Top Courses in 2025 to Study in Australia for Strong Job Prospects
Australia is a vibrant and diverse country that has long been a popular destination for international students seeking to further their education. However, in recent years, Australia has been grappling with significant skill shortages across various industries. One of the most pressing areas of concern is the lack of skilled workers in the IT sector. According to the AIIA Digital State of the Nation 2023 report, the country is facing a severe shortage of IT talent, particularly in fields that are most in demand, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.
The report highlights that skill shortages are the primary barrier to business growth in Australia, with 44% of businesses citing this as a major challenge. This issue is more pressing than other obstacles, such as limited access to capital or lower consumer demand. To address these shortages, many Australian companies are increasingly outsourcing IT positions overseas.
Given these trends, it’s clear that the demand for skilled professionals is only going to grow, not just in IT, but across many other sectors as well. For international students, this presents an excellent opportunity to enter fields where there is a significant skills gap. In this blog, we will explore some of the top courses you should consider studying in 2025 to boost your career prospects in Australia.
Trends in Australian job opportunities over the next 5 years
Looking ahead to the next five years, one of the most significant trends is the growing importance of tertiary and vocational training education. More than 90% of the jobs on Australia’s skills shortage list require post-secondary qualifications. As technology continues to reshape the job market, specialised skills and expertise will become even more critical.
Fields like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) are expected to see strong growth, with an anticipated 14.2% increase in demand for STEM professionals compared to just 7.4% for non-STEM occupations. This aligns with predictions from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, which estimates that by 2035, 44% of jobs will require a VET certificate and 72% of jobs will require a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
For international students, this means that choosing the right course and gaining valuable Australian qualifications could be your ticket to securing not only your dream job but also a pathway to permanent residency. With the right guidance, you can identify in-demand programs that align with your career aspirations and set you up for success.
Top courses to study in Australia in 2025 for the best job opportunities
If you are looking to study in Australia and enhance your job prospects in the coming years, there are several fields with strong demand. Here are some of the top occupations you should consider for the next five years:
Information Technology (IT) and Computer Science
With the world moving further into the digital age, IT and computer science graduates are in high demand across Australia. This field covers a wide range of specialisations, including cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence, and software development.
Career prospects: Graduates can pursue careers as software developers, data analysts, network administrators, and cybersecurity specialists. The demand for IT professionals is projected to grow as technology continues to play an integral role across all industries.
Some of the courses:
Diploma of Information Technology
Advanced Diploma of Information Technology
Bachelor of Information Technology
Bachelor of Computer Science
Nursing and Healthcare
Australia’s aging population and growing healthcare needs are driving the demand for nurses and healthcare professionals. Nursing and healthcare courses in Australia offer comprehensive training, often including clinical placements where students gain hands-on experience in real-world healthcare settings.
Career prospects: Graduates can work as registered nurses, aged care providers, health administrators, and in other allied health roles. Nursing is also an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), making it easier for international students to secure visas post-graduation.
Some of the courses:
Certificate IV in Ageing Support
Diploma of Nursing
Bachelor of Nursing
Engineering
Engineering is a field with a wide range of career opportunities, especially as Australia continues to invest in infrastructure development and the resources sector. Disciplines such as mechanical, civil, electrical, and mining engineering remain in high demand.
Career prospects: Engineers are sought after in industries such as construction, mining, energy and manufacturing industries. Engineering graduates may also be eligible for migration pathways through Australia’s skilled occupation programs.
Some of the courses:
Diploma of Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Master of Engineering
Hospitality and Tourism Management
Australia’s thriving tourism and hospitality sectors present exciting opportunities for graduates and qualifications in hospitality and tourism management. Courses in this field are highly practical, often including industry placements, giving students the experience they need to succeed in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
Career prospects: Graduates can pursue careers in hotel management, event planning, tour operations, and destination marketing. Given the global nature of the tourism industry, these skills are transferable across different countries, making it a versatile career option.
Some of the courses:
Certificate IV in Kitchen Management
Diploma in Hospitality Management
Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management
Bachelor of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management
Bachelor of International Tourism and Hotel Management
Accounting and Finance
Accounting and finance degrees are some of the most reliable when it comes to securing a stable career in Australia. Almost every industry requires skilled professionals in these fields, and Australian institutions offer programs that lead to internationally recognised certifications, such as CPA (Certified Practicing Accounting) Australia.
Career prospects: Graduates can find work as accountants, financial analysts, tax consultants, auditors, and other key roles in the financial services industry. Accounting and finance are also on the Skilled Occupation List, providing pathways for international students to gain permanent residency in Australia.
Some of the courses:
Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping
Diploma of Accounting
Advanced Diploma of Accounting
Bachelor of Commerce
Construction
The construction industry in Australia is experiencing a boom, driven by the government’s significant infrastructure investments, population growth, and urban development. As the demand for housing, transportation infrastructure, and commercial buildings increases, skilled professionals in construction-related fields are needed now more than ever.
Career prospects: Graduates can pursue roles in various sub-sectors, including construction managers, project managers, civil engineers, construction labourers and tradespeople. Construction is on the Skilled Occupation List, providing pathways for international students to gain permanent residency in Australia.
Some of the courses:
Diploma of Construction and Building
Bachelor of Construction Management
Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours)
Setting yourself up for success in Australia
Australia offers a wealth of opportunities for international students, especially in industries experiencing significant growth, such as IT, healthcare, engineering, hospitality, finance, and construction. By choosing the right course and gaining valuable qualifications, you can position yourself for both career success and potential migration pathways.
Each of these fields offers job security, competitive salaries, and the potential for career advancement, and many of them are eligible for skilled migration pathways, which can lead to permanent residency.
Ready to start your journey?
Enquire now to find more about the top courses in Australia and the best career paths for 2025 and beyond.
