Agriculture has always played a significant role in the Australian economy. The country exports agricultural produce around the globe. In addition, agriculture is also responsible for providing jobs and income to millions of Australians.
There are currently over 20 universities across Australia offering degrees in agriculture. These include courses such as animal science, horticulture, agronomy, food science, and veterinary science. We will be looking at these agricultural universities in Australia and much more.
Australia is home to some of the oldest universities in the world. Many of these institutions offer degree programs in agriculture. Some of them even provide scholarships for students who want to pursue their studies in this field.
What is Agriculture?
Growing crops and caring for animals are no longer the only definitions of agriculture. This field of study has applications in the current world in fields including commerce, geography, sociology, and conservation.
Studies in agriculture concentrate on a variety of issues, from the environmental difficulties farmers confront to the strain brought on by population growth and food shortages that worry governments and multinational corporations.
Today’s agricultural students will integrate the realms of engineering, business, and politics to find a solution to the unstoppable growth of the world’s population.
Agriculture In Australia
Australia has a long history of agriculture. The first European settlers introduced agricultural technology and influencing methods around 1788. The early half of the 20th century saw a significant development in dairying, while the 19th century was dominated by wool.
Exports of meat were crucial to the growth of Australian agriculture. 6000 cattle and 90,000 sheep and lambs may be killed daily at 54 export freezing factories by 1925. Initially, the meat had to be frozen for British markets, but later, chilled beef could be shipped.
List of Accredited Agricultural Universities in Australia
TAFE Queensland
Location: South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
In collaboration with companies, the programs at TAFE Queensland are created to guarantee that students receive training that is both practical and job-focused.
This guarantees that the education of the students is in line with the most recent industry requirements and that they can graduate prepared for employment.
Curtin University
Location: Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
Students benefit from access to cutting-edge facilities at Curtin university , where teaching is personalized, insightful, and supported by renowned academic mentors.
The Good Universities Guide 2019 awards the university a five-star rating for overall experience, skills development, teaching quality, and learner engagement.
University of Wollongong
Location: University Of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
In the top 1% of institutions globally, according to the QS World University Rankings for 2021, it offers a variety of programs through ten campuses and numerous international partners.
University of Wollongong (UOW) is a diversified and energetic college that annually accepts about 6,000 international students. Over 360 programs in the humanities, social sciences and STEM are available for students to select from.
Charles Sturt University
Location: New South Wales, Australia
Students who complete a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business management at Charles Sturt University will have the knowledge and abilities needed to work anywhere in the agricultural supply chain, from farm production to export and marketing of agriproducts, as well as the numerous companies that support this industry.
Profiting from agriculture and corporate farming is the focus of the business, management, and organization study area known as agribusiness.
It entails the administration of agronomic tools and technology, raw materials, vendors, labor, and other agricultural resources.
University of Tasmania (UTAS)
Location: Sandy Bay, Tasmania, Australia
Graduates of the Master of Agriculture and Food Science (Specialization) program from the University of Tasmania will have extensive knowledge of modern agricultural and food sciences.
Students will have the ability to do independent research and solve problems, which can lead to a higher research degree or a position in companies related to agriculture and food.
They will be able to use their knowledge and abilities to address current issues and promote Tasmania’s innovative food production and sustainable agricultural growth.
Murdoch University
Location: Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
Through the development of fundamental scientific, chemistry, and biology abilities while pursuing a degree in animal science, animal health, or crop and pasture science of your choosing, this course prepares students for a dynamic career in agriculture.
Students at Murdoch University will acquire the knowledge and abilities they require to achieve their academic or professional goals. Learners will gain:
Agriculture science’s place in society:
- To solve agricultural issues, one needs analytical and technical abilities.
- ethical guidelines for both humans and animals
- How to use knowledge of agriculture in local and global situations
- How to work together with scientists from the agricultural sciences and other fields
Western Sydney University
Location: Rydalmere, New South Wales, Australia
In the top 2% of universities worldwide, Western Sydney University (Western) is a student-focused school (Times Higher Education World University Rankings). The University, which has a vibrant and diverse student body, is highly praised for the caliber of its teaching and research.
