Mechanical Engineer

ANZSCO: 233512 | MLTSSL Migration Pathway

$112,000 Median Salary (AUD)

Strong Job Security

MLTSSL SOL Status

Engineers AU Assessing Body

PR Pathway Overview

Study

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Graduate

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485 Visa

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Work

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Skills Assess

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EOI

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Invitation

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Visa Grant

Most applicants aim for 80+ points. Regional Advantage: Studying or working in regional Australia provides a significant advantage and grants an additional +5 points to your total. The estimated total timeline from course commencement to permanent residency grant is typically 4 to 6 years...

Occupation Overview

Required Qualification: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (AQF Level 7).

Education Path: 4 years full-time. CPEng status is highly advantageous for senior roles.

Salary Range: AUD $90,000 – $150,000 (Mining sector can exceed $180,000+).

Job Security: ★★★★★ (High – broad applicability across resources, defence, and renewables).

Course Cost: AUD $40,000 – $58,000 per year (Indicative).

Entry Req.: Completion of Year 12 with solid foundations in advanced Mathematics and Physics; minimum English proficiency score of IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no individual band below 6.0 (or equivalent approved testing profile).

Intakes: February, July.

Mechanical Engineer inspecting machinery

Job Description & Industry Scope

Core Role: Designs, develops, and oversees the manufacture and operation of machinery, mechanical systems, and equipment. This role is pivotal across the mining, manufacturing, and defence sectors.

Strategic Market Analysis: Future demand is exceptionally strong within advanced manufacturing and renewable energy. This creates specialized business opportunities in mechanical consulting and product design development.

Simple 4 Step Process

Enrol to a Course

Firstly, you must enrol in the right course/courses – one that trains you for a position on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

FIND A COURSE

Apply for 485 visa

After graduation, you may be eligible to apply for a temporary work visa called 485 Graduate Visa.

Undertake a Full Skill Assessment

Mechanical Engineers must undergo a migration skills evaluation under Engineers Australia (EA), requiring an accredited Washington Accord qualification or completing a detailed Competency Demonstration Report (CDR).

Apply for 189, 190, 491 visas

Finally... you may be eligible to apply for General Skilled Migration Visas: The Skilled Independent (Subclass 189), State Nominated (Subclass 190) or Regional Nominated (Subclass 491) Visas.

Visa & PR Pathways

Skilled Independent

Subclass 189

Direct Permanent Residency
Points-based selection
No sponsorship required

Skilled Nominated

Subclass 190

Permanent Residency
State/Territory nominated
Full access for MLTSSL roles

Regional Skilled

Subclass 491

5-year provisional visa
+15 Points for Regional
Pathway to 191 Permanent Residency

Employer Sponsored

Subclass 482

Temporary Skill Shortage
Medium-term stream
High sponsorship in mining & resources

Regional Employer

Subclass 494

Regional Employer Sponsored
Priority Processing
Direct PR pathway available

MLTSSL Status grants full access to all PR-eligible skilled visas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the course entry requirements for Mechanical Engineering in Australia?

Entry into an undergraduate Bachelor of Engineering program typically requires completion of secondary school (Year 12 or equivalent) with exceptional marks in high-level mathematics and physics. International students generally need to fulfill an English requirement of IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, with no individual sub-band lower than 6.0.

What are the primary university intakes available for this course?

The standard primary intake periods for engineering streams across most major Australian universities are scheduled for February and July each academic calendar year.

What is the standard course duration to qualify as a Mechanical Engineer?

An accredited professional degree pathway, such as a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), requires 4 years of continuous full-time academic study to successfully complete graduation requirements.

Does studying regionally in Australia grant extra points toward PR?

Yes. Fulfilling your course study requirements at an institution located within a designated regional zone of Australia yields a direct migration advantage, granting an additional +5 points to your overall points test calculation.

Is the Mechanical Engineer role currently in high demand?

Yes, Mechanical Engineers hold a robust five-star demand and job security profile nationwide. Ongoing demand fields include defense asset acquisition, mining automation, heavy logistics upgrade frameworks, and advanced renewable infrastructure deployments.

Do I need a formal board license or registration to practice engineering?

State-based mandatory professional engineering registration acts apply inside jurisdictions such as Queensland and Victoria for independent practice. For skilled migration visa applications, acquiring a full positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia (EA) is mandatory.

What is the average salary expectation for a Mechanical Engineer?

The median market salary for a qualified Mechanical Engineer is approximately $112,000 AUD per year. Broad structural distributions typically range anywhere from $90,000 to $150,000 AUD, while regional mining sector consultants with project management expertise often command upwards of $180,000 AUD.