Aerospace engineering is one of the most dynamic and innovative areas of study, shaping the future of flight, space exploration and cutting-edge technology. From designing more fuel-efficient aircraft to developing spacecraft capable of interplanetary travel, aerospace engineers are at the forefront of solving some of the world’s most pressing technical challenges.
Whether you’re interested in designing next-generation aircraft, working with satellite technology, or exploring the possibilities of space travel, Australian universities provide the facilities, research strength and industry connections needed to launch a genuine career in aerospace engineering.
Learn more about Australia’s best aerospace engineering programmes below, based on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, and to find your best-fit degree, contact StudyIn for a free consultation.
Top 10 Australian Universities for Aerospace Engineering
The universities below each offer a genuine aerospace, aeronautical or aerospace-systems-focused degree, rather than a general engineering programme with a single aerospace elective.
Edith Cowan University
Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Perth offers the Bachelor of Technology (Aeronautical), the only course of its kind in Western Australia. The degree covers a foundation in science and mathematics alongside engineering mechanics, computer-aided design and thermodynamics, combined with aviation-specific subjects such as aircraft systems, structures and propulsion.
The course is designed for students who want a technically-oriented pathway into aviation, whether that leads to aircraft maintenance, airworthiness or further study. Depending on their choice of electives, graduates can also articulate into ECU’s Master of Engineering.
Course in focus: Bachelor of Technology (Aeronautical)
Griffith University
Griffith University, based in South East Queensland, combines strong aviation credentials with a growing aerospace research profile. Its Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Aviation is a five-year double degree that pairs an engineering major with the core requirements of a commercial pilot qualification, giving graduates the option of either an engineering career or a flying career, or both.
Griffith is also active in space research, including work with local industry partner Gilmour Space Technologies on the G-Class satellite programme, giving students exposure to genuine space-sector projects alongside their coursework.
Course in focus: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Aviation
Monash University
Monash University’s Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering (Honours) prepares students for a dynamic career in the design, development and maintenance of flight vehicles. Students engage in practical activities like wind tunnel testing and computational modelling, gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies. Aerospace engineers from Monash often work in design, manufacturing, research or airworthiness operations, with opportunities in aerospace companies, airlines, government labs and even Formula One teams.
Course in focus: Aerospace Engineering
The University of New South Wales
UNSW Sydney’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Aerospace Engineering focuses on the science and practice of air and space flight, including the design, development, testing and production of aerospace vehicles.
Throughout the course, students build expertise in aerodynamics, propulsion, flight mechanics and aircraft structures. In the final year, students collaborate on a team project that integrates all aspects of aircraft design to meet a specific mission specification, and complete 60 days of approved industry training.
Course in focus: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Aerospace Engineering)
The University of Newcastle
The University of Newcastle offers the Bachelor of Aerospace Systems Engineering (Honours), which takes a systems-level approach to the design, operation and modification of high-tech aerospace and defence technology.
Students can focus on aircraft structural design and high-performance materials, or on the control of complex, interacting aerospace systems, including how sensors, controllers and actuators work together to keep aircraft safe and reliable. All engineering students complete 12 weeks of industrial experience during the degree.
Graduates typically move into aircraft design and manufacturing companies, airlines, airworthiness organisations and the Australian Defence Force, with strong crossover into broader systems, mechanical and mechatronics engineering roles.
Course in focus: Bachelor of Aerospace Systems Engineering (Honours)
The University of Queensland
The University of Queensland’s Aerospace Engineering major, offered within its Mechanical Engineering specialisation, focuses on designing and manufacturing cutting-edge aircraft, satellites, spacecraft and drones. Students develop expertise in fuel-efficient aircraft, modern GPS satellite fleets and next-generation space missions, including those aimed at Mars.
Course in focus: Aerospace Engineering major, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Expert View
“Don’t just look at the university’s overall ranking. A course with strong industry placements and defence or aviation partnerships can matter more for your first job than a slightly higher subject rank.” – Vijayalakshmi V, Counsellor, StudyIn.
Queensland University of Technology
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) offers the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Aerospace), designed for students interested in the electronic systems side of aerospace, including avionics for military and civilian aircraft, helicopters, spacecraft, satellites and uninhabited aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The course sits at the intersection of electrical engineering and aerospace systems, covering the design, development, manufacture and maintenance of aircraft electronics. All graduates are eligible for membership of Engineers Australia.
Course in focus: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Aerospace)
RMIT University
RMIT University is a national leader in aerospace engineering and aviation, with close to 80 years of experience in the field. Its Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace Engineering) (Honours) covers aerodynamics, aerospace materials and structures, aerospace systems, design, dynamics and control, thermodynamics and propulsion.
Studies move to RMIT’s Bundoora campus for access to specialist aerospace facilities, and students can tailor the degree with minors in Aircraft and Spacecraft Technologies. RMIT’s industry connections include Boeing Australia, Airbus, BAE Systems Australia, Lockheed Martin and the Defence Science and Technology Group, alongside opportunities for an overseas work placement of six to 12 months.
