Popular Courses for International Students in Australia for 2026

What if one course could change your entire future abroad? When you choose one of the most popular courses for international students in Australia, you invest in a degree that leads somewhere- towards work, growth, and stability. Over 608,000 students chose Australia for higher education in 2024, and that number keeps rising. 

For an Indian student, planning to study abroad after 12th might feel stuck between passion and practicality. Which course gives you value for money? Which one leads to jobs or PR? etc. This guide breaks down the top courses for international students in Australia. The ones that are in demand and open doors for your future. Whether you love tech, people, business, or the planet, there’s a course in Australia waiting for you.

Why Australia Attracts International Students

Australia is one of the top picks for international education. Since 2006, India has left China behind as the leading source of international students. This points up Australia’s appeal as the top choice for Indian students who want to study abroad after 12th. So, why consider studying in Australia? Here are the key reasons.

• English-speaking environment: English is the primary language in the Australian Education system. So, there’s no fear of a language barrier in class or daily life. That’s why Indian students from English-medium backgrounds find it easier to adjust and feel at home.

• Strong support for during/post-study work: Australia acknowledges that international students need to earn while they learn. You’ll find plenty of student jobs available in Australia. You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the semester and full-time in your holidays. Once you finish your course, you can apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485). This gives you up to four years of full-time work rights. It is a great way to gain local experience and boost your career.

• Transparent PR pathways: Most of the top courses for international students in Australia match the Skilled Occupation List. Picking one of them spurs your chances of getting permanent residency. Fields like nursing, IT, and engineering are always in demand and lead straight to PR. So, if you aim to stay longer, choose a course that puts you on that pathway.

• Top-ranked universities and hands-on learning: According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, 36 Australian universities are among the best globally. These universities focus on practical learning, offer internships, and industry projects. Universities like Monash, UNSW, and Deakin are well-known worldwide and have strong ties with employers. Having a degree from these institutions can open doors to top-level job opportunities, sometimes even before you finish your studies.

Top 5 Popular Courses in Australia for 2026

These courses lead the pack in 2026 for job demand and PR opportunities. 

 

Now, let’s explore the five most popular courses for international students in Australia. 

Nursing & Health Science

Nursing is one of the most popular courses for international students in Australia. 22 Australian universities feature in QS WUR 2025’s top 200 for Nursing. The course includes essential clinical skills, patient care, mental health support, and medication management. You'll study anatomy, pharmacology, ethics, and professional communication. The curriculum supports hands-on learning through simulation labs and over 800 hours of clinical placement in hospitals and community settings.

Graduates work as registered nurses in hospitals, aged care, mental health, and community health services. Australia’s growing elderly population is driving demand in healthcare. Thus, nursing offers a secure, high-paying career with strong PR prospects.

If you’re compassionate, love helping others, and want a stable global career, nursing is ideal for you. Moreover, the program is popular because it has:

• Strong job market

• High employability right after graduation

• PR pathways in most Australian states

• Real-world experience through clinical placements

General Eligibility:

• Completion of Year 12 (CBSE/ICSE/State Boards) with a Minimum 65% in Class 12 (science stream preferred)

• English proficiency: IELTS 7.0 (no band below 7.0)

Popular Programs:

• Bachelor of Nursing at Deakin University

  • Start Date: March, July, November 2026
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Fees: AUD 42400

• Bachelor of Nursing at Swinburne University of Technology

  • Start Date: February, March 2026
  • Duration: 3 years
  • Fees: AUD 41240

Information Technology & Computer Science

Tech-driven careers are booming, and Australia is the place to start. IT remains one of the top fields for graduate employment across Australia. The program will suit you if you enjoy problem-solving, logical thinking, and innovation. Also, if you're passionate about tech and want a future-ready career, this is your space. 

IT programs cover programming, software development, databases, cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. You can learn to design, develop, and maintain tech systems while working on real-world projects and group assignments.

Internships and industry placements are a core part of the curriculum. Leading universities partner with companies like IBM, Microsoft, and Deloitte to help students gain practical experience before graduation.

You can work as a software engineer, cybersecurity analyst, IT consultant, data analyst, or cloud architect. Starting salaries typically fall between AUD 70,000 and 90,000. 

Popular Courses:

• Information Technology at The University of Queensland

  • Start Date: February, July 2026
  • Duration: 5.5 years
  • Fees: AUD 53760

• Information Technology at Edith Cowan University (ECU)

  • Start Date: February, July 2026
  • Duration: 3 years
  • Fees: AUD 40100

General Eligibility:

• Academic score: Minimum 60-70% in Class 12 (Maths preferred)

• English proficiency: IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)

Engineering

Engineering stands out as one of the most popular courses for international students in Australia. If you come from a science background and seek a course that offers PR opportunities and long-term job security in Australia, choosing Engineering is a smart move. This field offers a strong blend of technical education, real-world application, and clear migration benefits.

Engineering programs in Australia focus on practical learning and innovation. You’ll study core subjects like mathematics, physics, and computer-aided design, while gaining hands-on experience in labs and industry placements. Engineers Australia accredits these courses. So, your qualification is globally recognised.

