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10 Best Courses in Australia for International Students: Fees, Salaries & Expert Insights 2026–27

Study courses in Australia: Check the most popular programmes and high-demand specialisations offered by the top universities, their average annual tuition fees, job prospects, average annual salary packages, and migration-relevant fields.

byJoel Noronho
9th Aug 2026
18 mins read
60.9K views
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Key Takeaways

What you'll learn in this article

Annual tuition fees range from AU $20,000–$65,000+ depending on field, with Tourism and Hospitality among the most affordable options.
Engineering, Computer Science, and Clinical Psychology graduates have the strongest PR pathways, with several occupations classified as high-priority on Australia's Core Skills Occupation List.
Top universities including University of Melbourne, ANU, UNSW, and Monash University offer these programmes with global rankings and industry-integrated delivery.
Average graduate salaries span AU $45,000–$100,000 annually, with Computer Science, Actuarial Science, and Biomedical Engineering commanding the highest packages.
Regional university graduates in Agricultural Sciences, Earth Sciences, and Engineering qualify for state nomination pathways (Subclass 190/491), improving permanent residency prospects.
International students must complete a Professional Year or secure employer sponsorship to strengthen visa applications, particularly for competitive fields like Accountancy.

Australia remains a premier global study hub, welcoming nearly 800,000 international students annually. The country's academic ecosystem is favoured for its practical, industry-integrated courses delivered across critical fields like Business, Engineering, Computer Science, and Health Sciences.

Since Australian education emphasises applying theories, with significant time spent on workshops, simulation labs, and industry projects, many courses feature internship opportunities and hands-on learning, targeting high employability. In addition to a vibrant multicultural environment, students benefit from various employment and PR opportunities, making Australia an ideal choice for those seeking a comprehensive educational experience.

On this page, we explore the best courses in Australia for international students and share expert insights on choosing the right course, along with a real case study from a counsellor. The requirements, tuition benchmarks, living costs, and legislative migration pathways detailed throughout this guide are sourced from official 2026 data provided by Study Australia - Course FinderStudy Australia - Areas of Study, and the Department of Education - International Higher Education Data, ensuring all figures reflect the most recent policy settings.

Find your ideal Australian course and PR pathway — speak with our study advisers

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Types of Courses in Australia for International Students

While courses in Australia can be classified into three qualification tiers: VET courses (vocational training) and diploma programmes for practical skills; undergraduate and postgraduate coursework with industry-focused learning; and higher degree research pathways emphasising original research, fieldwork, and thesis development, most international students seek admission to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees, and sometimes PG Diplomas.

Let us see what our Education Counsellor, Vasudha Shenoy, has to say about finalising your specific course in Australia:

Undergraduate (Bachelor's Degree)

At the undergraduate level, course selection begins with evaluating Grade 12 subjects, marks and, more importantly, what you genuinely enjoy studying. Because parental involvement is critical at this stage, both academically and financially, Vasudha suggests including parents from the outset.

She adds that your primary focus should be on determining whether your preference reflects genuine personal ambition rather than external pressure from peers, family, or transient trends. For students who realise after starting a degree in India that their initial choice was incorrect, Vasudha suggests credit transfer pathways into the second or third year of Australian universities as a viable route to pivot smoothly.

Postgraduate (Master's Degree)

Vasudha shares that Master’s applicants require a career-driven approach, as they enter with established academic backgrounds and defined professional targets. She suggests understanding your primary reason for considering Australia and then assessing whether the course fits your academic background and career plans. If you already have a university and course in mind, she reminds you to ensure it genuinely aligns with your goals before processing the application.

She has counselled students who chose a second Master’s in Australia for a specialisation not readily available domestically and have since progressed well in their careers. Therefore, if you already hold a Master’s degree from your home country, consider what additional value a second master’s would offer and choose your course accordingly.

Doctoral (PhD Level)

Lastly, she says that PhD course-matching centres entirely on research alignment, supervisor availability, and institutional strengths. Students must focus on identifying the ideal university fit, contacting target professors, and structuring competitive research proposals that align with university priorities.

