STEM courses are currently on the rise, with the highest-paying jobs in the market. According to several experts, job profiles in the field of STEM are expected to increase in the coming years. Engineering is one such domain that falls under this sector. While it has several types of specialisations like electrical, chemical, and aerospace, mechanical engineering in Australia has gained quite a popularity in recent years. It consists of in-depth knowledge of dynamics, mechanics, product design and development, fluid mechanics and similar topics. If you think this field is ideal for you, you have reached the right place.
Australia is one of the top choices among international students when exploring higher education. However, first, you must know the admission process, application deadlines, fee structure and other details. Continue reading to learn all you need to know about pursuing mechanical engineering in Australia!
Why Study In Australia?
The location you choose for your education is one of the most vital aspects since it can make or break your career. Australia has several facilities, opportunities, a high standard of living and a mesmerising overall experience which entices international students to migrate there. Here are some of the top reasons why it might be apt for you.
- The Australian education system is quite flexible, allowing students to pursue their interests while simultaneously focusing on their degrees.
- If you choose to study mechanical engineering in Australia, you can experience the extensive industrial exposure, hands-on training, and practical guidance that STEM students must receive.
- Australia has some of the best mechanical engineering universities globally, with top-notch facilities and a solid global reputation.
- According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, career advancement and employment opportunities are expected to increase by 2% by 2031.
- More than 17,900 job profiles open up every year for graduates of mechanical engineering.
- Graduates of mechanical engineering in Australia acquire an average annual salary of AUD 85,000.
Best Mechanical Engineering Universities In Australia
Similar to location, institutes can also affect the scope of your development to a large extent, owing to their varying facilities and opportunities. It is essential to consider the best educational institutes first and explore the benefits they hold. Consider the following list of some of the top universities recommended for pursuing mechanical engineering in Australia.
| University | QS World Rankings | Times Higher Education Rankings |
| University of New South Wales | 50 | 70 |
| University of Melbourne | 54 | 33 |
| University of Sydney | 80 | 58 |
| Monash University | 58 | 57 |
| University of Queensland | 107 | 54 |
| Australian National University | 129 | 54 |
| RMIT University | 140 | 301 – 350 |
| Queensland University of Technology | 141 – 200 | 201 – 250 |
| University of Adelaide | 151 – 200 | 111 |
| University of Wollongong | 151 – 200 | 201 – 250 |
Course Structure
At its core, mechanical engineering is a course that enables students to design and develop devices, machinery and equipment through analysis and CAD (computer-aided design). A bachelor’s in mechanical engineering in Australia typically takes around 4 years. On the other hand, a master’s degree takes 2 years. Some of the popular topics that come under this curriculum are listed here.
- Operations Management
- Robotics
- Metallurgy
- Advanced Material Sciences
- Sustainable Manufacturing
- Engineering Business Management
- MATLAB
- CATIA
Along with these, students can choose from an array of different electives to enhance their portfolios and gain new skill sets. Some institutes also offer combined degrees where students can pursue a second degree in arts, commerce, science, health science, medical science, law or project management.
Eligibility Criteria & Admission Requirements
Once you finalise that pursuing mechanical engineering courses in Australia is an ideal career path for you, the next step is to explore the eligibility criteria. It is crucial to note that every university has different criteria and may have additional steps for enrolment, too. Verifying all the admission requirements is essential in order to ensure that they don’t pose a hurdle later in the admission process. Consider the following list for the common prerequisites.
| Requirements | Details |
| Bachelor’s degree | 10+2 education in mathematics, physics and relevant fields.A minimum grade of C or equivalent in Class 12. |
| Master’s degree | A bachelor’s degree in relevant subjects.A minimum of 65% aggregate. |
| English proficiency exams | IELTS: 6.5TOEFL: 60PTE: 50 |
| Standardised tests | GRE: 305 |
Other than the abovementioned requirements, applicants must keep a few documents ready for a smooth application process.
- All official academic transcripts
- Scores of standardised tests
- Scores of English language proficiency tests
- Statement of purpose (300 – 500 words)
- Letter of recommendation (minimum 2)
- Details of work experience (if applicable)
- Financial documents
- Visa documents and a valid passport
Admission Process
Universities typically have their own application portals, which students can access through their official websites. However, before applying, a few aspects, like the acceptance rate, total number of available seats, specialisations offered, intakes and interviews, must be taken into account. Once you’re sure your portfolio matches the university’s requirements, here’s how to apply for mechanical engineering in Australia.
- Start with the colleges and courses. Research and explore which mechanical engineering university in Australia is perfect for you, depending on your personal and professional interests.
- Once you’ve shortlisted the colleges, verify their eligibility criteria and other admission requirements to make sure you fulfil them.
- Consider the application intakes and deadlines. Apply as soon as the portals open so you can ensure there’s ample time for the Admissions Team to process your application.
- You may have to create an account to apply. Add in your personal and educational credentials to begin filling out the application. Ensure that your details match those on official documents to avoid discrepancies in later stages.
- Upload the necessary documents like academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, financial documents, etc.
- A minimal application fee may be charged.
- Complete the application and submit it. Universities typically respond within four to six weeks of application.
- You may have to pay some amount of the first-year tuition fee to confirm your enrolment at the university.
