Mechanical engineering is one of the most respected and highly rewarding fields of work. In Australia, mechanical engineers are also paid a higher average hourly wage of $64 compared to the median of $41 for all jobs.
This profession involves planning, designing, building, testing, inspecting, and maintaining mechanical devices, systems, and operations. As such, it requires specialised knowledge and skills in fields such as mathematics, complex problem-solving, operations analysis, and more.
A proper education in a good mechanical engineering program is crucial to succeeding as a future mechanical engineer in Australia. For this reason, we have compiled a list of the best universities for mechanical engineering in Australia if you plan to study here.
Some of the best Australian universities for mechanical engineering include:
- The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
- The University of Melbourne
- Monash University
- The University of Sydney
- The University of Queensland
- Australian National University (ANU)
- RMIT University
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Erudera has a comprehensive list of top study programs in Mechanical Engineering in Australia.
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The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
As one of Australia’s leading teaching and research institutions, the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) has produced more than 334,000 alumni from all over the world, who have set out to achieve many great things. This university offers a superb mechanical engineering faculty with numerous degree and program opportunities.
UNSW Sydney offers the following undergraduate degrees & double degrees in mechanical engineering:
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/ Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/ Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Engineering (Hons)/ Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/ Master of Biomedical Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/ Bachelor of Computer Science
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/ Bachelor of Engineering Science
You can also study mechanical engineering as a postgraduate/research degree in the following programs:
- Graduate Diploma in Engineering Science (Mechanical Engineering)
- Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science (Engineering Resilience)
- Master of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering)
- Master of Engineering Science (Mechanical Engineering)
- Master of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
UNSW Sydney recently invested $67 million into refurbishing its School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, so you will undoubtedly be learning in cutting-edge facilities.
The University of Melbourne
With over 100 research centres and institutes and more than 430,000 living alumni both international and local, it is no wonder that the University of Melbourne holds such a good reputation both nationally and globally. With multiple libraries, research facilities, and vibrant student life, the University of Melbourne is an ideal place for studying mechanical engineering.
This university offers the following undergraduate degrees & honours degrees related to mechanical engineering:
- Bachelor of Design (Major in Mechanical Engineering Systems)
- Bachelor of Science (Major in Mechanical Engineering Systems)
- Bachelor of Science (Extended) (Major in Mechanical Engineering Systems)
- Bachelor of Design (Degree with Honours)
- Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours)
Postgraduate and research mechanical engineering programs at the University of Melbourne include:
- Master of Mechanical Engineering
- Master of Philosophy – Engineering and IT
- Doctor of Philosophy – Engineering and IT
The University of Melbourne partners with many employers to prepare graduates for employment in mechanical engineering and other industries.
Monash University
With a 60-year history of making a global impact and more than 440,000 alumni that have contributed to it, Monash University is another excellent university to study mechanical engineering. This university offers flexible study opportunities, various student services, clubs and societies, and much more.
If you’re planning to study a pathway or undergraduate mechanical engineering program at Monash University, you can choose from the following:
- Diploma of Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) with specialization in Mechanical Engineering
You can also pursue a double degree to gain more knowledge in other topics useful to engineering. These include:
- Engineering and Architectural Design – Bachelor degree (honours)/Bachelor degree
- Engineering and Arts – Bachelor degree (honours)/Bachelor degree
- Engineering and Biomedical Science – Bachelor degree (honours)/Bachelor degree
- Engineering and Commerce – Bachelor degree (honours)/Bachelor degree
- Engineering and Computer Science – Bachelor degree (honours)/Bachelor degree
- Engineering and Design – Bachelor degree (honours)/Bachelor degree
- Engineering and Engineering – Bachelor degree/ Master degree
- Engineering and Information Technology – Bachelor degree (honours)/Bachelor degree
- Engineering and Pharmaceutical Science – Bachelor degree (honours)/Bachelor degree
- Engineering and Science – Bachelor degree (honours)/Bachelor degree
- Laws and Engineering – Bachelor degree (honours)/Bachelor degree (honours)
Postgraduate and research mechanical engineering programs at Monash include:
- Master of Professional Mechanical Engineering
- Master of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering)
- Master of Engineering Science (Research)
- Doctor of Philosophy PhD – Engineering
All these programs considered, Monash University is a modern institution that is equipped with the best tools and resources for teaching future mechanical engineers.