In her tenure, Vasudha has guided students to universities such as the University of Queensland and Victoria University for fully funded PhD opportunities, including tuition coverage, airfare support and stipends; therefore, finding the right research, supervisor and university match is the most important aspect, she adds. She also stresses that you must ensure that your proposed research aligns with the university’s research strengths and available supervision.

10 Best Courses in Australia for International Students

Outlined below are the top courses in Australia for international students, with their average international tuition fee ranges across top institutions, alongside their direct alignment with professional immigration pathways.

Top Study AreasAnnual Tuition Fees (in AUD)Value & Alignment
Healthcare and NursingAU $33,000 – $48,000Immediate healthcare workforce priority; fastest route to PR
Computer Science and Information TechnologyAU $40,000 – $60,000Digital transformation engine; high volume of invitations
Core Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical)AU $42,000 – $62,000Critical infrastructure priority on the Core Skills Occupation List
Education and Teaching (Early Childhood & Secondary)AU $28,000 – $44,000Critical national shortage; rapid PR invitations with low point thresholds
Social Work and Community ServicesAU $28,000 – $43,000AASW-accredited; direct regional and state nomination priority
Accountancy and FinanceAU $30,000 – $50,000Core financial compliance; high enterprise employment density
Construction Management and ArchitectureAU $32,000 – $52,000Vital to national housing and infrastructure projects; high corporate demand
Psychology and Behavioural ScienceAU $30,000 – $50,000High demand for fully registered clinical professionals
Agricultural and Environmental SciencesAU $28,000 – $42,000Highly favoured for regional state nomination pathways
Business Analytics and Data ManagementAU $32,000 – $54,000High corporate demand; strong employer sponsorship (Subclass 482/494) route

Source: Study Australia - Course Finder · Department of Education - International Education Data and Research

How to Choose the Right Course in Australia?

Choose a course in Australia that matches your career goals, academic background, and long-term expectations:

  • Verify CRICOS: Ensure the course is CRICOS-listed and meets student visa standards.
  • Consider Regions: Regional institutions like the universities in Adelaide, Geelong, Wollongong, Newcastle, and others may offer lower tuition and living costs and extra post-study visa benefits.

From 25 Backlogs to a Successful Master's in Australia: Case Study

Our Admissions Expert, Kanchan Poudel, shares a case study of a student from Nepal with 25 backlogs who successfully secured a place at the reputed La Trobe University, Melbourne.

Profile: B.E. Civil Engineering Graduate (Nepal)
Target: Master's in Construction & Infrastructure Management (Australia)
Challenge: 25 Academic Backlogs & Unrealistic Migration Expectations

When a Civil Engineering graduate from Nepal approached AECC, his goal was clear: gain specialised expertise in construction and infrastructure management in Australia while exploring post-study career pathways. However, his academic record presented a major hurdle—25 backlogs.

Strategy Shift
So, instead of immediately recommending universities, Kanchan reviewed his complete academic history, career objectives and eligibility for different courses. She discussed realistic options in Civil Engineering and Construction Management, while considering factors such as entry requirements, course relevance, location, tuition fees and future career opportunities.

Setting Realistic Expectations
The applicant also inquired about permanent residency (PR), so Kanchan explained that migration or settlement cannot be guaranteed through course selection and depends on government policies, eligibility and individual circumstances.

Outcome
By focusing on profile alignment rather than institutional rankings, Kanchan identified a realistic pathway into Construction Management, and the student was ultimately admitted to La Trobe University — a match aligned with his academic standing and budget.

Key Takeaway
Ideal course-matching starts with the student's actual record—not a university brand name.

Wondering which course is right for you? Depending on your ultimate goal of studying, working, and permanently moving to Australia, our experts can help you shortlist the best courses in Australia.

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Detailed Profiles of Top 10 Courses in Australia

Some of the academic areas qualify as PR Eligible Courses in Australia, leading to lucrative post-study employment opportunities and opening migration pathways. Let us walk through the detailed profiles of all the best courses in Australia for international students listed above.

