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Introduction

Mechanical Engineering is a popular field of engineering in Australia. This field covers a lot of ground, from planes, trains, automobiles, and anything with moving parts such as artificial hearts, elevators and the world’s largest power stations. Mechanical engineers go through all the phases of a product’s life cycle from design, development, installation, to testing and even to maintenance. Whilst the work environment of mechanical engineers used to involve harsh conditions, mechanical engineers today seem to spend less time on site work and more time in the office.  

Why study Mechanical Engineering in Australia?

  • A wide range of study pathways   

Many Australian institutes provide numerous course options for international students, starting from vocational training such as Diploma courses, to Bachelor’s and Master’s single or double degrees.  

  • A variety of specialisations  

There are many career specialisations for students to choose from, such as Agriculture Mechanical Technology, Light Vehicle, Heavy Vehicle, Automotive Manufacturing Operation, Transport, Mining, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning.   

  • Flexible course delivery  

Some course providers may allow students to undertake minor academic subjects online, and the hands-on practical units on campus.   

  • Employment opportunities in regional areas   

Australia is among the top 10 countries which have the highest demand for mechanical engineers, especially in rural areas. This is due to manufacturing facilities being often located in regional regions of Australia.   

  • Migration prospect  

This occupation is on the Skills Priority List due to the national shortage and the expected strong future demand in all the Australian states.  

What Mechanical Engineering courses are available for international students in Australia?

Australian institutions provide all study levels of mechanical engineering for international students. 

  • Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours)   
  • Graduate Diploma of Engineering Science Specialisation Mechanical Engineering   
  • Master of Engineering (Mechanical)   
  • PhD - Doctor of Philosophy (Mechanical Engineering)   

What majors might you study for your Mechanical Engineering degree in Australia?

Mechanical Engineering is a broad field, you can choose from one of the following majors:  

  • Machine Element Design   
  • Structures and Materials   
  • Advanced Dynamics & Vibrations   
  • Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics   
  • Analysis of Engineering & Scientific Data   
  • System Engineering Principles   
  • Professional Engineering Project   

Because each major can lead to different career outcomes, contact our team at [email protected] or fill out the enquiry form to know which major can fit your expected career and migration plans.

Where can international students study Mechanical Engineering courses?

Mechanical engineers are in high demand in Australia, and as a result, mechanical courses are available across Australian states and territories. Below are among the common destinations for international students: 

Diploma Level    

Bachelor’s Level    

Master’s Level    

Email us at [email protected] or fill out the enquiry form to know which university best suits you.

What are entry requirements for international students to study quantity surveying in Australia?

  • For the Diploma course, normally applicants are required to have completed Year 12 or equivalent and attained Academic IELTS 5.5 (with no individual band less than 5.0)    
  • For the Bachelor’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed Year 12 or a Diploma course and attained Academic IELTS 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0). However, some universities can accept IELTS 6.0 (with no band less than 6.0)   
  • For the Master’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed a Bachelor’s degree and attained Academic IELTS 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0)   

If you haven’t reached the IELTS 6.5, our Education Counsellors will help you find the universities that can fit your current English level. Contact us at [email protected] or fill out the enquiry form.

How to become a Mechanical Engineer in Australia?

Step1. Complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering 

To become a mechanical engineer in Australia, first you need to complete a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering which is accredited from Engineers Australia (EA). Contact us at [email protected] or 07 3003 1899 to learn about which course is accredited by EA and globally recognised.

Step 2. Build your professional experience 

After obtaining your recognised qualification, you need to build your professional work experience as an mechanical engineer in Australia. You can do this by taking on short-term contracts or by finding permanent employment. You are required to have 4 years of work experience in Mechanical Engineering to be eligible for a Professional Engineering License.  

Step 3. Obtain a Professional Engineering License 

Apply for a Professional Engineering License issued by the Engineers Australia Association. Mechanical Engineers need to complete an assessment that demonstrates their proficiency. Earning the license allows you to work independently, without supervision from an experienced engineer.  

Step 4: Pursue additional education and certifications 

To further your career as a mechanical engineer in Australia, you may choose to pursue additional education and certifications. This may include obtaining a Master’s degree or PhD in mechanical engineering, or completing specialised courses related to the field. 

