Finding employment after graduation is a top priority for international students studying in Australia. Recent data from the 2024 Graduate Outcomes Survey reveals which fields of study offer the best job prospects in 2025—and the results might surprise you.
Healthcare Dominates Employment Rankings
The latest comprehensive research from the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) program shows that healthcare-related disciplines consistently deliver the strongest employment outcomes for international graduates across all degree levels.
The 2024 Graduate Outcomes Survey, sponsored by the Australian Department of Education, analyzed responses from nearly 30,500 international students across more than 110 Australian institutions. The survey measures employment rates approximately 4–6 months after graduation, providing crucial insights for prospective students planning their academic journey.
A Shifting Landscape for International Graduates in 2025
The Australian labor market has experienced notable changes in 2025. Domestic undergraduate full-time employment rates declined from 79.0% in 2023 to 74.0% in 2024, reflecting broader economic adjustments as pandemic-era labor market tightness continues to ease.
For international students, the 2024 QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey—measuring employment 4-6 months post-graduation—shows that traditional STEM favorites like engineering and technology have experienced significant declines. These fields now show employment rates hovering around 50% or lower for recent international graduates, a stark contrast to healthcare’s commanding performance.
Undergraduate Level: Top 5 Fields by Employment Rate
For international students pursuing bachelor’s degrees, these five disciplines offer the strongest job prospects:
| Rank | Field of Study | Employment Rate | Average Starting Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dentistry | 93.3% | Data not available |
| 2 | Pharmacy | 90.8% | $57,800 |
| 3 | Medicine | 88.7% | $83,300 |
| 4 | Veterinary Science | 81.4% | $72,500 |
| 5 | Teacher Education | 80.9% | $77,000 |
What These Numbers Mean
Dentistry leads with an exceptional 93.3% employment rate, meaning nearly every graduate secures full-time work within six months. Medicine follows closely with competitive salaries averaging over $83,000 annually—significantly above the median for international graduates.
Fields to Approach with Caution
International undergraduates face tougher job markets in creative industries. Communications graduates see only 32.2% full-time employment within six months, while Creative Arts sits at 37.8%—highlighting the importance of field selection for career-focused students.
Postgraduate Coursework: Advanced Degrees and Career Prospects
For students pursuing master’s degrees and postgraduate diplomas, healthcare continues to dominate:
| Rank | Field of Study | Employment Rate | Average Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Medicine | 89.9% | $87,700 |
| 2 | Rehabilitation | 89.9% | $74,300 |
| 3 | Veterinary Science | 74.3% | Data not available |
| 4 | Pharmacy | 70.4% | Data not available |
| 5 | Law and Paralegal Studies | 69.8% | $70,200 |
Medicine and Rehabilitation tie for first place with nearly 90% employment rates. Law emerges as a strong contender at this level, offering solid career prospects with competitive salaries.
Postgraduate Research: PhD and Research Degrees
For doctoral and research-focused programs, the employment landscape shifts slightly:
| Rank | Field of Study | Employment Rate | Average Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Law and Paralegal Studies | 88.0% | Data not available |
| 2 | Psychology | 87.8% | Data not available |
| 3 | Health Services and Support | 85.0% | $100,000 |
| 4 | Medicine | 81.3% | $95,000 |
| 5 | Science and Mathematics | 80.6% | $92,600 |
Notably, Science and Mathematics enters the top five at the research level, with strong six-figure salary potential. Health Services and Support leads in compensation at $100,000 annually.
The Education Paradox
An interesting finding: while Teacher Education ranks fifth for undergraduate employability, education research graduates face challenges, with only 60% securing employment within six months—the lowest rate among postgraduate research fields.
Understanding the Current Australian Job Market in 2025
As of September 2025, Australia hosts approximately 821,553 international students, representing a slight 0.14% decline from the previous year. Despite policy changes including new student caps, Australia remains one of the world’s leading study destinations.
Vietnamese students maintain their position as the fourth-largest international cohort at approximately 4% of the total international student population, though new Vietnamese student arrivals have decreased by over 40% compared to 2024. The total Vietnamese student population in Australia now stands at over 30,000 continuing students.
Salary Expectations for International Graduates
The median salary range for international graduates in Australia spans from $68,000 to $95,600 annually, depending on field and degree level. For Vietnamese graduates specifically, earnings range between $63,700 and $97,800 per year.
These figures compare favorably with many other countries and reflect Australia’s strong economy and demand for skilled professionals, particularly in healthcare sectors.
Key Factors Driving Healthcare’s Success in 2025
Several factors contribute to healthcare’s continued dominance in graduate employment:
1. Australia’s Aging Population – Growing demand for medical professionals as the population ages creates consistent job opportunities across all healthcare sectors.
2. Critical Skills Shortages – Australia actively seeks qualified healthcare workers to address nationwide shortages, particularly in regional areas where incentives and additional visa pathways are offered.
3. Professional Registration Pathways – Many healthcare programs include clear pathways to Australian professional registration, directly facilitating employment and career progression.
4. Favorable Post-Study Work Rights – Healthcare graduates often qualify for extended post-study work visas, with some disciplines eligible for longer stays. Indian students, for example, can access post-study work rights ranging from 2 to 4 years depending on their qualification level.
5. Regional Opportunities – Healthcare graduates who study in regional areas may qualify for visa extensions of 1 to 2 additional years, making these programs particularly attractive for those seeking permanent residency pathways.
Making the Right Choice for Your Future
When selecting your field of study in Australia, consider these factors:
Employment prospects – Review current data like this QILT survey to understand realistic job outcomes in your chosen field.
Salary expectations – Balance passion with practical financial considerations for your future career.
Personal interests and strengths – Success requires genuine interest in your field, not just employment statistics.
Visa pathways – Research how your chosen field aligns with Australia’s skilled migration programs if you plan to work long-term.
Regional opportunities – Some fields offer better prospects in regional Australia, often with additional visa benefits.
Beyond the Statistics
While these employment figures provide valuable guidance, remember that individual outcomes depend on multiple factors: academic performance, work experience, networking, English proficiency, and adaptability to the Australian workplace culture.
Successful international graduates often combine strong academic credentials with practical experience through internships, volunteer work, and part-time employment during their studies. Building professional networks and developing soft skills like communication and teamwork prove equally important as technical knowledge.
Looking Ahead: Trends to Watch in 2025-2026
The Australian job market for international graduates continues evolving. Healthcare’s current dominance reflects immediate societal needs, but students should monitor several key trends:
Policy Evolution – The Australian government plans to introduce the Australian Tertiary Education Commission in 2027 to regulate international student numbers long-term, signaling continued government involvement in managing international education.
Cap Adjustments – The 2026 National Planning Level increase to 295,000 students represents a 9% rise from 2025, with specific incentives for universities demonstrating increased engagement with Southeast Asian countries through partnerships, campuses, and scholarships.
Emerging Fields – While healthcare dominates currently, emerging fields in technology, renewable energy, cybersecurity, and data science may see increased demand as Australia’s economy continues to evolve and diversify.
Regional Focus – Universities in regional areas are being encouraged to increase international student intake, with additional visa benefits and potential pathways to permanent residency making these locations increasingly attractive.
Southeast Asian Partnerships – Universities can apply for increased international student allocations by demonstrating stronger engagement with Southeast Asia, potentially opening more opportunities for Vietnamese and other regional students.
Students beginning their studies in 2025-2026 should monitor these trends while focusing on fields that align with both personal interests and strong employment fundamentals. The integration of soft skills development, networking, and practical work experience during studies remains crucial regardless of field selection.
