The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Petroleum) with Major is a rigorous four-to-five year undergraduate degree designed to train engineers in the science, technology, and management of oil and gas resource extraction. The program builds a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, geology, geophysics, computer applications, and core engineering principles, before progressively shifting toward highly specialised petroleum-related topics including reservoir engineering, well drilling, production engineering, and petroleum geoscience. Students who choose a major — such as Chemical, Civil, Mechanical, or Mining Engineering — complete an extended five-year program that provides dual-discipline expertise, making graduates uniquely versatile across the resources and energy sector.

The degree is designed for students with a strong aptitude in science and mathematics who are passionate about energy, resources, and solving complex subsurface engineering challenges. It suits those who enjoy applying knowledge of chemistry, physics, geology, and economics to the discovery, development, and production of energy resources beneath the Earth's surface. The curriculum also incorporates business and management skills, including economic evaluation, project management, and environmental stewardship, ensuring graduates are prepared not just as technical specialists but as well-rounded engineering professionals.

Graduates are highly sought after by a wide range of employers including major oil and gas companies (such as Santos, Woodside, Chevron, Shell Australia, and INPEX), government energy agencies, engineering consultancies, and environmental and geotechnical services firms. The degree is accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised under the Washington Accord, giving graduates global professional standing. Australia's position as one of the world's leading LNG exporters ensures strong domestic demand for qualified petroleum engineers, particularly in Western Australia and Queensland.

To gain entry into a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Petroleum) in Australia, domestic students typically need to complete their Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12) and achieve a competitive ATAR. Prerequisite subjects — or assumed knowledge — in Mathematics (Methods or equivalent), Specialist Mathematics, and Physics are normally required across Australian providers. Some institutions also consider Chemistry or Engineering Studies as acceptable alternatives for the science prerequisite. ATARs for petroleum engineering programs at leading Australian universities typically range from around 80 to 90+, though adjustment factors for educational disadvantage, school performance, or elite achievement may lower the effective entry score. Engineering pathway and bridging programs are available for students who do not meet direct prerequisites, particularly in mathematics.

International students must demonstrate English language proficiency, typically through standardised tests such as IELTS (generally a minimum overall score of 6.5 with no subtest below 6.0), TOEFL iBT (minimum 90 overall), or PTE Academic. Students completing an Australian Year 12 qualification are generally exempt from these requirements. International students may also need to provide academic transcripts, evidence of mathematics and science backgrounds, and in some cases a résumé or personal statement. Some universities accept IB Diploma (with Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches at Higher Level and Physics) as an alternative to Australian Year 12 qualifications.

All students are required to complete a minimum of eight weeks of approved engineering work placement as part of their degree, satisfying Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency requirements. No prior work experience is typically required for undergraduate entry, though demonstrated interest in the energy or resources sector — through science competitions, STEM activities, or relevant part-time work — is viewed favourably. Mature-age applicants and those with relevant TAFE qualifications may also be considered through alternative entry pathways.