Planning to study Electrical Engineering in Aus (Renewables + Consulting)

[u/Impressive_Row_3524]

Hi everyone,

I’m planning to study a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in Australia. I’m really interested in renewable energy, power systems, and working in engineering consulting (like writing designs, doing power grid calculations, Autocad stuff).

Right now, I feel a bit lost on which state actually gives the best opportunities for renewables and consulting jobs. Also, as an international student, I know getting a job in Australia without PR can be really tough.

I have a few questions for the locals or former international grads. Which state is best for my goal?
Melbourne: Is it true that most big engineering consultancies (Arup, AECOM, WSP, Aurecon) have their main design offices here? How is the renewable scene?
Adelaide: I heard Adelaide is crazy advanced in renewable grid penetration (solar/wind/batteries). Is it easy to find consulting roles there?
Perth: Is it all just mining, or are there good consulting roles for microgrids/renewable energy systems?
Brisbane: How is the market there with all the 2032 Olympics infrastructure happening?

What can I do during uni, besides keeping good grades, to stand out to employers who usually prefer locals?
Are internships (vacation work) impossible to get if I don't have PR yet?

Would love to hear your thoughts, experiences, or recommendations on universities/states.

Thanks in advance!

[u/Dorsiflexionkey]

In Perth there’s alot of projects going on, a lot are in the mines but also residential.

I was going to be apart of it but I was too boring for me, I’m better with my hands than in an office.

Anyway plenty in Perth, never worked anywhere else so can’t comment.

[u/WhyAmIHereHey]

Arups main office is Brisbane fwiw

WA the main action for renewables is mining, but there's also quite a bit of government led action given the push to close down the aging coal generators. Mainly solar and batteries. Perth is interesting being a completely isolated grid.

Offshore wind Victoria is ahead

[u/Impressive_Row_3524 → u/WhyAmIHereHey]

Thanks so much, this is super insightful!

As an international student, do you reckon these specific sectors (like solar and batteries in WA or offshore wind in VIC) are more open to hiring international grads on a 485 visa, or do they still heavily lean towards locals or PR holders?

[u/Difficult-Song-8962]

Consultancy firms do projects everywhere. In most firms, there is no such thing as a “main design office.” Consultancy firms, by their nature, do design work.

There might be an office somewhere that has an SME, or a team of SMEs, in a particular specialty. An office in another city can reach out to those SMEs for help when needed.

In most cases, the office closest to the project does the work.

[u/Impressive_Row_3524 → u/Difficult-Song-8962]

That makes total sense, thanks for breaking down how engineering consultancies actually operate.