Engineering vs. Business: Which Course Is Better in Australia?

Engineering vs. Business: Which Course Is Better in Australia?

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IDP Education , IndiaCounsellor
  • 5 min
  • Published: 18 November 2025
  • Updated: 17 November 2025

Determining which of the two programs - Engineering or Business - is better is difficult to categorically say, as the ideal choice of course depends on several factors. These include the student’s academic background, their overall career aspirations, skills, and interests. While engineering programs are more technically oriented and hands-on, business courses equip students with skills that are helpful in the fields of finance, management, and entrepreneurship. Australia offers both these programs at many of its universities. This article helps you make an informed choice between the two.

Key Differences Between Engineering and Business Courses in Australia

One of the significant differences between Engineering and Business programs offered at Australian universities lies in their approach and curriculum. While Engineering courses are primarily technical in nature, Business programs are centered around management, strategy, and human dynamics within an organisation.

Parameters

Engineering Courses

Business Courses

Focus

Technical problem-solving, applied learning, and system design

Leadership, management, and strategic planning

Skills required

Technical proficiency, Logical reasoning, attention to detail

Effective communication, strong interpersonal skills, and negotiation

Career outcomes

Data Scientist, Software Engineer, Project Engineer

Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Marketing Specialist

Core topics

Physics, Math, specialised disciplines of engineering

Finance, Economics, Marketing

Method of teaching

Stress on applying theory to solve practical problems

Focus on group projects, case studies, and presentations

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Why Study Engineering in Australia?

Engineering programs are among the most sought-after courses in Australia, offering excellent career prospects upon graduation. Additionally, these programs are offered by top-ranked universities in Australia and are also globally accredited by Engineers Australia, a leading professional body in the field of Engineering. 

Some of the other benefits of studying Engineering in Australia are:

  • Students opting for Engineering courses at Australian universities can choose from a wide range of specialisations, such as mechanical, civil, electrical, and more.

  • Students graduating with engineering programs from Australian colleges can apply for a range of work opportunities by applying for a post-study work visa after completing their course.

  • Australia is known for its high quality of life and better standard of living, which makes it a preferred choice for Engineering courses among international students.

Why Choose Business Studies in Australia?

Indian students highly seek business courses in Australia due to the high-quality education offered at Australian universities. Additionally, the country's strong potential for career growth promises a rewarding future for international students in Australia. 

Here are some more reasons as to why you should choose to study Business in Australia:

  • Australia is home to some of the world's renowned business hubs, such as Sydney and Melbourne, which offer a vibrant commercial environment to professionals worldwide.

  • Business courses at Australian universities offer a wide range of specialisations such as marketing, international business, and entrepreneurship, which unlock diverse skill sets for students.

  • Students graduating with a Business Studies program in Australia can choose to continue staying and working in the country after completing their course. This further opens up the pathway to permanent residency among graduates.

Top Universities Offering Engineering and Business Degrees in Australia

Australian universities offer both Engineering and Business degree programs to aspiring international students from all parts of the world. Some of the best Business universities in Australia include UNSW Sydney, the University of Melbourne, and Monash University, among others.

Alternatively, the University of Sydney, Australian National University (ANU), and RMIT University are counted among the best Engineering universities in Australia. For your easy reference, the table below highlights the top 10 universities offering Engineering and Business courses in Australia, along with their corresponding QS World University Rankings:

University 

QS World University Rankings 2025 for Engineering

UNSW Sydney

25

The University of Melbourne

=50

The University of Sydney 

=60

The University of Queensland

68

The Australian National University  

=76

Related Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-subject-rankings/engineering-technology?countries=au

University 

QS World University Rankings 2025 for Business Studies 

UNSW Sydney

=35

The University of Melbourne

=50

The University of Sydney 

=56

The Australian National University

=68

Monash University

77

Related Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-subject-rankings/business-management-studies?countries=au

Which Course is Right for Your Career?

There is no specific answer to this question - the right choice for your career path would entirely depend on a combination of your interests and strengths. Engineering courses are generally chosen by students aspiring for a career in designing and building systems and infrastructure. Business courses are more ideal for professionals wanting to assume senior leadership roles in their industry. 

Additionally, your academic background, inclination, mental aptitude, and career aspirations also help shape this decision. Listed below are a few factors that can help you further decide which degree is better: Business or Engineering:

Parameters 

Engineering Courses

Business Courses

Skills 

Technical proficiency

Problem-solving ability

Strong background in Science and Math

Effective communication

Strategic planning and decision-making

Leadership potential

Ideal for

Students with an analytical mindset and problem-solving ability

Students with a potential for leadership and management, and strategic thinking and planning 

Career prospects 

Civil Engineer

Aerospace Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Financial Analyst

Business Analyst

Marketing Manager

How IDP Can Help You Choose Between Engineering vs. Business in Australia?

To help avoid confusion about engineering and Business programs to pursue in Australia, seek expert guidance from professional consultants at IDP Education. One of the best-known and oldest consultancies in India for Australia, IDP Education helps you at every stage of your decision-making journey. Our experts will assess your academic profile to understand your needs better, identify and inform you about the best courses and universities in both fields, and also help you shortlist the top options based on your interests and career goals.  

FAQs on Engineering vs. Business: Which Course Is Better in Australia?

1. Is it worth studying Engineering in Australia for Indian students?

Absolutely! Australian universities offering Engineering programs rank highly on world university ranking systems, such as QS, and offer brilliant career opportunities, as well as the best academic programs, comparable to those of universities worldwide.

2. Which Australian course has better global recognition today?

Engineering programs pursued in Australia generally have better and more direct recognition globally due to the standardised accreditation processes of these programs.

3. Which degree offers better scholarships in Australia for students?

It is challenging to determine which of the two degree programs (Engineering or Business) in Australia offers better scholarship options for international students. The availability of a scholarship program generally depends on other factors, such as the discretion of the university offering it, government initiatives (in the case of government-funded scholarships), and the academic merit of the student applying.

4. Which Australian cities are the best for Engineering and Business Studies?

Sydney and Melbourne are typically considered the top cities for pursuing both Engineering and Business Studies courses in Australia. These cities are home to some of the best-known universities offering these two disciplines.

5. Which degree helps you adapt better to the Australian work culture?

Both Engineering and Business courses in Australia offer excellent employment prospects to graduates. Your ability to adapt to the work culture may depend on your personal skills and strengths, and may vary from one graduate to another.

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