Best Mechanical Engineering Degree Online In Australia

Mechanical engineering is one field that touches virtually every aspect of modern life, from mobile phones and biomedical devices to aircraft and power plants.

Like other engineering professionals, mechanical engineers deal with economic issues, from the cost of a single component to the economic impact of a manufacturing plant.

Start an online degree program in this amazing field by studying at Australia’s best mechanical engineering schools.

The emergence of online programs has resulted in a wider array of program offerings. Now, mechanical engineers of all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, can find an online program that aligns with their educational and career goals.

In line with this, we have compiled a list of the best universities in Australia where you can earn an online degree in a mechanical engineering program.

Also, this article outlines the types of online mechanical engineering degree programs available to you, the cost of tuition and the salaries of Australian Engineers.

Here is a table of what to expect:

Before we look at these online mechanical engineering schools, let’s get an overview of mechanical engineering.

Table of contents

What is Mechanical Engineering?

Mechanical engineering is the application of the principles and problem-solving techniques of engineering from design to manufacturing to the marketplace for any object. Mechanical engineering is an indispensable course as engineers who graduate from this course continuously create technologies to meet human needs.

Mechanical engineering degrees are interdisciplinary studies that teach students how to design or redesign mechanical and thermal devices using analysis and computer-aided design.

So, a course in mechanical engineering is ideal for anyone wanting to get involved in the general engineering (whether design or maintenance) of large plants, especially as a plant engineer. 

The best engineering schools in the world teach students to find solutions to develop new processes and products, ranging from small component designs to huge plant, machinery, or vehicles.

Why Study Online Mechanical Engineering Programs In Australia?

In recent times, Australia has become an education hub and as many such colleges in public and private sectors have come up. In fact, Australia’s education quality is undoubtedly at par with some of the best globally recognized institutes and maybe better sometimes. 

So, studying a mechanical engineering program from an Australian school online allows you to benefit from the country’s quality education.

Types of Online Mechanical Engineering Programs

Generally, online mechanical engineering degree programs are available at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate levels.

The associate and bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering provide students with a foundation in technical skills and engineering knowledge to help prepare them for entry-level engineering careers.

#1 Online Associate Degrees in Mechanical Engineering

Two-year associate programs in mechanical engineering teach students how to design and build mechanical systems such as engines, heaters, and navigational instruments.

#2 Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree programs in mechanical engineering generally cultivate students’ interests in scientific and mathematical theories. In fact, almost all mechanical engineers possess at least a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related engineering field.

Students learn math, science, and engineering skills to make functioning mechanical systems. They also learn how to draw, model, and make physical prototypes of their machine designs.

#3 Online Master’s Degrees in Mechanical Engineering

The mechanical engineering master’s programs are primarily professionally-oriented degrees and may require a research-based thesis.

So, online master’s programs in mechanical engineering are typically professional degrees, designed for current engineers who want to specialize their knowledge further or gain management experience. 

#4 Online Doctoral Degrees in Mechanical Engineering

The PhD, or doctoral, mechanical engineering (ME) program allows current engineers to study a particular ME area in-depth and craft an extensive research project in that area. 

#5 Online Certificates in Mechanical Engineering

A certificate in mechanical engineering provides general or specialized training in mechanical engineering theory and design. These certificate programs can be earned at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Most online certificates in mechanical programs require four to 12 courses and can be completed in one to two years. 

How Much is the Cost of an Online Mechanical Engineering Program in Australia?

Tuition fees at Australian universities vary considerably depending on where and what you study, and the level you will be studying at. So, do well to look up the school’s tuition on their website before you apply.

How Long is an Online Mechanical Engineering Program in Australia?

The completion time for online mechanical engineering degrees varies among programs and schools. Certificate programs can take as short as 6 months to 1 year to complete while bachelor programs can take as long as 4-5 years.

Which Body Accredits Online Mechanical Engineering Programs in Australia?

The Engineers Australia is the trusted accreditation authority for tertiary engineering education in Australia.

