Studying Information Technology (IT)

Information technology is a sub-discipline of computer science. It focuses on using computers to collect, analyse, store and present data, typically in business settings. Or so goes the bookish definition goes. In reality, however, studying IT will also entail learning programming, computer networking and cyber security.

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

All of Australia’s 37 universities offer programmes in IT.

Some of the universities where you could study are:

• Monash University
• La Trobe University
• RMIT University
• Griffith University
• Swinburne University
• Southern Cross University
• Central Queensland University
• Macquarie University
• Queensland University of Technology

Salary and Career Prospects

IT 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 IT graduates take up are: software engineer, data analyst, application developer, IT consultant, web developer or database administrator.

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

Why 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.