Introduction

In recent decades, environmental issues and sustainability challenges have increased, bringing us closer to an environmental crisis.

Chemical and environmental engineering courses provide a wide range of study areas relating to engineering science, process technologies, design and practice with a focus on sustainability to assess and solve environmental challenges.

According to PayScale, the median annual income for a chemical and environmental engineer is AU$73,000. In coming years, the demand for chemical and environmental engineers is expected to increase to provide solutions to environmental concerns. 

Why study Chemical and Environmental Engineering in Australia?

  1. Top Rankings  

Australian universities are wellknown for their teaching quality, and their qualifications are recognised worldwide. According to QS Ranking 2021, there are six Australian universities listed among the world’s top 100 in the engineering and technology disciplines. 

  1. Reputable Australian universities with flexible study options 

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 highlights seven Australian universities that are leading across the chemical engineering discipline. These universities, like many other universities in Australia, offer more than one intake a year which means international students can start their program based on their individual situation. Multiple start dates also mean more flexibility with the different units and payments. 

  1. Post-study Work Visa

Students will be eligible for a 2-4year Postgraduate Visa (485). Graduates can use these visa opportunities to get more work experience. For Chemical and Environmental engineering students, they can also use this work visa to prepare for their future migration options.

Career outcomes after graduation

  • Chemical Engineer 
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Environmental Officer 
  • Materials Engineer 
  • Environmental Consultant 
  • Process Engineer 

Course Options

  • Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Master of Engineering (Chemical and Environmental)  
  • Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Chemical Engineering) 
  • Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Environmental Engineering) 
  • Master of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) 
  • Master of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) 
  • PhD (Chemical Engineering) 
  • PhD (Environmental Engineering) 

Entry Requirements

  • For the Bachelor’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed Year 12 or a Diploma and attained IELTS 6.5.  
  • For the Master’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed a Bachelor’s degree and attained IELTS 6.5.  

What courses might you study for your Chemical and Environmental Engineering degree in Australia?

Professional Accreditation

Most Chemical and Environmental Engineering degrees in Australian universities are accredited for an Engineers Australia (EA) membership. EA is a signatory to the Washington Accord, which permits graduates to work in various countries across the world. This means the course is recognised internationally in the engineering profession, giving graduates more career opportunities overseas. 

Expected salary as a Chemical and Environmental Engineer in Australia

The medium base annual salary for graduate will be AU$73,000  

(Statistics from PayScale Australia)  

School Recommendations

Bachelor Level:  

RMIT – Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours) 

University of Queensland – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical & Environmental Engineering) 

Monash University – Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) 

University of Newcastle – Bachelor of Environmental Engineering (Honours) 

Griffith University – Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) (Honours)  

University of Adelaide – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Environmental) 

Master Level  

Charles Darwin University – Master of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) 

Edith Cowan University – Master of Professional Engineering (Chemical Engineering) 

University of Melbourne – Master of Chemical Engineering 

UNSW – Master of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) 

University of Southern Queensland – Master of Engineering Practice (Environmental Engineering) 

University of Western Australia – Master of Professional Engineering (Environmental Engineering) 

PhD Level 

UNSW – Doctor of Philosophy (Chemical Engineering) 

Curtin University – Doctor of Philosophy (Chemical Engineering) 

University of Tasmania – Doctor of Philosophy (Environmental Engineering) 

RMIT – Doctor of Philosophy (Environmental Engineering)

Interested in studying Chemical and Environmental Engineering in Australia?

Contact SOL Edu today for free counselling, and a free application process!