The Australian National University
Location: Acton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
The Master of Science in Agricultural Innovation is the only degree of its kind offered in Australia, and it builds on the internationally renowned multidisciplinary expertise of The Australian National University to provide you with the wide range of skills the agri-industry requires.
Leading professionals from the ANU, business and research partners will teach you. Research and technologies that span traditional field lines to meet industry concerns will be part of hands-on learning.
The University of Adelaide (UoA)
Location: South Australia, Australia
Nearly 90% of graduates of The University of Adelaide secure full-time employment, within a few months after graduating. In actuality, each graduate has access to four jobs on average.
You’ll be prepared to raise primary production outputs both in rural and urban areas. You may work as a consultant, carry out sustainability research, provide policy advice to the government, or pioneer urban and vertical farming.
You may work in the agricultural media, connecting producers with consumers. Maybe you’ll think of methods to use drone technology to improve farming efficiency.
University of New England (UNE)
Location: New South Wales, Australia
At the University of New England, the Master of Science in Agriculture curriculum lasts for 1.5 to 2 years. It is a full-time program that is provided on-campus.
An introduction to research is provided via this curriculum, which combines coursework, research technique, and research.
The coursework portion of the program is made to offer in-depth knowledge and to foster a variety of skills that are relevant to the candidate’s background and area of interest.
Students who successfully complete this course will be eligible to:
- display in-depth expertise in agriculture, including awareness of current events
- show an in-depth understanding of agricultural research ideas and techniques
- display specialized technical, hands-on, and/or lab abilities pertinent to specialty areas and/or disciplines in agricultural science.
Australian College of Agriculture and Horticulture
Location: Suite 2, Level 11, 55 Swanston Street, Melbourne.
Check the school’s website
TAFE NSW
Location: Sydney, New South Wales
TAFE NSW offers food science, manufacturing, and processing courses at various levels to suit you, whether you’re just beginning your laboratory and food sciences career or want to add more qualifications to your prior expertise.
These courses can prepare students for careers as lab technicians, lab attendants, field assistants, sterilizing agents, dietetic assistants, food technologists, or food processing technicians, among others.
University of the Sunshine Coast
Location: Sippy Downs, Queensland
The University of the Sunshine Coast offers a bachelor of Animal Ecology/Bachelor of Business (Tourism, Leisure, and Event Management).
Learn how to evaluate the effects of tourism on sustainability and how this relates to animal conservation, biodiversity, and animal behavior.
Learn how the environment and human interaction affect animals and what we can do to safeguard their future.
Develop students’ management, analytical, and research skills to help them comprehend
University of Southern Queensland
Location: Toowoomba, Queensland
The University of Southern Queensland offers
M.S Horticulture for a duration of 2 years and M.Sc Agricultural Science. The principal source of food, fiber, and a variety of other goods that are necessary for human survival is agriculture.
A method of food production known as sustainable agriculture aims to minimize the detrimental effects of farming on the environment while maximizing its beneficial social and economic effects.
The ecological effects of agricultural operations, such as soil erosion, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, are of interest to environmental research.
Environmental science and agricultural science collaborate to create sustainable farming methods that reduce the damaging effects of agriculture on the environment.
The University of Melbourne
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
More than 270 degrees in a wide variety of academic areas and specializations are available from the University of Melbourne.
In order to sustain a sector that is crucial to the Australian economy, supports over 1.6 million people, and is the largest employer in rural and regional communities, we cultivate the next generation of farm and food entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
You can learn how to increase the profitability and efficiency of production systems, enhance animal care, and make farming more sustainable.
The University of Queensland
Location: Brisbane, Queensland
Learn about the most recent developments in agricultural science, such as sustainable resource management, genetic innovations, and precision agriculture methods from The University of Queensland which is one of the best universities in Australia.
Field trips and laboratory exercises that are required for your courses will help you put your abilities to use and hone them. 1 in Australia for forestry and agriculture according to the 2022 QS World University Rankings
The University of Sydney
Location: Sydney, New South Wales
As a student of the University of Sydney, you are prepared to address the issues of food security, climate change, and the management of carbon, water, and the environment with the Master of Agriculture and Environment.
You’ll be prepared to contribute to a booming and important industry if you have professional experience in the lab and in the field.
