Can International Students and Graduates Get Engineering Jobs in Australia?
Yes — engineering is one of the high-demand professions in Australia. Whether you've just finished your degree or already hold work experience, there are many job opportunities across civil, electrical, software, and mechanical engineering sectors.
Australia includes many engineering roles on its Skilled Occupation List, which means these jobs can also support PR (Permanent Residency)
What Are the Most In-Demand Engineering Fields in Australia?
| Engineering Discipline | Common Job Roles | PR Eligible |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | Site Engineer, Structural Engineer | Yes |
| Mechanical Engineering | HVAC, Automotive, Plant Engineer | Yes |
| Electrical Engineering | Power Systems, Electronics | Yes |
| Software Engineering | DevOps, Web, App Developer | Yes |
| Environmental Engineering | Wastewater, Sustainability | Yes |
| Mechatronics | Robotics, Automation | Yes |
| Mining Engineering | Safety, Resources, Geotech roles | Yes |
Step-by-Step: How to Get an Engineering Job in Australia
Step 1: Complete an Accredited Degree
- Graduate from an Engineers Australia-accredited university
- If you studied abroad, apply for a Skills Assessment via Engineers Australia
Step 2: Apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Step 3: Build a Resume with Internship or Project Work
- Join engineering societies (e.g., IEAust Student Chapters)
- Apply for internships, placements, or capstone projects
Step 4: Search Jobs via:
- 🧑💻 Job Portals: SEEK, Indeed, GradConnection
- 🏛️ University Career Services
- 👥 Networking: LinkedIn, industry events, job fairs
Step 5: Apply for Permanent Jobs
- Highlight PR eligibility if applicable
- Include soft skills, visa status, and tools used (AutoCAD, Python, MATLAB etc.)
Salary Expectations – Engineering Jobs in Australia (2025)
| Role | Avg. Salary (AUD/year) |
|---|---|
| Graduate Civil Engineer | $65,000 – $75,000 |
| Electrical Engineer | $70,000 – $90,000 |
| Software Engineer | $75,000 – $110,000 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $68,000 – $85,000 |
| Senior Project Engineer | $110,000 – $130,000 |
Salaries may be higher in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth compared to regional cities.
Do You Need a License to Work as an Engineer in Australia?
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Hired
- Improve your English fluency (IELTS 6.5+ preferred for employers)
- Learn relevant software tools (AutoCAD, Revit, Python, MATLAB)
- Tailor your resume to each job ad
- Get references from university or internship supervisors
- Join platforms like LinkedIn, and follow engineering recruiters
Conclusion
Engineering is one of the safest and most rewarding career paths for international students in Australia — both in terms of salary and PR potential.
AECC can help you:
- Find top engineering universities
- Assist with visa and job-readiness
- Match you with the right employers after study
Speak to our team today to plan your engineering future in Australia.
