Studying for a master's degree in Australia is an exciting opportunity for students looking to further their education and advance their careers. With world-class universities, a diverse student population, and a beautiful natural environment, Australia is an exceptional place to pursue your master's degree. This blog will explore the benefits of studying in Australia, the different types of master's programs available, and the application process to help you make the most of your time in Australia. So, whether you're looking to study business, engineering, or any other field, you'll find everything you need to know to make your master's degree experience in Australia a success.
Benefits of Pursuing a Master's in Australia
Pursuing a master's degree in Australia offers many benefits to students. Here are a few key advantages of studying in Australia:
World-class education: Australian universities are known for their high-quality education and research. Many of them are ranked among the top universities in the world, and they offer a wide range of master's programs in various fields of study.
Post-study work visa: International students who have completed their master's degree in Australia may be eligible for a post-study work visa that allows them to work in the country for a period of time after graduation. This can provide valuable work experience and open doors to ideal career options.
Diverse student population: Australia is home to students from all over the world, which creates a diverse and multicultural learning environment. This makes it a great place to meet new people and learn about different cultures.
Career opportunities: Studying in Australia can open up plenty of career opportunities, as many companies and organisations have a presence in the country. Additionally, many best Australian universities have strong connections within the respective industries, providing strong networking opportunities for students.
High standard of living: Australia is known for its high standard of living, with a low crime rate, good healthcare, and a strong economy. This makes it a safe and comfortable place to live while studying.
All of these factors make studying a master's degree in Australia an attractive option for students looking to further their education and advance their careers.
Types of Master's Degrees in Australia
There are many different types of master's degrees offered in Australia. Some of the most common types include:
Master of Arts (MA) - This degree is typically offered in the humanities and social sciences, and focuses on the advanced study of subjects such as history, literature, philosophy, and sociology.
Master of Science (MS) - This degree is typically offered in the natural sciences, engineering, and technology fields, and focuses on the advanced study of subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - This degree is focused on the study of business management and leadership, and is often offered by business schools.
These are only a few of the many types of master's degrees offered in Australia, and universities may have their own variations of these degrees or offer specialised master's degrees in different fields.
Cost of Studying Master's in Australia
International students should be aware of the varied costs associated with studying for a master's degree in Australia. A master's course's fees are usually set by both the university and the Australian government. Students should consider the cost of living, pre-arrival expenses, and any exam fees in addition to tuition fees. Students must have a thorough awareness of the costs involved in order to make an informed decision.
Master’s Degree |
Average Tuition Fees Per Annum |
MA |
AUD 15,000 - AUD 40,000 |
MS |
AUD 20,000 - AUD 50,000 |
MBA |
AUD 35,000 - AUD 70,000 |
Top Australian Cities to Study Master's
Melbourne
- The capital city of Victoria, and also known as the cultural capital of Australia.
- It is the second best student city in the world after Paris.
- Home to 8 world universities that host around 100,000 international students.
Sydney
- The capital of New South Wales, and home to over 50,000 international students.
- 5 major universities of Australia are located in Sydney.
- Sydney is Australia's economic and financial hotspot, offering plenty of work and internship opportunities to students.
- One of the most diverse cities in Australia since people from overseas make up 25% of the city's population.
Canberra
- The capital city of Australia is proudly the home of Australian National University (ANU), the number one university in Australia.
- Population of the city is around 400,000, making it much quieter and less densely populated than Sydney and Melbourne.
- International students can get an extra year of post-study work rights by studying in Canberra.
- Canberra is one of the top 25 best student cities in the world and a beautiful city to travel to.
Brisbane
- A city with over 20,000 international students, Brisbane, is known for its pleasant subtropical climate.
- Brisbane is the third largest and one of the least expensive cities to live in Australia.
- Brisbane is Australia's New World City, and is one of the major business hubs in the country, with one of the fastest-growing state economies.
Adelaide
- Adelaide is the world's third most livable city and the capital of South Australia, with an international student population of 40,000 from 134 countries.
- The cost of living is 14% less than that of the other major cities in Australia.
- Adelaide takes pride in being the host to global organisations like Microsoft, BHP and PwC.
Top Australian universities to study Master degree
University Name |
QS Rankings 2023 |
Australian National University (ANU) |
30 |
University of Melbourne |
33 |
University of Sydney |
41 |
University of New South Wales (UNSW) |
45 |
The University of Queensland |
50 |
Monash University |
57 |
The University of Western Australia |
92 |
The University of Adelaide |
109 |
University of Technology, Sydney |
137 |
University of Wollongong |
185 |
Here's How You Can Apply for Master's in Australia:
Whether you apply for a master's or a bachelor's degree, you need to take one of the accepted English language tests and obtain the required scores. Along with the English test, you may need to clear additional entrance exams for certain courses. The required score to secure admission varies based on the level of study you apply for, the university you apply for, and your country of citizenship.
Admission Tests for Postgraduate Courses
Test |
Purpose |
GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test) |
For business management courses |
MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) |
For postgraduate courses in medicine |
LSAT (Law School Admission Test) |
For postgraduate courses in law |
The application is the first and most crucial step in pursuing your study in an Australian institution. A well-written and thorough application can help you earn admission to the best universities.
Before you apply, it is important that the following prerequisites are in place:
- Academic transcripts
- Certificates of the undergraduate degree from previous institution
- Score sheet and certificate of GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS
- Student's CV
- SOP - Statement of purpose
- LOR - Letter of recommendation
- Documents for funds
Student Visa for Master's in Australia
The student visa process for international students pursuing a master's degree in Australia typically involves the following steps:
- Obtain a letter of acceptance from an approved Australian educational institution.
- Gather all required documentation, including a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies, and any other required documents as per the institution and country-specific requirements.
- Complete the online visa application form, and pay the Australia student visa application fee.
- Provide biometrics if required.
- Attend a visa interview or provide additional information if requested.
- Wait for a decision on your application.
It is important to note that the process can take several weeks or even months, so it is recommended to apply well in advance of your intended start date. It is also important to keep in mind that you may be required to pay a tuition fee deposit and tuition fee before the visa grant.
FAQ'S
How long is a Masters degree in Australia?
The length of a master's degree program in Australia can vary depending on the specific program and the institution. In general, most master's degree programs in Australia take 1-2 years of full-time study to complete. Some programs, such as research-based master's degrees, may take longer (2 years usually) to complete.