Top 10 Popular Courses to Study in Australia
Don't Just Study.
Invest in a Career.
Australia doesn't reward "generic" degrees anymore. To secure a high salary and Permanent Residency (PR) in 2026, you need to target skills shortages. Here are the top 10 courses with the highest Return on Investment (ROI).
Quick Look: The High Earners
| Course Stream | Avg Graduate Salary (AUD) | PR Potential |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Mining & Engineering | $90,000 - $130,000+ | Critical (High) |
| 2. Nursing & Healthcare | $75,000 - $105,000 | Critical (Very High) |
| 3. IT & Cyber Security | $85,000 - $120,000 | High |
| 4. Teaching | $80,000 - $95,000 | Very High |
Category 1: The "Future-Proof" Degrees
1. IT, AI & Cyber Security
Why: Australia faces a massive shortage of cyber professionals. Graduates in AI and Cloud Computing can command 6-figure salaries within 3 years.
PR Pathway: ACS Skills Assessment (Software Engineer, Developer Programmer).
2. Data Science
Why: Every Australian bank, retailer, and government agency is hiring Data Analysts. It is the perfect blend of math and coding.
Avg. Salary: $100,000+ for mid-level analysts.
Category 2: The "Migration Magnets"
3. Nursing (Bachelor/Master)
The #1 most demanded profession. Registered Nurses (RN) have priority processing for 189/190 visas. Shift allowances can boost your salary significantly.
4. Social Work
Often overlooked, but highly lucrative (avg $85k+). It has a very high PR success rate, especially if you study in regional areas like South Australia.
5. Psychology (Clinical)
Mental health is a national priority. While it requires a Master’s to practice, Clinical Psychologists earn upwards of $110k annually.
Category 3: The "Nation Builders"
6. Engineering (Civil, Mining, Electrical)
The Salary King: Mining Engineers in Western Australia often start at $120k+.
The Opportunity: With the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, Civil Engineers are needed for massive construction projects nationwide.
7. Teaching (Secondary)
High demand for STEM teachers. Offers great holidays and stable government pay.
8. Construction Mgmt.
For those who want to lead projects. High pay ($150k+ for seniors) without being purely technical.
9. Accounting (CPA)
Still reliable, but competitive. Combine it with "Finance" or "Analytics" to stand out.
10. Hospitality Mgmt.
Great for the Gold Coast. Chefs and Hotel Managers have specific visa pathways.
Not Sure Which Course Fits You?
Your background (Commerce, Science, or Arts) determines your eligibility. Let us find the highest ROI course that matches your academic history.
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