A civil engineering specialisation in STEM explores the science, fundamentals and techniques of construction and maintenance. Not only is it a dynamic field that enables students to work on different projects and avenues, but it also offers job stability, high pay, and opportunities for rapid career advancement. Thus, a civil engineering masters in Australia can truly enhance your resume manifold.
However, why choose Australia? Although we discuss it in-depth further in our guide, it is worth mentioning that Australia has several world-class universities, top-notch facilities and up-to-date technology that has made it a popular choice among international students in recent years. Our guide here contains details about the course, colleges, fees, cost of living and everything else you need to know about pursuing a civil engineering master’s in Australia!
Why Study In Australia?
As mentioned above, studying abroad in Australia is a popular choice among international students for higher education. It is essential to explore the reasons for this, as the location you choose for your degree can affect your career path to a large extent. Listed here are some of the top reasons why Australia is recommended.
- A master’s degree in civil engineering is usually 2 years long in Australian universities and can be pursued both full-time and part-time.
- The educational institutes that offer this specialisation have been ranked among the top universities across the globe.
- They have cutting-edge technology and the latest equipment to introduce students to techniques and workings of the industry.
- Students gain industrial and practical exposure, which helps them gain additional skills and experience.
- Students can build a strong network and connect with experts worldwide.
- International students can work up to 20 hours a week while studying to support their finances and living expenses.
- Students can avail of several types of financial aid, like scholarships, grants and awards, through the Australian government and the universities.
Best Universities For Civil Engineering Masters In Australia
Choosing the right university is a crucial step while exploring the process to study master’s in Civil Engineering in Australia. Since civil engineering has many intricate topics and a detailed curriculum, an apt college with suitable facilities, faculty, equipment and teaching techniques is essential. Consider the following list of some of the top universities for master’s in civil engineering in Australia, along with their global rankings in this specific domain.
| University | QS World Rankings | The average duration of a master’s course in civil engineering |
| University of New South Wales | 16 | 2 years |
| University of Melbourne | 25 | 3 years |
| University of Sydney | 17 | 2 years |
| Monash University | 42 (overall) | 2 years |
| University of Queensland | 45 | 2 years |
| Western Sydney University | 375 (overall) | 2 years |
| RMIT University | 51 – 100 | 2 years |
| University of Western Australia | 51 – 100 | 2 – 3 years |
| University of Adelaide | 36 | 2 years |
| University of Technology Sydney | 50 – 75 | 1.5 years |
Course Structure
Civil engineering focuses on the core and fundamentals of infrastructure. Right from roads, railways, buildings, and bridges to airports, dams and tunnels, everything that comes under building and maintaining infrastructure is handled by civil engineers. While it involves basic sciences like mathematics, physics and mechanics, the curriculum also includes tackling complex issues and obstacles, problem-solving, finding creative outcomes, and critical thinking.
A civil engineering master’s in Australia is usually 2 years long. However, depending on the specialisations and curriculum, it could take 1 – 3 years. Under civil engineering, students can pick some of the top specialisation options mentioned below.
- Structural Engineering
- Engineering Construction
- Project Management
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Water Engineering
- Transport Engineering
Eligibility Criteria & Admission Requirements
Exploring the necessities for a master’s in civil engineering in Australia for international students includes one key factor – eligibility. Considering this is essential since you could find the ideal university and specialisation but may fall short of the eligibility criteria. Ultimately, the requirements vary from university to university. Still, we can derive some basic prerequisites you will need while applying anywhere.
- A minimum of 75% or equivalent in a 4-year bachelor’s degree in relevant subjects.
