There’s no doubt that furthering your studies by doing a postgraduate diploma or master’s will have lucrative benefits for your future career in your chosen field. Just out of curiosity, though, have you ever wondered what everybody else in Australia is studying?
With the growing cost of living and the number of Commonwealth-supported postgraduate grants being cut short, post-grad students need to weigh up the cost of furthering their studies. In this article, we’ll show you the postgraduate courses in Australia that are clearly worth the expense, as they remain the most popular in the country.
What Are Post Graduate Students?
Postgraduate students are people usually between 25 and 45 years of age who have successfully completed their undergraduate degree. They study further for a number of reasons, including specialising in their chosen field, optimising their earning potential, and pursuing a way to remain relevant within their field.
Postgraduate students can study towards:
- Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Diploma
- A Master’s Course
- A Doctorate
Top 5 Popular Postgraduate Degrees in Australia
Let’s take a look at some of the most in-demand postgraduate courses people, both native and international students, have been studying in Australia in 2024.
1. Post Graduate in Accounting and Finance
A huge number of students are planning to study for a postgraduate degree in accounting for many reasons. However, the primary reason there has been such a migration towards this sector is that having an accounting degree is not a prerequisite for pursuing a master’s in accounting and finance.
For international students, a huge motivator would be that a postgraduate degree in accounting would make them eligible for the prestigious Professional Year Program (PYP) and the Skilled Migration Internship Program (SMIPA). Completing these programs can help increase the odds of a student’s success in getting their permanent residency in Australia.
2. Post Graduate in Management
Students who have studied PG management courses in Australia have the world at their fingertips, as many experience worldwide recognition and acceptance and are in demand across a broad range of countries thanks to many of Australia’s universities being featured among the top B-School of the world, according to the Financial Times MBA Rankings in 2023.
Another key influence that drives people towards doing a PG in management is that many universities don’t require students to have their GMAT in order to study.
3. Post Graduate in Education
With the growing demand for a skilled workforce, a particular skill is the ability to teach. Australia is known for its soaring education system and ability to produce top-notch teachers.
To prove the quality of the degree, nine of Australia’s universities have featured in the Top 50 on a global scale for the subject.
4. Post Graduate in Computer Science & Information Technology
Many people have doubts about the demand for IT and computer science, but as technology continues to increase, so does the interest of students in the subject. This thriving industry has brought a wave of students who have decided to further their studies and get their postgraduate degrees in computer science and Information Science.
A huge contributor to the influx of students swarming towards these courses is the relatively relaxed eligibility norms. Another reason is that these particular courses offer students the opportunity to gain a dual degree as they can get their MBA as well.
5. Post Graduate in Nursing
One of the most sought-after careers in Australia currently is that of a registered nurse, and getting a master’s in nursing is popular among international and native students alike. However, the draw to pursuing a PG in nursing is not due to the ease of being accepted for the course as it requires applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree and adequate English Language Proficiency test scores from PTE, TOEFL or IELTS.
So, what is the draw to completing a PG course in nursing? Remuneration! Nurses in Australia are among the highest paid in the world, rivalling countries like Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.
Are you considering doing your post-graduate studies in Australia?
Considering the ages of the typical candidates for postgraduate courses, almost all students have full-time jobs and family responsibilities. Dedicating time to studying is a sacrifice, and so there is a need for flexibility. In order to help people manage their schedules effectively, many students are opting to take a postgraduate degree online.
Can international students study their postgraduate courses online?
Yes, eligible international students are welcome to study their postgraduate course while in Australia as long as they comply with the one-third (or equivalent) rule, according to Standard 8 of the National Code. This requires international students to enrol in at least one face-to-face unit per compulsory study period. However, this does not apply to students completing their final unit of study.
Final Thoughts
Australia’s universities have been listed among the top institutions in the world. The postgraduate courses available have the potential to elevate students in their field and boost their potential earning ability. These top five choices of postgraduate courses are swamped with applications every year for these very reasons, and the ability to complete them online has made them that much more appealing.