Healthcare and Nursing

Healthcare and Nursing courses in Australia remain the single most reliable study-to-migration pathway for international students. Driven by systemic shortages across public and private health networks, programmes in this domain place heavy emphasis on mandatory clinical placements (over 800 hours), simulation-based learning, and immediate workforce readiness.

Healthcare & Nursing Courses in Australia: At a Glance
Popular Programmes and SpecialisationMaster of Nursing (Practice/Graduate Entry), 
Bachelor of Nursing
Master of Advanced Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Critical Care, Aged Care, Perioperative Nursing
Average Annual Tuition FeeAU $33,000 – $48,000
Top UniversitiesUniversity of Sydney, 
Monash University, 
University of Technology Sydney, 
Deakin University
Job ProspectsRegistered Nurse (RN), 
Clinical Nurse Specialist, 
Nurse Practitioner, 
Aged Care Coordinator, 
Critical Care Nurse, 
Mental Health Nurse
Average Annual SalaryAU $75,000 – $105,000+

Source: Study Australia - Health, Medicine and Psychology Courses

Because healthcare entry requirements and clinical placements are incredibly strict, shortlisting the best medical universities in Australia early ensures you meet the required biological science prerequisites.

Computer Science and Information Technology (CSIT)

International students consider Computer Science and Information Technology a field of study in high demand across the board in the country, which is known to everyone for its innovative and practical applications. CSIT courses in Australia provide foundational knowledge in programming, software development, and IT systems.

CSIT Courses in Australia: At a Glance
Popular Programmes and SpecialisationMaster of Computer Science
Bachelor of Computer Science, 
Master of Data Science
Bachelor of Information Technology, 
Master of Cybersecurity
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Average Annual Tuition FeeAU $40,000 – $60,000
Top UniversitiesUniversity of Melbourne, 
Australian National University, 
University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), 
Monash University
Job ProspectsSoftware Engineer, Cybersecurity Analyst, Data Scientist, Cloud Architect, Systems Engineer, Network Administrator
Average Annual SalaryAU $75,000 – $110,000+

Source: Study Australia - Information Technology (IT) and Computing Courses

With sectors like AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics booming, exploring the rankings of the best IT universities in Australia can help you find a programme with elite industry ties.

Core Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical)

Core Engineering includes basic categories such as Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Chemical, among many other courses in Australia, which further lead to a broad scope of specialisations. These programmes educate students on integrated core engineering subjects and specialise them in fields such as structural engineering, power systems, and process control.

Engineering Courses in Australia: At a Glance
Popular Programmes and SpecialisationBachelor of Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical), 
Master of Professional Engineering, 
Master of Mechanical Engineering, Power Systems, Renewable Energy Engineering, Structural Engineering
Average Annual Tuition FeeAU $42,000 – $62,000
Top UniversitiesUniversity of Melbourne, 
UNSW Sydney, 
University of Queensland, 
Monash University
Job ProspectsCivil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Electrical Power Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Project Manager, Systems Engineer
Average Annual SalaryAU $75,000 – $115,000+

Source: Study Australia - Engineering, Automation and Technology Courses

If you prefer high-growth niche fields, look into the specific fees and training pathways for Aviation courses in Australia.

Browsing courses in Australia? Let's narrow it down together.

With hundreds of programmes across the Group of Eight and beyond, choosing the right course can be overwhelming. Register now and our counsellors will help you shortlist based on your career goals, budget, and visa pathway.

Where do you want to study?*

Education and Teaching (Early Childhood & Secondary)

Education and teaching qualifications are among the most sought-after study paths in Australia due to nationwide structural staffing shortages in both early childhood centres and secondary schools. Australian teaching programmes combine rigorous pedagogical theory with mandatory supervised school placements, nearly 45 to 80 days, giving international graduates immediate practical classroom experience and professional accreditation through state teaching authorities.