- All official academic transcripts
- Scores of standardised tests
- Scores of English language proficiency tests
- Statement of purpose (Minimum 500 words)
- Letter of recommendation (minimum 1 academic and 2 professional)
- Details of work experience (may not be mandatory)
- CV/Resume
- Financial documents
- Visa documents and a valid passport
Submitting the results of standardised tests and English proficiency tests is mandatory in all universities. Also, scoring high on these tests can give you the upper hand in an otherwise competitive scenario. Check out the minimum required scores in the following table.
| Exam | Minimum required score |
| IELTS | 6.5 overall6.0 in each band |
| TOEFL | 85 overall17 in reading 19 in listening and speaking each |
| PTE | 61 |
| GRE | 305 |
As mentioned above, this information varies in different universities and colleges. Thus, it is advisable to go through the university’s official website and find their eligibility criteria and admission requirements.
Admission Process
Explore the curriculum, course structure, duration and topics in-depth. Once you’re certain that a civil engineering master’s in Australia is ideal for you, you can move on to the actual admission process. Here’s how to apply and enrol in an Australian university, broken down in detailed steps.
- First and foremost, ensure that you have researched thoroughly and shortlisted the right universities for your degree. Explore the specialisations, electives and minors they have that will positively supplement your transcripts.
- Browse the university’s official website for all available information on their admission requirements and application process. Find out if you fit their specific eligibility criteria.
- It is equally essential to consider the acceptance rate of the university, available seats and intakes. Australian universities typically have two intakes – February and July.
- Apply through the official admission portal by creating an account and adding your personal and educational credentials.
- Upload the official documents, transcripts, letters of recommendation and personal essays. Ensure that the details you input match those on your documents.
- You may have to pay an application fee. Some colleges have a fee waiver based on financial background that students can apply for.
- Universities typically respond in four to six weeks. Fulfil their requirements, like paying a portion of your first-year fee, and confirm your enrolment.
- Once done, begin the processing for the visa.
Master’s In Civil Engineering In Australia Fees
Pursuing a master’s or MS in civil engineering in Australia has several essential aspects, one of which is finances. To make sure that these don’t pose an obstacle in your pursuit of higher education, it is advisable to consider the average fees and prepare beforehand. The average annual tuition fee for a civil engineering master’s in Australia is approximately AUD 46,863. Check out the following table for the average annual cost of tuition, along with the cost of living in that city.
| University | Average Annual Fees | Average Annual Cost Of Living |
| University of New South Wales | AUD 36,500 | AUD 23,820 |
| University of Melbourne | AUD 50,000 | AUD 26,832 |
| University of Sydney | AUD 50,500 | AUD 23,820 |
| Monash University | AUD 50,400 | AUD 22,152 |
| University of Queensland | AUD 47,770 | AUD 28,896 |
| Western Sydney University | AUD 35,245 | AUD 26,868 |
| RMIT University | AUD 43,200 | AUD 22,152 |
| University of Western Australia | AUD 70,000 | AUD 26,832 |
| University of Adelaide | AUD 48,500 | AUD 31,104 |
| University of Technology Sydney | AUD 36,520 | AUD 23,820 |
Students should note that these figures are average values and the actual costs may vary depending on the intake, credits, specialisation or available seats. Thus, it is recommended to verify the actual tuition fee through the official websites of the universities.
Cost Of Living In Australia
Tuition fees aren’t the only expense when it comes to the cost of studying civil engineering master’s in Australia. Students must also consider their living expenses. The average annual cost of living in Australia is AUD 26,832. The following table gives a deeper insight into how accommodation, commute, groceries, utilities and other factors contribute to this figure.
| Item | Cost of living in Australia (per month) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | AUD 800 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | AUD 1,754 |
| Transportation | AUD 150 |
| Food | AUD 780 |
| Utilities | AUD 205 |
| Groceries | AUD 68 |
| Clothes | AUD 153 |
| Entertainment | AUD 80 |
| Total Cost Of Living With Off-Campus Accommodation | AUD 2,236 |
| Total Cost Of Living With On-Campus Accommodation | AUD 3,190 |
| Annual Cost Of Living | AUD 26,832 |
Engineering Scholarships In Australia
The previous section gives us an in-depth insight into how expensive studying in Australia can be, especially for international students. To help them incur these expenses, the Australian government and universities offer several types of financial aid. These are typically awarded on the basis of academic excellence, leadership qualities, community service, and past records. Consider the following table for some of the most helpful scholarships that international students can avail of.
