Studying Electrical Engineering in Australia
As the pace of the world increases, the world of technology seems to be moving even faster. Since the Industrial Revolution began in the late 18 th Century, invention and innovation have driven the constant advancement of human achievement. Never has the world experienced such a rapid rate of technological development as we are experiencing now – from computers to the Internet, from mobile phones to blackberries, the last twenty years have seen some remarkable inventions become ubiquitous.
So, who has driven this evolution? Engineers, and more specifically, electrical engineers. They are involved at every stage of design, from the power stations that generate the large amount of electricity needed to operate the new devices, to the integrated circuits that form their basis, to the systems that are required to enable communication between them. And as the 21 st Century commences, they are at the forefront of the newest technology. The discipline has moved beyond wires and circuits to include the cutting edge fields of mechatronics (the convergence of mechanics, electronics, robotics and software design), artificial intelligence (smart robots) and nanotechnology (microscopic components), to name but a few.
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If the question is: why study electrical engineering, the answer is simple – if you want to be at the cutting edge of technology and shape the direction of the 21 st Century, there is no better choice.
As to why you should study in Australia, the answer is also simple:
Australia is one of the most liveable countries in the world. In the annual Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) survey of liveability, Australian capital cities consistently place at the top. In 2005, Melbourne was ranked number two, with Sydney, Adelaide and Perth at three and Brisbane at four. These rankings are due to the fact that Australia is a modern, multicultural country, with state-of-the-art infrastructure, spectacular natural scenery and an enviable climate. While the population is relatively small given the size of the country (20 million) the country is also highly urbanised, with the majority of the population living in the major cities that hug the eastern and south-western coasts. As such, inhabitants get all the benefits of living in a city, without the overcrowding that plagues many countries around the world.
Australians themselves also add to the attraction of the country. They represent the majority of the world’s cultures and are passionate about their multi-culturalism. They are also passionate about sport, culture and food – aspects that are reflected in the activities and facilities that are offered to residents. This enthusiasm is reflected in the student populations of the country’s universities, with most campuses hosting dynamic student associations that are focused on electrical engineering. These students run many events and activities that support their own professional development.
In terms of education, the Australian tertiary sector is world-class. Institutions such as the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney and Australian National University feature in world rankings and offer an excellent variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, both by research and coursework. The majority of universities also offer services that are tailored to international students.
This is because Australia is already a popular destination for international students. It is estimated that around 20% of students enrolled in Australian universities are from overseas and this number has been growing significantly over the last 20 years. The number of foreign students studying engineering has also grown, estimated to have nearly doubled over the last 10 years.
Due to the different regulations that exist between countries, foreign students studying in Australia for a professional degree, such as Law and Medicine, often limit their international career options. However, studying engineering in Australia in fact opens up the global opportunities available to a graduate. Through accreditation by Engineers Australia, the national engineering professional body, qualifications attained at most universities are internationally recognised. And over 80% of Australia’s universities offer accredited electrical engineering undergraduate courses. These courses allow students to choose from a broad range of specialisations, including electronics, power, control, communications, photonics, computer, software, biomedical, mechatronics and signal processing engineering.
For those looking for postgraduate courses in electrical engineering, Australian tertiary institutions offer first-rate research facilities. Significant funding (both local and international) is awarded to the many research centres that operate within Australian universities. One of the largest, National ICT Australia (NICTA) operates across four Australian states and territories, offering research opportunities to both local and international postgraduate students interested in the area of information and communication technology (ICT). Like other modern research organisations, NICTA has a focus on not just developing the latest technology, but commercialising it as well; an important factor in a competitive world.
In addition, Australia is well-serviced by professional bodies that cater to electrical engineers. The national body, Engineers Australia, offers both professional and technical development opportunities to student members. International organisations that specialise in the high-technology sector, such as the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), also offer extensive services to student members, including access to global technical and professional networks.
By studying electrical engineering in Australia, students not only obtain a professional degree that will fast-track them through an international career, they also have an opportunity to live in one of the friendliest and most liveable countries in the world.
Miss Marguerite Fitzgerald, MIET
Chair, IET Australia Forum
