How To Get Masters In Civil Engineering In Australia | 2023

A master’s degree prepares holders for leadership positions in a firm and better job prospects. Acquiring this graduate degree in Australia is always difficult considering the rigorous processes it involves. It can even be frustrating if you do not know how to go about it. Hence, learn about the top universities where you can study masters in civil engineering in Australia.

Are you a civil engineer with a bachelor’s degree that dreams of acquiring a master’s degree in the field? Do you wish to hold a management role in your company as a civil engineer? If your answers to these questions are YES, then, read down carefully.

Australia continues to be the hub of study for international students as well as tourism. You may begin to wonder why almost every international student wishes to go to Australia. It is because Australia’s system of education is one of the best in the world.

On the other hand, Australia’s higher education sector comprises of technical colleges and universities. The universities offer undergraduate and postgraduate certifications. These schools are globally recognized and their students get hired immediately upon graduation.

Meanwhile, this article contains every information you need on how to study for a master’s degree in any of the top universities in Australia. So, read carefully and select and apply to the school that best meets your needs.

Before I continue, let’s go through the table of content below to get an overview of what the article entails.

Why should I study masters in Civil Engineering in Australia?

Acquiring a master’s in civil engineering in any of the top universities in Australia is actually worth it. Below are the reasons why you should consider Australia for a graduate program in civil engineering:

Global Recognition: If you complete a master’s degree in civil engineering in any of the universities in Australia, top companies world-wide will come looking for you. The reason is that graduates from Australian universities are highly sought after because of the impressive international reputation of the nation’s education system.

Technology: Universities in Australia lay much emphasis on research. So, be rest assured that there are enough facilities to support your research. In the same vein, the country is at the forefront of new technology and innovations. Studying for a master’s in civil engineering in Australia will give you the opportunity to utilize her impressive technology.

On the other hand, Australia offers research opportunities to eligible professionals willing to enhance their career. The selection for this research is based on merit and it is highly competitive. To be selected, you must have a proven track record of academic excellence.

Work and study: International students that come to Australia for graduate studies can work up to 20 hours per week while studying. In fact, this is a big opportunity for students to save up some money to take care of their needs and gain experience while working in their field of interest.

Cost of living: Australia has one of the highest standards of living all over the world. The cost of living and tuition is considerably lower than in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Scholarships: Australia offers lots of scholarships and financial aids to students more than the UK and the USA. There are several master’s scholarships that are open to international students in Australia.

What is a master’s degree in Civil Engineering?

A master’s degree in civil engineering is an advanced degree that prepares students to advance their career and earn a higher salary. Generally, it takes between 1 to 2 years to complete.

Civil engineering is a very rigorous profession where design and construction impacts people, environment, and the property.

Before you can apply to study for a master’s degree in civil engineering, you must have acquired your bachelor’s degree. In other words, a bachelor’s degree is a pre-requisite for a master’s degree in civil engineering.

During the master’s program, you will have the opportunity to interact with peers, faculty, and professionals. Many masters students usually secure jobs during their study either through the program or through the alumni networks.

What requirements do I need for a master’s degree admission in Civil Engineering in Australia?

When applying for a study abroad in any country, it is very important to carry out thorough research so as to know the requirements for admission.

Before you apply to any university in Australia, you must make sure that you have checked if you meet the requirements for the MS in civil engineering. Below are the admission requirements for a master’s degree in civil engineering to all universities in Australia:

  • A bachelor’s degree
  • Complete details of course subjects and grades
  • Transcripts or official records of class X, class XII, and bachelor’s degree, along with mark sheets
  • Evidence of the English language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL)
  • Some universities can waive IELTS/TOEFL scores if the student provides a letter from his last institution stating that he has been studying throughout in English and that the institution is convinced of his proficiency in English.
  • Letters of reference or recommendation
  • A personal essay or statement of purpose
  • Two additional documents bearing a detailed research proposal, abstracts, and research publications

Check out: 15 Australian Scholarships For International Students

How long will it take me to acquire a master’s degree in Civil Engineering in Australia?

