Your STEM study options
STEM refers to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It can be found in our homes, schools and workplaces, and affects us each day. Think about the technology in your mobile phone or tablet, the construction of your home and the medicines you take. What’s more, an estimated 75 per cent of jobs will require STEM skills over the next decade.
Read on as we explore your STEM study options in Australia and where they can take you.
Why study STEM in Australia?
Australian institutions offer a world-class education and provide some of the best STEM courses in the world. In fact, the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2015) show that there are four Australian universities in the top 50 for Civil and Structural Engineering; four for Chemical Engineering; five for Computer Science and Information Systems; four for Electrical and Electronic Engineering; and four for Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering.
STEM fields are very popular with international students, with more than a quarter of all higher education students enrolled in these fields in 2014. Engineering and technology is the most popular area at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, followed by information technology, and natural and physical sciences.
What can I study?
STEM courses are available at vocational and higher education level, with options ranging from the general (certificates, diplomas and degrees providing an overview of each field) to the highly specialised, such as forensic science, aeronautical engineering, actuarial studies, mobile application development, robotics and nanotechnology. Start by looking at our course search then contact institutions using the ‘Enquire Now’ button.
If you are considering the postgraduate research route, masters degrees by research and doctorates are a fascinating avenue to explore your interests. And remember — many world-changing inventions can be traced back to Australian scientists and researchers. This includes the electronic pacemaker (1926), black box flight recorder (1961), bionic ear (1978) and wi-fi internet (1996).
Visit these sections for information about studying in your field of choice:
- Computing and information technology in Australia
- Engineering and technology in Australia
- Sciences in Australia.
Where does STEM study lead?
STEM courses lead to many exciting occupations and provide skills that can be used in all sorts of jobs — not just if you want to be a mathematician, engineer or scientist. You might find yourself in building and construction, health care, business or game design. STEM students also learn a range of general employability skills (known as ‘soft skills’), including problem-solving, communication, teamwork and adaptability.
You can find more information about careers in STEM through the following industry associations:
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