Geography studies involve studying different characteristics of places and their relation with human beings. Both the physical aspects and the social science aspects are included in it. Programs are available from the undergraduate level to the doctoral level. A degree in geography makes one eligible to work for several studies, including mining, oil explorations, construction, urban planning, etc. Companies such as consulting firms, oil and mining companies, not-for-profit companies, and government offices hire graduates of geographical studies. The average salary with an undergraduate degree is A$79,000 per year, and that with a graduate degree is A$94,000 per year.
Top Geography University in Australia
- The University of Melbourne
- The University of New South Wales
- University of Tasmania
- Curtin University
- The University of Western Australia
- Flinders University
- University of Adelaide
- University of Wollongong
- University of Queensland
Top Geography University in Australia: Bachelor in Geography
Universities in Australia offer three years bachelor's degree programs in geography. Most programs are offered as a major for the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts program. The tuition fee for the program ranges from A$24,000 to A$45,000 per year. Bachelor of Philosophy is offered by a few universities, a research-based undergraduate program with a course duration of 4 years.
University |
Program |
Tuition fee per year |
The University of Melbourne |
Bachelor of Science in Geography |
A$43,660 |
A$35,200 |
||
The University of New South Wales |
Bachelor of Arts in Geography |
A$39,368 |
University of Tasmania |
Bachelor of Science in Geography and Environment |
A$33,950 |
Curtin University |
Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science |
A$37,900 |
Bachelor of Arts in Geography |
A$29,100 |
|
The University of Western Australia |
Bachelor of Science in Human Geography and Planning |
A$34,200 |
Flinders University |
Bachelor in Applied Geographical Information Systems |
A$36,000 |
University of Adelaide |
Bachelor of Arts in Geography, Environment, and Population |
A$36,000 |
University of Wollongong |
Bachelor of Science in Human Geography |
A$32,400 |
Bachelor of Science in Physical Geography |
A$31,728 |
|
University of Queensland |
Bachelors in Geographical Science |
A$24,300 |
|
Academic Requirement:
Commonly a high school degree comparable to Australia year 12 with an ATAR of 80. For applicants from Nepal, a higher education board certificate with a score of 75% or higher is required. For applicants from India, a score of 75% or higher in CBSE or CISE is required.
Alternative qualification:
If the university does not recognize the higher education obtained, the following test scores may be used to supplement the academic qualification.
- SAT score of 1100 to 1300
- ACT score of 22 to 28
Proof of English language proficiency:
International students are required to demonstrate English language proficiency and are applying from countries where the native language is not English. The following test scores are sufficient.
- IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each band
- TOEFL score of 78 to 90 overall and 13 – 22 in reading, 13 – 22 in listening, 18 – 22 in speaking, and 20 to 23 in writing.
- PTE score of 55 to 64 overall, with a sectional score of 55 to 60.
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Geography
Undergraduate programs in geography are often offered as a major for Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs. Although there is considerable overlap between the two streams of studies, there are also significant differences. A Bachelor of Arts program focuses on the social science aspect of geography, such as people's interaction and geography. In contrast, a bachelor of Science focuses on the physical aspects of geography, techniques, and tools to study it.
Top Geography University in Australia: Master in Geography
A graduate degree in geography provides specialization in different aspects of geographic studies. Course-based master's programs have a typical duration of 1.5 years. In contrast, research-based master's programs have a course duration of 2 years and are generally sought after by students who intend to continue their education through doctoral programs. The tuition fee for the first year of the master's program ranges from A$25,000 to A$50,000.
University |
Course |
Tuition fee per year |
The University of Melbourne |
Master of Geography |
A$46,272 |
Curtin University |
Master of Philosophy (Geographic Information Science) |
A$38,000 |
Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence |
A$19,000 |
|
Master of Science in Geology |
A$37,500 |
|
Flinders University |
Master of Geospatial Information Science |
A$35,500 |
University of Wollongong |
Master of Philosophy in Geography and Sustainable Communities |
A$25,280 |
The University of Western Australia |
Master of Science in Geoscience |
A$43,200 |
University of Queensland |
Master of Geographic Information Science |
A$41,936 |
Academic Requirement:
A bachelor's degree in geology, geographic science, or geographic information science from a recognized university is required. Some universities, such as Flinders University, require a post-graduate diploma or post-graduate certificate in the same field as the intended master's in which the applicant has a bachelor's from a tertiary institution.