Education & Teaching Courses in Australia: At a Glance
Popular Programmes and SpecialisationBachelor of Education (Early Childhood / Primary / Secondary), 
Master of Teaching (Early Childhood / Secondary)
Average Annual Tuition FeeAU $28,000 – $44,000
Top UniversitiesUniversity of Melbourne, 
Monash University, 
University of Sydney, 
Deakin University
Job ProspectsEarly Childhood Teacher, Secondary School Teacher (Maths/Science/STEM), Special Needs Educator, Education Administrator
Average Annual SalaryAU $72,000 – $98,000+

Source: Study Australia - Teacher Education and Training Courses

Social Work and Community Services

Social Work and Community Services courses have seen a significant surge in international student enrolments, driven by high workforce demand in mental health, youth welfare, and aged care sectors. Accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), these programmes incorporate a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised field education, equipping graduates with direct professional exposure to Australia's human services and social policy landscape.

Social Work & Community Service Courses in Australia: At a Glance
Popular Programmes and SpecialisationBachelor of Social Work (Honours), 
Master of Social Work (Qualifying), 
Master of Community Development, Child & Family Practice, Mental Health Social Work
Average Annual Tuition FeeAU $28,000 – $43,000
Top UniversitiesUniversity of Sydney, 
Monash University, 
Queensland University of Technology, 
RMIT University
Job ProspectsSocial Worker, Mental Health Practitioner, Child Protection Officer, Medical Social Worker, Community Development Manager
Average Annual SalaryAU $70,000 – $95,000

Source: Study Australia - Humanities, Politics and Social Sciences Courses

Accountancy and Finance

One of the most resilient fields for international students in Australia is Accountancy and Finance. These programmes combine core financial reporting, corporate governance, and taxation with advanced financial modelling and investment management. Graduates gain highly adaptable skills that open doors to both corporate enterprise roles and specialised advisory careers across Australia’s major commercial hubs.

Accountancy & Finance Courses in Australia: At a Glance
Popular Programmes and SpecialisationBachelor of Accounting, 
Master of Professional Accounting (MPA), 
Master of Finance, Forensic Accounting, Financial Analytics, Taxation
Average Annual Tuition FeeAU $30,000 – $50,000
Top UniversitiesUniversity of Melbourne, 
Australian National University, 
UNSW Sydney, 
University of Sydney
Job ProspectsAccountant, Financial Analyst, Auditor, Tax Consultant, Management Accountant, Risk Advisor
Average Annual SalaryAU $65,000 – $90,000

Source: Study Australia - Business, Management and Entrepreneurship Courses

Construction Management and Architecture

Driven by Australia’s national housing shortage and multi-billion-dollar public infrastructure commitments, programmes in Construction Management and Architecture offer exceptional career security. These courses deliver comprehensive training in structural design, urban planning, project cost estimation, and sustainable building technologies, blending creative architectural theory with hands-on site management expertise.

Construction Management & Architecture Courses in Australia: At a Glance
Popular Programmes and SpecialisationBachelor of Construction Management (Honours), 
Master of Construction Management
Master of Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Sustainable Building Technologies
Average Annual Tuition FeeAU $32,000 – $52,000
Top UniversitiesRMIT University, 
University of Melbourne, 
University of Sydney, 
UNSW Sydney, 
University of Newcastle
Job ProspectsConstruction Project Manager, Quantity Surveyor, Site Supervisor, Architect, Sustainable Design Consultant, Building Estimator
Average Annual SalaryAU $80,000 – $120,000+

Source: Study Australia - Architecture, Construction and Planning Courses

Assess your eligibility and learn how to strengthen your profile for top universities. Get a comprehensive profile evaluation and expert insights into your chances of admission. Let our experts narrow down your search with a personalised list of the most popular and high-demand courses in Australia, specifically curated for you.

Psychology and Behavioural Science

A growing number of international students choose Psychology and Behavioural Science courses in Australia to meet the rising demand for mental health and human performance experts. Offering diverse career pathways, studying in this field covers clinical practice, counselling, organisational behaviour, and community health, combining empirical research methodologies with supervised practical training.

