Introduction

Do you have a passion for electrical and electronic systems? Are you interested in building digital devices that transmit data across the world? Electrical engineers work with equipment ranging from heavy power generators to tiny computer chips. Their work contributes to almost every sector of society such as home theatre entertainment systems, mobile phones, digital cameras, televisions, jet engines, medical devices and power networks.  

The Electrical and Electronic Engineering courses in Australia are highly sought after by both domestic and international students. Moreover, most of the top-ranked universities in Australia have the best infrastructural facilities, excellent faculty, and a significant placement record.   

Why study Electrical and Electronic Engineering in Australia?

  1. Latest technology and knowledge 

Australia is a very modern society which means it is usually one of the first places where new technology is available. Australian universities also have the latest teaching methods and content to keep up with the ever-changing world of electronics. 

  1. Highest employment rates and a very good salary

The starting salaries for engineering graduates at Australian companies are very generous. In addition, Electrical and Electronic Engineering graduates have the highest employment rate for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths graduates. 

  1. Stable growth:

The future looks bright for electrical and electronic engineers as they play a central role in developing and testing the smart technologies and infrastructure set to power the global recovery. 

  1. Work for world-renowned employers

The top companies hiring for electrical and electronic engineers in Australia include Intel, Boeing Defence, Goodyear Engineered Products, Apple, and Google, to name a few. 

  1. Migration prospects

This occupation is on the Skills Priority List due to the national shortage and the strong future demand in all the Australian states.

What are career outcomes after electrical engineering study in Australia?

  • Electrical Engineer 

This is the most direct career path for electrical engineering graduates. Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and oversee the production of electrical systems, equipment, and devices. They can work in industries such as power generation, telecommunications, electronics, and manufacturing.  

  • Electronics Engineer 

Electronics engineers focus on designing and developing electronic systems and devices. They often work with microelectronics, semiconductors, and electronic circuits. They can find employment in industries like consumer electronics and telecommunications.  

  • Protection and Automation Engineer 

Protection and Automation Engineer is a specialised career path within the field of electrical engineering. Protection and Automation Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining systems that protect electrical infrastructure and ensure the safe and efficient operation of power systems.  

  • Telecommunications Engineer 

Telecommunications engineers design and maintain communication systems, including networks, mobile systems, and data transmission. With the increasing reliance on technology, this field offers numerous opportunities.  

  • Systems Test Engineer 

A Systems Test Engineer is a professional responsible for ensuring that complex systems and products meet their design specifications and perform as intended. These engineers work across various industries and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop and execute testing strategies.  

  • Power Systems Engineer 

Power systems engineers specialize in designing and maintaining electrical power generation, transmission, and distribution systems. They play a crucial role in ensuring a reliable supply of electricity to homes, businesses, and industries.  

What Electrical and Electronic Engineering courses are available for international students in Australia?

  • Certificate IV in Automotive Electrical Technology  
  • Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering  
  • Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology – Electrical  
  • Advanced Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering  
  • Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical and Electronic)  
  • Master of Engineering (Electrical Engineering)   
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical Engineering  

What majors might you study for your Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree in Australia?

  • Electrical Energy Conversion & Utilisation 

This major or specialisation focuses on the various processes involved in converting electrical energy from one form to another and efficiently utilising it for practical applications.   

  • Electronic Circuits 

It focuses on the design, analysis, and application of electronic circuits, which are the building blocks of most electronic devices and systems. Here are some key aspects of studying electronic circuits.  

  • Advanced Electronic & Power Electronics Design 

This specialisation focuses on the advanced design and development of electronic circuits and systems, particularly those related to power electronics.  

  • Digital Signal Processing 

It is a specialized field within electrical and electronic engineering that focuses on the analysis, manipulation, and processing of digital signals. DSP plays a critical role in a wide range of applications, including audio and video processing, communications, image and speech recognition, and control systems.  

  • Electricity Market Operation and Security  

This area of study focuses on the operation, management, and security of electricity markets and the underlying power systems. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the reliable supply of electricity to consumers while optimizing market efficiency.  

  • Computational Techniques in Electromagnetics  

This field focuses on using computational methods, algorithms, and simulation tools to analyze and solve complex electromagnetic problems.  

  • Robotics & Automation 

Robotics & Automation is a multidisciplinary field that combines elements of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, and control engineering to create systems that can perform tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously. This field focuses on designing, building, and programming robotic systems and automated processes to improve efficiency, productivity, and safety across various industries.  

What are entry requirements for international students to study Electrical Engineering in Australia?

  • For the Diploma course, normally applicants are required to have completed Year 12 or equivalent and attained an Academic IELTS score of 5.5 (with no individual band less than 5.0)   
  • For the Bachelor’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed Year 12 or a Diploma course and attained an Academic IELTS score of 6.5 (with no band less than 6)  
  • For the Master’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed a Bachelor’s degree and attained an Academic IELTS score of 6.5 (with no band less than 6)  

Not meeting the entry requirements for an electrical engineering course? Contact SOL Edu, one of the best education agencies in Brisbane, today! Our team will offer you free consultation and free application process.

What is the best university in Australia for studying electrical engineering?

Many universities and colleges in Australia provide the high quality of electrical and electronics courses for international students. Here are some suggestions:   

Diploma Level  

  • TAFE QLD – Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering  
  • TAFE NSW – Diploma of Telecommunications Engineering  

Bachelor’s Level 

Master’s Level  

Not sure which university you should apply for? Contact SOL Edu today for free consultations and free admission process! 

