How to Become A Health Economist

How to Become a Health Economist in Australia

Step 1: Complete a bachelor degree in economics, public health, or health science

Enrol in a Bachelor of Economics, Bachelor of Public Health, or Bachelor of Health Science at an Australian university. These three-year degrees give you a foundation in economic theory, statistics, and health systems. An economics degree with health electives works well. So does a health science degree with a strong quantitative stream. Check current program offerings directly with your chosen university.

Step 2: Gain early work experience in health or research

After your undergraduate degree, look for entry-level work. Roles such as research assistant, data analyst, or graduate analyst are good starting points. Look for positions at health departments, research institutes, or consulting firms. This gives you hands-on practice with health data and tools such as R, Stata, or Excel. Most entry roles do not ask for a postgraduate degree, but practical experience makes later study far more useful.

Step 3: Complete a postgraduate degree in health economics or public health

Enrol in a Master of Health Economics at an Australian university. Alternatively, complete a Master of Public Health with a health economics major. Programs are offered at Monash University, the Australian National University, and Macquarie University. Confirm current programs and entry requirements directly with each institution. Most programs take one to two years full-time. A postgraduate qualification is expected for mid-level and senior roles.

Step 4: Build skills in economic evaluation and data analysis

Practise cost-effectiveness analysis, cost-utility modelling, and budget impact assessment. Get comfortable with software including R, Stata, and Excel-based decision models. Review the PBAC and MSAC submission guidelines on the Department of Health and Aged Care website. These skills grow through university coursework, online courses, and on-the-job practice.

Step 5: Join the Australian Health Economics Society and grow your network

Become a member of the Australian Health Economics Society (AHES) at ahes.org.au. AHES runs an annual conference, workshops, and networking events. These connect you with peers in government, industry, and academia. Active membership signals your commitment to the profession and opens doors to mentoring and collaboration.

Step 6: Apply for roles in government, consulting, or the pharmaceutical sector

Health economists are employed in government, consulting, and the pharmaceutical sector. Specific employers include federal and state health departments, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutes. When applying, highlight your economic evaluation skills and any experience with Australian HTA processes. A portfolio of models or reports from study or prior roles strengthens your application.

A health economist in Australia works across research, policy, and data analysis. On a typical day, they might run a cost-effectiveness analysis or build an economic model. They may also prepare briefings for a government department. They work closely with clinicians, epidemiologists, and policy teams to turn data into clear recommendations. Key tasks include evaluating new technologies for PBAC or MSAC, analysing health data, and writing reports. They also present findings to diverse audiences. The role needs both technical precision and the ability to explain complex results in plain language.

Health economists help the healthcare system deliver better value for money. Their work drives major funding decisions and shapes how health services are planned across Australia.

• Conduct Economic Evaluations – Run cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses to guide decisions on funding new treatments.
• Analyse Health Data – Work with data on health costs, outcomes, and service use to find trends and support strategy.
• Prepare HTA Submissions – Build economic cases for PBAC and MSAC reviews of new medicines and medical devices.
• Build Economic Models – Design decision-analytic models to project costs and health outcomes over time.
• Write Policy Reports – Produce clear briefings and reports for health departments, executives, and public bodies.
• Work with Research Teams – Join multidisciplinary teams with clinicians, statisticians, and public health experts.
• Evaluate Health Programs – Check whether existing programs are meeting their goals and delivering value.
• Track Policy Developments – Stay current with changes to health policy, funding frameworks, and HTA guidelines.
• Advise on Funding Priorities – Help governments and health bodies decide where to spend limited resources for the greatest benefit.
• Present Research Findings – Share results at conferences, in publications, and in stakeholder briefings.

• Statistical analysis and econometric modelling
• Cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analysis
• Health technology assessment
• Data analysis using tools such as R, Stata, or Excel
• Economic evaluation and budget impact modelling
• Research design and literature review
• Report writing and data presentation
• Knowledge of Australian health policy and funding systems
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Collaboration in multidisciplinary teams
• Project management
• Clear verbal and written communication
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Adaptability and ongoing learning