7 in-demand jobs in Australia right now – and how to prepare for them 

Every student’s dream is to land a job as soon as they graduate. But the competitive nature of some careers can make this dream feel out of reach. That’s why planning is essential – and for international students in Australia, that means as early as your UWA College academic preparation program. 

UWA College is your pathway to The University of Western Australia (UWA), a world top 100 university (QS World University Rankings 2023) that offers industry rich learning and access to over 4,500 industry partnerships. UWA will open the door to a wealth of career opportunities for you – in particular, jobs in Australia that are in need of skilled workers.  

To help you plan for a stable – and successful – future career path, here are some of the most in-demand jobs right now: 

1. software and applications programmers 

2. construction managers 

3. ICT business and systems analysts 

4. civil engineering professionals 

5. advertising and marketing professionals 

6. mining engineers 

7. ICT security specialists. 

Software and applications programmers 

In a world where life is lived and documented through applications (apps), software and app programmers will always be needed to design, develop, build and test software and apps for the web and mobile. 

• Average salary of AUD $110,000 per year for software developers in Australia*. 

• Entry-level positions start at AUD $94,274 per year*. 

WHAT TO STUDY 

UWA’s Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Software Engineering is the best way to become an industry-ready software engineer. You’ll graduate with the programming skills and practical experience that employers look for, taking part in real-world projects from industry clients throughout your degree. 

To prepare for this degree: 

• Study the UWA Foundation Program. Designed specifically for international students, this program will improve your academic knowledge and English language skills so you can progress to Year 1 of a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Software Engineering. 

• Students with a higher English language level and academic grades could alternatively study the UWA College Diploma in Engineering. Offering entry to Year 2 of the degree, this program could save you crucial time on your studies! 

Construction managers 

Our cities are constantly evolving. From residential buildings to infrastructure, construction projects are everywhere. And construction managers are needed to plan and oversee those projects at every stage. 

• Average salary in Australia: AUD $134,272 per year*. 

• Entry-level positions: from AUD $110,000 per year*. 

WHAT TO STUDY 

UWA offers combined degrees, allowing you to pair your engineering degree with a commerce-related subject – and broaden your career options. You could combine a degree in civil engineering with management, giving you an insight into the application of civil engineering and managing operations. You’ll graduate with the technical skills needed to pursue managerial roles in the construction industry. 

To prepare for this degree, choose the UWA Foundation Program. Designed to meet the needs of international students, this program will improve your academic knowledge and English language skills so you can confidently progress to Year 1 of this UWA degree. 

ICT business and systems analysts 

Large companies rely on analysts to review, evaluate and improve their ICT systems to help meet business needs. This is your opportunity to plan new ways for organizations to succeed. 

• Average salary in Australia: AUD $57,500 per year*. 
• ICT manager career progression: average salary of AUD $137,775 per year*. 

WHAT TO STUDY 

UWA is a strong choice for future computing professionals, ranked among the top 15 universities in Australia for Computer Science and Information Systems (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023). You’ll earn more doing what you love, too: UWA graduates have the 4th highest average starting salaries for computing and IT graduates in Australia, from AUD $63,300 (Good Universities Guide 2023). 

There are several educational routes to choose from: a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or Data Science, or a Bachelor of Advanced Computer Science in Computing and Data Science.  

To prepare for one of these degrees: 

• Start your studies with the UWA Foundation Program. Designed specifically for international students, you could progress to Year 1 of any of these degree options from this program. 
• Or, for students with a higher English language level and academic grades, you could prepare for entry to Year 2 of a degree with the UWA College Diploma in Computer and Data Science. 

Civil engineering professionals 

From bridges, transport links and pipelines to residential buildings, schools, hospitals and stadiums, civil engineers plan, design and manage the construction of our cities’ built environments.  

• Average salary in Australia: AUD $108,419 per year*. 
• Entry-level positions: from AUD $90,000 per year*. 

WHAT TO STUDY 

A world top 100 university for Civil and Structural Engineering (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023), UWA is one of the best universities globally to kickstart your career as a civil engineer. Its Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Civil Engineering is industry-focused, meaning you’ll graduate with real-world experience of solving complex engineering problems to show to future employers. 

