Choosing the best bachelor degrees in Australia for international students is one of those decisions that kept me awake for months before I even applied. I remember sitting in my room back home, surrounded by university brochures and fifty browser tabs, trying to figure out which degree would actually be worth the massive investment. The fees alone made my eyes water, and everyone had a different opinion on what I should study.
I ended up doing a Master’s at the University of Melbourne, but I spent ages beforehand researching undergraduate options for my younger cousin who followed me here two years later. I also worked with dozens of international students at my campus job, and I’ve seen firsthand which degrees led to jobs and which ones left people scrambling at graduation.
So here’s everything I know about picking the right bachelor degree in Australia, based on what actually matters in 2026.
What Makes a Bachelor Degree “Good” for International Students?
Before I list specific degrees, let me be honest about something. The “best” degree depends entirely on what you’re optimising for. Some students want the fastest route to a professional job. Others care about post-study work options. Some just want the most affordable path to an Australian qualification.
There’s no single answer that works for everyone. But most international students I’ve met care about three things: employment prospects after graduation, whether the degree helps with future visa options, and whether they can actually afford it without destroying their savings.
I’ll break down the top degrees with all three factors in mind. No point recommending a prestigious degree if you can’t find work afterwards, right?
Best Bachelor Degrees for Job Outcomes in 2026
1. Bachelor of Nursing
Nursing consistently tops the list, and for good reason. Australia has a genuine shortage of nurses, and that shortage isn’t going away anytime soon. Graduate employment rates for nursing hover around 95%, which is ridiculously high compared to most other degrees.
The work is demanding. I’m not going to sugarcoat that. My friend finished her nursing degree and spent her first year doing night shifts that wrecked her sleep schedule. But she had a job offer before she even graduated, and her employer sponsored her visa transition. That’s the trade-off: hard work, but genuine job security.
Fees typically range from $28,000 to $38,000 per year depending on the university. If you’re considering this path, I’ve written a detailed breakdown of Bachelor of Nursing in Australia covering entry requirements and the realistic pathway to registration.
2. Bachelor of Information Technology / Computer Science
IT and computer science degrees remain strong choices, though the market has shifted since the pandemic hiring boom. You can’t just graduate and expect offers to roll in anymore. But students who build projects, do internships, and actually learn to code properly still find work relatively quickly.
The good news: IT roles exist across every industry, not just tech companies. Banks, hospitals, government departments, retail chains. Everyone needs developers, analysts, and cybersecurity people. Starting salaries for graduates typically range from $65,000 to $80,000, which is solid for an entry-level position.
Fees vary wildly, from around $25,000 per year at regional universities to $48,000+ at the Group of Eight universities. I’ve covered the specifics in my guide on Bachelor of IT in Australia, including which specialisations employers actually care about.
3. Bachelor of Engineering
Engineering degrees in Australia are well-respected internationally, and certain specialisations have strong demand. Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering remain consistently employable. Software engineering overlaps with IT and has similar prospects.
Here’s what nobody tells you though: engineering internships matter more than your grades. I’ve seen students with distinction averages struggle to find work because they had zero practical experience, while average students with good internships walked into graduate programs. The degree opens doors, but you need to push through them yourself.
Most engineering programs run for four years, not three, which means higher total costs. Budget for $35,000 to $50,000 per year at major universities. If you’re weighing up different engineering paths, check out my breakdown on which engineering major to choose in Australia.
4. Bachelor of Accounting / Commerce
Accounting and commerce degrees remain popular because they’re versatile. You can pivot into finance, consulting, marketing, HR, or general business roles. The catch is that the market is saturated with commerce graduates, so standing out requires more effort.
For accounting specifically, completing CPA or CA requirements during your degree improves your employability significantly. Generic commerce degrees without a clear specialisation tend to produce graduates who struggle in the job market. Pick your major carefully and get some work experience before you finish.
Fees sit around $30,000 to $42,000 per year. Not the cheapest option, but not the most expensive either. I’ve compared the two main options in my guide on Bachelor of Business vs Bachelor of Commerce if you’re trying to decide between them.
