Electrical & Electronics Engineering • Materials Engineering • Mechanical Engineering • Mining Engineering	Master of Engineering in: • Civil Engineering • Electrical Engineering • Materials Engineering • Mechanical Engineering • Mechatronic Engineering • Mining Engineering
Curtin University	Bachelor of: • Engineering • Civil & Construction Engineering & Mining • Engineering & Science • Mechatronic Engineering • Mechanical Engineering	Master of: • Engineering Management • Professional Engineering

5. Business Analytics 

Spotlight University: University of New South Wales (UNSW)

Studying Business Analytics at the UNSW Business School is a strategic decision with plenty of compelling advantages. The UNSW Business School stands as one of the leadings business education institutions in the Asia Pacific, holding the prestigious rank of #1 in Australia, #2 in the Asia Pacific, and #16 globally in Information Systems according to the Association of Information Systems (AIS).

UNSW’s business analytics programs explore the complexities of gathering, interpreting, and utilizing data insights. Aside from statistical modeling, programming, and database management, the curriculum emphasizes ethical and legal challenges in data governance. You get a comprehensive framework that allows you to bridge the gap between business problem solvers and technical experts.

To study Business Analytics at UNSW Business School, you can explore various undergraduate and postgraduate study options, including:

Undergraduate	Postgraduate
Bachelor of: • Actuarial Studies • Commerce (including Honours/International/Co-Op options) • Economics	Master of: • Commerce • Analytics • Human Resource Analytics

The business analytics field is burgeoning, with over 100,000 professionals currently occupying in roles such as business analysts, data analysts, statisticians, and management analysts. The demand is growing substantially, soon to reach over 115,600 professionals in the sector by 2026, according to Jobs and Skills Australia.

The International Institute of Business Analysis identifies business analytics as a key function in various corporate job titles. A Business Analytics degree is easily one of the best courses to study in Australia.

The annual indicative fee for international students in bachelor’s programs falls around AUD 45,955 as of the time of writing. For Master’s degrees, the indicative fee per year is around AUD 48,690.

Some scholarship opportunities for prospective Business Analytics students include:

• UNSW Business School International High Achievers Scholarship

• Australia Awards Scholarships

• UNSW Global Academic Awards

Other Top Business Analytics Programs to Consider in Australia

University Name	Undergraduate	Postgraduate
University of Western Australia	Bachelor of Business Analytics	Master of Business Analytics
University of Adelaide		Master of Business Analytics
La Trobe University	Bachelor of Business Analytics	Master of Business Analytics

Study in Australia General Requirements

So, if you’re ready to pursue further study in Australia, have a look into the general requirements for an Australian degree!

Requirement	Undergraduate Study	Graduate Study
Educational Qualification	Completion of secondary education (e.g., high school diploma, A-levels)	Relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification.
Minimum GPA	Varies by university and program. Typically 2.5 – 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.	Varies by university and program. Typically 3.0 – 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
English Language Proficiency	IELTS: Overall 6.0 – 7.0 or equivalent.	IELTS: Overall 6.5 – 8.0 or equivalent.
Academic Prerequisites	Completion of prerequisite subjects (e.g., mathematics, science).	Some programs may require specific undergraduate coursework or experience.
Work Experience	Not typically required for admission.	Some programs may require relevant work experience in the field.
GRE/GMAT	N/A	Some programs may require standardized test scores.

Rounding Up

If we tried to go into all the best courses to study in Australia, we would be here for years. After all, practically all of Australia’s universities are world-ranking. The thousands of programs to choose from build upon pioneering research, industry demands, and a commitment to the highest academic standards. Our list just gives you a taste of your options. If you are keen to explore programs matching your preferences and requirements, contact Gradstar Global for our personalized recommendations!