The top uni courses and degrees for high school students in 2026

Finishing high school is a big milestone, and choosing your next step can feel like a lot of pressure. A few things really matter when you're weighing up a course: how well industry recognises it, how much hands-on experience you'll get, and where it can take your career. So when you're comparing courses, it's worth looking at how much of the learning actually happens in the field.

Here are the top 15 courses that graduating high school students applied for based on Torrens University’s domestic applications through the Tertiary Admissions Centres.

Top university courses to study

What makes a course the best for you

The “best” course means something different for everyone: it depends on what you enjoyed at school, and where you want to go next. A good starting point is thinking back to the subjects that clicked for you. Maybe it was Biology, Visual Arts, Business Studies, Design and Technology or something else. Then, look for a course that builds on your interest rather than jumping into a completely unfamiliar field.

You also don't need a sky-high ATAR to get into a great course. At Torrens University, we don’t rely on ATAR as the main entry criteria. We also offer Early Entry for Year 12 students, so there are more ways in than you might think.

It's also worth thinking about how uni life will actually feel after school:

• Do you want the experience of studying on-campus, or the flexibility to study online?
• Can you commit to 3 years full time, or would a shorter diploma help you find your feet before committing to a full degree?
• Do you already have a specific career in mind, or do you want a course broad enough to keep your options open?

Whatever you choose, strong industry connections, dedicated support for first-year students and a track record of real graduate outcomes are the clearest signs a course is worth your time.

Health Science course

If Biology, PDHPE or Chemistry were among your favourite subjects, the Diploma of Health Science gives you a foundation in biological and social sciences over just one year, covering how the human body functions, core chemistry concepts and evidence-based practice. It's a flexible entry point into the health sector straight out of school, or a pathway into more specialised study.

If you already know you want to go further, the Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) trains you as a client-centred naturopathic practitioner over 4 years, combining herbal and nutritional medicine with clinical assessment skills. You'll get hands-on experience at a student-led clinic, The Practice Wellbeing Centre, consulting with real clients under the guidance of experienced naturopaths.

Graduates of the Diploma of Health Science can move into roles such as Pharmacy Assistant, Program Assistant in Aged Care, Retail Assistant in Nutrition, Medical Practice Coordinator or Product Development Assistant. Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) graduates can pursue careers as a Naturopath, Health Writer, Research and Development Officer or Health Educator.

Interior Design course

Drawn to Visual Arts or Design and Technology? The Bachelor of Interior Design (Residential) and Bachelor of Interior Design (Commercial) both teach you the practical design skills and theory to shape the spaces people live and work in. The residential stream focuses on materials, lighting and furniture selection for homes. The commercial stream covers retail, hospitality, and workplace environments, branding, and sustainability. Both courses use industry-standard 3D modelling software alongside AI tools.

Students who graduate with a Bachelor of Interior Design can pursue roles such as Interior Designer, Virtual Environment Designer, Residential Designer and Retail Designer.

Cybersecurity course

If Information and Digital Technology, Computer Science or Mathematics were your highlights, the Bachelor of Cybersecurity covers everything from cybersecurity principles and ethical hacking to enterprise governance and digital forensics. You'll get hands-on with tools like Kali Linux and program in C#, C++ and Python, working toward the Australian Computer Society's Core Body of Knowledge standards.

Career paths for graduates of a Bachelor of Cybersecurity include ICT Security Analyst, Cybersecurity Analyst and Cybersecurity Engineer.

Information Technology course

If you enjoyed Information and Digital Technology, Software Design or Mathematics at school, the Bachelor of Information Technology covers programming, software engineering, network and database systems and human-centred design, with electives letting you specialise in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics or game programming.

Information Technology graduates can go on to roles such as Solutions Architect, Network Designer, Data Engineer and Software Developer.

Psychological Science course

If Psychology, Biology or English were subjects that inspired you, the Bachelor of Psychological Science is APAC-accredited and gives you a theoretical base in psychology alongside practical skills in ethical, respectful communication. Torrens University's award-winning extended reality platform lets you explore the brain and human behaviour in an interactive way.