 

How to become an electrical engineering in Australia?

Step 1: Obtain a bachelor degree 

The first step is to study a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field like electronics engineering. Ensure that the program is accredited by Engineers Australia, which is the professional organisation for engineers in Australia. This accreditation is important for future professional recognition. 

Step 2: Gain experience  

After completing your bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in Australia, you may need to undergo a period of supervised work experience, typically about 4 years, to become eligible for professional accreditation. 

Step 3: Get registered 

Apply for a Professional Engineering License issued by Engineers Australia. Check the licensing requirements of the state/territory you intend to work in. Earning the license allows you to work independently, without supervision from an experienced engineer. 

How to pass a skill assessment for an electrical degree holders in Australia?

Engineers Australia (EA) is the designated authority for assessing skills and competencies related to engineering occupations in Australia. There is a list of engineering programs in Australia which are accredited by EA and satisfy the Skill Assessment under the Australian Qualification pathway.   

The required supporting document will be different, depending on the Qualification pathway you are eligible for. The application for Australian qualification pathway usually includes:   

  • ID card (e.g., Passport, National ID card)   
  • Passport style photograph  
  • CV that contains a full summary of your education qualifications and work experience  
  • Australian Education qualifications (including both academic transcript and letter of completion/award certificate)  

If your assessment is successful, your skills will be assessed as being suitable for the role of an Electrical/Electronic Engineer in Australia. You will then be able to use this assessment to apply for skilled migration visas or to apply for jobs in Australia. It is important to be aware that the skill assessment process can take several months to complete, so it is important to start the process in advance.   

What is the PR pathway for an Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree holders?

Step 1: Apply for a 485 visa 

After studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering, you are eligible to apply for visa 485 (Post Graduate Work Stream). You are required to have at least IELTS overall 6.5 with no band score under 5.5 in the past 1 year before you lodge your visa application.

Under visa 485, you can stay in Australia for 2-4 years depending on your degree. However, if you undertook and completed at least  2 years of study in a ‘Regional Area’ such as the Gold Coast, Adelaide or Perth, you can be eligible for an additional 1 or 2 years of the 485 Visa Thus, you will have more time to prepare yourself for permanent residence (PR) or a temporary visa that can lead to a PR. 

Step 2: Apply for a PR or a visa that can lead to a PR 

There are plenty of pathways that can help you migrate to Australia after you have completed an accredited Electrical and Electronic Engineering course in Australia. Below are the common options:  

Skilled visas    

  • 189 – Skilled Independent (subclass 189) – is a points-tested visa, allowing you to live and work permanently in any state or territory in Australia. The minimum score that you are required to be considered for a visa invitation is 65.  
  • 190 – Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) – is a permanent residence visa but you need a nomination from one of Australian states or territories to apply for this visa. Each state may have its own occupation list and additional requirements, so you must investigate if you meet all the state’s eligibility criteria before asking for a nomination.  
  • 491 – Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491) is not permanent, but it can lead to a PR (visa 191). You must commit to stay and work in your nominating regional Australia for a minimal period of time and achieve at least 65 points to be apply for this visa.    

Employer Sponsored visas   

Contact SOL Edu today at [email protected] to know which visa option is best for you! 

FAQs

Interested in studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering in Australia?

Contact SOL Edu, one of the best education agencies in Brisbane, today for free counselling, and a free application process!  

 

What is the expected salary as an Electrical and Electronic Engineer in Australia?

The medium base annual salary for an electrical engineer in Australia is around 120,000 annually or AUD$62 per hour. The entry level annual salary starts at AUD$100,000 per year, which is very high compared to the average income of Australia residence (Statistics from Talent.com, 2023).   

What should I do if I do not meet the entry requirement for studying Bachelor of Electrical Engineering?

If you do not meet the entry requirement to directly enroll in a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in Australia, you can choose the Diploma pathway option. It means that you can study the Diploma of Electrical Engineering for one year (the entry requirement for this course is only 5.5 IELTS) and then transition to 3 years Bachelor of Electrical Engineering. The total study duration is still 4 years which is the same as the Bachelor of Electrical Engineering study– direct entry program. 

What subjects do I need for electrical engineering?

To prepare for a degree in electrical engineering, you should take a combination of subjects in high school that build a strong foundation in mathematics, science (especially physics) and some computer-related areas. 

How much does it cost to study electrical engineering in Australia?

The cost for electrical engineering study in Australia will vary depending on the institution and the level of study. Generally, undergraduate courses are more expensive than postgraduate courses.  
For undergraduate courses, the cost can range from $30,000 to $53,000 per year, depending on the institution. For postgraduate courses, the cost can range from $60,000 to $141,000 for the whole course. It is not mentioned that you need to prepare for additional costs such as textbooks, equipment, and living costs. Contact us to know exactly the tuition fee of the course of your choice. Our team will give you free consultation and free admission process! 

Where can Electrical Engineers work?

Electrical engineers with expertise in their field can secure rewarding positions in various industries, for examples:  

  • Telecommunications  
  • Information Technology  
  • Mining Resource Extraction   
  • Transport   
  • Electricity transmission & distribution  
  • Construction  
  • Automobile   
  • Aerospace Manufacturing   
  • Manufacturing and Service  
  • Mineral processing   
  • Defence