Introduction
Studying Urban Development is one of the pathways to working in the most popular industry in Australia. For example, you will be able to work as a quantity surveyor, construction project manager, or landscape architect. With the growth in the construction industry, there are many job opportunities in this field. According to the Australian Industry and Skills Committee, the construction industry generates over $360 billion in revenue and can produce approximately 9% of the gross domestic product in Australia. In the next five years, it is also estimated that the industry will have a projected annual growth rate of around 2.4%.
As shown on PayScale, a quantity surveyor can earn an average salary of AU$73,763 per year. Starting in an entry-level position, a new graduate or a person who has just started developing their career in this industry is estimated to be able to earn around AU$56,000. A more experienced quantity surveyor could receive an average salary of AU$110,000 per year. Additionally, there are also thousands of jobs offered in this field on the recruiting website, Seek, demonstrating the demand in the industry and the potential of this career pathway.
A career in Urban Development can lead to promotions such as to a construction project manager position. The average salary for a construction project manager in Australia is AU$102,098, according to PayScale. There are also more than 10,000 job openings available on Seek that bring great opportunities to people interested in working in the field of construction.
Why study Urban Development program in Australia?
- Very little to zero background education/experience required
If you are a high school graduate, you can either start with a Diploma (domestic/overseas) course, or undertake the foundation program offered by some universities to apply for the Bachelor of Urban Development course. For some international students, you can use your final high school examination results from overseas to get into the Bachelor’s program. Therefore, for most students, it is not difficult to meet the entry requirements when applying for entry into a Bachelor’s degree.
If you already have a Bachelor’s degree and would like to develop your career in the construction industry, you should consider doing a Master of Urban Development and Design course. You do not need a background in Architectural Design, but you will need relevant educational background and/or work experience.
Don’t have work experience in the relevant fields and can’t meet the academic performance requirement? Don’t worry. Students can undertake the Graduate Certificate in Urban Development and Design as an alternative.
- Multiple Start Dates
There are usually 2-3 intakes offered by Australian universities every year regardless of which university you wish to apply to. This will give applicants more flexibility when preparing the required documentation. Especially for students who don’t feel ready, the flexible intake will help ease the time pressure during the application preparation process.
- Post-Study Work Visa
One of the most important advantages of completing two or more years of studying Urban Development in higher education is that students will be eligible for a 2-6-year Post-study Work Visa. Graduates can make use of this opportunity to gain overseas work experience as visa holders have full working rights.
What are career outcomes after urban development study in Australia?
- Estimator
is a professional to calculate and provide estimates for costs, quantities, time, or other relevant factors related to a project, task, or endeavour. Estimators play a crucial role in fields such as construction, manufacturing, engineering, finance, and more. They help organizations and individuals make informed decisions by forecasting and budgeting for different aspects of their projects or operations.
- Construction Project Manager
A Construction Project Manager is a professional responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing construction projects from inception to completion. Their role is crucial in ensuring that construction projects are executed efficiently, on time, and within budget while meeting safety and quality standards.
- Quantity Surveyor
A Quantity Surveyor, often abbreviated as QS, is a specialized professional in the construction and real estate industry who is primarily responsible for managing the costs and financial aspects of construction projects. Their role involves ensuring that a construction project is financially viable, stays within budget, and adheres to quality and regulatory standards.
- Urban Designer
An Urban Designer is a professional who specializes in the planning and design of urban environments, including cities, towns, neighborhoods, and public spaces. Their role is to create and improve the physical, functional, and aesthetic aspects of urban areas to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors.
- Community Engagement Consultant
A Community Engagement Consultant specialising in urban development focuses on engaging and involving local communities in the planning and decision-making processes related to urban development projects. Their role is essential in ensuring that urban development initiatives are inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with the needs and preferences of the community.
- Landscape Architect
A Landscape Architect is a professional who specializes in planning, designing, and managing outdoor spaces, including parks, gardens, residential landscapes, urban plazas, and public areas. Their role involves creating aesthetically pleasing, functional, and sustainable outdoor environments that enhance the quality of life for people and promote ecological health.
- Urban Strategist
An Urban Strategist is a professional who specializes in formulating and implementing strategic plans and policies for urban development and growth. They play a crucial role in shaping the long-term vision and direction of cities and metropolitan areas, focusing on sustainability, livability, and economic prosperity.
What Urban Development courses are available for international students in Australia?
