Australia is one of the top destinations for international students due to its high-quality education system, strong economy, and excellent job opportunities. Choosing to study in Australia, a degree with high employability prospects is crucial to securing a stable career and even potential permanent residency.
This blog will explore Australia’s most employable degrees, their job prospects, salary expectations, and future industry trends.
🔑 Key Highlights
- Australian students can find the most employable degree through five major fields which include medicine, engineering, IT, education, and law.
- PR advantage: Degrees on the Skilled Occupation List help with permanent residency.
- The employment landscape is evolving because cybersecurity, as well as data science and sustainability, are emerging as promising career choices.
Why Choosing the Right Degree Matters
Before diving into the most useful degrees in Australia, it’s essential to understand why your degree choice impacts your career:
✅ Job Availability – Some fields have higher demand than others.
✅ Salary Potential – Certain degrees lead to higher-paying jobs.
✅ Future-Proof Careers – Automation and AI are changing the job market.
✅ Migration Opportunities – Some degrees help with skilled visas (like the Skilled Occupation List).
Factors That Determine Employability in Australia
Before diving into specific degrees, it’s essential to understand the factors that contribute to employability:
1. Industry Demand
Degrees in sectors with high job demand offer better employment prospects.
2. Job Market Trends
Emerging industries and technological advancements create new opportunities.
3. Permanent Residency (PR) Pathways
Some degrees align with Australia’s Skilled Occupation List, making migration easier.
4. Salary Prospects
Higher-paying careers attract more graduates and offer financial stability.
5. Workplace Flexibility
Some careers allow remote or hybrid work, increasing job security.
6. Career Progression
Opportunities for promotions and further education influence employability.
Now, let’s explore the top employable degrees in Australia.
1. Medicine & Healthcare Degrees
Why It’s a Top Choice?
Australia’s ageing population and growing healthcare needs ensure strong demand for medical professionals. Jobs in this sector are highly secure and well-paid.
Most Employable Degrees:
- Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy
- Bachelor of Dentistry
Career Prospects:
- Doctors – Avg. salary: $150,000+
- Nurses – Avg. salary: $80,000−110,000
- Physiotherapists – Avg. salary: $70,000−95,000
Best Universities:
- University of Melbourne
- University of Sydney
- Monash University
2. Engineering Degrees
Why It’s a Top Choice?
Engineers are crucial for infrastructure, technology, and sustainability projects. Australia faces a shortage of skilled engineers, making this one of the best degrees in Australia for job security.
Most Employable Degrees:
- Bachelor of Civil Engineering
- Bachelor of Software Engineering
- Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Electrical Engineering
Career Prospects:
- Civil Engineers – Avg. salary: $85,000−120,000
- Software Engineers – Avg. salary: $90,000−140,000
- Mining Engineers – Avg. salary: $120,000+
Best Universities:
- University of New South Wales (UNSW)
- Australian National University (ANU)
- University of Queensland
3. Computer Science & IT Degrees
Why It’s a Top Choice?
With the rise of AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, IT professionals are in high demand. This is one of the best degrees for the future in Australia due to digital transformation across industries.
Most Employable Degrees:
- Bachelor of Computer Science
- Bachelor of Information Technology
- Bachelor of Cybersecurity
- Bachelor of Data Science
Career Prospects:
- Software Developers – Avg. salary: $90,000−130,000
- Data Scientists – Avg. salary: $100,000−150,000
- Cybersecurity Experts – Avg. salary: $110,000−160,000
Best Universities:
- University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
- RMIT University
- University of Melbourne
4. Business & Commerce Degrees
Why It’s a Top Choice?
Business degrees offer versatility, allowing graduates to work in finance, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship. This is one of the most employable degrees in Australia due to its broad applicability.
Most Employable Degrees:
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
- Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting/Finance)
- Bachelor of Economics
Career Prospects:
- Accountants – Avg. salary: $70,000−100,000
- Financial Analysts – Avg. salary: $90,000−130,000
- Marketing Managers – Avg. salary: $80,000−120,000
Best Universities:
- University of Sydney
- University of Melbourne
- University of Queensland
5. Education & Teaching Degrees
Why It’s a Top Choice?
Australia faces a teacher shortage, especially in STEM and regional areas. Teaching offers job stability and government benefits, making it one of the most useful degrees in Australia.
Most Employable Degrees:
- Bachelor of Education (Primary/Secondary)
- Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
Career Prospects:
- Primary School Teachers – Avg. salary: $75,000−110,000
- High School Teachers – Avg. salary: $80,000−115,000
Best Universities:
- Deakin University
- University of Melbourne
- University of New South Wales (UNSW)
6. Environmental Science & Sustainability Degrees
Why It’s a Top Choice?
With climate change and green energy initiatives, sustainability careers are booming. This is one of the best degrees for the future in Australia as the country shifts toward renewable energy.
Most Employable Degrees:
- Bachelor of Environmental Science
- Bachelor of Renewable Energy Engineering
Career Prospects:
- Environmental Scientists – Avg. salary: $75,000−110,000
- Sustainability Consultants – Avg. salary: $85,000−120,000
Best Universities:
- Australian National University (ANU)
- University of Queensland
- University of Western Australia
7. Law Degrees
Why It’s a Top Choice?
Law graduates have high earning potential and diverse career paths, including corporate law, criminal law, and policy-making.
Most Employable Degrees:
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- Juris Doctor (JD)
Career Prospects:
- Corporate Lawyers – Avg. salary: $100,000−200,000+
- Barristers – Avg. salary: $120,000−300,000+
Best Universities:
- University of Sydney
- University of Melbourne
- University of New South Wales (UNSW)
Conclusion
The best degree depends on your interests, job market trends, and PR goals. If your priority is securing a job quickly, consider fields like healthcare, engineering, IT, and education. If your long-term goal includes permanent residency, choose a profession listed on the Skilled Occupation List.
When selecting among the best degrees in Australia, consider:
🔹 Your interests & strengths – Passion leads to long-term success.
🔹 Job market trends – Opt for degrees with growing demand.
🔹 Salary & job security – Some fields offer better stability.
🔹 Migration opportunities – Check the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) if you plan to stay in Australia.
FAQ
1. What are the most in-demand jobs in Australia?
The most in-demand jobs include healthcare professionals, engineers, IT specialists, teachers, and finance experts.
2. Which degree offers the fastest PR pathway in Australia?
Healthcare, engineering, IT, and teaching degrees are commonly listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List, making PR applications easier.
3. Is an IT degree good for getting a job in Australia?
Yes, IT professionals are highly sought after, especially in fields like cybersecurity, software development, and data analytics.
4. What is the average salary for an engineer in Australia?
Engineers in Australia can earn between AU$80,000 – AU$130,000 per year, depending on their specialization and experience.
5. How do I choose the best degree for job security?
Select a degree that aligns with industry demand, salary prospects, and migration pathways to ensure better job security.
