Health science offers an exciting combination of scientific study with a commitment to supporting healthy lifestyles. It is a field of study that uses knowledge from biology, chemistry and medicine to prevent disease and improve health and well-being. The places you may work in include hospitals, research labs, public health organisations and fitness companies.
Working in health science is rewarding as you will improve the quality of people’s lives by understanding diseases, developing treatments and creating healthier communities and better health care systems.
Australian universities deliver high-quality education in health science and initiatives to prepare you for professional practice. In this blog, we will explain the top reasons to study health science in Australia.
1. Australia pursues innovation
Australia has a history of innovation with ground-breaking inventions in the health science field. These life-changing inventions include:
- Penicillin
- The bionic ear – also known as the Cochlear implant
- The first cervical cancer vaccine
- Spray-on skin
- The electronic pacemaker and
- The ultrasound scanner
Australia has produced 15 Nobel Prize winners and is home to the world-famous Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) which aims to improve the lives of people through innovative science and technology. The Australian government wants the country to be a global leader in life science and continues to make significant investments in the health science sector.
By studying in Australia, you will study a degree that is future-focused, learn from industry professionals and graduate into a sector that pursues innovative science and uses the latest technology to improve people’s lives.
2. Study in one of the Top 10 most liveable countries in the world
Australia is ranked in the Top 10 most liveable countries* in the world for its high quality of education, high quality of life, economic and political freedoms and excellent healthcare systems. It has great weather, stunning natural beauty, a great variety of food and exciting arts and cultural events throughout the year.
Australia is a very multicultural country. Almost half a million international students were enrolled at Australian universities in 2024. Studying with students from all around the world will allow you to experience cultural diversity and learn new perspectives.
If you are an international student who would like to work while studying, you can work up to 48 hours a fortnight during your bachelor’s degree and unlimited hours during your semester break.
*UN Human Development Report 2023-24
3. Choose from a wide range of disciplines
Many universities in Australia offer a wide range of health science disciplines. You can study a general Bachelor of Health Science which will give you knowledge across the broader health sector or you can choose a major.
Health Science disciplines (or majors) include:
- Medical Science
- Public Health
- Clinical Trials
- Pharmacy
- Microbiology & Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Nutrition and Dietetics and
- Physiotherapy.
Typically, in the first year of a health science degree, you are studying core subjects (e.g. anatomy, biology) that are relevant for any health science career along with subjects relevant to your major. You can also expand your expertise with a second major or elective subjects. Australian universities want you to explore and discover what field you are most passionate about.
4. Great student support
Adjusting to living in a new country and studying in a new learning environment can be challenging. Therefore, many universities have a student support team available to help you settle into university and resolve any academic or personal issues that arise during your course of study. The student support team can help you with:
- Orientation and enrolment
- Academic support – writing and study skills, maths learning, group workshops, connection with tutors
- Connection with on-campus events, clubs and societies
- Careers and employability and
- Health and wellbeing – physical and mental health resources, counselling.
5. Put theory into practise in state-of-the-art facilities
Australian universities want you to experience real work environments as part of your degree so that you are better prepared for future professional practice. Therefore, many universities have built state-of-the-art facilities on campus that reflect real workplaces such as a hospital or research lab so that you can put theory into practise.
For example, the University of Adelaide’s Health and Medical Sciences building brings together students and health researchers in a collaborative learning environment. Their Adelaide Health Simulation is a high-tech health care teaching facility that looks like the Royal Adelaide Hospital. The building also has 4 floors of laboratories and a clinical research facility.
6. Complete internships / work placements
An internship is usually taken in the final year of your health science bachelor’s degree in Australia. It is a supervised work placement with an organisation where you have set learning goals and gain practical industry skills. It is the bridge that provides a smoother transition from study to work.
Other advantages of completing an internship include:
- Applying theory to a professional work environment
- Learning new technical skills
- Developing soft skills (also known as transferable skills) such as communication and time management and
- Being mentored by industry professionals.
7. Be a graduate in demand
Health science professionals are in high demand in Australia due to a bigger ageing population, increasing incidence of chronic diseases and a focus on physical and mental health. Healthcare and social assistance is the biggest industry in Australia in terms of employment with 2.2 million workers and it generated A$252.5 billion in revenue in 2024.
After you graduate, your knowledge and skills will be in high demand as you enter a thriving industry where employment is forecasted to grow by 25% over the 10 years from May 2023 to 2033.
The University of Adelaide College is a pathway provider to Adelaide University. Learn more about our Foundation Studies and Degree Transfer programs; your pathways into undergraduate Health and Biomedical Sciences degrees. Our College Services Advisors team are here to help you settle into the College and offer you any academic or career guidance you may need.