One Year Masters Program in Australia

When considering pursuing a master’s degree in Australia, there are a variety of options to choose from, including the Master of Accounting, Master of Applied Economics, Master of Business Analytics, Master of Commerce, Master of Finance, Master of Information Technology in Cyber Security, Master of Information Technology in Networking, and Master of International Business. Each of these programs offers unique opportunities for students to further their education and advance their careers in their respective fields.

In order to be eligible for admission into a master’s program in Australia, most universities typically require a minimum CGPA of 4.0 on a 7.0 scale, which is equivalent to 60% or more for Indian grading systems. However, it is important to note that the specific admission requirements may vary depending on the prestige and program requirements of the institution. Some programs may have higher GPA requirements or additional prerequisites such as standardized test scores or work experience.

The admission process for universities in Australia typically involves submitting an online application through the institution’s website, providing official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and standardized test scores if required. It is also important to carefully review the specific admission requirements for the chosen program and ensure that all materials are submitted by the deadline for consideration. Additionally, international students may need to provide proof of English proficiency through tests such as the IELTS or TOEFL.

One Year Masters Program In Australia

A master’ s degree in any discipline from an Australian institution makes a graduate more valuable to employers worldwide. In addition, recent legislation was passed that permits international graduates of Australian institutes to obtain a post-study work visa that allows them to work in Australia for up to four years after graduation.

However, although international students may be eligible to work in Australia after graduation, students should not undertake studies in Australia for the sole purpose of migration. Australia provides preferential migration treatment for individuals on a Skilled Occupations List, but the skilled migration process is separate from the student visa process. There is no guarantee that a student studying for a master’ s degree in Australia will be able to migrate to Australia.

After completing a master’ s degree, students may also continue their studies if they are admitted to a doctoral program and obtain an additional student visa.

• M.Sc. On Campus

Science (Aviation)

RMIT University

Develop your career in the aviation industry by advancing your skills to take on  management roles with this Master of Science (Aviation) from RMIT University.  

• M.Sc. On Campus Online

Information Technology

Deakin University 

Deepen your knowledge on a chosen topic within the information technology field through independent, sustained and academically-supervised research with this Information Technology from Deakin University. 

• M.Sc. On Campus

Design

RMIT University

Research and explore the boundaries of design thinking with an internationally recognised leader of design education and practice with this Master of Design from RMIT University. 

Australian universities

There are over 40 universities in Australia. The majority are public institutions, administered and funded by the Australian federal government.

Some maintain multiple campuses, but most are located within specific cities – with the greatest concentration on the eastern coast.

You can study at any Australian university as an international Masters student, provided you meet their application and admissions requirements. You will normally pay fees at a slightly higher rate, but will otherwise be admitted on the same basis as domestic students.

Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions

Australia’s ‘Technical and Further Education’ (TAFE) institutions are distinct from research universities. They focus on vocational training programmes rather than academic degrees.

TAFE institutions don’t normally award postgraduate-level qualifications and you can therefore focus elsewhere when searching for a Masters degree in Australia.

The academic year in Australia

The academic year in Australia begins in February. It runs across two teaching semesters from February to June and from July to November.

Masters courses are usually available to start in either February or July, although some professional courses are only available to start in semester 1 (February).

Starting your Masters degree in February may seem strange if you’re used to an academic year beginning in September (this is particularly likely if you’re a current undergraduate, expecting to finish in the summer).

Having some time between the end of your Bachelor’s degree and the beginning of your Masters may be helpful, however.

You’ll have space to organise your application and perhaps even acclimatise yourself to Australia before your degree starts (subject to the conditions of your visa, of course). With most students travelling quite a way for an international Masters in Australia, this can be very convenient!

Accreditation of Australian universities

Australian universities are subject to self-regulation along with independent statutory overview. This protects their academic freedom, while maintaining internationally respected accreditation standards.