The Australian Engineering Accreditation Centre (AEAC) evaluates engineering programs at Professional Engineer, Engineering Technologist, and Engineering Associate levels. 

What are the Best Mechanical Engineering Degrees Online in Australia?

Here is a list of the schools that offer the best mechanical engineering online in Australia:

  • Engineering Institute of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland
  • Griffith University
  • CQUniversity Australia
  • Federation University Australia

Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT)

Accreditation: Engineers Australia

 Number of Programs: 4

The Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) delivers industry-driven programs to equip its students with the skills required in the real world. It ensures the content stays current with rapidly-changing technology.

It offers on-campus and online world-class engineering degree programs, including mechanical engineering courses.

EIT is an Australian school offering the best online mechanical engineering degree courses. Currently, the school offers about 4 Mechanical Engineering online and distance courses.

Tuition

The table below is a table for Developing Countries.

All Prices USD3/4/5 Zone*UpfrontInstalments + 2%
CP: Credit Point  
BSc Online per 3CP unit (excluding BSC307C)812828
BSc Online per 9CP unit (BSC307C)2,4362,484
BSc Online total course fee (all units required for completion)**21,92122,360
Undergraduate Certificate2,5982,650.08
Postgraduate Certificate2,9483,757
Graduate Certificate3,0193,080
Pico Masters929N/A
Masters Online per 3CP unit (excluding ME700)921939
Masters Online per 12CP unit (ME700)3,6843,757
Masters Online total course fee (all units required for completion)**14,73915,034
DEng Online total course fee (all units required for completion)**29,80030,396
DEng Online (per CP)248253
*Fees are paid per unit prior to each study period
**Total course fees assume all required units are completed without repeat
  • Advanced Diploma of Plant Engineering – A pathway to the undergraduate program and it takes about 18 months to complete.
  • Advanced Diploma of Mechanical Engineering Technology – A pathway to the undergraduate program and it takes about 18 months to complete.
  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering – A bachelor’s degree program. It takes 3 years to complete but can last for 6 years for part-time programs.
  • Master of Engineering in Mechanical – This is a 2 year online master’s program.
  • Bachelor of Science in Industrial Automation Engineering – This part-time online program takes about 5 years to complete.

Furthermore, EIT is registered and accredited to offer both degree and vocational (diploma and certificate) programs. As an institution, It is authorized by the Australian Government Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) as a Higher Education Provider.

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University of Southern Queensland

Accreditation: Engineers Australia

 Number of Programs: 8

 Tuition: A$29,440

The University of Southern Queensland (USQ) is a dynamic university in Australia dedicated to providing quality on-campus and online study programs for students of all study levels from over 110 countries. 

USQ offers mechanical and mechatronic engineering courses for different levels both online and on campus. Mechatronics Engineering basically covers a vast range of manufactured products as microcontroller chips find their way into almost everything.

So, USQ provides the ideal environment for our mechatronics engineering students to master mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and electronic engineering skills that are essential to their future professional career.

The school offers online courses in the following mechanical engineering degree programs:

  • Associate Degree of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering): This 2-year online (external) mechanical engineering program costs about A$29,440.00 (US$ 20,478) per year.
  • Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering): This 4-year online (external) mechanical engineering program costs about A$29,440.00 (US$ 20,478) per year.
  • Bachelor of Engineering Science (Mechanical Engineering): This 3-year online (external) mechanical engineering program costs about A$29,120.00 (US$ 20,256) per year.
  • Graduate Certificate of Engineering Science (Mechanical Engineering): This is a 6 months online (external) certificate mechanical engineering program.
  • Graduate Certificate of Engineering Technology (Mechanical Engineering): This is a 6 months online (external) certificate mechanical engineering program.
  • Master of Engineering Practice (Mechanical Engineering): This 3-year online (external) mechanical engineering program cost A$29,440.00 (US$ 20,478) per year.
  • Graduate Diploma of Engineering Science (Mechanical Engineering): This 1-year online (external) diploma in mechanical engineering program cost about A$29,120.00 (US$ 20,256) per year’
  • Master of Engineering Science (Mechanical Engineering): This 2-year online (external) mechanical engineering program costs A$29,440.00 (US$ 20,478) per year.