5. Bachelor of Education
Teaching is another profession with genuine shortages in Australia, particularly in secondary maths, science, and special education. Graduate employment is strong, and the work comes with decent job security once you’re registered.
The reality check: teaching placements during your degree are unpaid and time-consuming. Many international students struggle to work enough hours while completing placement requirements. Plan your finances carefully if you go this route. Starting salaries for teachers range from $70,000 to $80,000 depending on the state, which is actually pretty competitive for a graduate position.
Bachelor Degrees to Approach with Caution
I don’t want to tell you what not to study. But some degrees have genuinely difficult job markets in Australia, and you should know that before committing three or four years and $100,000+.
Media and communications: Oversaturated market with lots of graduates competing for limited roles. Many end up in unrelated jobs after graduation.
Hospitality and tourism management: The industry exists, but most roles don’t require a degree. You’d be competing with people who just have experience and no student debt.
General arts degrees without a clear career path: I have nothing against arts degrees. But if you’re studying philosophy or history purely for interest without a plan for employment, understand that the job market will be challenging.
This isn’t about these degrees being worthless. It’s about being realistic with your expectations and having a backup plan.
Cost Comparison: What You’ll Actually Pay
Let me give you some real numbers, because the tuition fees alone don’t tell the full story.
| Degree | Annual Tuition (AUD) | Total 3-Year Cost | Graduate Salary Range |
| Nursing | $28,000 – $38,000 | $84,000 – $114,000 | $65,000 – $75,000 |
| IT/Computer Science | $25,000 – $48,000 | $75,000 – $144,000 | $65,000 – $80,000 |
| Engineering (4 years) | $35,000 – $50,000 | $140,000 – $200,000 | $70,000 – $85,000 |
| Commerce/Accounting | $30,000 – $42,000 | $90,000 – $126,000 | $55,000 – $70,000 |
| Education (4 years) | $25,000 – $35,000 | $100,000 – $140,000 | $70,000 – $80,000 |
These are tuition fees only. You also need to factor in living costs, health insurance, textbooks, and all the other expenses that add up. For a realistic picture of what life actually costs, read my guide on cost of living in Melbourne for international students.
If budget is your main constraint, I’ve also put together a list of cheapest bachelor degrees in Australia by state. Regional universities can save you serious money.
⚠️ Heads up: Don’t just look at annual fees. A $30,000/year degree for four years costs more than a $35,000/year degree for three years. I’ve seen students forget this and end up way over budget.
What About Post-Study Work Visas?
This matters a lot for most international students, so let me explain how it works in 2026.
After completing a bachelor degree, you’re typically eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) that lets you stay and work in Australia. The length depends on where you studied and what you studied. Metro areas usually get two years. Regional areas can get three or four years depending on the location.
Certain degrees in shortage occupations might give you additional benefits. Nursing, teaching, engineering, and IT often appear on these lists, though the specific occupations change regularly. Don’t choose a degree solely based on occupation lists though. Those lists get updated, and what’s in demand today might be saturated by the time you graduate.
For the bigger picture on what happens after you finish studying, check out my overview on after study options for international students.
How to Actually Choose the Right Degree
After watching dozens of students go through this process, here’s what I’d tell my younger self:
Start with industries, not degrees. What kind of work environment appeals to you? Healthcare settings? Corporate offices? Schools? Outdoor sites? The degree is just a pathway to work you’ll do for decades.
Talk to people already working in that field. Not recruiters. Not education agents. Actual workers. Ask them what their job is really like and whether they’d recommend it. LinkedIn is surprisingly useful for this.
Check graduate outcome surveys. Australian universities publish data on employment rates and salaries for each degree. It’s publicly available through QILT (Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching). Don’t just trust marketing brochures.
Consider the total cost, not just annual fees. A four-year degree at a slightly cheaper rate often costs more than a three-year degree at a higher annual fee. Do the maths before you commit.
Be realistic about your strengths. Nursing requires emotional resilience and physical stamina. Engineering requires strong maths foundations. IT requires genuine interest in problem-solving. Choosing a degree just because it pays well, when you hate the subject matter, is a recipe for misery.
