Studying Information and Communication Technology

The way we communicate has undergone a massive transformation. Gone are the pigeon post, telegrams and pagers, and in use are smart phones and computers. These days we can use computers to send emails, instant messages, make phone calls, video calls and organise video conferencing over the internet.

All of these changes have been made possible due to advances in the field of information and communication technology (ICT). ICT is concerned with inventing and improving communication methods using computers and internet and has spawned Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC and routers.

Australian universities deliver well-organised, industry-relevant programmes that are valued by employers. In fact, most programmes are embedded with a work experience option which involves either undertaking a work placement or completing a relevant project at an external company.

Several of Australia’s 37 universities offer programmes in ICT.

Some of the universities where you could study are:

• Latrobe University
• Swinburne University
• University of Sunshine Coast
• University of Wollongong
• Western Sydney University

Salary and Career Prospects

ICT professionals are needed by virtually every company in every sector. They find employment in traditional IT and tech companies (IBM, Google) and IT functions of accountancy and professional services consultancies (EY, KPMG), engineering (AECOM,AMEC), retail and hospitality companies and government.

Some of the roles ICT graduates take up are:ICT Business Services Coordinator, ICT Infrastructure Services Architect, ICT Business Analyst, ICT Systems Administrator and ICT Support Officer.

Salaries vary depending on qualifications, job role, location and experience. As a guide, ICT professionals take home an average of $100,000 a year (68.58 lakhs INR approx).

Why Study in Australia?

Australia has cemented its place as one of the best study destinations for international students. There are 37 universities in Australia; with 7 featuring in top 100 and 15 in top 250 in QS World Rankings 2019.

Prominent IT and technology companies like Google, Microsoft, Apple, in addition to home-grown brands like Atlassian and Aconex operate in Australia. Cities of Melbourne and Sydney have a thriving start-up and innovation landscape.

Australians enjoy year-round good weather, high salaries, access to spectacular beaches and a healthy work-life balance. The country is vast and beautiful and has something to offer for everybody, be that opera, music concerts, films, outdoor activities or beaches and surfing.

International graduates are typically offered post-study work visas of up to 3 years upon graduation.