Introduction

Due to the increase of ageing population worldwide and constantly advancing technology, health services are one of the world’s fastest growing industries and so is the career in public health.  Studying public health involves much more than medicine. Public health science aims to protect and improve the health of communities through education, data analysis, research and government policy, being a broad area of study with the possibility to extension to a vast range of specialisations. 

Why study public health in Australia?

  • High Rankings 

Based on the most recent QS ranking released this year, Australia has 5 universities ranked in the top 50, and 7 universities in the top 100. Australian universities, especially The Go8 (Australia’s top eight universities), are well-known for their teaching quality, facilities and worldwide recognition. Compared to the harsh competition when applying to the UK and the US, students will normally receive a better outcome if they are interested in studying in Australia. Australian universities, including The Go8, have more relaxed entry requirements, but the career outcome is promising. 

  • Diverse Programs 

 Australia offers a wide range of public health programs tailored to different interests and career goals. Whether you’re interested in epidemiology, health promotion, global health, policy development, or other aspects of public health, you can find a suitable program. 

  • No background requirements 

Students who wish to study public health in Australia don’t have to worry if they have no previous qualification or work experience in a related discipline. Australian colleges and universities offer many options for people who have no related background. Students will commence their study and training from the fundamental units to advanced units until they fully understand all the necessary skills for their future career. 

  • Multiple start dates 

Australian universities will normally have 2 or 3 intakes each year which makes it more flexible for international students to commence their program based on their individual situation.  

  • Stay longer in Australia 

By studying 2 years or more in a higher education degree, students will be eligible for a 2-8-year Post Study Working Visa. Graduates can utilise these visa opportunities to get more work experience. Public health graduates will also have migration opportunities if they can accumulate required work experience after they achieve their qualifications in Australia. 

What are career outcomes after graduation from public health courses?

Graduating with a degree in public health opens up a wide range of career opportunities across various sectors that focus on improving the health and well-being of communities and populations. Here are some potential career outcomes after completing a public health course: 

  • Epidemiologist: Epidemiologists study patterns and causes of diseases in populations. They collect and analyse data to identify health trends, assess the effectiveness of interventions, and develop strategies to prevent and control the spread of diseases. 
  • Health Educator/Health Promotion Specialist: These professionals design and implement health education programs to promote healthy behaviours and lifestyles within communities, schools, workplaces, and other settings. 
  • Health Policy Analyst/Advocate: Health policy analysts work to shape healthcare policies at local, national, and international levels. They analyse the impact of policies on public health and advocate for changes that improve health outcomes. 
  • Public Health Administrator/Manager: Public health administrators oversee the operations of healthcare organizations, government health departments, and non-profit agencies. They manage budgets, personnel, and resources to ensure effective delivery of healthcare services. 
  • Biostatistician: Biostatisticians apply statistical methods to analyse health data, conduct research, and draw conclusions about public health issues. Their work informs healthcare decisions and policy development. 
  • Global Health Specialist: Global health specialists work on international health initiatives, addressing health disparities and promoting health equity on a global scale. They may work for international organizations, NGOs, or government agencies. 
  • Environmental Health Specialist: These professionals focus on assessing and managing environmental factors that can impact public health, such as air and water quality, food safety, and occupational hazards. 
  • Health Researcher: Public health graduates often engage in research to investigate health-related topics, develop evidence-based interventions, and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge in the field. 
  • Community Health Worker: Community health workers engage with specific populations to provide education, support, and resources for improving health outcomes and addressing health disparities. 
  • Infectious Disease Specialist: Infectious disease specialists focus on preventing, diagnosing, and treating infectious diseases. They play a crucial role in disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and vaccination programs. 
  • Nutritionist/Dietitian: Public health professionals in this area promote healthy eating habits and address nutrition-related issues in communities to prevent chronic diseases and improve overall health. 
  • Health Communication Specialist: Health communication specialists develop and implement communication strategies to effectively convey health information to diverse audiences, aiming to influence behaviours and promote health literacy. 
  • Healthcare Consultant: Public health graduates can provide consultancy services to healthcare organisations, government agencies, or private companies, offering expertise on health-related projects and initiatives. 

What public health majors are available for international students in Australia?

Public health is a rapidly developing field of study that offers a diverse range of pathways for students, depending on the career goals. The most popular specialisations within the Public Health field are: 

  • Community Nutrition 
  • Epidemiology 
  • Biostatistics and Informatics 
  • Community Health 
  • Epidemiology 
  • Environmental Health 
  • Global Health 
  • Health Policy and Management 
  • Health Promotion and Communication 
  • Maternal and Child Health 

What are entry requirements for international students to study public health in Australia?

  • For a Diploma course, normally applicants are required to have completed Year 12 or equivalent and attained IELTS 5.5. 
  • For a Bachelor’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed Year 12 or a Diploma and attained IELTS 6.5. 
  • For a Master’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed a Bachelor’s degree and attained IELTS 6.5.  

If you don’t meet English requirement for your preferred course? Contact SOL Edu, one of the best education agencies in Brisbane, today! Our team will offer you free consultation and free application process.    

Where to study Bachelor in Public Health in Australia?

University Placement English entry requirements Academic Entry requirements Scholarship options
QUT 185 hours of professional placement IELTS or equivalent overall 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) Completion of Year 12 25% of total tuition fee or up to $30,000
University of Queensland (UQ) 90 hours of work placement IELTS or equivalent overall 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) Completion of Year 12 Up to 25% of total tuition fee
Griffith University 240 hours of work integrated learning IELTS or equivalent overall 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) Completion of Year 12 Up to 50% of total tuition
Australian Catholic University (ACU) up to 200 hours of professional placement IELTS or equivalent overall 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) Completion of Year 12 Up to 50% of total tuition

Where to study Master of Public Health in Australia?

