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 2-8year 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.

What are the career outcomes after studying chemical and environmental engineering?

  • Chemical Engineer 

Chemical engineers design, develop, and optimise processes and systems for the production, transformation, and utilisation of chemicals, materials, and energy. They work in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, food processing, environmental protection, and manufacturing. 

  • Environmental Engineer 

Environmental engineers work on projects related to pollution control, waste management, and sustainability. They design and implement systems to protect the environment, such as wastewater treatment facilities, air quality monitoring systems, and renewable energy projects. 

  • Environmental Consultant 

Environmental consultants provide expertise to businesses, government agencies, and organisations to help them comply with environmental regulations and sustainability goals. They assess environmental risks, conduct impact assessments, and develop strategies for environmental management. 

  • Materials Engineer 

Materials engineers work with various materials, such as metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites, to develop and improve their properties, performance, and applications. They play a crucial role in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, construction, and manufacturing. 

  • Process Engineer 

Process engineers work in various industries, including chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. They optimise production processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure safety and environmental compliance. 

  • Energy Engineer 

Energy engineers work on energy-related projects, including the design and implementation of renewable energy systems (solar, wind, and biomass), energy efficiency initiatives, and sustainable building designs. They play a crucial role in addressing climate change and reducing energy consumption. 

  • Water Resources Engineer 

Water resources engineers focus on managing and conserving water resources. They design and maintain systems for water supply, flood control, and wastewater treatment. They may work in government agencies, consulting firms, or non-profit organisations. 

 

Want to learn more about the career outcomes after studying chemical and environmental course in Australia? Contact us at [email protected] or 07 3003 1899! Our team will offer you free consultation and free application process.  

What chemical and environmental engineering courses are available in Australia?

  • 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) 

What are entry requirements to study chemical and environmental engineering in Australia?

  • 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?

Where to study Chemical and Environmental engineering in Australia?

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) 

University of Adelaide – The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Environmental and Climate Solutions) 

 

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 Science (Chemical Engineering) 

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

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

How to pass a skill assessment for a chemical and environmental engineer 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, Sydney Accord Qualifications, Dublin Accord Qualifications and Other Recognised Qualifications 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. 

 

Skills assessment assessed by EA  

Passing a skill assessment for a chemical and environmental engineer in Australia is an essential step if you intend to migrate to Australia. The authority to approve the skill assessment for Chemical and Environmental engineers is Engineers Australia (EA). Below are steps to prepare for your application if you have completed a civil engineering course in Australia.  

 

Step 1: Check you qualification  

If you have successfully completed your qualification in Australia, and it is included in Engineers Australia’s list of accredited programs, you are eligible to apply directly through the Australian qualification pathway. Therefore, before enrolling in a Chemical and Environmental engineering course, you must investigate if your intended course is on the accredited programs.  

 

Not sure which civil engineering courses are accredited by EA? SOL Edu, one of the best education agencies in Brisbane can help. Our team will offer you free consultation and free application process.  

 

Step 2: Determine your occupation  

For the purposes of migrant skill assessment, your qualification and experience must be fall within four occupational categories, which are:  

  • Professional engineer 
  • Engineering technologist 
  • Engineering associate  
  • Engineering manager  

 

If you are not sure, contact SOL Edu today at [email protected] or 07 3003 1899. Our team will reach out to you within 24 hours at the latest.  

 

Step 3: Gather necessary documentation  

To submit a chemical and environmental engineer skill assessment application, you need to prepare:  

  • Your ID documentation (Passport or driver licence) 
  • A passport-sized photo 
  • English certificate: 6.0 IELTS with no band score under 6.0 (if your qualification is not from Australia) 
  • Graduation Certificate 
  • Academic transcripts  
  • Your resume with details of work experience (not accredited course) 
  • If your course is not accredited course, written CDR including evidence of your continuing professional development, career episodes, summary statement. 

Step 4: Submit your application  

You must submit online, through EA website and you may need to wait for up to 15 weeks to have your assessment outcome. 

What is the PR pathway for environmental and chemical engineer?

Step 1: Apply for a 485 visa 

After completing a at least 2 years environmental and chemical engineering university course, you are eligible to apply for visa 485 (Post Graduate Work Stream) from 2-8 years. You are required to have at least IELTS 6.0 (no band less than 5) to apply for this visa. Under visa 485, 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 environmental and chemical 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, but you may need a higher score to increase your chance of getting an invite.   
  • 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   

Need help with the visa application? Contact our Registered Migration Agents today at [email protected] or 07 3003 1899! 

 

FAQs

What is the expected salary as a Chemical and Environmental Engineer in Australia?

The medium base annual salary for a chemical engineer in Australia is AUD$106,000 per year. The entry level may earn AUD$74,700 annually but the most experienced engineers can earn up to more than 155,000 per year. 

(Statistics from Talent.com, 2023)  

Is the environmental engineering in demand in Australia?

Engineers are among the highest paid graduates in Australia. Around 82% of graduates are employed full-time which is 16% points above all job average. Engineering occupations are projected to grow by 14% by 2026.  

What should I do if I do not meet the entry requirement for a Bachelor of Chemical and Environmental Engineering?

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

What is the cost of studying chemical and environmental engineering in Australia?

The tuition fee for a chemical and environmental engineering course varies depending on the study levels and universities. For a G8 Australian university, you normally need to pay around 50,000 per year to study a Chemical/Environmental Engineering degree but for lower ranking universities, the tuition fees are cheaper, around 40,000 per year.  

How does it cost to study Master of Chemical Engineering in Australia for international students?

The annual tuition of the Master of Chemical Engineering course in Australia is similar to that of Bachelor, which is around $50,000 for G8 Universities and around $40,000 for lower ranking universities.  

 

How long does it take to study chemical and environmental engineering in Australia?

The typical duration of a Bachelor of Chemical and Environmental Engineering program is four years. However, if you pursue an Honours degree in this field, it may extend to five years for completion. On the other hand, a Master’s in Chemical and Environmental Engineering program in Australia generally spans 1.5 to 2 years, with the duration varying depending on the university and whether the program incorporates a research component. 

 

What are the requirements for study Master of Chemical Engineering in Australia for international students?

For the master’s course of chemical engineering, normally applicants are required to have completed a Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or related field and attained IELTS 6.5.  

 

Interested in studying Chemical and Environmental Engineering in Australia?  

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