You can enter high-demand industries with this degree. Such as: construction, mining, renewable energy, healthcare, and tech. Employers actively seek engineers with Australian degrees due to their practical training and communication skills. At entry level, you can earn between AUD 70,000 and AUD 95,000. 

Popular Courses:

• Civil Engineering at The University of Western Australia

  • Start Date: February, July 2026
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Fees: AUD 48200

• Mechanical Engineering at Curtin University

  • Start Date: February 2026
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Fees: AUD 39383

• Electrical Engineering at The University of Sydney

  • Start Date: February, August 2026
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Fees: AUD 57700

• Biomedical Engineering at the University of Wollongong

  • Start Date: March 2026
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Fees: AUD 40272

General Eligibility: 

• Class 12 with strong marks in Maths and Physics (minimum 65%)

• IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)

Social Work

Social work is becoming a popular choice among Indian students who want a career focused on helping people and making a real difference. This profession offers a direct pathway to permanent residency (PR) and is in high demand, especially in rural and regional parts of Australia.

Social work programs teach you how to support individuals, families, and communities facing challenges. You’ll study topics like social justice, counselling techniques, community development, and mental health support. Practical placements in hospitals, schools, and community organisations give you hands-on experience. The reasons why Social Work stands out:

• Many Australian states offer regional sponsorships for social workers, easing the PR process.

• Industries like healthcare, education, and community services actively seek out social work graduates.

• The profession addresses critical social issues, making your work impactful and rewarding.

After graduation, you can work as a social worker in hospitals, community centres, schools, and government agencies. As mental health and well-being gain more attention, the need for skilled social workers continues to grow. The average salary ranges from AUD 65,000 to 80,000 per year.

Popular Courses:

• Social Work at Australian Catholic University

  • Start Date: March 2026
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Fees: AUD 26080

• Social Work at Charles Sturt University

  • Start Date: March 2026
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Fees: AUD 30160

General Eligibility:

• Academic: Minimum 65% in Class 12 (preferably in arts, humanities, or social sciences)

• To meet the English language criteria, you need at least 6.5 in IELTS, with no band below 6.0.

Education (Early Childhood Teaching)

Australia is facing teacher shortages nationwide. That’s why Early Childhood Education is now one of the most popular courses for international students in Australia. If you enjoy working with young children and want a meaningful career in education, this course is a perfect match to study abroad after 12th.

The course includes topics like child growth, inclusive teaching practices, and foundational learning theories. You will learn how to design educational programs for children aged 0-8 years. The course includes practical placements in childcare centres and schools, offering real-world experience. Core subjects cover psychology, curriculum planning, and communication skills for working with families and communities.

With this degree, you can work as early childhood teachers in kindergartens, preschools, and childcare services across Australia. Due to teacher shortages, particularly in regional areas, demand for qualified early childhood educators remains high. The profession offers stable employment, competitive salaries, and PR opportunities.

Popular Courses: 

• Early Childhood Studies at Edith Cowan University (ECU)

  • Start Date: February 2026
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Fees: AUD 36200

• Education (Early Childhood) at CQUniversity Australia

  • Start Date: March 2026
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Fees: AUD 29520

General Eligibility:

• Academic score: Minimum 65% in Class 12 (preferably science or arts stream)

• English proficiency: IELTS 7.0 overall, no band below 7.0

Steps to Begin Your Study Journey in Australia as an International Student

Once you've figured out what to study, the rest falls into place. Here’s how-

Step 1: Pick your course and university

Start with your passion and future goals. Use course finder tools like GradSearch to explore top courses, compare universities, and check which programs offer job prospects or PR pathways. Whether you're into nursing, IT, or business, there’s something for everyone.

Step 2: Check your eligibility

Review the admission criteria to see if your qualifications are a good fit. Some courses have subject-specific requirements.

Step 3: Apply with documents

Upload your transcripts, English test results, statement of purpose, and any reference letters. Applications are mostly online now, so keep digital files ready.

Step 4: Get your eCoE

Once accepted, you’ll receive an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE). This is an important document for the next step.

Step 5: Apply for Student Visa (Subclass 500)

The process is simpler than before. Use your eCoE to apply online, upload financial proof, and show your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Step 6: Plan travel and stay

After your student visa is granted, it’s time to book your travel and secure a place to stay. You can choose from campus housing, homestay, or shared apartments. Don’t forget to activate OSHC.

Step 7: Work while you study

You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during sessions, and full-time during holidays. It’s perfect for earning extra cash and gaining Aussie work experience.

Rounding Up

Popular courses for international students in Australia offer more than jobs or permanent residency. They give you a strong, future-ready education built on global standards, practical skills, and industry exposure. Whether you plan to work in Australia or take your skills worldwide, your degree will hold real value. Now that you know what’s in demand and why, take your time, choose wisely, and plan ahead. The right course can shape your journey. So, start where it matters most, with a solid decision.