In-demand courses to study in Australia

In-demand courses to study in Australia

If you're an international student looking to work in Australia after graduation, it's important to consider Australia's future workforce needs when making your study choices.

With the continued growth of Australia's population, total employment is projected to grow by nearly 2 million people over the next 10 years.1 Along with its growing population, Australia’s labour market is undergoing significant transformation, as demographic shifts, technological change, and economic priorities shape job demand. For international students considering study options that offer excellent career opportunities, understanding which jobs are projected to experience future growth is essential. Sectors such as healthcare, technology, engineering, business, education and sustainability are showing some of the strongest demand for skilled professionals. 

Below, we explore the job opportunities in four different sectors and explain which RMIT courses align with these opportunities.

Three international students collaborating in group work.

1. Healthcare

Healthcare and social assistance is Australia's largest employing industry (close to one in every six jobs in 2025)1. It also accounts for the strongest projected employment growth over the next 5 to 10 years. With ongoing workforce shortages in clinical care, roles such as registered nurse, allied health professional, and early childhood health worker continue to grow rapidly. 

Why it's in demand
  • Growth in the healthcare sector is mostly driven by the projected growth of the older population, who are the main driver for increased demand for health services
  • A rise in chronic diseases and increased mental health awareness is also contributing to a rise in these areas
Relevant RMIT courses

2. Information Technology

Having 1.2 million people in tech jobs by 2030 is a joint goal of the Australian Government and the Tech Council of Australia. And with an 8% increase in tech jobs in the past year, Australia is on track to meet this goal.2

Digital transformation continues to accelerate demand for technology specialists across every sector of the Australian economy. Jobs in software development, cybersecurity, data science, AI, cloud technologies and analytics remain highly sought after.

Why it's in demand

  • Companies across all sectors increasingly rely on data, digital systems and secure networks

  • Tech skills also support career mobility into finance, consulting, government and creative industries

Relevant RMIT courses

  • Bachelor of Information Technology — covers core digital skills and allows you to major in cyber security, digital innovation or enterprise system development

  • Bachelor of Cyber Security — for students who want to specialise in protecting digital infrastructure. Equips you with the specialist knowledge and expertise to troubleshoot, analyse, design, support and provide cyber security solutions

  • Bachelor of Data Science — learn how to analyse and manage large amounts of data. Develop skills in data analytics, statistics, computer science, machine learning, programming, mathematics, and data wrangling

3. Engineering and Environment

Engineering student at Engenius

There is currently a skills shortage of experienced engineers in Australia, with employment vacancies at a decade high3. Ongoing investment in public infrastructure and a global transition to clean energy is driving demand for engineers — from civil and structural engineers to electrical, mechanical and environmental specialists. 

Why it's in demand

  • Governments and private sectors are heavily investing in housing, transport, infrastructure and sustainability projects

  • Skilled engineers are critical to navigating climate-resilient design, smart cities, energy transition and manufacturing

Relevant RMIT courses

4. Education

Two RMIT Education students assisting a primary school student in a classroom

Teaching in Australia is ripe with potential. The sector remains a bedrock of the country, while offering a rewarding career path with good pay, flexibility, and plenty of room to grow. Jobs in teaching have been increasing exponentially across the country, with the number of educators increasing by 33,900 in 20254.  All teaching specialisations are in high demand across Australia, but particularly in STEM, early childhood, and special education. There are also significant shortages in regional or remote areas.

If you're a student from China, RMIT offers the School of Education Academic Merit Scholarship, which supports you to pursue your academic goals in education or teaching with a 20% tuition fee reduction.

Why it's in demand

  • Australia faces a shortage of qualified teachers and education professionals due to population growth and expanding education services

  • Early childhood educators, primary and secondary teachers, and vocational trainers are needed across urban and regional areas

Relevant RMIT courses

  • Bachelor of Education — Equips you with the tools to make a meaningful difference in young lives, whether you want to work in early childhood, primary or secondary education. You'll gain invaluable classroom experience through professional placements in a range of settings

  • Certificate IV in School Based Education Support — Designed to provide you with the essential skills to work collaboratively with teachers and students at primary and secondary level, and at additional-needs schools. Learn to work closely with teachers, collecting or developing resources, providing mentoring assistance within the classroom, and participating in teaching activities.

Choosing the right path

Australia’s job landscape in 2026 reflects major global trends: digital transformation, population growth, and sustainability priorities are shaping demand. For international students, selecting a course that aligns with this demand — combined with practical experience — is key to employability and post-study outcomes.

RMIT offers a practical, industry-connected approach to learning. Its range of undergraduate, postgraduate and vocational programs align directly with labour market needs — from health and technology to engineering and education — making it an excellent choice for international students aiming for careers that matter. 

Story: Sophie MacGillivray

1 Australian Employment Projections, jobsandskills.gov.au/data/employment-projections, accessed January 2026

2 Tech Jobs Update, May 2025, Tech Council of Australia, 
techcouncil.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/TechCouncil-Tech-Jobs-Update-May-2023_final-1.pdf, accessed January 2026

3 Statistics, Engineers Australia, engineersaustralia.org.au/about-engineering/statistics, accessed January 2026

4 Labour Market Insights: Education and Training, Australian Government,  jobsandskills.gov.au/data/labour-market-insights/industries/education-and-training, accessed January 2026

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