Cost Of Studying In Australia
Abroad education can often pose a burden on international students. On top of that, Australia, being a popular choice, can be expensive. To get an appropriate idea of the expenses of living abroad, consider two primary costs – the tuition fees and the cost of living. The average annual cost of tuition in Australia is around AUD 45,460. Consider the following table for detailed information about the mechanical engineering fees in Australia.
| University | Average Annual Fees | Average Annual Cost Of Living (AUD) |
| University of New South Wales | AUD 43,000 | AUD 23,820 |
| University of Melbourne | AUD 39,168 | AUD 26,832 |
| University of Sydney | AUD 53,500 | AUD 23,820 |
| Monash University | AUD 50,200 | AUD 22,152 |
| University of Queensland | AUD 47,264 | AUD 28,896 |
| Australian National University | AUD 44,184 | AUD 22,008 |
| RMIT University | AUD 42,200 | AUD 22,152 |
| Queensland University of Technology | AUD 47,200 | AUD 20,736 |
| University of Adelaide | AUD 48,500 | AUD 31,104 |
| University of Wollongong | AUD 39,456 | AUD 23,194 |
It is crucial to understand that the above figures are a mere estimate. The actual costs may vary depending on the intake, credits, specialisation or electives. Thus, it is wise to confirm these costs through the official websites of the universities.
The second cause of expenditure is the living expenditure. Accommodation, transportation, groceries, utilities, clothes and recreational activities are some of the factors that contribute to this figure. The average annual cost of living in Australia is AUD 26,832. The following table gives a deeper insight into each value.
| 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
To reduce the burden of expenses on international students who are pursuing mechanical engineering in Australia, the government and the universities offer several types of financial aid like scholarships, awards, and grants. These are usually awarded on the basis of qualities like academic credit, merit, past record, community services, leadership qualities and financial background. Some of the most helpful Australian scholarships for international students pursuing mechanical engineering are listed below. Students are advised to use the following list as a reference and visit the official website for more details, like deadlines and applications since these are liable to change.
| Type | Scholarships | Amount Awarded |
| 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 fee and other studying costs. |
Future Prospects
As previously mentioned in the above sections, mechanical engineering is a rising field in Australia, with job opportunities increasing daily. Universities offer different kinds of career support and guidance to help students shape their portfolios. For instance, building a resume, creating networks, getting internship opportunities, volunteering, and gaining practical experience. Thus, once students acquire different skills, they are free to work in any of the following industries after graduation.
- Materials Engineering
- Control Systems
- Production Planning
- Maintenance Planning
- Consumer Product Design
- Pollution Control
- Construction Engineering
- Structural Design
- Energy Generation And Conservation
- Transportation
- Robotic And Mechatronic Engineering
The average annual salary of a graduate of mechanical engineering in Australia is around AUD 85,000. Some of the popular job profiles among international students and their average compensation are listed in the following table.
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary |
| Mechanical Project Engineer | AUD 1,28,000 |
| Senior Mechanical Engineer | AUD 1,09,000 |
| Mechanical Design Engineer | AUD 75,000 |
| Mechanical Inspector | AUD 88,200 |
| Principal Mechanical Engineer | AUD 1,33,000 |
Australian Work Permits And Visas
Another vital aspect of completing your abroad journey is analysing the Australian student visa process. It is always recommended to begin the procedure as soon as possible after confirming your admission since it often takes time. International students are required to apply for a subclass 500 visa, for which they must pay an application fee of AUD 360 or INR 19,200.
After graduation, the Australian government issues a Temporary Graduate Visa, which is a subclass 485 visa, so students can start looking for appropriate jobs and 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. What are the top universities for studying mechanical engineering courses in Australia?
Ans: The University of New South Wales, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Monash University, University of Queensland, and Australian National University are some top universities for studying mechanical engineering in Australia.
Q2. How long does it typically take to complete a mechanical engineering degree in Australia?
Ans: In Australia, a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering takes around 4 years, whereas a master’s degree takes 2 years.
Q3. Are there scholarships available for international students studying mechanical engineering in Australia?
Australia Awards Scholarships, Destination Australia Scholarships, and Australia Research Training Programme Scholarship are some of the most helpful financial aid the Australian government offers. Universities also offer scholarships through their committees, like the University of Sydney International Scholarships, Adelaide Global Excellence Scholarships for International Students, Charles Darwin University Vice-Chancellor’s International High Achievers Scholarships, and University of New South Wales International Scholarships.
Q4. What are the key specialisations within mechanical engineering offered in Australia?
Ans: Students can select specialisations and electives from a large number of options. For instance, Operations Management, Robotics, Metallurgy, Advanced Material Sciences, Sustainable Manufacturing, and Engineering Business Management are a few examples.
Q5. What are the job prospects and salaries for mechanical engineers in Australia?
Ans: The average annual salary of a graduate of mechanical engineering in Australia is around AUD 85,000. Mechanical Project Engineer, Senior Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical Design Engineer, and Mechanical Inspector are some of the popular job profiles for mechanical engineering graduates among international students.
Thank you for reading our guide to pursuing Mechanical Engineering in Australia! Let us know your thoughts or queries in the comments section below!
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