It will take you two (2) years of study in any of the universities in Australia to acquire a master’s degree in civil engineering. However, some institutions in Australia have the dual degree option where you can study a related course within two years.

For example, the University of Technology Sydney offers its master in civil engineering in two years but the university offers a dual degree. This dual degree is a Masters in Civil Engineering and Masters in Engineering Management. 

Meanwhile, choosing to study a master’s in civil engineering at UTS means that you will graduate with two degrees in two years. This will actually broaden your job prospects upon completion of the program.

Read: How To Write An Irresistible Civil Engineering Resume | Get Samples Free

How much will it cost me to study master’s in Civil Engineering in Australia?

Generally, the tuition fees for the master’s degree in civil engineering at universities in Australia are calculated per unit and not annually.

It will cost you between AU$20,000 ($14,400) to AU$37,000 ($26,600) to study a master’s program in civil engineering.

In addition, some universities in Australia charge a fee known as Student Services and Amenities Fee. This fee which is not more than AU$298 is used to maintain the amenities in the school. There are universities that do not charge this fee but it is advised that you verify so that it does not seem like an unexpected fee to you.

You can find the tuition fees of some schools in Australia on their official websites.

On the other hand, studying the graduate program as a domestic student is much more affordable. For the study to be cheaper for you, you must have to apply for a Commonwealth supported place. Under this scheme, the Australian government subsidizes the cost of the graduate tuition.

It is the duty of the government to fix the minimum and maximum range for each fee band. As of the year 2018, the ranges of the fee bands are as follows: AU$0-6,444 for Band 1; AU$0-9,185 for Band 2; AU$0-10,754 for Band 3.

Can I get an online master’s in Civil Engineering program in Australia?

Yes, you can. Under the online master’s in the civil engineering program, students take most of their courses without having to visit the four walls of a classroom block.

In addition, students interact with the faculty and fellow students through videoconferencing, e-mails, social media platforms, etc. They take their courses through the help of a virtual classroom.

The online program offers employed students the time to balance work or family commitments with their studies.

Below are the universities in Australia that offer online master’s degree in civil engineering:

  • Monash University
  • University of Southern Queensland
  • Griffith University
  • Engineering Institute of Technology
  • RMIT University
  • Charles Sturt University

What jobs can I get with a masters in Civil Engineering?

With a master’s degree in this field, you can venture into several career paths. In other words, when you specialize in civil engineering, it may lead you to a specific job, on the other hand, it may lead others into a nearby field such as urban or regional planning.

Below are the jobs that an MS in civil engineering will help you secure:

Civil Engineer

These professionals work in the public or private sector, designing, building, and maintaining infrastructure projects including bridges and dams.

A master’s degree in civil engineering will prepare you for a leadership or senior position. Their projected job growth is 11%.

Average salary: $84,770 per year

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers make sure that projects do not cause environmental stress. These professionals do this by examining the sustainability of projects or design projects to improve environmental health. Their job is projected to grow by 8%.

Average salary: $86,800 per year

Construction Managers

Construction managers take care of the planning, budgeting, coordination, and supervision of construction projects in the public or private sector. These professionals ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. They also make decisions based on changing on-site circumstances. The projected job growth of these professionals is 11%.

Average salary: $91,370 per year

Cost Estimator

Cost estimators prepare the cost of every project by assessing the material or technical requirements for construction projects. Civil engineers in this field perform well due to their knowledge of materials and techniques. The job projection of cost estimators is 11%.

Average salary: $63,110 per year

Urban or Regional Planner

Urban or Regional Planners design land-use plans to expand or create new communities. However, this job requires a degree in urban and regional planning but civil engineers can perform very well in this position due to their understanding of large projects. Their job is projected to grow by 13%.

Average salary: $71,490

Read: Civil Engineering Technician Job Description: Salary, Programs, Schools, Cost

How do I get a master’s in Civil Engineering in Australia?

Before carrying out a research on your dream school in Australia, you should make sure that you meet all the eligibility requirements.

Meanwhile, institutions may decide their requirements. This is why we advise you to consult from the university’s website.