The University of Sydney
The University of Sydney is next on the list of the best universities for mechanical engineering in Australia, with an award-winning Professional Engagement Program at the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science. This university is continuously ranked among the top global universities and is located in one of the most liveable cities in the world with must-see attractions.
The University of Sydney offers a program for Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Mechanical Engineering), in which you can specialize in the following areas:
- Computational Engineering (Mechanical)
- Computer Systems
- Energy and the Environment (Mechanical)
- Engineering Data Science
- Humanitarian Engineering
- Industrial and Product Design Engineering (Mechanical)
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Materials Science and Engineering (Mechanical)
- Mechanical Design (Mechanical)
- Thermofluids (Mechanical)
This university offers the following postgraduate and research programs related to mechanical engineering:
- Master of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering)
- Master of Professional Engineering (Mechanical)
- Master of Professional Engineering (Accelerated) (Mechanical)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering)
With a history of 170 years as a university, the University of Sydney is an ideal institution for an educational experience that will take you places.
The University of Queensland
The University of Queensland (UQ) is another popular destination for mechanical engineering students. Its 200+ clubs and societies, numerous student facilities and services, as well as its beautiful campuses in Brisbane make it a great choice if you’re planning your future studies in Australia.
Undergraduate degree and double degree opportunities for mechanical engineering at UQ include:
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Master of Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Biotechnology
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Computer Science
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Information Technology
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Mathematics
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Science
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Arts
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Business Management
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Economics
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Design
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Commerce
As for postgraduate and research mechanical engineering programs, UQ offers:
- Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science
- Master of Engineering Science (Mechanical Engineering)
- Master of Engineering Science (Management)
- Master of Mechanical Engineering (Professional)
- Master of Materials and Manufacturing Engineering (Professional)
- Master of Philosophy
- Doctor of Philosophy
If you’re a student at the University of Queensland, you will have a support network be it for settling in, your well-being, study skills, skills and employability, and much more.
Australian National University (ANU)
Founded in 1946, the Australian National University (ANU) is a world-leading research, education, and policy engagement institution. ANU has seven academic colleges with a number of schools and research centres, flexible degree options, and global exchange opportunities.
If you’re planning to study in an undergraduate degree program, mechanical engineering options at ANU include:
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours)
ANU currently doesn’t offer postgraduate degrees in mechanical engineering, however, it offers programs in similar subjects:
- Master of Engineering in Mechatronics
- Master of Engineering in Renewable Energy
- Master of Science (Advanced) in Materials Science
- Master of Science in Materials Science
The Australian National University puts a great emphasis on learning inside and outside the classroom, which is why you will find plenty of opportunities to develop career-oriented skills and leadership capabilities here.
RMIT University
As a global university of technology, design and enterprise, RMIT University is an impeccable choice for future mechanical engineering students. Apart from its splendid facilities and study programs, this university offers more than 100 clubs, societies, and collectives for those looking to broaden their horizons.
Options for undergraduate degrees and double degree programs in mechanical engineering at RMIT University are:
- Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Mechanical)
- Associate Degree in Engineering Technology
- Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) (Honours)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) (Honours)/Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) (Honours)/Bachelor of Industrial Design (Honours)
If you plan to further your education with a postgraduate or research degree, RMIT University offers the following programs:
- Graduate Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
- Master of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering)
- Master of Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing and Mechatronic Engineering)
- PhD (Mechanical, Manufacturing and Mechatronic Engineering)
RMIT also offers various global opportunities, internships, placements, and work experience opportunities.
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Since 1989, the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has been making a real-world impact through quality research and education. QUT is home to more than 40,000 students and offers more than 400 courses for you to choose from.
QUT offers the following undergraduate degrees and double degrees in mechanical engineering:
- Diploma in Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical)
- Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Bachelor of Design (Architecture)/Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design)/Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Bachelor of Design (Interaction Design)/Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Bachelor of Design (Landscape Architecture)/Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Information Technology
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Mathematics
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Science
You can also pursue a postgraduate or research degree in these programs:
- Master of Engineering (Mechanical)
- Master of Professional Engineering (Mechanical)
- Master of Engineering Management
- Doctor of Philosophy (Hosted by Faculty of Engineering)
Whether you need professional development opportunities, customised education, or access to various industry partnerships, QUT has everything you need to succeed.
When you choose a versatile engineering field such as mechanical engineering, specialised programs and quality education are crucial to gaining the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful career. Choosing from these eight best universities for mechanical engineering in Australia means that you will have that well-rounded education and student experience.