As an international Masters student in Australia, you will also be covered by the Education Services for Overseas Students Act (ESOS Act). This establishes standards for international education Australia and protects the rights of overseas students.

These different systems ensure the quality of Australian Masters degrees is carefully maintained and that the qualification you receive will be of a standard recognised around the world.

Australian university rankings

With eight universities among the top 150 in the world (according to the Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings), Australia has an impressive global reputation for higher education. It’s no surprise that so many international students flock to Australia.

For a more in-depth look at the leagues, take a look at our guide to Australian postgraduate rankings.

University	THE 2020	QS 2020	ARWU 2019
University of Melbourne	=32	38	41
Australian National University	50	=29	76
University of Sydney	60	42	80
University of Queensland	66	47	54
UNSW Sydney	71	43	94

Do rankings matter for Masters degrees?

International rankings use all sorts of metrics to assess universities and they aren’t all equally relevant to postgraduate study. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to university rankings for Masters students.

Australian university cities

Australia has plenty of bustling cities to choose from when it comes to postgraduate study. Whether it’s a coastal metropolis like Sydney or Melbourne, or the inland capital of Canberra, you’re spoilt for choice.

Course types

If you have previous experience of a western university system, the organisation of Australian degree qualifications will probably seem quite familiar.

Like the UK system (upon which it is modelled) Australia uses a three-tiered degree structure. Undergraduate Bachelors degrees are followed by postgraduate Masters degrees. Some students then continue on to higher level research qualifications, such as the PhD.

Many Australian degree programmes also use similar names to their UK equivalents. The titles of MA (Masters of Arts) and MSc (Master of Science) are widely employed, for example.

Some course names do differ though. You are more likely to come across Masters of Commerce than Masters of Marketing. Professional teaching qualifications, meanwhile, are referred to as Graduate Diplomas of Teaching (or Masters of Teaching) rather than the UK Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

Types of Masters degree in Australia

You can study a Masters in Australia in a range of degree formats. Some courses build directly upon your undergraduate study. Others provide advanced training to boost your current career – or switch to a new one.

• Traditional Masters are academic courses, offering the chance to study a specific subject in more depth. They are similar to equivalent degrees in countries like the UK, awarding qualifications like the Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc).These courses are delivered through a combination of teaching and / or research, with most including a final dissertation or similar project.
• ‘Change of direction’ Masters are for students who looking to switch academic pathways or gain additional expertise in a new area.They often start by giving you a grounding in the core principles of your new subject, before providing advanced training in a certain specialism.
• Graduate entry professional qualifications are for candidates who have already completed an undergraduate degree and want to qualify professionally in a related career.These courses are ideal if you intend to enter a regulated profession. If you wish to become a teacher, for example, you could use a Graduate Diploma or Master of Teaching to add professional education training to your academic knowledge of a specialist subject.As an international student in Australia you should make sure professional qualifications are recognised in your home country. Many will be and, in some cases, the skills and experience you have gained abroad will help your CV stand out back home.
• Professional development Masters are for candidates looking to enhance their careers through additional training. For example, you might be an experienced teacher seeking to develop education management skills, or a marketing professional looking to acquire digital media skills.Unlike graduate entry professional Masters, these programmes usually require existing qualifications and experience. Studying such courses abroad can be an excellent way of building up your CV by taking advantage of unique expertise and training opportunities in Australia.

How long do Australian Masters degrees take?

The exact length of your Masters degree will depend on the type of programme you study and its course content. In some cases your academic and professional background may also be a factor.

Most Masters degrees in Australia take between one and two years to complete:

• Traditional academic programmes taught entirely by coursework are generally 18 months long.
• Courses that include foundational training or require vocational placements may be longer (this can be the case for some Change of Direction or Professional Masters programmes).

What about Masters by Research in Australia?

Most Australian universities offer research-based Masters degrees as well as taught courses. These will usually be academic programmes (though some professional courses can include extended practical placements).