To prepare for this degree: 

• Choose to study the UWA Foundation Program first. Designed to help international students prepare for success in Year 1 of a UWA degree, this program will enhance your academic knowledge and improve your English language skills. 
• If you have a higher English language level and academic grades, you could instead be eligible to study the UWA College Diploma in Engineering. You’ll save time on your studies with this program, progressing to Year 2 of your degree. 

Advertising and marketing professionals 

Marketing is everywhere – from social media and email marketing to search engine optimization and content marketing. With so many different strategies, marketing professionals are always in demand. 

• Average salary in Australia: AUD $87,643 per year*. 
• Marketing manager career progression: average salary of AUD $110,579 per year*. 

WHAT TO STUDY 

UWA’s Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing will give you the knowledge, experience and skills to become an enterprising marketing professional in a world with ever-changing market needs. You’ll put your learning into practice during your degree, working with top agencies in Perth on real projects. 

To prepare for this degree: 

• Start with the UWA Foundation Program. Prepare for Year 1 of university study at UWA with a program design specifically for international students – improving your academic knowledge and English language skills. 
• Alternatively, if you have a higher English language level and academic grades, you could be eligible to study the UWA College Diploma in Commerce. You’ll increase your business-specific knowledge and develop vocabulary in your subject area, progressing to Year 2 of your degree. 

Mining engineers 

The mining industry is one of the backbones of Western Australia’s economy. And mining engineers have one of the most technical roles – combining specialist project management skills with technological and scientific skills. 

• Average salary in Australia: AUD $150,000 per year*. 
• Entry-level positions: from AUD $130,000 per year*. 

WHAT TO STUDY 

Ranked 7th in the world for Mineral and Mining Engineering (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023), UWA is one of the planet’s best choices for this engineering discipline. You’ll complete your studies in Perth – a leading global energy city home to eight of the world’s 14 largest energy companies. 

UWA’s Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Mining Engineering will facilitate crucial connections with top organizations in the mining industry, such as BHP, Rio Tinto and FMG, as you learn the technical skills needed for career success. 

To prepare for this degree: 

• Start your Australian studies with the UWA Foundation Program. Created for overseas students, you’ll develop your subject-specific knowledge and English language skills so you can confidently enter Year 1 of a Bachelor’s degree at UWA. 

• Another option is the UWA College Diploma in Engineering. Designed for students with higher English language and academic levels, you’ll enhance your knowledge of mathematics and physics as you build study skills. Then, after successfully completing the program, you could enter Year 2 of your degree. 

ICT security specialists 

As cybercrime rises, the demand for ICT security – or cybersecurity – specialists also grows. You’ll help to protect organizations digitally, using your expertise to prevent, monitor and contain cyberthreats. 

• Average salary in Australia: AUD $125,208 per year*. 

• Entry-level positions: from AUD $104,874 per year*. 

WHAT TO STUDY 

UWA’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity is an industry-integrated program that gives you the specialist knowledge and practical skills to succeed in a career in cybersecurity. Alternatively, choose a Bachelor of Advanced Computer Science in International Cybersecurity for a global perspective, exploring how cybersecurity relates to issues in contemporary international politics. 

To prepare for one of these degrees: 

• Study the UWA Foundation Program – an academic program designed specifically for international students with English language and subject-specific modules. You could progress to Year 1 of either of these degree options from this program. 

• For students looking to study a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, there’s also the option to study the UWA College Diploma in Computer and Data Science. Offering entry to Year 2 of your degree, you’ll develop your subject knowledge and key vocabulary for university success. 

* Talent.com average salaries in Australia, April 2023 

Find out more about studying at UWA College. 

You might also want to read ‘Why UWA is the university of choice for international students’ or ‘8 unique features that make Perth the perfect international study destination’. 

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Provider: The University of Western Australia (UWA), UWA College in Partnership with INTO Perth, CRICOS 00126G, PRV12169, Australian University, INTO Perth Pty Ltd is an approved third-party provider of The University of Western Australia and will provide the course on its behalf.