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Study Masters in Australia

Last updated5th Jan 2026
7 mins read
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Joel Noronho
Published by Joel Noronho

Australia & New Zealand Expert | Head of Operations - Karnataka & Kerala

For international students looking for an excellent masters degree programme, Australia has become a top choice. The nation's institutions are well-liked by postgraduate students due to their reputation for academic brilliance, creative curricula, and solid industry linkages.

Furthermore, masters in Australia give foreign students the chance to work there after graduation, giving them the chance to obtain useful professional experience. The nation's expanding economy and business-friendly atmosphere make it a desirable location for anyone looking to start or grow in their careers.

Why Study Masters in Australia?

For overseas students, pursuing a masters in Australia has several advantages. The following are strong arguments for thinking about pursuing your postgraduate education in Australia:

  • Australian institutions are regularly ranked among the best universities in the world, with multiple rankings in the top 100.
  • Australia has the sixth-best quality of life in the world. The nation is renowned for its appreciation of a balanced lifestyle and relaxed way of life.
  • Australia has a strong reputation for safety and ranks highly on international safety indices.
  • Australian 15-year-olds score ninth in the world for reading and science and tenth for maths, indicating a strong educational system.

For more reasons, visit benefits of studying in Australia.

Types of Masters Degrees in Australia

For overseas students pursuing masters degrees in Australia, there are primarily two options:

Masters by Coursework

A three- or four-year bachelor's degree in a particular field of study must have been earned by the students. Typically, it takes 1-2 years to finish this degree. Students who want to further specialise in their field of study should consider it. A combination of coursework, projects, and exams make up the degree programme.

Masters by Research

A pre-masters programme completion or an honours bachelor's degree are prerequisites for admission. Typically, it takes two years to finish this degree. Students who want to undertake academic research in their subject of study might use it. The completion of a thesis or dissertation and independent study are given greater emphasis in the degree programme.

Australia also offers professional masters degrees, which are intended to give advanced, specialised knowledge and abilities for particular vocations, in addition to these two primary categories. These courses are usually taken by working professionals and last two to three years on average.

Eligibility Requirements to Study Masters in Australia

The specific prerequisites for overseas students wishing to pursue a masters degree in Australia are as follows:

Academic Requirements

  • Attained a bachelor's degree from an accredited college
  • Obtained a GPA of at least 4.0 or its equivalent (a minimum of 60% may be accepted by certain universities).
  • Academic background pertinent to the masters programmes' topic of study

Language Proficiency Requirements

  • Taken English Proficiency Tests such as the TOEFL iBT (valid for 2yrs), IELTS Academic, or PTE Academic
  • IELTS Academic minimum overall score of 6.5 bands or above, PTE minimum score of 58 & above (higher scores may be required for specific programmes)
  • Acceptable scores in different English language examinations or internal evaluations that certain colleges accept.

Documentation Requirements

  • Filled-out application for the selected programme and university
  • Official transcripts and degree certificates in certified copy
  • Scores of English proficiency exams
  • A mission statement or personal assertion
  • Work experience documents
  • Updated resume or curriculum vitae
  • A copy of a current passport

Visa Requirements

  • Obtained a category 500 Subclass valid Australian student visa, which is valid
  • Shown proof of having enough money to pay for living expenses, health insurance, travel and tuition fee
  • Met any extra conditions for the student visa application that the Department of Home Affairs may have set

Sounds overwhelming? Seek expert guidance and find out how to go about making your profile strong for the university and visa application for an MS in Australia.

Cost of Studying Masters in Australia

Here are the key details on the cost of studying in Australia for international students, with an average duration of 1-2 years:

University NameAnnual Tuition Fees (in AUD)
University of Western AustraliaAU $45,400
RMIT UniversityAU $36,480
Curtin UniversityAU $32,659
University of WollongongAU $37,200
Monash UniversityAU $53,000
University of MelbourneAU $51,040
The University of SydneyAU $54,000
Australian National UniversityAU $50,760
University of AdelaideAU $48,000
University of NewcastleAU $45,000

Here is a list of popular 1-2-year masters courses with their international student tuition fees:

Programme NameAnnual Fees (in AUD)
Master of Professional EngineeringAU $45,000
Master of Biological ScienceAU $45,000
Master of BiotechnologyAU $45,000
Master of Computer ScienceAU $36,480 - $54,000
Master of Project ManagementAU $32,600 - $53,000
Master of Mathematical SciencesAU $37,200 - $51,000
Master of Food Science and TechnologyAU $45,000 - $54,000

In Australia, a few of the most well-liked MS courses are:

Depending on the programme and university, MS courses might cost AU $22,000 - $50,000 per year. Most masters programmes in Australia last 1.5 to 2 years, with coursework-based programmes lasting a minimum of 2 years and research-based programmes 2 to 3 years. This helps overseas students quickly learn advanced abilities in their industry.

