Best Universities to Study Chemical Engineering in Australia 2021

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What is Chemical Engineering?

In short, chemical engineering is a broad field that combines natural, environmental and life science in the production of chemical materials and products through chemical processes. This entails with designing chemical equipment, systems and processes to convert raw materials  into energy-efficient and usable products such as;

– Fuels

– Fertilizers

– Processed Food

– Polymers and Pharmaceuticals

– Beer and wine

– Paper

Besides that, Chemical engineers design and create products to meet customer demand by enforcing safety in health and safety, protecting the environment and also enhance their processes to ensure quality to consumers. 

Roles of Chemical Engineers

Chemical engineers are responsible for developing industrial processes and designing or modifying the process in plants and equipment. The processes are used to create products from oil and gas to food and drink. The roles include:

  • Testing new processes
  • Collecting data for improvements
  • Purchasing and installing equipment
  • Supervising plant operations
  • Investigating and troubleshooting process problems
  • Ensuring work safety conditions and compliance with health and safety legislation

Skills Required for Chemical Engineers

Chemical engineering requires much more than what students learn from their university. When it comes to work-life, chemical engineers need certain skills to excel in this industry apart from good grades. The following are the three key skills required.

Problem-solving skills

Chemical engineers are basically problem solvers. Everyone will look after them for solutions for any inconvenience spotted such as equipment malfunction. They possess the right amount of technical blueprint knowledge to solve all the problems involved with any equipment, and possibly their entire area of specialization.

Communication Skills

Since engineers are often departmental heads in the organization, they are required to have strong communication skills as chemical engineers work in teams to achieve goals and design solutions to a problem on the spot

Analytical Skills

A chemical engineer needs to be as analytical as possible. A sign of mediocrity and smugness will not be tolerated as the employer’s core departments could be your complete responsibility. Analytical skills required to be able to design solutions from a major problem to minor details.

Careers with a Chemical Engineering Degree

A degree in chemical engineering can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities in many fields. Common jobs chemical engineering graduates engaged in are:

Chemical Plant and System Operator

Ensure that all equipment used in chemical plants are working as per standards. Chemical engineers have to inspect, make tests and instruct personnel on handling them safely. The main responsibility is to improve plant quality, efficiency and safety.

Manufacturing Production Technician

Responsible for setting up equipment and ensuring all regulations and safety are met. During the manufacturing process, chemical engineers will run tests, monitor equipment and adjust equipment operations. 

Food Scientist

The job involves evaluating nutritional value, colour, flavour and texture of food. Chemical engineers will test food samples, produce new food products and make sure the end result meets the government’s standard. 

Environmental and Healthcare Engineer

Graduates will find positions in NGOs, an environmental consulting firm and waste management companies.

As a chemical engineer, you can secure jobs in areas related to the environment, waste treatment and minimizing the pollution.

Biotechnologist

Involved in the production of energy through natural resources such as oil and gas extraction as well as extraction from renewable or sustainable sources of energy including biofuels, hydro, wind and solar power

General Entry Requirement for Chemical Engineering degree in Australia (2021)

STPM

A minimum grade of 3Bs (includes English, Mathematics and one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics)

A-Level

Grade range from BBC to AAA

UEC

A minimum of 5Bs or a score of 20 points

International Baccalaureate (IB)

A minimum score of 32 points

ATAR

A minimum score of 85.00 points

*The requirements may vary among universities, for inquiries on other entry requirements, contact Excel Education

English Requirement for Chemical Engineering degree in Australia (2021)

IELTS

A minimum overall 6.5 and 6.0 in all sub-bands

TOEFL

Minimum overall 87, Listening: 19, Reading:19, Writing: 21 and speaking: 19

PTE

An overall score of 64 and 60 in all sub-bands

*The requirements may vary among universities, for inquiries on other English Language requirements, contact Excel Education.

Top 10 Universities to study chemical engineering in Australia (2021)

#1 Monash University

Video Credit: Monash University

Ranking 1st in chemical engineering courses in Australia by Qs World Ranking 2021, Monash University has pioneered this field. The university has constantly ranked in the top 100 and also a member of the prestigious Group of Eight. 