You can study a Masters by Research as a terminal (final) qualification in Australia or, if you wish to progress to doctoral research, you may be able to upgrade your registration to a PhD.

Your university will set its own application process for postgraduate research programmes, but you will normally be expected to provide an outline of your prospective research topic and its aims. This doesn’t have to be final, but it should demonstrate the potential of your work and its suitability to the department and supervisor you are applying to work with.

Masters fees and funding in Australia

In Australia, postgraduate tuition fees are set by individual universities and not the government, so you’ll find a wide range of costs across different institutions and courses. Tuition fees for Australian and New Zealand citizens are lower than they are for international students.

As a rough guide, programmes cost between AUD $22,000 and AUD $50,000 per year per year (USD $15,100-34,305) for overseas students. Masters in the Arts and Humanities will be at the lower end of this scale, while Science-based programmes will be towards the top. Subjects like Veterinary Science and Medicine could be even higher.

masters in australia requirements

Australian universities are free to set their own application and admissions requirements, but all will be used to welcoming international postgraduates.

Entry into a masters degree requires you to have completed an undergraduate qualification that is comparable to an Australian bachelor degree, honours degree or graduate diploma.

Check that your qualification meets the international academic entry requirements for a course.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR MASTERS DEGREES

You will need to provide evidence that you have achieved one of the following levels of English language proficiency:

• IELTS (academic module): Overall score of 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
• TOEFL Internet: Test score of 79. Section score no less than:
  • Listening: 19
  • Speaking: 19
  • Reading: 18
  • Writing: 22
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Overall score of 58-64 (with no section score less than 50)
• University of Cambridge – Advanced (CAE): Overall score of 176. No individual band less than 169.
• VU English – English for Academic Purposes (EAP) (Level 6): Achieved.

IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and CAE: These tests must be taken no more than two years prior to commencing your course. 

Admission requirements for academic programmes

The core requirement for admission to an academic Masters programme in Australia will be a relevant undergraduate degree (or its equivalent).

Your university should be able to advise if you are unsure about the eligibility of your existing qualifications. If you are based in the UK or Ireland you can also seek advice from Study Options.

The required standard for undergraduate qualifications will vary between programmes, but most universities will accept the equivalent of a UK 2.1 or higher. This is roughly equivalent to a GPA of 3.0 or better in the USA.

Admissions requirements for professional programmes

Professional programmes may have more specific application requirements:

• Professional development Masters courses will usually require evidence of appropriate work experience and / or existing professional qualifications.
• Graduate entry professional qualifications may ask you to submit a score from a graduate applications test such as the GRE or the GMAT. This is most likely for competitive programmes in subject areas such as business management.

Application process

There is no central application and admissions service for postgraduate degrees in Australia. However, international students in the UK and Ireland can choose to apply through Study Options, a support service for UK and Irish students in Australia and New Zealand. Their services are completely free and impartial.

Alternatively, you can apply directly to your prospective Australian university.

However you apply, you will need to provide a completed application form and proof of your existing qualifications.

Other application requirements for an Australian Masters degree can include:

• Academic transcripts – These provide additional details of your undergraduate education, such as the modules you have studied and your performance on them. Your undergraduate university will need to produce and certify these documents.
• References – These should include statements from your undergraduate tutors and / or professional employers, as appropriate.
• A personal statement – Not all courses will require a personal statement. A Masters by Research may ask for one as part of your proposal. A graduate entry professional programme may also ask you to describe your interest in a course and its relationship to your career goals.

Interviews

Most Australian Masters degree programmes won’t require a formal interview as part of your application process.

Exceptions may apply to professional programmes or research-based degrees, but this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll need to make an extra trip to Australia. Many universities will arrange to interview international applicants via Skype or a similar platform.