Course in focus: Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace Engineering) (Honours)
The University of Sydney
The University of Sydney’s Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Aeronautical Engineering) offers students a comprehensive understanding of aircraft design and operation, both within the Earth’s atmosphere and in space. The course covers aerodynamics, propulsion systems, structural design, avionics and stability control systems.
Course in focus: Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Aeronautical Engineering)
What Are the Entry Requirements for Aerospace Engineering in Australia?
International students typically need to have completed secondary school with strong results in mathematics and physics to gain entry into undergraduate aerospace engineering programmes. Most universities require the following.
- Minimum academic score: Equivalent to an Australian ATAR of 80 to 90 (for example, a GPA of 3.0 to 3.5, or 75 to 90 percent depending on your country’s grading system)
- English language proficiency: IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0; or TOEFL iBT score of 85 to 90; or PTE Academic score of 58 to 64
- Additional requirements: Some universities may request a personal statement, academic references, or an interview for competitive programmes
Postgraduate applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, or a closely related engineering field, with a minimum GPA equivalent to 60 to 70 percent, and meet similar English language requirements.
How Much Does It Cost to Study Aerospace Engineering in Australia?
Tuition fees for international students studying aerospace engineering in Australia vary by university and programme level.
- Undergraduate aerospace engineering degrees: AUD 38,000 to 48,000 per year
- Postgraduate degrees (master’s programmes): AUD 40,000 to 52,000 per year
Living expenses are typically AUD 20,000 to 30,000 annually, depending on location and lifestyle. Most universities offer scholarships for international students, including merit-based, equity-based and faculty-specific awards.
What Careers Can You Pursue With an Aerospace Engineering Degree?
Aerospace engineering graduates move into a genuinely wide range of technical and design-led careers, both in Australia and internationally.
- Aircraft and spacecraft design: Working on the structural, aerodynamic and propulsion design of aircraft, launch vehicles and spacecraft
- Avionics and systems engineering: Designing and maintaining the electronic and control systems that keep modern aircraft and satellites operating safely
- Manufacturing and airworthiness: Overseeing production quality, testing and certification for aircraft and components
- Defence and government: Roles within the Australian Defence Force, the Defence Science and Technology Group, and related agencies
- Space and satellite industries: A fast-growing area in Australia, with graduates increasingly working on satellite design, launch systems and space mission planning
Major employers of Australian aerospace engineering graduates include Boeing, Airbus, BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and the Royal Australian Air Force, alongside a growing number of local space technology companies.
What Are the Visa Requirements for Studying Aerospace Engineering in Australia?
International students must apply for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) to study full-time in Australia. Key requirements include the following.
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): Issued by your Australian university once you’ve accepted your offer
- Proof of financial capacity: Funds to cover tuition, living expenses and travel, currently around AUD 62,000 for one year
- English proficiency: As set out by your university’s admission standards
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Mandatory for the duration of your stay
- Genuine Student (GS) requirement: Demonstrating your intent to study and, where relevant, your plans after graduation
Visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during official holidays. Students in research-based master’s or doctoral programmes may work full-time throughout their studies.
Study Aerospace Engineering in Australia
Choosing the right aerospace engineering degree means weighing course specialisation, industry partnerships and campus facilities against your career goals, not just a university’s overall ranking.
If you want to learn more about studying engineering in Australia, arrange a free consultation with StudyIn today.
FAQs
Which Australian university is best for aerospace engineering?
RMIT, UNSW, Monash, UQ and the University of Sydney all offer strong, dedicated aerospace or aeronautical engineering degrees with established industry partnerships, while QUT and the University of Newcastle offer more systems and avionics-focused alternatives.
How much does it cost to study aerospace engineering in Australia?
Undergraduate aerospace engineering degrees typically cost between AUD 38,000 and 48,000 per year, with postgraduate degrees ranging from AUD 40,000 to 52,000 per year. Living costs generally add a further AUD 20,000 to 30,000 annually.
Do I need a background in physics and maths to study aerospace engineering?
Yes. Strong secondary school results in mathematics and physics are a standard requirement for undergraduate entry, since these subjects underpin the core aerodynamics, propulsion and structural engineering content of the degree.
Can I study aerospace engineering in Australia without an engineering background?
Postgraduate aerospace engineering programmes generally require a bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, or a closely related engineering field. Undergraduate entry does not require prior engineering study, only strong maths and physics results.
What jobs can I get with an aerospace engineering degree in Australia?
Graduates commonly work in aircraft and spacecraft design, avionics and systems engineering, manufacturing and airworthiness, defence, and the growing space and satellite sector, with employers including Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and the Royal Australian Air Force.
How long does an aerospace engineering degree take in Australia?
Most undergraduate aerospace and aeronautical engineering honours degrees take 4 years of full-time study, with some double degrees, such as engineering combined with aviation or business, taking 5 years.