Also, scholarship details, like the application process, amount and deadline, are liable to change. However, students can verify these on the universities’ official websites.
| Type | Scholarships | Amount Awarded |
| Australian Government Scholarships | Australia Awards Scholarships | 100% tuition fee waiver + living expenses |
| Destination Australia Scholarships | AUD 15,000 | |
| Australia Research Training Programme Scholarship | Flexible amount that covers tuition and health insurance | |
| University Scholarships | University of Sydney International Scholarships | Flexible amount that covers tuition and living expenses |
| Adelaide Global Excellence Scholarships for International Students | 50% tuition fee waiver | |
| Charles Darwin University Vice-Chancellor’s International High Achievers Scholarships | Up to 50% tuition fee waiver | |
| University of New South Wales International Scholarships | Flexible amount that covers tuition fees and other studying costs. | |
| Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship | Up to AUD 1,20,000 | |
| Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology Scholarship | AUD 5,000 to AUD 20,000 |
Future Prospects
Pursuing a civil engineering master’s in Australia opens doors to rapid career growth and advancement opportunities. Civil engineering is currently a $106 billion industry as road and rail development projects are underway in several locations. Moreover, the number of working professionals in this field has almost doubled in the last 5 years. As a graduate, you can work in urban development, transport, water resources or mining. By enhancing your skill set and acquiring transferable skills, you can also work in project management, consulting, finance and business analysis.
We can get an accurate perspective of the scope of MS in civil engineering in Australia through the offered compensation. After completing this course, the average salary can range between AUD 56,000 to AUD 1,63,000 per year. Check out the popular job profiles and their average annual salaries in the table below.
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary |
| Geotechnical Engineer | AUD 83,500 |
| Project Manager | AUD 1,07,500 |
| Senior Civil Engineer | AUD 1,26,500 |
| Civil Engineer | AUD 80,000 |
Australian Work Permits And Visas
Once the admission process is completed and your enrolment is finalised, move on to the Australian student visa process. International students must apply for a subclass 500 visa, for which they have to pay an application fee of AUD 360 or INR 19,200. It is highly advisable to start the process after your admission is confirmed as soon as possible since it often takes time.
After graduation, students can apply for a Post Study Work visa, a subclass 485 visa, to start looking for appropriate jobs. This Temporary Graduate Visa allows students to continue working for 4 years. The application fee for this visa is AUD 160 or INR 8,533. After a period of 4 years, students can apply for a PR, depending on their eligibility.
FAQs
Q1. Is it easy to get PR in Australia for civil engineers?
Ans: Acquiring permanent residency usually takes time and resources. To gain one in Australia, applicants must meet the government’s eligibility criteria. However, once you fulfil that, you can conveniently gain a PR in Australia.
Q2. Which city is best for civil engineering jobs in Australia?
Ans: According to the current scenario, Sydney and Brisbane have the best scope for graduates with average salaries of AUD 96,200 and AUD 93,200. Companies in Melbourne offer an average salary of AUD 90,400. Thus, exploring a master’s in civil engineering in Australia Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane is recommended.
Q3. Which universities in Australia offer a master’s degree in civil engineering?
Ans: The University of Queensland, Western Sydney University, RMIT University, University of Western Australia, and University of Adelaide are some universities that offer a master’s degree in civil engineering.
Q4. How long does it typically take to complete a master’s in civil engineering in Australia?
Ans: A master’s degree in civil engineering in Australia is typically 2 years long.
Q5. Is work experience necessary for admission to a civil engineering masters in Australia?
Ans: The requirement for work experience varies depending on the university’s criteria and the selected course. It is recommended to verify the prerequisites on their official website.
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I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further