Bachelor of Software Engineering

This bachelor degree teaches how large software systems are designed, built and maintained.

Compare 8 providers

How long it takes: 3 to 4 years; full time
Entry ATAR: From 54.15; Lowest offered at University of Canberra, 2024
How you can study: Online or on campus
Leads on to: Software Engineer; $131,900 median pay
Taught by: 8 providers; 6 states and territories

Is this course right for you?

What the Bachelor of Software Engineering asks of you, and what you might want to check first.

It helps to have

an interest in how software and systems work
patience for solving problems step by step
comfort working with computers and technology
good communication skills for working in teams

Before you start

Each provider sets its own entry requirements, so check the ones you are considering.

Where this course can take you

Jobs this qualification is a recognised route into, and the study that can follow it.

Jobs you can do with it

Software Engineer
Software engineers design, build and maintain the software a business or its customers rely on, from a mobile app to the systems running behind a website.
What else you need
Complete the software-engineering programme and demonstrate the practical development skills required by the employer.
Median pay$131,900

Pay is the median for everyone in the job, and “In demand” means the job is on the national shortage list.

Where you can study this course

There are 8 places you can study this course. When you compare them, check they teach it the way you want to study, how far you'd be from a campus, what it will cost you and what past students say about the teaching and support. They're listed by how often people search for them, and none of them pays to be here or to move up.

Griffith University
Brisbane South (Nathan), Gold Coast, QLD
4.3from 1,317 Google reviews
ATAR
72.8 lowest
(80.8 median, 2026)
How you study
On campus
(full or part time)
Fee
$8,800 a year
(Government-supported place)
Website for Griffith University (opens in a new tab)
What students like
- Lecturers and tutors are supportive and approachable
What to weigh up
- Tutors can be slow to reply to emails
- Enrolment and admin can be slow
Deakin University
Melbourne Burwood, VIC
More about Deakin University
4.4from 2,192 Google reviews
ATAR
57.6 lowest
(67.2 median, 2026)
How you study
Online or on campus
(full or part time)
Next intake
Feb 2027
Website for Deakin University (opens in a new tab)
What students like
- Lecturers are approachable, supportive and knowledgeable
- Support services are helpful for students
What to weigh up
- Enrolment and admin can be slow
University of Canberra
Canberra, ACT
4.0from 487 Google reviews
ATAR
54.15 lowest
(61.85 median, 2024)
How you study
On campus
(full or part time)
Website for University of Canberra (opens in a new tab)
What students like
- Staff are helpful and friendly
What to weigh up
- Teaching quality varies between staff
Charles Darwin University
Casuarina, Casuarina or Online, Education and Community Precinct, NT
4.2from 619 Google reviews
How you study
Online or on campus
(full or part time)
Next intake
Mar 2027
RMIT University
City, VIC
More about RMIT University
3.8from 1,757 Google reviews
ATAR
62.6 lowest
(82.6 median, 2026)
How you study
On campus
Next intake
Feb 2027
Adelaide University
Adelaide City, SA
4.5from 1,262 Google reviews
ATAR
68.45 lowest
(72.95 median, 2026)
How you study
On campus
(full or part time)
Next intake
Feb 2027
What students like
- Lecturers and staff are helpful and professional
What to weigh up
- Enrolment and admin can be slow
University of South Australia
Mawson Lakes, SA
4.3from 216 Google reviews
ATAR
64.2 lowest
(72 median, 2024)
How you study
On campus
(full or part time)
The University of Newcastle
Newcastle - Callaghan, NSW
4.2from 494 Google reviews
ATAR
78.35 lowest
(66.35 median, 2024)
How you study
On campus
(full or part time)
Website for The University of Newcastle (opens in a new tab)
What students like
- Friendly and supportive staff and students
- Welcoming and diverse community
What to weigh up
- Replies can be slow
- Admin processes can be slow
- Support services can be hard to access