Science courses
18 science qualifications in Australia, compared side by side: cost, duration, providers and where each one leads.
- Qualifications
- 18
on this page
- Providers
- 84
across all qualifications
- Median pay
- $98,200–$101,600
across roles in this field
- Employment growth*
- +28%
2 of 3 roles in shortage
Which of these is right for you?
We don't recommend one provider over another, but four things usually decide which qualification is the right one to start with.
- How much time can you give it?
- A certificate usually runs months, not years, and gets you working sooner. A degree is a multi-year commitment, but it's the only route into a registered profession like pharmacist.
- Do you want to study online, on campus, or both?
- Check each qualification's study modes below. Some are online only, some require placements or on-campus units even in a mostly online course.
- What's your entry point?
- If you're starting from school leaver or career change with no background in the field, the lowest rung on the ladder is usually the realistic start, not the top qualification.
- Which role are you aiming for?
- Some roles need one specific qualification. Others accept several. The roles section below says which qualification on this page actually gets you there.
The science qualifications
18 qualifications in this field. Each links through to cost, duration and the providers that teach it.
Degrees
Bachelor of Science
35 providersBachelor degree3 yearsView qualification →Diploma of Science
9 providersDiploma0.67 to 1 yearView qualification →Bachelor of Advanced Science
5 providersBachelor degree3 to 4 yearsView qualification →Bachelor of Science (Advanced)
5 providersBachelor degree3 to 4 yearsView qualification →Bachelor of Science (Physics)
3 providersBachelor degree3 yearsView qualification →Undergraduate Certificate in Science
3 providersOther Undergraduate Award Course0.33 to 0.5 yearsView qualification →Associate Degree in Applied Science
2 providersAssociate Degree2 yearsView qualification →Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour)
2 providersBachelor degree3 yearsView qualification →Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
2 providersBachelor degree3 yearsView qualification →Bachelor of Science (Environment)
2 providersBachelor degree3 yearsView qualification →Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science)
2 providersBachelor degree3 yearsEnvironmental ScientistView qualification →Bachelor of Science (Extended)
2 providersBachelor degree3.5 to 4 yearsView qualification →Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology)
2 providersBachelor degree3 yearsView qualification →Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy)
2 providersBachelor degree4 yearsOccupational TherapistView qualification →Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours) (Physics)
2 providersBachelor degree (Honours)4 yearsView qualification →Bachelor of Science/Physiotherapy
2 providersBachelor degree4 to 6 yearsPhysiotherapistView qualification →Diploma in Science
2 providersDiploma1 yearView qualification →Diploma in Science and Technology
2 providersDiploma2 yearsView qualification →
What science study leads to
The 3 roles where a science qualification is a recognised route in, which qualification on this page it is, and what else you need.
Environmental Scientist
The direct route is the Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science). Complete the environmental-science degree or named major, including relevant field and analytical training. A broad science award without that major is not implied.
Median salary for the role
$101,600
A year, before tax. Median for everyone in the occupation, not a graduate starting salary. Jobs and Skills Australia, ANZSCO Occupation data, February 2026.
Occupational Therapist
The direct route is the Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy). Complete an approved occupational-therapy programme, including practice education, and obtain professional registration. This catalogue groups awards: verify the chosen provider, programme and intake; the family-level link is not confirmation that every offering is approved.
Median salary for the role
$99,500
A year, before tax. Median for everyone in the occupation, not a graduate starting salary. Jobs and Skills Australia, ANZSCO Occupation data, February 2026.
Physiotherapist
The direct route is the Bachelor of Science/Physiotherapy. Complete a Board-approved entry-to-practice physiotherapy programme and meet all registration requirements before practising. This catalogue groups awards: verify the chosen provider, programme and intake; the family-level link is not confirmation that every offering is approved.
Median salary for the role
$98,200
A year, before tax. Median for everyone in the occupation, not a graduate starting salary. Jobs and Skills Australia, ANZSCO Occupation data, February 2026.