Program

Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours)

Intake (2021)

February & July 

Duration

4 years (full time)

Indicative Annual Fees (2021)

AUD $46,000

#2 University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne ranks 32nd in the World’s Top Universities and 2nd in chemical engineering course. Its engineering graduate degrees are professionally accredited under EUR-ACE® and Washington Accord, which means its engineering degree is recognized in 20 other signatory countries. This allows students the flexibility to practice in countries other than Australia.

Program

BSc Chemical System

Intake (2021)

March & July

Duration

3 Years (Full Time)

Indicative Annual Fees (2021)

AUD $41,912-$45,944

#3 University of Queensland (UQ)

UQ consistently ranks in the world’s top universities, currently at 3rd in the chemical engineering course as of 2021. Students will gain insights and expertise of world-leading researchers and highly qualified academic staff. With practical projects, students will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to be prepared for the workforce right away. 

Program

Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering

Intake (2021)

February & July 

Duration

4 years

Indicative Annual Fees (2021)

AUD $44800 

#4 University of New-South Wales (UNSW)

Video Credit: About UNSW

Ranked 44th in QS Global World Ranking, students will build on the study of chemical and physical science and processes to create the types of products that will be ready for commercialisation in fields such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agricultural and food. Students will graduate with the skills needed to create products across many industries.

Program

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Product Engineering)

Intake (2021)

February & July 

Duration

4 years (full time)

Indicative Annual Fees (2021)

AUD $47,760

#5 University of Adelaide

Video Credit: University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide allows students to come up with ways to control air pollution or turn saltwater into freshwater. Upon graduation, students might get the opportunity to work with beer brewers and produce a mass scale of the biodegradable version of plastic or move into tissue engineering.

Program

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Chemical)

Intake (2021)

March & July 

Duration

4 years (Full time)

Indicative Annual Fees (2021)

AUD $44,500

#6 University of Sydney

Video Credit: University of Sydney

Currently ranked 4th in the world and 1st in Australia for graduate employability, University of Sydney has also consistently ranked in top 50 universities in the world. Students will explore the challenges faced by process industries including chemicals, mineral, energy, agriculture and food. At the end of the course, students will become an agent in the drive to create a sustainable society. 

Program

Bachelor of Engineering  (Hons) Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

Intake (2021)

March & August

Duration

4 years full time

Indicative Annual Fees (2021)

AUD $50,000

#7 Curtin University

Video Credit: Curtin University

Established in 1966, Curtin University has grown to become a vibrant and collaborative setting where ideas, skills and cultures come together. Students will explore the theory and application of fluid flow, energy transfer and chemical reaction for the synthesis, design and optimization of general chemical processes. 

Program

BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering

Intake (2021)

February & July 

Duration

4 years (full-time)

Indicative Annual Fees (2021)

AUD $35,700

#8 RMIT University

Video Credit: RMIT University

RMIT University is ranked in the top 150 universities in the world for chemical engineering and provides the opportunity for students to be a member of Engineers Australia and obtain a degree certificate recognised by all 18 countries that are signatories to the International Engineering Alliance. In addition, the chemical engineering degree is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).

Program

Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours)

Intake (2021)

January & July 

Duration

4 years (Full time)

Indicative Annual Fees (2021)

AUD $39,360

#9 University of Western Australia (UWA)

Video Credit: UWA Eng & Math Sci

The Engineering program at UWA has been developed in consultation with industry to equip students with skills to excel in their career. The chemical engineering major is accredited by Engineers Australia. The course structure provides flexibility to sample diverse units to discover an area of focus for the Master Professional Engineering. 

Program

BSc (Hons) Engineering Science

Intake (2021)

February & July

Duration

4 years  (Full time)

Indicative Annual Fees (2021)

AUD $40,100

#10 University of Newcastle (UoN)

Video Credit: Study Co

At UoN, it trains engineers capable of solving the greatest global challenges. As a chemical engineer, students’ knowledge and skills will lead them to be involved in a team developing insulation products that improve heating and cooling as well as work on biofuel production in remote communities.

Program

Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours)

Intake (2021)

February & July

Duration

4 years (Full time)

Indicative Annual Fees (2021)

AUD $37,984

Contact us to find out more!

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About the Author

Sasvin Ravi
I am a freelance content writer, writing on a weekly basis while discovering my true passion.

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