Jun 25, 2025
In today’s world where innovation drives every industry, having a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) can open doors to incredible career opportunities. If you’re considering a future in these fields, Australia is a destination worth looking into.
With globally respected universities, practical learning environments, and a strong demand for STEM graduates, it’s no surprise that more international students are choosing to study here. So, why study in Australia for a STEM course? This blog breaks it all down for you - from top universities and eligibility requirements to tuition costs and career prospects. Whether you're planning your next academic move or just exploring your options, this guide will help you understand how studying STEM in Australia can set you up for a future full of possibilities.
Table of Content
If you’re planning to pursue STEM, Australia has plenty to offer. Here's why it's a smart choice:
Whether you want to pursue Engineering in Australia or explore fields like Artificial Intelligence, the universities here offer a wide range of STEM courses to suit your interests. Here are a few top options you can consider.
Australia is home to several top universities offering STEM courses to international students. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable options.
✅ The University of New South Wales - UNSW is known for its strong industry connections and practical approach to STEM education, especially in fields like engineering, computer science, and environmental studies. It's a great choice for students aiming for innovation-driven careers.
Estimated Tuition Fees:
| Program Level | Annual Tuition Fees *Indicative |
| Undergraduate | AUD 36,500 – AUD 45,600 |
| Postgraduate | AUD 36,500 – AUD 49,200 |
✅ Monash University - Monash University is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach and strong emphasis on research-led STEM programs. With globally recognized faculties in engineering, data science, and biotechnology, it offers students a dynamic environment to develop both technical expertise and innovative thinking.
Estimated Tuition Fees:
| Program Level | Annual Tuition Fees *Indicative |
| Undergraduate | AUD 44,290 – AUD 56,360 |
| Postgraduate | AUD 51,670 – AUD 59,360 |
✅The University of Queensland – The University of Queensland is a top choice for students seeking diverse STEM programs, ranging from engineering and IT in Australia to biotechnology and environmental science. With an acceptance rate of approximately 80%, this university offers a welcoming environment for international students.
Estimated Tuition Fees:
| Program Level | Annual Tuition Fees *Indicative |
| Undergraduate | AUD 34,550 – AUD 43,640 |
| Postgraduate | AUD 34,550 – AUD 43,640 |
✅ The University of Western Australia - UWA’s STEM programs are designed to equip students with the skills needed to excel in high-demand fields. The university's strong industry connections contribute to impressive employment outcomes, boasting a placement rate of 91%. This makes UWA a compelling choice for international students aiming to pursue research-driven STEM courses.
Estimated Tuition Fees:
| Program Level | Annual Tuition Fees *Indicative |
| Undergraduate | AUD 42,300 – AUD 55,000 |
| Postgraduate | AUD 42,202 – AUD 60,000 |
✅ The University of Adelaide - The University of Adelaide is a leader in STEM education, offering a collaborative environment where students engage with industry partners to tackle complex challenges. The university emphasises cross-disciplinary learning, enabling students to integrate knowledge across various scientific and technological domains.
Estimated Tuition Fees:
| Program Level | Annual Tuition Fees *Indicative |
| Undergraduate | AUD 36600 – AUD 40300 |
| Postgraduate | AUD 36600 – AUD 40300 |
Apart from these, Australia has numerous renowned universities offering STEM courses, providing students with a wide range of options to pursue their academic goals.
*Note: Tuition fees mentioned are approximate and may vary based on the specific program and academic year. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's advisable to consult the official university websites or contact us directly for personalised assistance.
The overall cost of education in Australia includes many more parameters than the tuition fees discussed above. Let's briefly understand the prominent expense categories involved when you study in Australia.
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (AUD) |
| Average Tuition Fees | AUD 35,000 per year |
| Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF) | Up to AUD365 per year |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | Approximately AUD438–AUD609 per year for singles |
| Student Visa Application Fee | AUD1,600 |
| University Application Fee | AUD50–AUD150 (varies by institution) |
| Course Materials & Equipment | AUD150–AUD1,500 per year |
| Living Expenses | AUD 29,710 per year |
Note: The above costs are approximate and can vary based on the university, course, city, and personal lifestyle choices
Some notable scholarships for international students pursuing STEM courses in Australia are as follows -
Eligibility requirements for STEM courses in Australia can vary slightly depending on the level of the program you wish to pursue. Below are the key criteria for undergraduate and postgraduate programs:
| Requirement | Undergraduate Programs | Postgraduate Programs |
| Academic Qualifications | Completion of 10+2 with subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Biology, depending on the course. | A relevant bachelor's degree in a STEM field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. |
| Standardized Tests | SAT or ACT scores may be required by some universities. | GRE or GMAT scores may be required, especially for engineering or management-related courses. |
| English Language Proficiency | IELTS score of at least 6.0 or TOEFL iBT score of 90. PTE may also be accepted by certain universities. | IELTS score of at least 6.5 or TOEFL iBT score of 90. PTE, may also be accepted by certain universities. |
| Work Experience | Not typically required. | May be required or advantageous for certain programs. |
| Additional Requirements | Valid passport and Australian student visa (Subclass 500). | Valid passport and Australian student visa (Subclass 500). |
When applying for STEM courses in Australia as an international student, you'll need to prepare a set of essential documents. Here's a straightforward checklist to guide you:
Now that you're familiar with the key aspects of STEM programs in Australia, let's quickly go through the simple and generic steps to apply for admission to these courses.
Just save yourself the hassle and focus on your studies - leave the admissions and other tedious procedures to us. Reach out now!
Pursuing a STEM degree in Australia can pave the way to exciting and lucrative jobs. Graduates in fields like engineering, IT, and data science are in high demand, with starting salaries often ranging between $70,000 and $75,000 per year. As you gain experience, these figures can increase significantly, reflecting the value and importance of STEM roles in today's job market. Here’s a peek into some of the most in-demand STEM roles and their average salaries.
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary (AUD) |
| Software Engineer | $80,000 – $120,000 |
| Data Scientist | $90,000 – $130,000 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $70,000 – $100,000 |
| Civil Engineer | $75,000 – $110,000 |
| Electrical Engineer | $75,000 – $105,000 |
| Environmental Scientist | $65,000 – $90,000 |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $90,000 – $130,000 |
Note: Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and specific industry sectors.
Navigating the vast array of STEM courses can be overwhelming. That's why KC Overseas Education offers free, personalised counselling to help you choose the right course and university. Our experienced counsellors simplify the process, ensuring you make informed decisions for a successful academic journey. |
Australian universities have two main intakes for STEM courses: Semester 1, which starts in February or March, and Semester 2, which begins in July. Each intake offers a range of programs.
A STEM degree opens doors to careers in tech, engineering, research, data science, and more, offering roles that drive innovation and problem-solving across industries.
Yes, many Australian universities offer internships and work placements as part of STEM programs, giving students valuable industry experience.
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, encompassing fields that focus on innovation, research, and technological advancement.