Due to the increase of ageing population worldwide and constantly advancing technology, health services are one of the world’s fastest growing industries and so is the career in public health.  Studying public health involves much more than medicine. Public health science aims to protect and improve the health of communities through education, data analysis, research and government policy, being a broad area of study with the possibility to extension to a vast range of specialisations. 

• High Rankings  

Based on the most recent QS ranking released this year, Australia has 5 universities ranked in the top 50, and 7 universities in the top 100. Australian universities, especially The Go8 (Australia’s top eight universities), are well-known for their teaching quality, facilities and worldwide recognition. Compared to the harsh competition when applying to the UK and the US, students will normally receive a better outcome if they are interested in studying in Australia. Australian universities, including The Go8, have more relaxed entry requirements, but the career outcome is promising. 

• Diverse Programs 

 Australia offers a wide range of public health programs tailored to different interests and career goals. Whether you’re interested in epidemiology, health promotion, global health, policy development, or other aspects of public health, you can find a suitable program. 

• No background requirements  

Students who wish to study public health in Australia don’t have to worry if they have no previous qualification or work experience in a related discipline. Australian colleges and universities offer many options for people who have no related background. Students will commence their study and training from the fundamental units to advanced units until they fully understand all the necessary skills for their future career. 

• Multiple start dates 

Australian universities will normally have 2 or 3 intakes each year which makes it more flexible for international students to commence their program based on their individual situation.  

• Stay longer in Australia 

By studying 2 years or more in a higher education degree, students will be eligible for a 2-8-year Post Study Working Visa. Graduates can utilise these visa opportunities to get more work experience. Public health graduates will also have migration opportunities if they can accumulate required work experience after they achieve their qualifications in Australia. 

Graduating with a degree in public health opens up a wide range of career opportunities across various sectors that focus on improving the health and well-being of communities and populations. Here are some potential career outcomes after completing a public health course: 

• Epidemiologist: Epidemiologists study patterns and causes of diseases in populations. They collect and analyse data to identify health trends, assess the effectiveness of interventions, and develop strategies to prevent and control the spread of diseases. 
• Health Educator/Health Promotion Specialist: These professionals design and implement health education programs to promote healthy behaviours and lifestyles within communities, schools, workplaces, and other settings. 
• Health Policy Analyst/Advocate: Health policy analysts work to shape healthcare policies at local, national, and international levels. They analyse the impact of policies on public health and advocate for changes that improve health outcomes. 
• Public Health Administrator/Manager: Public health administrators oversee the operations of healthcare organizations, government health departments, and non-profit agencies. They manage budgets, personnel, and resources to ensure effective delivery of healthcare services. 
• Biostatistician: Biostatisticians apply statistical methods to analyse health data, conduct research, and draw conclusions about public health issues. Their work informs healthcare decisions and policy development. 
• Global Health Specialist: Global health specialists work on international health initiatives, addressing health disparities and promoting health equity on a global scale. They may work for international organizations, NGOs, or government agencies. 
• Environmental Health Specialist: These professionals focus on assessing and managing environmental factors that can impact public health, such as air and water quality, food safety, and occupational hazards. 
• Health Researcher: Public health graduates often engage in research to investigate health-related topics, develop evidence-based interventions, and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge in the field. 
• Community Health Worker: Community health workers engage with specific populations to provide education, support, and resources for improving health outcomes and addressing health disparities. 
• Infectious Disease Specialist: Infectious disease specialists focus on preventing, diagnosing, and treating infectious diseases. They play a crucial role in disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and vaccination programs. 
• Nutritionist/Dietitian: Public health professionals in this area promote healthy eating habits and address nutrition-related issues in communities to prevent chronic diseases and improve overall health. 
• Health Communication Specialist: Health communication specialists develop and implement communication strategies to effectively convey health information to diverse audiences, aiming to influence behaviours and promote health literacy. 
• Healthcare Consultant: Public health graduates can provide consultancy services to healthcare organisations, government agencies, or private companies, offering expertise on health-related projects and initiatives. 

Public health is a rapidly developing field of study that offers a diverse range of pathways for students, depending on the career goals. The most popular specialisations within the Public Health field are: 

• Community Nutrition 
• Epidemiology 
• Biostatistics and Informatics 
• Community Health 
• Epidemiology 
• Environmental Health 
• Global Health 
• Health Policy and Management 
• Health Promotion and Communication 
• Maternal and Child Health 

• For a Diploma course, normally applicants are required to have completed Year 12 or equivalent and attained IELTS 5.5. 
• For a Bachelor’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed Year 12 or a Diploma and attained IELTS 6.5. 
• For a Master’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed a Bachelor’s degree and attained IELTS 6.5.  

If you don’t meet English requirement for your preferred course? Contact SOL Edu, one of the best education agencies in Brisbane, today! Our team will offer you free consultation and free application process.    

A Master of Public Health prepares graduates for work in community-based and community-led health services and organisations including international agencies. Work areas can be on projects for government and non-government organisations relating to a number of health fields including health promotion and health administration.  

Many universities in Australia offer the mater of public health. Although it is an excellent study option for Nurses or health related graduates, majority of universities do not require a health or medical background to study a Master of Public Health. Regardless of experience background, the structure of public health programs will provide students with advanced postgraduate training and equip them with the skills and requirements for a career as a public health professional. Below are two examples: 

• Kaplan Business offers an MBA program with the specialization in Health Services Management. This is a popular and flexible course with 12 subjects (6 core + 6 electives) that can be completed in two years, providing career outcomes as a Nursing manager (for those with Nursing background), Practice manager and Health care administrator. Students must have completed a bachelor’s degree to meet academic requirements. Option is to have completed an Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree and prove minimum two years of relevant industry experience. English requirement is IELTS overall 6.0 or equivalent. 

• Torrens University is another popular option for the Master of Public Health. It is a 1.5-year program focused on equipping professionals from a broad range of backgrounds with the knowledge and skills to address public health challenges on current global and environmental health issues, health policy, systems and economics, along with social, behavioural and cultural determinants of health. Torrens also offers two options for course extension combining the Master of Public health with either the Master of Global Project Management or the Master of Business Administration. Both options are a two-year program, and the student can be eligible for a postgraduate visa upon the course completion. 

Want to know which course/s best suit your expectation and situation? Contact SOL Edu at [email protected] or fill out the enquiry form! Our team will offer you free consultation and free application process. 

Step 1: Apply for a 485 visa 

After completing at least 2 years public health university 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 

After successfully completing an accredited public health 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       

• 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   

• 482 – Temporary Skilled Shortage (subclass 482) Medium or Short Term Stream(depends on your occupation) – 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 may have a 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 working and obtain a relevant skills assessment.  

Contact SOL Edu today at [email protected] to know which visa you are eligible for! 

Interested in studying Business Management in Australia?  

Contact SOL Edu, one of the best education agencies in Brisbane, today for free counselling, and a free application process!