Australia does not have a central application and admissions service for postgraduate studies. However, students from the UK and Ireland that wish to pursue graduate studies in Australia can choose to apply through Study Options. Study Options is a support service for UK and Irish students in Australia and New Zealand. Services that Study Options offer are free and impartial.

Alternatively, you may apply directly to your dream school in Australia for the master’s in civil engineering.

Whichever way you choose to apply, you must provide a completed application form and evidence of your existing qualifications.

Some institutions in Australia may not require a formal interview as part of your application process. The universities whose interview is part of their application usually do such exercise via Skype or a similar platform.

The deadline for the master’s degree application will depend on the start-date for your course as follows:

  • If you will start in the first semester (February-June), you will have to apply by the end of the previous October
  • If you are commencing in the second semester (July-November), you will have to apply by the end of April

Finally, the institution to which you are applying should help you if you are unsure about any aspect of your master’s application, such as deadlines, admissions requirements, and supporting documents.

What type of visa do I need to study master’s in Civil Engineering in Australia?

For you to study a master’s program in civil engineering in Australia, you must have to apply for a Student Visa (subclass 500). With this, you can work and study in Australia throughout the duration of your study.

Meanwhile, you must have to be accepted onto an Australian Master’s degree course and get Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) before you can apply for the visa. This CoE is a formal document that institutions issue to their students upon payment of tuition fees.

Upon getting the CoE form, you can begin your application. You can use the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Control website to apply online for the Student Visa (subclass 500).

So, in applying for your student visa, you will provide the following supporting documents:

  • Your passport details
  • CoE evidence
  • Proof that you meet financial requirements (see below)
  • Evidence of your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
  • A CV
  • Certified copies of your academic transcripts

The application fee is AUD $560 ($435). Also, the duration it will take you to process your visa can vary, but it should normally be issued to you within four weeks.

On the other hand, Australian student visas are usually subject to the following additional laws:

  • Working – Students with type 573 visa can only work for up to 40 hours a fortnight. Students with type 574 visas have unlimited working hours
  • Academic excellence – The validity of your student visa will be subject to your making satisfactory progress on your degree program.
  • Financial requirements – The Australian government estimates a requirement of around AUD $21,041 per year for student living costs (USD $14,450). You may have to show evidence of this sum in the form of existing savings or scholarships.

Check out: Science Engineering & Health Scholarships for Thai Students in Australia

What are the top universities that offer master’s in Civil Engineering in Australia?

Below are the best universities in Australia that offer quality masters education in civil engineering:

UniversityCourseGlobal RankingTuition FeeDuration of studyLocation
Monash UniversityMaster of Civil Engineering53A$ 37,9002Melbourne
University of MelbourneMaster of Civil Engineering56A$ 37,376 2Melbourne
University of New South Wales (UNSW)Master of Civil Engineering68A$36,960Sydney
University of SydneyMaster of Professional Engineering (Civil)73A$ 38,000 1.5Sydney
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)Master of Civil Engineering109A$ 30,0602Sydney
University of AdelaideMaster of Civil & Structural Engineering116A$ 38,0002Adelaide
University of Western AustraliaMaster of Professional Engineering (Civil)122A$ 37,0002Perth
University of WollongongMaster of Civil Engineering163A$ 30,5762Wollongong
University of South AustraliaMaster of Civil & Infrastructure Engineering182A$ 32,2502Adelaide
Swinburne University of TechnologyMaster of Engineering Science (Civil)224A$ 32,2502Melbourne
Griffith UniversityMaster of Civil Engineering358A$ 29,5001.5Gold Coast

Conclusion

If you visit Australia for your master’s degree, you will acquire an extraordinary education supporting innovation, creativity, and critical thinking. This kind of education usually makes a real-life difference. Little wonder why graduates of the master’s degree in civil engineering from Australian universities find jobs easily and hold top positions in top global firms.

An MS in civil engineering in Australia is worth it because there are several job opportunities for civil engineers due to major infrastructural projects in major Australian states like Victoria and New South Wales.

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