I’ve written a more detailed guide on how to choose the right Australian university that covers ranking considerations, location factors, and practical decision-making frameworks.
The Diploma vs Bachelor Question
Some students consider starting with a diploma and then transferring into a bachelor degree. This can work well, especially if your academic background isn’t strong enough for direct bachelor entry or if you want to test the waters before committing to three years.
The trade-off is time. Diploma plus bachelor usually takes longer than direct entry. But you might save money in the first year, and if you decide Australia isn’t for you, you haven’t wasted three years on a degree you won’t finish.
I’ve compared bachelor vs diploma pathways in detail if you’re weighing up this option. There’s also a step-by-step guide on transferring from diploma to bachelor that covers credit transfer and what to expect.
Scholarships: Can You Actually Get One?
Yes, but manage your expectations. Full-ride scholarships for international undergraduates are rare. Most scholarships cover 10-25% of tuition, which helps but doesn’t eliminate the financial burden.
University-specific scholarships are your best bet. Apply early, write a strong application, and don’t assume you’re not eligible. I’ve seen students skip scholarship applications because they assumed their grades weren’t good enough, only to learn later that the scholarship went to someone with similar grades who actually applied.
Government scholarships like Australia Awards exist but are highly competitive and often restricted to specific countries. Worth researching, but don’t build your entire financial plan around getting one.
For a full breakdown of what’s available, check out my guide on best scholarships in Australia for international students 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bachelor degree has the highest employment rate in Australia?
Nursing, medicine, and engineering consistently show the highest graduate employment rates, often above 90%. IT and accounting sit slightly lower but still perform well compared to average. The key is that employment rates vary significantly within broad fields depending on your specialisation and whether you gain practical experience during your studies.
Can I work while studying a bachelor degree in Australia?
Yes, your student visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Most of my friends worked 15-20 hours per week during semester without major issues, though demanding degrees like nursing or engineering make this harder to manage. I’ve written more about balancing study and work hours if you want the full picture.
Is a bachelor degree from a regional university worth less?
Not necessarily. Employers care more about your skills, experience, and interview performance than which city your degree came from. Regional universities often have smaller class sizes and better access to professors. Plus, studying regionally can save you significant money on both fees and living costs. I covered the trade-offs in my guide on studying in regional Australia to save money.
How do I know if a degree will help with permanent residency?
Occupation lists change regularly, and I’d never recommend choosing a degree solely for visa purposes. That said, degrees in healthcare, engineering, IT, and education tend to align with occupations that appear consistently on skilled occupation lists. Speak with a registered migration agent for advice specific to your situation.
What’s the minimum English requirement for bachelor degrees?
Most universities require IELTS 6.0-6.5 overall for bachelor degrees, with some programs requiring higher scores. Nursing and education often require IELTS 7.0 or equivalent because of registration requirements. Check individual program requirements because they vary significantly.
Should I choose a university based on rankings?
Rankings matter less than most students think. A degree from a lower-ranked university with good industry connections and internship programs can lead to better job outcomes than a prestigious degree with no practical experience. Focus on graduate employment data for your specific degree, not overall university rankings.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best bachelor degrees in Australia for international students comes down to balancing what you’re good at, what you can afford, and what the job market actually needs. There’s no magic degree that guarantees success. I’ve seen nursing graduates struggle and arts graduates thrive. The degree matters, but so does everything you do while studying.
My cousin chose IT after all our research sessions, and she’s doing fine. Not because IT was objectively the “best” choice, but because she actually enjoyed programming, built projects outside class, and landed an internship in her second year. The degree got her in the door. Everything else she earned through effort.
If you’re still weighing up options, take your time. Read through my guides on bachelor degrees with high graduate employment rates and financial requirements for student visas. The decision is too important to rush, and too expensive to get wrong.
Best bachelor degrees in Australia for international students aren’t just about rankings or reputation. They’re about finding the right fit for your skills, your budget, and your long-term goals. Do that research now, and you’ll thank yourself in four years when you’re walking across that graduation stage with a job lined up.