Application dates and deadlines

Application deadlines for Australian Masters degrees will depend on the start-date for your course:

• If you are commencing in the first semester (February-June) you will normally need to apply by the end of the previous October
• If you are commencing in the second semester (July-November) you will normally need to apply by the end of April

Your university should be able to help you if you’re unsure about any aspect of your Masters application, including deadlines, admissions requirements and supporting documents.

Masters student visas in Australia

Most people will need a visa to study a Masters in Australia as an international student. Note that visas are only available for full-time students. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to receive a visa to study a part-time Masters in Australia.

Who doesn’t need a visa to study in Australia?

You won’t normally need an Australian student visa if you are a citizen of Australia, a citizen of New Zealand, or have the right to reside permanently in New Zealand or Australia.

What type of visa will you need to study a Masters in Australia?

You’ll need to apply for a Student Visa (subclass 500) to study a postgraduate programme in Australia. This will allow you to live and study in Australia for the duration of your programme. You’ll also be able to re-enter the country multiple times during this period – perfect if you’re keen to get home for a white Christmas!

Application process

Before you can apply for the visa you will need to be accepted onto an Australian Masters degree course and receive Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). This will be a formal document issued by your university following the payment of a tuition fee deposit.

Once you have your CoE form you can begin your application, using the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Control website to apply online for the Student Visa (subclass 500).

You’ll need to provide supporting information. This should include:

• Your passport details
• CoE evidence
• Proof that you meet financial requirements (see below)
• Evidence of your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• A CV
• Certified copies of your academic transcripts

You will also need to pay an AUD $560 application fee (USD $435).

The processing period for your visa can vary, but it should normally be issued to you within four weeks.

Additional visa regulations

Australian student visas are usually subject to the following additional regulations:

• Working – You can work for up to 40 hours a fortnight on a type 573 visa, subject to restrictions. Working hours for students on type 574 visas are not limited. See our guide to living as a Masters student in Australia for more information on working while studying abroad.
• Academic progress – The validity of your student visa will be subject to your making satisfactory progress on your degree program.
• Financial requirements – The Australian government estimates a requirement of around AUD $21,041 per year for student living costs (USD $14,450). You may need to demonstrate access to this amount (in the form of existing savings, sponsorship or funding).

Health insurance

You will need valid health insurance for the duration of your Masters in Australia. This is referred to as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and is available from a range of providers.

The amount of cover provided by OSHC policies varies, but a minimum level is set by the Australian Department of Health. You can find more information on the Study in Australia website.

Next steps

If you’re looking for more information about the cost of studying at an Australian university, check out our guide to fees and funding for Masters degrees in Australia.

cheapest masters degree in australia

S.No	Name of College/ University	First Year Tuition Fee in AUS$	First Year Tuition Fee in INR*
1	Victoria University	17,000.00	8,17,530.00
2	Charles Darwin University	18,480.00	8,88,703.20
3	University of New England	19,640.00	9,44,487.60
4	Central Queensland University	21,120.00	10,15,660.80
5	International Institute of Business and Information Technology	21,400.00	10,29,126.00
6	Griffith University	22,240.00	10,69,521.60
7	James Cook University	22,500.00	10,82,025.00
8	Charles Sturt University	22,880.00	11,00,299.20
9	Edith Cowan University	23,550.00	11,32,519.50
10	University of Canberra	23,680.00	11,38,771.20
11	RMIT University	24,960.00	12,00,326.40
12	Queensland University of Technology	25,400.00	12,21,486.00

*Calculates at the present exchange rate of AUS$1 = INR 48.09

While the above mentioned colleges and programs offer cheaper alternatives to your Study Abroad plan, it is important to note that some of these colleges are also amongst the very best in Australia. In fact, RMIT University, Griffith University and Queensland University of Technology are amongst the lesser known good colleges in Australia.

which master degree is most valuable in australia

Top 5 PG Courses in Australia

• Engineering & Technology. Engineering and technology continue to attract students from across the world to Australian Universities.
• Accounting and Finance.
• Management.
• Education.
• Computer Science & Information Technology.