- Bachelor of Urban Development (Honours) (Quantity Surveying and Cost Engineering)
- Bachelor of Urban Development (Honours) (Construction Management)
- Graduate Certificate in Urban Development and Design
- Master of Urban Development and Design
Entry Requirements
- For the Bachelor’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed Year 12 or a Diploma course and attained IELTS 6.5
- For the Graduate Certificate course, normally applicants are required to have completed a Bachelor’s degree and attained IELTS 6.5
- For the Master’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed a Bachelor’s degree and attained IELTS 6.5
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What majors might you study for your urban development degree in Australia?
- Urban Design: Urban Futures
This course focuses on the principles, theories, and practical aspects of urban design with a forward-looking perspective toward the future of cities. Such a course is designed to prepare students, professionals, or urban planners to address the evolving challenges and opportunities that cities will face in the coming years
- Contemporary Urbanism Theory and Practice
This course explores the current theories, principles, and practical approaches to urban planning and development. It provides students, urban planners, and professionals with insights into the evolving dynamics of cities and urban areas in the contemporary world.
- Urban Design: Responsive Environments
This course focuses on the principles, theories, and practical strategies for creating urban environments that are highly adaptive, resilient, and responsive to the needs of residents and the challenges of contemporary urban life. This course may explore innovative approaches and technologies that enable urban design to respond dynamically to changing conditions.
- Managing Organisational Behaviour
This course focuses on understanding, influencing, and effectively managing the behaviour of individuals and groups within an organization to achieve the organization’s goals.
What are entry requirements for international students to study Urban Development in Australia?
- For the Bachelor’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed Year 12 or a Diploma course and attained IELTS 6.5
- For the Graduate Certificate course, normally applicants are required to have completed a Bachelor’s degree and attained IELTS 6.5
- For the Master’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed a Bachelor’s degree and attained IELTS 6.5
Not meeting the entry requirements for an electrical engineering course? Contact SOL Edu, one of the best education agencies in Brisbane, today! Our team will offer you free consultation and free application process.
What are the top universities in Australia for urban development studies?
Bachelor’s Level
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT) – Bachelor of Urban Development (Honours) (Quantity Surveying and Cost Engineering)
- University of New South Wales (UNSW) – Bachelor of City Planning
- RMIT University – Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning
- Griffith University – Bachelor of Urban and Environmental Planning
- University of Queensland – Bachelor of Regional and Town Planning
Graduate Certificate Level
- University of Queensland – Graduate Certificate in Urban Development and Design
Master’s Level
- University of Queensland – Master of Urban Development and Design
- University of Technology Sydney (UTS) – Mater of Planning
- Monash University – Master of Urban Planning and Design
- University of Western Australia (UWA) – Master of Urban Design
How to pass a skill assessment for an urban development degree holders in Australia?
For immigration purposes, urban development degree holders need to pass a skill assessment assessed by one of approved authorities in Australia. To know which organisation/authority that you should submit your skills assessment for, you need to clarify what is your occupation. Below are two examples of skills assessment criteria.
Category 1: Skills assessment assessed by VETASSESS
If your occupation is Urban and Regional Planner (ANZSCO Code 232611), Construction Estimator (ANZSCO Code 312114), and Construction Project Manager (ANZSCO Code 133111), the authority to assess your skills assessment is VETASSESS. To have a positive skills assessment outcome, you need to meet the following criteria:
(1) For those who have completed a Bachelor or higher degree with a field highly relevant to the Urban Development:
- You must have at least one year of post-qualification employment at an appropriate skill level,
- your experience must be undertaken in the last five years,
- you must work 20 hours or more per week, and
- your job must be highly relevant to the Urban Development.
(2) For those who have completed a Bachelor or higher degree with a field highly that is not relevant to the Urban Development:
- You must have at least three years of post-qualification employment at an appropriate skill level. However, if you have an additional qualification of at least Diploma level in a highly relevant field, you are required to have two years of experience only.
- your experience must be undertaken in the last five years,
- you must work 20 hours or more per week, and
- your job must be highly relevant to the nominated occupation.
Please note that in case your employment has occurred before you get your qualification, then five years of highly relevant experience are needed, in addition to at least one year of highly relevant employment within the last five years.
Category 2: Skills assessment assessed by AIQS
If your occupation is Quantity Surveyor (ANZSCO Code 233213), the authority to assess your skills assessment is AIQS. To have a positive skills assessment outcome, you need to meet the following criteria:
- If you chose to study a Bachelor or Postgraduate Degree which is accredited by AIQS, then you only need to have at least 1 year of postgraduate employment to be eligible for AIQS skills assessment.
