Explore Study Options in Australia and New Zealand
Australia’s education system follows the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), which standardizes learning levels across vocational and higher education institutions. International students must enrol in courses registered under CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) to meet visa requirements.
New Zealand follows the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF), ensuring consistency and quality across different education levels. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) oversees institutions and programs to maintain international standards.
Top 10 Courses in Australia and New Zealand
Business & Management
A business degree in Australia and New Zealand provides students with a strong foundation in leadership, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship. Many universities offer specializations such as international business, digital marketing, and supply chain management.
Australia: Ranging from Certificate III to Diploma (1-2 years), Bachelor (3 years) and a Master’s Degree (1.5-2 years). 📍 Best Cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
New Zealand: Get started with a Certificate IV, Diploma (1-2 years), Bachelor’s program (3 years) or Master’s (1 to 1.5 years).
📍 Best Cities: Auckland, Wellington
IT & Software Development
With a growing tech industry, IT courses are in high demand. Students can specialize in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, software engineering and cloud computing.
Australia: Bachelor's programs are usually 3 years, while Master's programs take 1.5 to 2 years.📍 Best Cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Perth
New Zealand: Bachelor's programs are 3 years, while Master’s programs take 1 to 1.5 years. 📍 Best Cities: Christchurch, Auckland
Nursing & Healthcare
We see a critical demand for nurses, making this a great pathway for permanent residency (PR). Courses cover clinical practice, aged care and mental health nursing.
Australia: A Bachelor of Nursing takes 3 years, while a Master’s in Nursing is 1.5 to 2 years.📍 Best Cities: Brisbane, Gold Coast and Adelaide
New Zealand: A Bachelor’s in Nursing takes 3 years, while Master’s programs take 1.5 years📍 Best Cities: Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.
Engineering & Construction
Engineering degrees offer high employability and PR opportunities. Specializations include civil, mechanical, electrical, and software engineering.
Australia: A Bachelor's degree takes 4 years and a Master's degree 1.5 to 2 years. 📍 Best Cities: Melbourne, Sydney, Perth
New Zealand: Bachelor’s programs take 4 years, while Master's take 1.5 to 2 years.
Hospitality & Tourism & Culinary Arts
With Australia’s and New Zealand's booming tourism sector, students can study hotel management, event planning and culinary arts.
Australia: Programs range from 1 to 2-year diplomas to 3-year Bachelor’s degrees. 📍 Best Cities: Sydney, Gold Coast, Cairns
New Zealand Programs range from 6-month diplomas to 3-year Bachelor’s degrees. Top institutions include PIHMS, NZMA, and Otago Polytechnic, with major hubs in Queenstown, Auckland, and Wellington.
Early Childhood Education & Teaching
Australia offers pathways for early childhood, primary, and secondary teaching. With a Bachelor’s degree taking 3-4 years and a Master’s taking 1.5 to 2 years, students can apply for PR through teaching programs.
📍 Best Cities: Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane
Teaching is a PR pathway occupation in New Zealand. Bachelor’s programs take 3 years, while postgraduate diplomas take 1 year.
📍 Best Cities: Christchurch, Auckland
Trades (Construction & Automotive & more)
Australia: Skilled trades like plumbing, carpentry, electrical and automotive technology are in demand. Programs range from 6-month certificates to 2-year diplomas.
New Zealand has a shortage of skilled tradespeople, making it a great career path. Courses range from 6-month certificates to 2-year diplomas.
📍 Best Cities: Hamilton, Christchurch
Accounting & Finance
Australia: An accounting degree can lead to CPA accreditation and job placements in major financial firms. A Bachelor’s program takes 3 years, while a Master’s degree takes 1.5 to 2 years.
New Zealand: Gain internationally recognized accounting qualifications with Bachelor’s degrees (3 years) or Master’s programs (1.5 years).
Fitness & Sports Science or Outdoor & Adventure Tourism
Australia: Perfect for students wanting to become personal trainers, sports coaches, or physiotherapists. Courses range from 6-month diplomas to 3-year Bachelor’s degrees.📍 Best Cities: Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney
New Zealand: Perfect for students passionate about eco-tourism, adventure sports and guiding. Courses range from 6-month certificates to 3-year Bachelor’s degrees. 📍 Best Cities: Queenstown, Rotorua and Wellington
Agriculture & Viticulture & Environmental Science
Australia: For those passionate about sustainability, agriculture, and conservation, this field offers pathways into agribusiness, forestry and environmental management. Bachelor's degrees take 3 years, while diplomas range from 1 to 2 years. 📍 Best Cities: Toowoomba, Adelaide and Perth
New Zealand: With its world-renowned dairy and wine industry, New Zealand is a top choice for students interested in agriculture. Bachelor’s degrees take 3 years, while diplomas range from 1 to 2 years.
📍 Best Cities: Lincoln, Palmerston North and Hamilton