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September 2026
Completing a master’s degree in Australia can be an opportunity to specialise in your field, develop professional skills or take your career in a new direction.
Australian universities offer postgraduate programmes across areas including business, engineering, information technology, health, education, science, design and the social sciences.
Depending on the qualification, a master’s degree can focus on professional coursework, independent research or a combination of both.
This guide covers the important things to know about studying a master’s degree in Australia.
What Is a Master’s Degree in Australia?
A master’s degree is a postgraduate qualification normally completed after undergraduate study.
It provides advanced knowledge and skills in a particular academic or professional field.
According to Study Australia, a master’s degree generally takes one to two years to complete, although the exact duration depends on the programme and the student’s previous qualifications.
Australian master’s programmes can be designed for students who want to:
What Types of Master’s Degrees Are Available in Australia?
There are three main types of master’s degrees in Australia.
Master’s Degree by Coursework
A master’s by coursework is structured around subjects, lectures, assessments and projects.
Depending on the programme, you may also complete a major project or minor thesis.
Coursework programmes are common in fields such as:
- Business and management
- Engineering
- Information technology
- Education
- Public health
- Communication
- Data science
- International relations
These programmes can be suitable for students who want to develop specialised academic and professional skills.
Master’s Degree by Research
A master’s by research focuses primarily on independent research.
Students generally work with an academic supervisor and complete a substantial research project or thesis.
This type of degree may be suitable if you are interested in academic research, specialist research roles or eventually completing a PhD.
Research applicants may need to identify a suitable research area and supervisor as part of the application process.
Master’s Degree (Extended)
An extended master’s degree generally focuses on professional practice and can include substantial coursework, projects or research.
These qualifications may be used in particular professional fields and can have different entry and accreditation requirements.
Always check the individual programme before applying.
How Long Is a Master’s Degree in Australia?
However, course length varies depending on:
For example, a student with a closely related bachelor’s degree may qualify for a shorter programme at some universities, while someone entering from a different academic background may need to complete a longer version.
What Are the Entry Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Australia?
Entry requirements vary between universities and courses.
Applicants will generally need an appropriate bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
Some programmes may also require:
International applicants may also need to demonstrate English language proficiency.
The required English score varies by institution and course, and some programmes may have higher requirements due to professional accreditation.
Always check the requirements for the specific course you want to study.
Can You Study a Master’s in a Different Field?
You do not necessarily have to study exactly the same subject as your bachelor’s degree.
Some master’s programmes are specifically designed for students entering from different academic backgrounds.
For example, depending on the university and course requirements, graduates may consider postgraduate study in areas such as management, marketing, information technology or other disciplines even if their undergraduate degree was in another field.
Other programmes require substantial prior knowledge.
Engineering, psychology, health and certain specialised programmes, for example, may have specific prerequisite requirements.
Check whether the programme is designed for students with a related background or allows applicants from any discipline.
How Much Does a Master’s Degree in Australia Cost?
Tuition fees vary significantly.
Your total cost will depend on factors including:
International students should check the current tuition fee directly with the university before applying.
You should also budget for expenses beyond tuition, including:
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Student Visa costs
- Accommodation
- Food and groceries
- Public transport
- Textbooks and study materials
- Flights
- Personal expenses
Your total budget can also vary considerably depending on where you live and your lifestyle.
Are Scholarships Available for Master’s Students?
Yes. Scholarships may be available to international postgraduate students.
These can be offered by:
Scholarships may provide a tuition fee reduction, fixed financial award or, in some cases, more extensive financial support.
Eligibility can depend on academic achievement, nationality, programme, research area or other criteria.
How Do You Apply for a Master’s Degree in Australia?
The exact process varies by university, but international students will generally need to:
Documents can include your passport, academic transcripts, graduation certificates and English language results.
Additional documents may be required depending on the programme.
Do You Need a Student Visa for a Master’s Degree?
International students who need an Australian Student Visa will generally apply for the Student Visa (subclass 500).
For a Student Visa application, students generally need a valid Confirmation of Enrolment for a full-time CRICOS-registered course and must meet other applicable Visa requirements.
Students are also generally required to hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) unless an exemption applies.
Can Master’s Students Work in Australia?
Different arrangements apply to students studying a master’s degree by research.
Eligible master’s by research students can work more than 48 hours per fortnight once their research programme has commenced.
Students completing a master’s by coursework are generally subject to the normal work-hour restriction while their course is in session.
Always check your individual work conditions through VEVO.
How Do You Choose the Right Master’s Degree?
Choosing the right postgraduate programme involves more than looking at university rankings.
Consider:
Start Your Master’s Degree in Australia with AUG
A master’s degree in Australia can help you develop specialized knowledge, strengthen your professional skills or move into a new field.
With different universities, specializations and programme structures available, it is important to compare your options based on your academic background, budget and future goals.
AUG Student Services can help you explore Australian universities and master’s programmes, understand entry requirements, prepare your university application and navigate the Student Visa process.
Start exploring your postgraduate study options early so you can find a programme that fits your next academic and professional step.