Psychology & Behavioural Science Courses in Australia: At a Glance
Popular Programmes and SpecialisationBachelor of Psychological Science, 
Master of Psychology (Clinical, Educational, Organisational), 
Master of Counselling, Forensic Psychology
Average Annual Tuition FeeAU $30,000 – $50,000
Top UniversitiesUniversity of Sydney, 
Monash University, 
University of Melbourne, 
UNSW Sydney
Job ProspectsClinical Psychologist, Organisational Psychologist, School Counsellor, Mental Health Consultant, Behaviour Analyst
Average Annual SalaryAU $70,000 – $105,000+

Source: Study Australia - Health, Medicine and Psychology Courses

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences courses are rapidly growing in popularity as global priorities shift toward sustainability, food security, and climate resilience. Focusing on sustainable farming systems, precision Agritech, water resource management, and biodiversity protection, these programmes equip graduates with the technical skills needed to solve critical resource management challenges, particularly across regional Australia.

Agricultural & Environmental Science Courses in Australia: At a Glance
Popular Programmes and SpecialisationBachelor of Agricultural Science, 
Master of Agricultural Science, Agronomy, Environmental Management, Hydrology, Climate Change Adaptation, Precision Agriculture
Average Annual Tuition FeeAU $28,000 – $42,000
Top UniversitiesUniversity of Queensland, 
University of Melbourne, 
University of Western Australia, 
Adelaide University
Job ProspectsAgronomist, Agricultural Scientist, Environmental Consultant, Hydrogeologist, Resource Management Officer, Sustainability Specialist
Average Annual SalaryAU $65,000 – $95,000

Source: Study Australia - Agriculture and Agritech Courses

Business Analytics and Data Management

As Australian enterprises across finance, retail, and healthcare increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, Business Analytics and Data Management programmes have become a top choice for international students. Positioned at the intersection of commerce and computer science, these courses train students to translate complex datasets into actionable business strategies through hands-on training with modern analytics tools, predictive modelling, and enterprise software.

Business Analytics Courses in Australia: At a Glance
Popular Programmes and SpecialisationMaster of Business Analytics, 
Master of Information Systems, 
Master of Business Information Technology, Supply Chain Analytics, Data-Driven Decision Making
Average Annual Tuition FeeAU $32,000 – $54,000
Top UniversitiesMelbourne Business School, 
UNSW Sydney, 
Monash University, 
University of Sydney
Job ProspectsBusiness Analyst, Data Analyst, Business Intelligence (BI) Developer, Supply Chain Analyst, Product Manager, Strategy Consultant
Average Annual SalaryAU $78,000 – $110,000+

Source: Study Australia - Business, Management and Entrepreneurship Courses

Other Top-Rated Courses in Australia

Whether you want to advance your technical skills or pivot into a new career, several study areas offer deep knowledge and skills in leading job sectors. Explore your academic options by checking out the specific programmes below to learn more about entry requirements, top universities, and their career outcomes in Australia:

Digital Marketing CoursesCookery Courses
Hotel Management CoursesAgriculture Courses
Master of Public HealthMaster of Pharmacy

Some of these courses will lead you to top careers for international students in 2030. Are your university documents, scholarship essay, and visa application ready for Australian universities? Get complete application support from our seasoned counselling professionals.

Cost of Studying Courses in Australia 2026–2027

The total cost of studying the best courses in Australia, including tuition fees and living expenses, would vary significantly with the course type, programme level, chosen university, housing type, and location of your student accommodation. Specialised courses in Australia, like medical and business degrees, sit at the highest end of the spectrum.

Specialised Courses in AustraliaAnnual Tuition Fee Range (in AUD)
Business Administration (BBA)AU $15,000 – $53,000
Computer Applications (BCA / IT Degrees)AU $30,000 – $48,000
Master of Laws (LLM)AU $30,000 – $56,000
Executive MBA and Full-time MBAAU $40,000 – $90,000+
Medical Science / Bachelor of Medicine (MBBS)AU $70,000 – $112,000+

Source: Study Australia - Course Finder and Tuition Costs

Maximising ROI on International Courses in Australia

The costs of studying these courses in Australia can be managed with the help of popular international scholarships. You can also explore part-time work opportunities to earn pocket money as well as add to your global experience.