A Master of Public Health prepares graduates for work in community-based and community-led health services and organisations including international agencies. Work areas can be on projects for government and non-government organisations relating to a number of health fields including health promotion and health administration.  

Many universities in Australia offer the mater of public health. Although it is an excellent study option for Nurses or health related graduates, majority of universities do not require a health or medical background to study a Master of Public Health. Regardless of experience background, the structure of public health programs will provide students with advanced postgraduate training and equip them with the skills and requirements for a career as a public health professional. Below are two examples: 

  • Kaplan Business offers an MBA program with the specialization in Health Services Management. This is a popular and flexible course with 12 subjects (6 core + 6 electives) that can be completed in two years, providing career outcomes as a Nursing manager (for those with Nursing background), Practice manager and Health care administrator. Students must have completed a bachelor’s degree to meet academic requirements. Option is to have completed an Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree and prove minimum two years of relevant industry experience. English requirement is IELTS overall 6.0 or equivalent. 
  • Torrens University is another popular option for the Master of Public Health. It is a 1.5-year program focused on equipping professionals from a broad range of backgrounds with the knowledge and skills to address public health challenges on current global and environmental health issues, health policy, systems and economics, along with social, behavioural and cultural determinants of health. Torrens also offers two options for course extension combining the Master of Public health with either the Master of Global Project Management or the Master of Business Administration. Both options are a two-year program, and the student can be eligible for a postgraduate visa upon the course completion. 

Want to know which course/s best suit your expectation and situation? Contact SOL Edu at [email protected] or fill out the enquiry form! Our team will offer you free consultation and free application process. 

Migration to Australia as a public health degree holder – what is the pathway?

Step 1: Apply for a 485 visa 

After completing at least 2 years public health university course, you are eligible to apply for visa 485 (Post Graduate Work Stream). You are required to have at least IELTS 6.0 (no band less than 5) to apply for this visa.  

Under visa 485, you can stay in Australia for 2-8 years depending on your degree. 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 

After successfully completing an accredited public health course in Australia, you’ll find pathways to facilitate your migration to the country. Depending on your occupation, you might be eligible for one or more of the following visa options: 

Skilled visas      

  • 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.   

Employer Sponsored visas   

 

Contact SOL Edu today at [email protected] to know which visa you are eligible for! 

FAQs

What should I do if I don’t meet the entry requirement to study a Bachelor in Public Health in Australia?

If you do not meet the entry requirement to directly enroll in a bachelor’s degree of public health, you can choose the Diploma pathway option. It means that you can study the Diploma of public health for one year (the entry requirement for this course is only 5.5 IELTS) and then transition to 2 years Bachelor of public health. The total study duration is still 3 years which is the same as the Bachelor of public health – direct entry program.    

How long does it take to complete a public health program in Australia?

The duration varies based on the level of study and the specific program. A bachelor’s degree typically takes 3-4 years, a master’s degree takes 1-2 years, and a Ph.D. might take 3-4+ years to complete. 

What is the cost of studying public health in Australia?

The cost of studying public health in Australia can vary depending on the level of education and the specific university or institution. If you apply for a G8 Australian university, the tuition fee may be around 45,000 – 50,000 per year. However, the tuition fees of lower ranking universities should be more affordable, around 30,00 – 40,000 per year.  

Why study Master of Public Health in Australia?

Studying a Master of Public Health in Australia offers numerous advantages due to the country’s strong academic reputation, robust healthcare system, diverse population, and commitment to public health. Here are several reasons why you might consider pursuing a Master of Public Health in Australia: 

  • High quality education: Many universities in Australia offer accredited and internationally recognised Master of Public Health programs, which means you can easily get a job in Australia, your home country or most of countries over the world after earning a public health degree in Australia.  
  • Strong Healthcare System: Australia has a well-developed healthcare system that places emphasis on preventive care and public health interventions. Studying in this environment can offer valuable insights into effective healthcare practices. 
  • No background requirements: Australian colleges and universities offer many options for people who have no related background. Students will commence their study and training from the fundamental units to advanced units until they fully understand all the necessary skills for their future career. 
  • Multiple start dates: Australian universities will normally have 2 or 3 intakes each year which makes it more flexible for international students to commence their program based on their individual situation.  
  • Stay longer in Australia: By studying 2 years or more in a higher education degree, students will be eligible for a 2-6-year Post Study Working Visa. Graduates can utilise these visa opportunities to get more work experience. Public health graduates will also have migration opportunities if they can accumulate required work experience after they achieve their qualifications in Australia. 

Is public health a career in high demand in Australia?

Public health specialists can make a difference on a large scale. Their work influences the lives of millions of people around the world and can change the course of history. Preventing pandemics, challenging misconceptions about reproductive health and fighting malnutrition are just a few of the areas where public health workers have made their mark.  Due to public health issues like demographic changes and rising rates of chronic disease, public health services are expanding rapidly, being the top industry for employment growth in Australia. According to the Australian Jobs Report 2019, the health care sector has grown by 21.4% since 2013 and is expected to grow another 14.9% by 2023. Public health professionals’ average salary in Australia varies from AU$74,000 to AU$101,000 per year, depending on the area of specialization. 

How much can a public health officer earn in Australia?

The salary of a public health officer can vary widely based on factors such as location, level of education, years of experience and specific job responsibilities. However, generally public health professionals’ average salary in Australia is from AU$74,000 to AU$101,000 per year.

Interested in studying Business Management in Australia?  

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