Top Australian Universities for Masters Programme

The top Australian universities for masters in Australia programmes and their international student fees are:

University NameAnnual Tuition Fees (in AUD)
University of MelbourneAU $32,000 – $75,000
University of SydneyAU $44,500 – $71,000
University of New South Wales (UNSW)AU $45,000 – $65,000
University of QueenslandAU $31,300 – $59,500
Australian National University (ANU)AU $48,000 – $56,000
Monash UniversityAU $35,000 – $76,000
University of Western AustraliaAU $35,000 – $55,000
University of AdelaideAU $34,000 – $50,000
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)AU $41,000 – $55,000
University of NewcastleAU $33,000 – $47,000

Scholarships to Study Masters in Australia

Australia offers many masters level scholarships to overseas students. Australian scholarships might pay tuition, living expenses, and other costs of studying in Australia. Here are some top scholarships for international students:

ScholarshipEligibility CriteriaAwards
Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS)- Non-Australian citizens
- Demonstrated academic excellence
- Tuition fees
- Return airfare to Australia
- Living allowance
- Establishment allowance
Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship Award- Non-Australian citizens
- Demonstrated academic excellence
- Tuition fees
- Travel allowance
- Living allowance
Australian Government Research Training Program- Non-Australian citizens
- Demonstrated research potential
- Tuition fees
- Living allowance
International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS)- Non-Australian citizens
- Demonstrated research potential
- Tuition fees
- Living allowance
University-specific Scholarships- Varies by university- Tuition fee waivers
- Living allowance

These scholarships have different dates and selection standards, so prospective students must get all the details before applying. Looking for a suitable scholarship? Connect with our scholarship experts and let them curate the best ones for you.

Career Scope After Studying Masters in Australia

The diversified and rising economy, especially in technology, finance, healthcare, and engineering, offers many profitable work opportunities for graduates. The top MS in Australia and their typical compensation ranges are:

Job RoleAnnual Salary (in AUD)
Software Developer/EngineerAU $90,000 – $180,000
Data Analyst/ScientistAU $95,000 – $175,000
Management ConsultantAU $90,000 – $130,000
Financial AnalystAU $95,000 – $115,000
Human Resources ManagerAU $107,000 – $170,000
Supply Chain ManagerAU $130,000 – $150,000
Biomedical EngineerAU $97,000 – $140,000
Pharmaceutical Sales ManagerAU $105,000 – $145,000
Electrical/Electronics EngineerAU $112,000 – $163,000

Source: SEEK, Hays, Robert Half, SalaryExpert

Australia has long been a popular masters destination for overseas students. Postgraduate studies are appealing at the country's universities due to their academic brilliance, creative curricula, and industrial linkages.

If you want to pursue MS in Australia, let our expert counsellors help you. AECC is associated with the top Australian institutions. Our experts will help you choose the right MS course and begin your fruitful educational journey. Register today to ensure your bright future with a Masters in Australia.

Study Masters in Australia FAQs

Joel Noronho
Published by Joel Noronho

Australia & New Zealand Expert | Head of Operations - Karnataka & Kerala

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With a career of nearly 20 years dedicated to the study abroad industry, Joel Noronho is a top-tier expert in international education, particularly for Australia and New Zealand. His extensive career is built on a foundation of leadership and hands-on counselling at industry giants AECC and IDP Education Ltd.

Joel's deep expertise in the Australia and New Zealand markets was honed during his nearly 10 years as a Manager for Australia & New Zealand at IDP. This long-term, focused experience makes him one of the most knowledgeable guides for students targeting these destinations.

Currently, as the Head of Operations for Karnataka & Kerala at AECC, Joel leads the teams that guide students daily. His progression through roles from Branch Head to Head of Operations demonstrates his comprehensive understanding of every aspect of the student recruitment process, from an individual student's application to the high-level strategy of a multi-state region.

Joel can help you with

  • Getting Expert Australia & NZ Guidance: Leverage his nearly two decades of focused experience to navigate the specific application and visa processes for Australian and New Zealand universities.
  • Understanding the Local Perspective: As the Head of Operations for Karnataka and Kerala, he has a unique understanding of the specific questions and challenges faced by students from the region.
  • Benefitting from Leadership Insights: Get advice shaped by years of managing successful branches and operational teams, giving you a strategic edge in your application.
  • Making Confident Decisions: Rely on his long and stable career at the industry's top companies to provide you with trusted, reliable, and up-to-date information.

When you read an article by Joel, you are receiving guidance from a seasoned industry leader who has dedicated his entire career to helping students achieve their study abroad dreams.

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