- If your course is not accredited by AIQS, then you will need at least 2 years of related work experience and only work experience post obtaining a recognised degree may potentially be counted.
What is the PR pathway for an Urban Development degree holders in Australia?
Step 1: Apply for a 485 visa
After studying an Urban Development course (at least 2 years fulltime) in Australia, you are eligible to apply for visa 485 (Post-Higher Education Work stream). You are required to have at least IELTS overall 6.5 with no band score under 5.5 in the past 1 year before you lodge your visa application.
Under visa 485, you can stay in Australia for 2-5 years depending on your degree and nationality. However, if you undertook and completed at least 2 years of study in a ‘Regional Area’ such as the Gold Coast, Adelaide or Perth, you can be eligible for an additional 1 or 2 years of the 485 Visa Thus, you will have more time to prepare yourself for permanent residence (PR) or a temporary visa that can lead to a PR.
Step 2: Apply for a PR or a visa that can lead to a PR
After successfully completing an Urban Development course in Australia, you’ll find pathways to facilitate your migration to the country. Depending on your occupation, you might be eligible for one or more of the following visa options:
Skilled visas
- 189 – Skilled Independent (subclass 189) – is a points-tested visa, allowing you to live and work permanently in any state or territory in Australia. The minimum score that you are required to be considered for a visa invitation is 65.
- 190 – Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) – is a permanent residence visa but you need a nomination from one of Australian states or territories to apply for this visa. Each state may have its own occupation list and additional requirements, so you must investigate if you meet all the state’s eligibility criteria before asking for a nomination.
- 491 – Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491) is not permanent, but it can lead to a PR (visa 191). You must commit to stay and work in your nominating regional Australia for a minimal period of time and achieve at least 65 points to be apply for this visa.
Employer Sponsored visas
- 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) – allows you to work and stay indefinitely in Australia. To be eligible for this visa, you must be nominated by an approved employer and have at least 3 years of work experience.
- 482 – Temporary Skilled Shortage (subclass 482) Medium Term Stream – allows you to stay and work in Australia for up to 4 years. To apply for this visa, you must have an employer who is willing to sponsor you. You will have a high chance of getting a PR after a 482 visa.
- 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) (subclass 494) is applicable for you if you have a regional employer who is willing to sponsor you. You must accumulate at least 3 years work experience.
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FAQs
Why is urban development important?
Urban development is crucial as it directly impacts the quality of life, economic prosperity, and sustainability of cities and their surrounding regions. It’s important in Australia due to population growth, economic opportunities, resource management, and the need for sustainable, resilient cities. Therefore, urban development related jobs are very high demand in Australia.
What is Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA)?
The UDIA is a prominent industry association in Australia dedicated to advancing the interests of the urban development sector. It represents professionals and organizations involved in urban development, including property developers, planners, architects, builders, and associated industries.
The UDIA works to promote sustainable and responsible urban development practices, advocating for policies and regulations that support the industry’s growth and sustainability. It plays a role in shaping urban policy, providing industry insights, conducting research, and offering professional development opportunities for its members.
How much does an Urban Development degree holders earn in Australia?
The medium base annual salary for a quantity surveyor is AU$73,763.
The medium base annual salary for a construction project manager is AU$102,098.
(Statistics from PayScale Australia)
What are the benefits of studying an urban development course in regional universities in Australia?
If you study Bachelor or Master of Urban Development (at least 2 years on a full-time basic) in regional Australia, you will have 5 points for your PR applications.
For the postgraduate visa – subclass 485, studying in a regional area will give you extra one or two years living in Australia.
- The normal 485 visa duration for a bachelor graduate is 2 years. However, you will be able to stay and work in Australia up to 3 years if you finish your Bachelor in regional areas category 1 (e.g., Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast), and up to 4 years if you have completed your Bachelor in regional areas category 2 (e.g., Toowoomba, Gatton).
- The normal 485 visa duration for a master’s degree graduate is 3 years. However, you can stay in Australia up to 4 years after completing your course in regional areas category 1, and up to 5 years after graduation from a university in regional areas category 2.
What is the cost of studying urban development in Australia?
The cost of studying urban development in Australia can vary depending on the level of education and the specific university or institution. If you apply for a G8 Australian university, the tuition fee may be around 45,000 – 50,000 per year. However, the tuition fees of lower ranking universities should be more affordable, around 30,00 – 40,000 per year.
Do I need maths for urban development studiers in Australia?
Yes, but not much. You may need some maths skills when presenting figures and cost estimates.
Interested in studying Urban Development in Australia?
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