How to apply for a skill assessment for a Mechanical Engineer in Australia?

Engineers Australia (EA) is the designated authority for assessing skills and competencies related to engineering occupations in Australia. There is a list of engineering programs in Australia which are accredited by EA and satisfy the Skill Assessment under the Australian Qualification pathway.   

The required supporting document will be different, depending on the Qualification pathway you are eligible for; however, the application usually includes:  

  • ID card (e.g., Passport, National ID card)  
  • Passport style photograph 
  • CV that contains a full summary of your education qualifications and work experience 
  • Education qualifications (including both academic transcript and letter of completion/award certificate) 

If your assessment is successful, your skills will be assessed as being suitable for the role of a Mechanical Engineer in Australia. You will then be able to use this assessment to apply for skilled migration visas or to apply for jobs in Australia. It is important to be aware that the skill assessment process can take several months to complete, so it is important to start the process in advance.  

What is a Mechanical Engineer’s PR pathway?

Mechanical Engineering is under the Medium and Long Strategic Skilled List, ANZSCO 233512, so there are any PR options for you.  

Step 1: Apply for a 485 visa  

After completing Bachelor or Master course of Mechanical Engineering Course, 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  

  • 189 – Skilled Independent – 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 – is a permanent residence visa but you need a nomination from one of Australian states and you are required to work for the nominated state for at least 2 years. 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 – 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.   
  • 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme visa – 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, 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) – is applicable for you if you have a regional employer who is willing to sponsor you. You must accumulate at least 3 years of work experience and obtain a relevant skills assessment.   

For the 189, 190 and 491 visa subclasses, you will need to have a minimum of 65 points under the Skilled Migration Points Test. For the 186, 482 and 494 visa subclasses, these are not points test based but you need to have a sponsor and are usually required to have at least 2-3 years of experience in the nominated occupation you are wishing to apply for. 

At SOL Edu, we have 4 registered migration agents, helping thousands of international students or other visa holders get a PR in Australia. Contact us at [email protected] or 07 3003 1899 or fill out the enquiry form  to be assisted.

FAQs

What are the job opportunities after having completed a mechanical engineering course?

Mechanical Engineering is a broad field of study that can lead to many career options. Below are common job areas that a mechanical engineer can choose from:  

  • Design and install air conditioning systems  
  • Design, develop, manufacture and test motor vehicles  
  • Design and manage transportation systems 
  • Design, construct and maintain renewable energy, as well as power generation systems.  
  • Design and manage environmental control devices, clean combustion and space vehicles  
  • Design and develop mechanical systems, including automatic control devices/systems and biomedical devices/tools.  
  • Apply new methods to improve manufacturing in the electronics industry.

What is the expected salary of a Mechanical Engineer in Australia?

The income of a mechanical engineer is very attractive with the average of $110,000 annually or 56.41 per hour. The entry level for mechanical engineering job is around $90,000 while the most experienced engineers can earn up to $155,050 per year.

How much does it cost to study mechanical engineering in Australia?

The cost of studying mechanical engineering courses in Australia will vary depending on the institution and the level of study. Generally, undergraduate courses are more expensive than postgraduate courses.  

For undergraduate courses, the cost can range from $30,000 to $53,000 per year, depending on the institution. For postgraduate courses, the cost can range from $60,000 to $141,000 for the whole course. It is not mentioned that you need to prepare for additional costs such as textbooks, equipment, and living costs.

What subjects do I need to focus on in high school to a mechanical engineer?

To enroll in a mechanical engineering degree, you are normally required to have completed Year 12, and the high school subjects that you need to focus on are physics, mathematics, chemistry and English. 

Do I need to have a job as a Mechanical Engineer to be nominated for a Subclass 190 visa?

The answer is depending on each Australian state/territory. In most cases, you must work as a Mechanical Engineer to be able to apply for 190 visas; however, the policy of Australian states/territories can be changed every year. In South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Australia, Victoria, Western Australia and Queensland, getting a job is mandatory for 2023 round, but in New South Wales, it is optional. Australian Capital Territory also requires mechanical engineers to have at least 6 months of work experience; however, your job can be in any position. Fill out the enquiry form to learn more the job requirement for visa 190.