Career paths include Community Health Officer, Case Manager, Youth Worker, Human Resources Manager, Health Information Manager and Health Policy Advisor.

Fashion Design course

If Visual Arts, Textiles and Design or Design and Technology were your favourite subjects, the Bachelor of Fashion Marketing and Enterprise teaches you to build, market and manage a commercial fashion enterprise, covering digital marketing, fashion buying, brand development and entrepreneurship. If you're more drawn to the design side, the Bachelor of Branded Fashion Design focuses on creating, producing and managing your own brand from the ground up, taking you through garment construction, brand strategy and fashion trend analysis. Both courses benefit from partnerships with Vogue Australia, opening up internships, mentoring and scholarship opportunities for school leavers.

Graduates of Fashion Marketing and Enterprise can pursue roles such as Brand Manager, Digital Manager, Marketing Manager, Product Developer, Fashion Buyer and Merchandise Planner.

Branded Fashion Design graduates can move into roles including Fashion Designer, Trend Forecaster, Fashion Buyer, Merchandise Planner and Brand Manager.

Business course

If Business Studies, Economics or Legal Studies were your strong suits, the Bachelor of Business gives you a great foundation in core business strategy, with the flexibility to choose electives across marketing, public relations, event management, tourism and hospitality. You'll complete a compulsory Industry Consulting Project, giving you first-hand experience in a real business environment straight after school.

Bachelor of Business graduate career paths include Entrepreneur, Operations Manager, Marketing Manager and Business Development Manager.

Accounting course

If Mathematics, Financial Services or Business Studies were strengths for you at school, the Bachelor of Business (Accounting) blends core business fundamentals with specialised accounting skills across financial reporting, taxation, auditing and corporate governance, preparing you for professional certification or further study like an MBA.

Career paths of Accounting graduates include Accountant, Business Development Manager, Business Analyst and Finance Manager.

Counselling course

If English or PDHPE were subjects you connected with, the Bachelor of Counselling develops your skills in individual and group counselling, conflict management, case management and social justice, backed by more than 40 years of counselling experience through the Jansen Newman Institute. You'll complete two industry placements to put theory into practice.

Graduates of a Bachelor of Counselling can move into roles such as Counsellor, Case Manager, Youth Worker, Community Worker and Mental Health Support Worker.

Architectural Technology course

If Design and Technology, Mathematics or Visual Arts appealed to you at school, the Bachelor of Architectural Technology teaches you to design and document buildings using CAD and Building Information Modelling (BIM). You'll work with industry-standard software including Revit, Rhino and Unreal Engine, tackling live client briefs along the way.

Bachelor of Architectural Technology graduate career paths include Architectural Technician, Project Manager (Construction) and Architectural Assistant.

Graphic Design course

If Visual Arts or Design and Technology were where you did your best work, the Diploma of Graphic Design covers brand development, typography, UX and web design principles, with a strong focus on mastering the Adobe Creative Suite. You'll graduate with a professional portfolio in as little as 18 months, with the option to step straight into work or continue into a specialised bachelor's degree.

Graduates of a Diploma of Graphic Design can pursue roles such as Graphic Designer, Web Designer and Illustrator.

Sports Management course

Loved PDHPE, Business Studies or Legal Studies? The Bachelor of Business (Sport Management) equips you with business, marketing and management principles specific to the sports industry, including sport law and managing athletes and teams. You'll complete 300 hours of industry placement, with partners including the AFL Players' Association.

The Sports Management graduate career paths include Sport Journalist, Sport Project Manager, and Events Manager.

Applying for study in 2026

Ready to find your course? Here's how to get started.

Start by comparing courses by outcomes, entry criteria and study mode using our course pages, then check the key dates for 2026 intakes and prepare the documents you'll need, including your Year 12 certificate or predicted results.

From there, you can select your preferences on your Tertiary Admissions Centre portal or reach out to a Future Student Advisor if you need help along the way. It's also worth booking a campus tour or speaking with a Future Student Advisor to get a feel for student life before you commit.