Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary degree that equips students with scientific knowledge and practical skills to understand, protect, and manage Australia's natural environments. The course draws on biology, ecology, chemistry, earth sciences, geography, and data analysis to address real-world challenges including climate change, habitat loss, water quality, biodiversity conservation, pollution, and sustainable resource management. Students typically begin with foundational units in biology, ecology, earth systems, statistics, and an introduction to national and global environmental issues, before choosing specialisations such as Biodiversity and Conservation, Water and Landscapes, Spatial and Quantitative Ecology, or Eco-cultural Resource Management. The course is designed for students who are passionate about solving pressing environmental problems and want a science-based career that makes a tangible impact on the planet.

Environmental Science graduates are in demand across a wide range of sectors in Australia. Key employers include federal, state, and local government departments of agriculture and environment; environmental consultancies such as AECOM, GHD, Cardno, Jacobs, and Stantec; universities and public research institutions such as the CSIRO; mining, resources, and energy companies; non-government organisations; and urban development firms. The field is inherently interdisciplinary — ecologists collaborate on major infrastructure projects, geographers work with urban utilities, and sustainability experts work alongside lawyers — making environmental science graduates versatile and adaptable professionals sought across both the public and private sectors.

For undergraduate programs, entry to Environmental Science typically requires completion of an Australian Year 12 qualification (or recognised overseas equivalent) and an ATAR sufficient for the institution's published cut-off, which generally ranges from approximately 65 to 85 depending on the university and campus. While specific subject prerequisites vary between institutions, many universities recommend or require prior study in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Earth and Environmental Science. Some institutions recognise alternative pathways to admission, including TAFE or VET qualifications (Certificate IV or AQF Diploma), mature-age entry, foundation studies programs, or bridging courses for applicants who do not meet the standard ATAR. For postgraduate coursework entry, a relevant undergraduate degree in disciplines such as biological science, chemistry, earth science, geography, environmental engineering, forestry, agriculture, mathematics, or physics is typically required, along with a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) — commonly 65 or above — though this varies by institution and program.

International students must demonstrate English language proficiency. Most Australian universities require a minimum IELTS overall score of 6.5, with no individual band below 6.0, or a TOEFL score of approximately 79–90. Some institutions may accept equivalent qualifications such as PTE Academic or Cambridge English tests. Applicants from English-speaking backgrounds, or those who have completed prior tertiary study in English, may be exempt from these requirements. Many universities also offer equity access schemes for applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds — including rural and remote students, Indigenous Australians, and those experiencing financial hardship — which may provide bonus ranks or alternative admission pathways.