University of Western Australia
Location: Perth, Western Australia
In addition to the theory you get from the University of Western Australia, your studies will focus on the critical technical abilities of your chosen field.
You will be immersed in the practical side of science and learn the skills to defend the environment we live in, whether it be through world-class laboratories, thrilling field trips, or real-world industry placements.
La Trobe University
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
At La Trobe University, you will study the topics that are going to be most important to agriculture in the future, such as the uncertain water supply, climate change, food security, the effects of agriculture on the environment, and sustainable crop and grazing systems.
Through real-world case studies, you’ll gain a true, practical grasp of these difficulties. You’ll also be learning in a setting of the highest caliber thanks to access to Reid Labs and AgriBio, Victoria’s largest agricultural science research facility.
Western Sydney University
Location: Sydney, New South Wales
The study of agriculture and food science concentrates on the ecosystems that support environmental, food, and agricultural sustainability.
With financial assistance from organizations that represent the horticulture, cotton, grains, meat, and dairy industries,
Western Sydney University researchers have established a wide network of research collaborations with international and national partners. This is a dynamic field that combines research, instruction, and training and supports Western’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Flinders University
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Invest in a career using nature’s oldest and most effective solar panels: plants! With this degree from Flinders University, you will gain practical experience working with plants, such as crops that support life and our priceless native flora as well as sea algae.
You’ll graduate with plant physiology, molecular biology, and ecology abilities that are ready for the workplace, preparing you for a career in horticulture, agriculture, biotechnology, the environment, and conservation.
James Cook University
Location: Townsville, Queensland
At James Cook University JCU, the approach to agriculture technology research is distinctively multidisciplinary with a focus on solution development by leveraging knowledge, creativity and innovation.
We focus on solving industry-relevant problems by working closely with industries both locally and globally in true partnering arrangements.
James Cook University primary technology-enabling capabilities that are directly applied to the agriculture sector relevant to agriculture technology are:
-Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
-Internet of Things and Sensors Systems
-Advanced Manufacturing — Rapid Design, Prototype & Test
Lincoln University
Longer than any other university in the Southern Hemisphere, Lincoln University has supported land-based industry and agriculture.
By giving you a thorough understanding of soil management, plant and animal production, and farming systems, this degree increases your career options in agriculture.
Additionally, it equips people with the ability to deal with change, innovation, and new difficulties in the agricultural industries.
How you’ll advance:
- Learn everything there is to know about how agriculture and production function.
- Learn in-depth, current information about farming practices, animal and plant production, and soil management.
- Learn how to enhance land usage, soil and nutrient management, plant and feed production, and animal production by using data collected from farms.
Jobs Outlook For Agriculture In Australia
- Scientist or consultant in agriculture
- animal expert
- Biologist Botanist Biologist in conservation
- environmental planner, scientist, and consultant
- aquatic biologist
- Microbiologist
- Manager of natural resources
- breeder of plants
- soil expert
- Wildlife biologist, manager, and consultant
- Zoologist
Are Students Studying Agriculture in Australia a Good Fit?
The best country to study agriculture-related subjects is Australia. Due to its low tuition costs, it is the home of prestigious colleges and is currently the most popular location for international students to study abroad.
What is the Length of the Agricultural Course?
A 4-year undergraduate degree program in agriculture is available. The program is broken up into eight semesters and covers agricultural science, the use of contemporary farming techniques, and their advantages for maximizing output and minimizing pollution and soil erosion.
What Academic Disciplines are Required to Study Agriculture?
The majority of agriculture courses are offered as Bachelor of Science (BSc Agriculture) programs.
These programs are highly interdisciplinary and call for a solid grounding in the natural and social sciences as well as biology, chemistry, economics, business, and management.
What Does Studying Agriculture Cost in Australia?
Cost of a Bachelor’s in Agriculture at Australian Colleges
The majority of universities charge hefty tuition rates for bachelor’s degrees in agriculture. The costs are in the region of $38,000 and $48,000.
Conclusion:
If you are looking for a career in agriculture, Australia has some of the best agricultural schools in the world.
With so many options available, it can be difficult to choose where to go and what degree program will best suit your needs.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best agricultural universities in Australia with links so you can find more information about their programs and admissions requirements.