Explore Courses in Electrical and Computer Engineering in Australia

Courses in Electrical and Computer Engineering vary from VET (Vocational Education and Training) courses, undergraduate, postgraduate, and postgraduate research options. 

Have you ever wanted to build the systems behind everyday technology?

These might be one of the reasons you’re thinking about electrical and computer engineering courses.

But what course should you take?

A diploma or a degree?

Hands-on or research-focused?

More importantly, which one will align with your career goals and visa timelines?

This guide breaks down electrical and computer engineering courses in Australia, so you can choose a path that's best for you.

VET courses focus on hands-on skills like installing, testing, and maintaining systems. These courses prepare you for technician or technologist roles. 

Many Australian universities also offer credit or advanced standing for relevant VET qualifications. This means that if you later decide to study a bachelor’s degree, some of what you already studied in your VET course can count towards the degree, so you can finish it faster.

Sample courses:

• Certificate IV in Electronics and Communications

• Diploma of Engineering Technology (Electrical)

• Diploma of Computer Systems Engineering

• Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Electrical)

Who is it for?

• Year 12 finishers or equivalent

• Students who want hands-on technical skills

• Those looking for a faster entry into the workforce

• Students considering a pathway into university later

Key facts:

• Duration: Around 1 to 2 years

• Cost: AUD$6,000 – AUD$20,000 depending on the provider and course level

Pathways after completion:

• Work in technician or technologist roles in electrical, electronics, or computer systems.

• Gain practical industry experience before moving into higher study.

• Receive credit or advanced standing towards a bachelor’s degree in engineering at some universities.

Browse VET engineering courses

Thinking about becoming a professional electrical or computer engineer?

Undergraduate courses, also called bachelor’s degrees, are the usual path to get there. These are university qualifications that are widely recognised by employers.

In these courses, you study theory, design, and how systems work together. This prepares you for professional engineering jobs, and it also gives you the option to specialise or move into postgraduate study later.

Sample courses:

• Bachelor of Electrical Engineering

• Bachelor of Computer Engineering

• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Computer Engineering)

Who is it for?

• Year 12 finishers or equivalent

• Students who want to start a university-level engineering degree

• Those with little or no prior background in electrical or computer engineering

Key facts:

• Duration: Around 3 to 4 years

• Cost: AUD$36,000 – AUD$60,000

Pathways after completion:

• Work in graduate or professional roles related to electrical or computer engineering

• Progress into honours, master’s, or other postgraduate study

• Build long-term career growth with opportunities across industries and countries

Browse more undergraduate engineering courses

Postgraduate courses are a strong option if you already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to deepen your expertise in electrical or computer engineering. 

Compared to undergraduate study, postgraduate courses are more focused on specific skills and careers. 

For example, if you completed a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, a postgraduate course can help you specialise in areas like renewable energy, automation, or power systems. 

Or, if your first degree was in IT or another related field, a postgraduate course in computer engineering can help you move into hardware, systems, or engineering-focused roles.

Sample courses:

• Master of Electrical Engineering

• Master of Computer Engineering

• Graduate Certificate in Project Management

Who is it for?

• Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree

• Professionals looking to upskill or specialise

• Graduates planning to change career direction

Key facts:

• Duration: 6 months to 2 years, depending on the course

• Cost: AUD$30,000 – AUD$60,000

Pathways after completion:

• Move into more specialised or senior roles

• Strengthen career progression or earning potential

• Progress into further postgraduate or research study

Browse more postgraduate engineering courses

This option is for students who want to focus on one specific area, rather than attend regular classes. 

In a postgraduate research course, you’ll choose a research topic, work closely with a supervisor, and spend your time studying problems and writing a thesis.

For example, if you are interested in smart energy systems, robotics, or computer hardware design, a research course lets you explore that area in detail. 

This pathway is often chosen by students who want to move into research, teach

Sample courses:

• Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Who is it for?

• Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree with strong academic results

• Students interested in independent research and academic study

• Those planning a career in research, academia, or highly specialised fields

Key facts:

• Duration: 1.5 to 4 years, depending on the degree and study load

• Cost: AUD$45,000 - AUD$50,000

Pathways after completion:

• Pursue academic or research roles in universities or research institutions

• Move into specialist or advisory roles in industry or government

• Progress into postdoctoral research or advanced professional pathways

Browse more postgraduate research engineering courses

Below are the general academic requirements you’ll have to meet if you’re applying for an Electrical and Computer Engineering course in Australia.

Please note that the specific criteria vary by program level and institution.

• Completion of a relevant previous qualification.

• Academic transcripts.

• Basic knowledge of mathematics, especially algebra and calculus.

• Some background in physics, engineering, or computing, depending on the course.

If you’re applying for a VET course (Certificate or Diploma)

• Completion of Year 12 or equivalent.

• Mathematics at a basic or intermediate level.

• Higher-level diplomas may require completion of a lower VET qualification or relevant work experience.

If you’re applying for an undergraduate course

• Completion of Year 12 or equivalent with the required subjects.

• Mathematics is usually mandatory.

• Physics is often recommended or required.

• Some universities may accept pathway qualifications such as foundation studies, diplomas, or relevant VET courses.

If you’re applying for a postgraduate course

• A recognised bachelor’s degree, usually in engineering, computer science, IT, or a closely related field.

• Some universities may accept graduates from non-engineering backgrounds.

• Academic performance in prior studies may be assessed, especially for competitive programs.

If you’re applying for a postgraduate research course

• A recognised bachelor’s degree with honours or a master’s degree with a significant research component.

• Strong academic results, particularly in engineering or computing subjects.

• Demonstrated research capability, such as a thesis, research project, or publications.

• Alignment between your research interests and available supervisors.

After an Electrical and Computer Engineering degree, some of your career options include: 

• Electrical engineer

• Computer engineer

• Electronics engineer

• Software engineer

• Systems engineer

• Network engineer

• Automation or control systems engineer

• Telecommunications engineer

• Embedded systems engineer

• Data or systems analyst

Many graduates also move into project management, research, consulting, or specialist technical roles as they gain experience and further qualifications.

If you’re an electrical and computer engineering graduate, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Australia after completing an accredited qualification and gaining relevant work experience. 

Many engineering roles are assessed by Engineers Australia and appear on Australia’s Skilled Occupation Lists, which is a key requirement for Skilled and Employer-Sponsored visas.

Direct PR visa options include:

• Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189): Points-tested PR visa. No state or employer sponsorship required. Your engineering occupation must be on the MLTSSL.

• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190): State or territory-nominated PR visa. Your role must be on the relevant state occupation list and meet nomination criteria.

• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186): Employer-sponsored PR visa. Your engineering role must be on the MLTSSL, and you must meet skills and experience requirements.

Pathway visas that can lead to PR include:

• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491): Five-year provisional visa for regional Australia. After meeting work, residence, and income requirements, you can apply for the PR subclass 191.

• Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482): Temporary employer-sponsored visa. With the right occupation and experience, this can lead to PR through the subclass 186 pathway.

PR pathways can change based on occupation lists, points thresholds, and state requirements. 

How many years is electrical engineering in Australia?

An undergraduate electrical engineering degree usually takes 4 years to complete, while postgraduate coursework takes 1.5 to 2 years, and research degrees can take 2 to 4 years, depending on the program.

How much do electrical engineers get paid in Australia?

Entry-level electrical engineers typically earn AUD $65,000 to $80,000 per year, with salaries increasing to AUD $100,000 or more as experience grows.

Are electrical engineers in demand in Australia?

Yes. Electrical engineering roles are in demand due to ongoing needs in infrastructure, energy, construction, telecommunications, and technology, and many roles appear on skilled occupation lists.

What are the highest-paying engineering jobs in Australia?

Some of the highest-paying engineering roles include mining engineers, petroleum engineers, engineering managers, software engineers, and specialised electrical engineers in the energy or defence sectors.

What is the difference between electrical engineering and computer systems engineering?

Electrical engineering focuses on power systems, electronics, and electrical infrastructure, while computer systems engineering combines hardware and software, focusing on computer architecture, embedded systems, and system integration.