English language requirement:
- IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 in each band
- TOEFL score of 72 to 90 overall, with at least 13 to 18 in reading and listening and 18 to 22 in speaking and writing.
- PTE score of 50 to 64 overall, with at least 50 to 54 in each section.
Postgraduate diploma and post-graduate certificate:
PG Diploma and PG certificate provide a great alternative to a master's degree that is more affordable, requires less time to complete, and is less demanding regarding entry requirements. In the case where there are restrictions for entry into a master's program for international students, these programs provide a pathway as well.
Work experience and research experience requirement:
Some research-based master's programs and master of philosophy programs require applicants to have relevant work experience or demonstrable research experience for entry.
Top Geography University in Australia: PhD in Geography
Doctoral programs in geography are also available for students who wish to expand their research. A few universities offer these, and admission into the program depends upon the research experience during their bachelor's and master's studies and professional experience. The relevancy of the research experience to the intended field of study is also greatly considered.
University |
Program |
University of Wollongong |
Doctor of Philosophy (Geography and Sustainable Communities) |
The University of Melbourne |
Doctor of Philosophy in Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences |
University of Queensland |
Doctor of Philosophy in Geographic Information Science |
Flinders University |
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Sciences |
The tuition fee for a doctoral program in Australia ranges from A$30,000 to A$45,000 per year. However, a major portion of the cost is supplemented through research grants and scholarships.
Academic Requirement:
- A master of philosophy degree in the area of the intended research for a doctorate or,
- A master of research degree or,
- A master by coursework degree and significant research or professional experience
- A bachelor's degree in a relevant field with more than 2 years of research experience
English Language Requirement:
Doctoral programs’ requirement for the English language is similar to the master's program.
- An IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each band
- A TOEFL score of 80 to 90 overall and 18 to 21 in writing, 18 to 20 in reading, speaking, and listening.
Top Geography University in Australia: Scholarships
High-achieving international students are offered generous scholarships for bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. The amount of scholarship varies and can be up to a full tuition waiver topped up with a stipend.
University |
Scholarships |
Amount |
The University of Melbourne |
Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship |
50 – 100% tuition fee remission or A$10,000 reduction in tuition fee |
Graduate Research Scholarships |
100% tuition fee remission |
|
The University of New South Wales |
UNSW Scholarships for International Students Commencing Term 2, 2022 |
A$5000 per year |
University of Tasmania |
Dean of Sciences and Engineering Merit Scholarship |
50% of the tuition fee |
Tasmanian International Scholarship |
25% of the tuition fee |
|
The University of Western Australia |
Richard G. Barnes Bursary in Hydrogeology |
A$1250 |
University of Adelaide |
Global Academic Excellence Scholarship (International) |
50% reduction of tuition fee |
University of Wollongong |
University Excellence Scholarships |
30% reduction in tuition fee |
University Excellence Scholarships |
30% reduction in tuition fee |
|
University of Queensland |
Science International Scholarship |
A$3000 |
Graduate School Scholarships (UQGSS) – includes Research Training Program (RTP) |
A$25,854 |
|
Scope of Geography in Australia
With an undergraduate or a graduate degree in geography, one can find a job in mining, oil extraction, urban and regional planning, etc. Environmental consulting firms and not-for-profit organizations also hire geologists for surveying, planning, and explorations. The average salary with a bachelor's degree in geography is A$79,000 per year, and that with a master’s degree in geography is A$94,000 per year.
Roles |
Range of Salary |
Average Salary |
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst |
A$49,000 – A$70,000 |
A$58,664 |
Project Geologist |
A$81,000 – A$129,000 |
A$101,867 |
Senior Hydrogeologist |
A$80,000 – A$129,000 |
A$103,498 |
Mine Geologist |
A$94,000 – A$119,000 |
A$107,145 |
GIS Data Coordinator |
A$80,683 – A$118,794 |
A$93,500 |
Land Resource Information Officer |
A$74,428 – 114,485 |
A$83,022 |
Cartographer |
A$65,000 – A$104,000 |
A$87,500 |