Best Courses to Study in Australia With High Job Demand (2026)

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 2026?

Why 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, aligning with the job market demands projected for 2026 and beyond.

• 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, especially in high-growth areas like Healthcare, IT, and Engineering. These programs all develop a strong foundation and practical skills in their field.

• Graduate Employability & PR Pathways: Opting for a course in high demand, such as Nursing or IT, significantly 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 important considerations. A supportive learning environment, state-of-the-art resources and facilities, and collaboration with professionals enhance the overall educational experience.

Popular Courses In Australia To Consider For 2026

1. Computer Science & IT (Including AI & Cybersecurity)

Spotlight University: The University of Melbourne (QS 2026 Rank: #19)

The University of Melbourne’s Computer Science programs offer an innovative academic experience. At the diploma, undergraduate, and graduate levels, the curriculum guarantees that you have both academic understanding and the practical abilities to stand out in the competitive global market, particularly in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity. In fact, the University of Melbourne consistently ranks as one of the leading Australian universities for Computer Science & Information Systems. The curriculum covers core areas like algorithms, software engineering, AI, and data science. Below is a brief breakdown of the programs the School of Computing and Information Systems offers:

You’ll gain hands-on experience through projects and industry placements. This will prepare you for a range of high-demand roles in the growing Australian tech industry.

At the undergraduate level, typical tuition fees range between AUD $45,000 and AUD $58,000 per year for 2026 entry. For postgrad, you’ll need about AUD $55,000 to AUD $65,000 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

2. Data Science & Business Analytics

Spotlight University: The University of New South Wales (UNSW) (QS 2026 Rank: #20)

Studying Data Science or Business Analytics 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 Engineering & Technology and Accounting & Finance. You’ll access the multidisciplinary expertise and resources of UNSW’s Science, Engineering, and Business School while studying a data science program at this university.

At UNSW, you can choose from the following in-demand routes:

The future is promising for aspiring Data Scientists and Business Analysts, with demand booming across industries like Finance, Health, and Logistics. 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 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-focused degree from UNSW.

The indicative tuition fee for studying Data Science at UNSW at the undergraduate level is around AUD $50,000 for 2026. At the graduate level, the first-year fee for a Master’s degree is around AUD $52,000 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

Other Top Data Science Programs to Consider in Australia

3. Engineering (Civil, Software & Renewable)

Spotlight University: Australian National University (ANU) (QS 2026 Rank: #32)

ANU is in the global top 50 best universities in the world for Engineering, according to QS Top Universities. ANU engineering graduates stand among the world’s most employable. For multiple consecutive years, ANU has secured a top spot in Australia in the Global University Employability Ranking.

Careers in engineering are vast, with high demand in Australia and overseas, particularly in Civil, Software, and Renewable Energy fields due to national infrastructure and sustainability projects. ANU engineering graduates bring exceptional value to employers. The programs the ANU School of Engineering offers include some of the best courses to study in Australia, such as:

ANU graduates find success in various high-profile organisations, including IBM, Northrop Consulting Engineers, Department of Defence, and Energy Australia, to name a few.

For the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) program and Master of Engineering programs, the annual indicative fee rounds up to AUD $53,500 for 2026 entry.

Some scholarship opportunities at ANU for you to explore include:

• Chancellor’s International Scholarship

• College of Engineering and Computer Science International Postgraduate Merit Scholarship

• Australia Awards Scholarships

• Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarships

Other Top Engineering Programs to Consider in Australia

 

4. Finance & Financial Technology (FinTech)

Spotlight University: Monash University (QS 2026 Rank: #36)

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, with a growing emphasis on FinTech and digital finance.

Finance is one of the backbones of the modern economy and business. With Monash’s industry-aligned programs, you will find yourself with diverse career opportunities thanks to the relevant, specialised knowledge and skills 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 utilise mathematical models. The program is structured around four key themes:

• Foundation Commerce Knowledge

• Specialist Discipline Knowledge

• Capstone Experience

• Free Elective Study

The full indicative fee for studying the Bachelor of Finance at Monash University in 2026 is around AUD $55,000.

Monash University offers a diverse range of scholarships, with options for 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

Other Top Finance Programs to Consider in Australia

5. Nursing & Healthcare

Spotlight University: University of Sydney (QS 2026 Rank: #25)

Nursing & Healthcare is one of Australia's highest-growth and most secure sectors, projected to add over 580,000 new jobs by 2034. The University of Sydney is renowned for its Nursing and Health Sciences programs, which consistently rank highly globally. Their programs are specifically designed to address the critical national shortage of healthcare professionals, providing strong career security and pathways to permanent residency.

The curriculum covers essential areas like acute care, aged care, mental health support, and clinical management. Students gain extensive hands-on experience through mandatory clinical placements in world-class hospitals and community settings.

To study Nursing & Healthcare at the University of Sydney, you can explore various undergraduate and postgraduate study options, including:

The high demand for qualified Registered Nurses makes this one of the best courses for immediate and long-term employability in Australia. The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse often exceeds AUD $80,000.

The indicative annual fee for international students in a Bachelor of Nursing falls around AUD $50,000 for 2026 entry. For Master’s degrees, the indicative fee per year is around AUD $55,000.

Some scholarship opportunities for prospective Nursing students include:

• University of Sydney International Scholarships

• Australia Awards Scholarships

• Faculty of Medicine and Health Scholarships

Other Top Nursing & Healthcare Programs to Consider in Australia

Study in Australia: General Requirements

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

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-renowned. The thousands of programs to choose from build upon pioneering research, industry demands, and a commitment to the highest academic standards. Our list focuses on high-growth, high-employability fields like IT, Engineering, and Healthcare. If you are keen to explore programs matching your preferences and requirements, contact Gradstar Global for our personalised recommendations!