  • Term-Time Restrictions: International student Subclass 500 Student Visa holders can work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight while university semesters are active to safeguard academic performance.
  • Semester Break Allowances: During all officially scheduled university holidays and summer breaks, work hour limits are entirely lifted, allowing unrestricted full-time employment.
  • Postgraduate Research Exemptions: Students enrolled in a Master's by Research or a Doctoral (PhD) track face zero work hour restrictions from the exact day their research programme officially commences.
  • Highest Minimum Wage Protection: All international student workers are fully protected by national award standards and are offered the national minimum wage, backed directly by the federal government.

Ready to start your Australian study adventure? Let AECC be your trusted partner to help you with every step of the application, starting from university shortlisting, scholarship application, and visa filing to flying abroad for orientation. Get expert guidance every step of the way to ensure a smooth and fulfilling journey to your dream university.

Sources & References

Course Benchmarks & Tuition Data

Field of Study Guides

Courses in Australia for International Students FAQs

The best course to study in Australia for international students depends on your area of interest. While focusing on high-demand and migration pathways, the best courses in Australia include Information Technology (AI/Cybersecurity), Nursing/Healthcare (Public Health), Engineering (Civil/Mechanical), Accounting, and STEM fields.

The most affordable options are Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses in fields like business, hospitality, aged care, and community services. International tuition fees for the low end of VET providers range from AU $10,000 to AU $15,000 annually. VET courses also offer amazing part-time work opportunities to international students, further reducing the financial burden. AECC experts advise you to look for courses at TAFE colleges or private pathway providers.

The highest job demand is in Health/Nursing, Engineering, Education, Computer Science and Information Technology (CSIT) in Australia. Key CSIT specialisations like Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Civil and Mechanical Engineering are central to infrastructure and digital economic growth, ensuring strong job prospects. Additionally, the scope of work in the healthcare industry makes a Bachelor of Nursing as well as a Master of Nursing a prominent choice for international students.

Scholarships are widely available across high-demand fields, including Engineering, IT, Health, and Business. Major scholarship programmes include the Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) and Research Training Program (RTP), offered by the Government of Australia alongside numerous competitive university-specific scholarships at all degree levels.

The most reliable pathway is through courses on the high-priority Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). These include:

  • Core Engineering roles like Civil Engineer and Mechanical Engineer,
  • Teaching roles in Early Childhood Education,
  • IT roles in Software and Cybersecurity, and
  • Highly specialised Health roles, such as Registered Nurses and Clinical Psychologists.

According to the Australian Jobs and Skills Portal, careers in Specialist Medicine, such as Surgeons, Anaesthetists, and Senior Finance/Executive Management, are the highest paid, with senior specialists earning AU $300,000 – $500,000+ annually. Graduates in IT Management and Mining/Petroleum Engineering also have a high long-term earning potential, with salaries quickly climbing past AU $150,000.

The exact entry requirements depend on the university, study level, and course. Generally, the minimum academic score required for admission to Australian universities starts at 55% in your previous qualification, though competitive or high-tier institutions may require higher academic benchmarks.

In Australia, undergraduate bachelor’s degrees take 3 to 4 years to complete, while master’s degree programmes generally take 2 years. During official study terms, international students holding a valid student visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight, which averages out to 24 hours per week. During scheduled semester breaks and official university holidays, students are permitted to work unlimited hours.

Trusted Expertise

About the Author

Published and reviewed by AECC counsellors who guide students through every step of their study-abroad journey.

Joel Noronho

Published by Joel Noronho

Australia & New Zealand Education Specialist | 20 Years Advising International Students

Joel Noronho has spent over 20 years advising students on study in Australia and New Zealand. A large proportion of the students he works with are thinking about permanent residency from the outset, not as a distant possibility but as the primary reason for choosing a particular course or university in the first place.

That means Joel spends a lot of time explaining things that standard course guides do not cover. How the ANZSCO code for a particular occupation affects post-study work eligibility, which courses on the Core Skills Occupation List are currently most viable, and how changes to the points test affect the value of a degree from a regional university versus a capital city institution. This is knowledge that takes years to build.

Joel writes about Australian and New Zealand universities the way a counsellor who has seen hundreds of post-graduation outcomes would, with an honest assessment of which pathways tend to work and which ones look better in the brochure than they do in practice. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and is based at AECC's offices in South India.

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