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Griffith University

Accreditation: Engineers Australia

 Number of Programs: 3

 Tuition: A$35,500 to A$36,000

Griffith University is a public research institution that ranks in the top two percent of universities worldwide. The school offers one of the best engineering degree programs online in Australia.

At Griffith, the mechanical engineering program is built on a strong foundation of theory, reinforced by practical experience and innovation. Here, you’ll be involved in developing and using new materials and technologies, as well as designing and analyzing using advanced software and computer systems.

Online courses are offered for the following mechanical engineering degree programs:

  • Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering: This a 4-year online bachelor’s degree in engineering program. It cost about A$35,500 (US$24,694) per year.
  • Graduate Diploma of Engineering Science in Mechanical Engineering: This is a one-year online graduate diploma program. It cost about A$36,000 (US$25,042) per year.
  • Master of Professional Engineering in Mechanical Engineering: This is 2 year online masters in engineering program. It cost about A$36,000 (US$25,042) per year.

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CQUniversity Australia

Accreditation: Engineers Australia

 Number of Programs: 4

 Tuition: A$13,560 – A$27,120

In less than three decades, CQUniversity Australia has gradually transitioned into one of Australia’s largest universities with numerous campuses located across the country in cities such as Adelaide, Brisbane, and Melbourne.

The CQUniversity’s School of Engineering and Technology is a vibrant and rapidly growing school in the university. It offers an online engineering study to provide you with learning opportunities regardless of where you are in Australia or the world and the opportunity to tailor your studies to suit your lifestyle and career goals.

Basically, the School offers an outstanding suite of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in engineering including asset and maintenance management and so on.

Online mechanical engineering courses are offered in the following programs:

  • Graduate Certificate in Asset and Maintenance Management – CC19: It takes about 1 year to complete the full-time program and 2 years for part-time. Also, it costs about A$13,560 (US$ 9,432) per year.
  • Graduate Diploma of Asset and Maintenance Management – CC20: It takes about 2 years to complete the full-time program online and 4 years for part-time. Also, it costs about A$27,120.00 (US$ 18,865) per year.
  • Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) – CC31: It takes about 4 years full-time or 8 years of part-time to study this program online.
  • Master of Asset and Maintenance Management – CC18: It takes about 2 years to complete the online program on a part-time basis. Also, it costs about A$27,120.00 (US$ 18,865)

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Federation University Australia

Accreditation: Engineers Australia

 Number of Programs: 3

 Tuition: A$28,800

Federation University Australia (FedUni) is Victoria’s largest education institution, with Brisbane, Ballarat, Berwick, Gippsland and the Wimmera campuses. FedUni provides easy access to study, and approximately 1,300 staff committed to teaching excellence and student support. 

It is among the Australian schools that offer the best mechanical engineering degree programs online. FedUni offers online courses in the following mechanical engineering programs:

  • Graduate Certificate in Maintenance Management: This is a one year part-time online mechanical engineering program.
  • Graduate Diploma of Engineering Maintenance Management: This 2-years part-time online mechanical engineering program costs A$28,800.00 (US$ 20,033) per year.

Master of Maintenance and Reliability Engineering: This 2-years part-time online mechanical engineering program costs A$28,800.00 (US$ 20,033) per year.

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How Much Do Mechanical Engineers Earn in Australia?

In Australia, a mechanical engineering salary depends largely on experience. According to Payscale, the average salary of a mechanical engineer in Australia is AU$72,549 per year but can increase up to AU$111,000.

Conclusion

The quality of education in Australia is undoubtedly at par with some of the best globally recognized institutes and maybe better sometimes.

Earning an online degree in mechanical engineering from an Australian school is definitely a good shot especially if you are yet to travel to Australia.

Also, only five schools offer online degree programs in mechanical engineering. Do well to go through the schools and select the program that best suits you.

This article helps you in your decision-making.

Good Luck And Success!!!

References

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