Australia · Master's
School of Engineering, RMIT University
Master of Engineering (Environmental Engineering)
School of Engineering, RMIT University
Course Overview
RMIT's Master of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) is delivered through the School of Engineering — one of Australia's largest and most industry-engaged engineering schools, accredited by Engineers Australia at the Professional Engineer level. The 2-year coursework Master's covers water and wastewater treatment, air pollution control, contaminated land assessment and remediation, environmental impact assessment, sustainable infrastructure design, and climate adaptation engineering. Students complete 16 courses plus a 12-credit capstone industry research project — RMIT partners directly with Melbourne Water, Yarra Valley Water, EPA Victoria, AECOM, GHD, Jacobs, and the Cooperative Research Centre for Water Sensitive Cities. The school operates dedicated environmental engineering labs on the RMIT Bundoora East campus.
Sri Lankan applicants typically reach RMIT Environmental Engineering after a strong Bachelor's in Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Environmental Science from the University of Moratuwa, University of Peradeniya, or KDU Faculty of Engineering, often with 1-3 years of industry experience at the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, the Central Environmental Authority, NBRO, Mahaweli Authority, or local engineering consultancies (SMEC Sri Lanka, Engineering Consultants Ltd). The 2-year post-study work visa (subclass 485 — Replacement Stream) plus Engineering on the Skilled Occupations List makes RMIT-to-PR a 3-4 year pathway. Sri Lankan returnees route into senior engineering roles at the NWSDB, the Central Environmental Authority, NBRO, the Mahaweli Authority, SMEC Sri Lanka, Engineering Consultants Ltd, and the ADB Colombo Office's water and climate portfolios.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Sri Lankan Bachelor's (Hons) in Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or Environmental Science — minimum GPA 2.8 / Lower Second-Class (RMIT is generous on this for Engineers Australia-accredited Sri Lankan degrees from UoM, UoP, KDU).
- check_circle Strong fundamentals in mathematics, fluid mechanics, and chemistry at Bachelor's level.
- check_circle Two academic references; CV; statement of purpose (500 words).
- check_circle Industry experience in environmental or water engineering is valued for borderline applicants.
- check_circle RMIT also accepts the 1.5-year accelerated track for applicants with a 4-year cognate Engineering Bachelor's recognised by Engineers Australia.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall (no band below 6.0).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 79 Overall (min 21 in Writing).
- check_circle PTE Academic: 58 Overall.
- check_circle Waived if your Bachelor's was taught and assessed entirely in English at a recognised institution for at least 5 years — most Sri Lankan engineering applicants from UoM, UoP, KDU qualify with an MOI letter.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (AUD) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | AUD 43,000 | Rs. 9,030,000 |
| Living Expenses (per year, Melbourne) | AUD 22,000 | Rs. 4,620,000 |
| Student Visa & Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | AUD 1,500 | Rs. 315,000 |
| Books, Lab Materials & Field Trips | AUD 1,000 | Rs. 210,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | AUD 67,500 | Rs. 14,175,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Post-Study Work Visa (subclass 485) of 2 years for Master's graduates, with extension to 3 years for graduates from Regional / Melbourne-suburban campuses. RMIT Environmental Engineering grads route into engineering positions at Melbourne Water, Yarra Valley Water, SA Water, Sydney Water, EPA Victoria, AECOM Australia, GHD Australia, Jacobs Australia, Aurecon, WSP Australia, Hatch (Brisbane), Stantec Australia, and Tetra Tech Coffey — AUD 75,000-95,000 starting (LKR 15.75M-20M/yr). Engineers Australia Professional Engineer (CPEng) registration is the standard practice credential. Sri Lankan returnees route into senior engineering roles at the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, the Central Environmental Authority, NBRO, the Mahaweli Authority, SMEC Sri Lanka, Engineering Consultants Ltd, the ADB Colombo Office, and into Chartered Engineer (Sri Lanka) registration via EngSL.
Related Programs
Master of Engineering (Civil)
University of Melbourne
Master of Engineering (Civil)
University of Sydney
Master of Engineering Science (Civil Engineering)
University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
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