With its scenic beauty, higher standard of living, and quality education, Australia is a top choice among study-abroad aspirants. It has the 3rd highest number of international students in the world. As per the QS World University Rankings 2024, six Australian universities are ranked among the world’s top 100 universities. The universities in Australia are renowned for their diverse academic programs, exceptional teaching faculty, and cutting-edge research facilities.
The curriculum is designed in a way that allows students to be part of internships or to take up part-time jobs. They also have an impressive placement record, which helps students secure better career opportunities. The value of a master’s degree is increasing in today’s world, as employers pay emphasis on advanced learning and skills while recruiting people. The decision to study Master’s in Australia is a significant life decision. In this blog, we will see how the universities in Australia provide an ideal environment for pursuing a Master’s.
Types of Master’s Degrees in Australia
Usually, a Master’s degree in Australia takes one or two years to complete. The programs for Master’s offered in Australia are designed in a way as a natural trajectory to your Bachelor’s degree or to help you adopt a new career path. Let us have a look at the various types of Master’s degrees available in Australia.
- Traditional Masters are academic programs that allow students to study a particular subject in depth so that they gain expertise in that subject.
- Change of Direction Master is meant for those students who wish to change their current course of study and enter into a new field, or add an extra set of expertise in their specialization. A student must have a strong base on the core principles of their new subject before they wish to get advanced training in the specialization.
- Graduate entry requirements are for those students who have already completed their undergraduate and wish to study further and have a profession in the same field.
- Professional Development Masters is for enhancing your career through additional training. It is more like a skill enhancement course. It requires you to have prior experience and qualifications.
Best Universities in Australia for Studying Masters
While study abroad consultants can help you narrow down your search for universities when it comes to pursuing a Master’s in Australia, we have also prepared a list of the best universities for you to have a look at. They are:
- University of Melbourne
- University of Sydney
- University of New South Wales
- University of Queensland
- Queensland University of Technology
- Australian National University
- Monash University
- University of Adelaide
- RMIT
- University of Technology, Sydney
Now, we will have a further look at what these universities have to offer students who are interested in post-graduation studies in Australia.
1. University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is Australia’s leading university and a pioneer in education, teaching, and research. It was formed in the year 1853. When it comes to Graduate Employability, it is placed at the 8th position. It is the second-oldest university in Australia. It has 10 separate academic departments. Its popular courses for masters are Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Education, Management, Finance, and Information Technology. It’s been the alma mater of influential people like Julia Gillard (former PM of Australia), Robert Menzies, Julian Assange, Cate Blanchett, and Alfred Deakin.
The Melbourne Research Scholarship offers 100% fee remission and up to $135,000 to high-achieving domestic and international students enrolled in a graduate research program. While applying for a Master’s at the University of Melbourne, students need to submit a personal statement, 2 professional LORs, and a CV. To write as per the university standards, you must seek help from professional resume, SOP, and LOR writers.
2. University of Sydney
One of Australia’s 6 sandstone universities, the University of Sydney was built in 1850. It is ranked 18th in the world and 2nd in Australia, as per the QS World University Rankings 2025. It is known for teaching post-graduate programs like Management, Computer Science, Commerce, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Design. Notable alumni include former Australian PM Tony Abbott, Rose Byrne, Geraldine Brooks, Anthony Albanese, and Akhilesh Yadav.
The Sydney International Student Award recognizes the academic achievements of foreign students and covers 20% of their tuition fees. To apply for this scholarship, students must prepare a personal statement of 200 words, describing how the university’s program will benefit them in having a better future. To avail of such prestigious scholarships, one must take help from professional SOP writers who are familiar with the nuances of academic writing. As part of the application process for a Master’s degree, at times students might need to submit a portfolio and a resume outlining their previous work experience.
3. University of New South Wales (UNSW)
Founded in 1949, the University of New South Wales is a member of the Group of Eight, a coalition of research-intensive universities. It has partnerships with over 200 universities in the world. It is ranked 1st in Australia for graduate employment outcomes. Its most sought-after Master’s courses are Business Administration, Civil Engineering, Project Management, Environmental Engineering, City Planning, and Robotics. Among its alumni list, we have Scott Morrison (former PM of Australia), Rebel Wilson, George Miller, Peter Garrett, and Pranav Mohanlal.
An international student with a good academic record, enrolled in a full-time Master’s course at the university, is entitled to the UNSW International Student Award. It covers 15% of their tuition fees. A student has to write a 500-word personal statement, to apply for this scholarship. As part of the application process for a Master’s here, students based on their programs, might need to submit a portfolio of their work, and LORs, and may be called for an interview as well.
4. University of Queensland
The University of Queensland was established in 1909. It is located in Brisbane and is part of Australia’s Group of Eight Universities. It has a strong foothold in the fields of science, medicine, and technology. It has developed two cervical cancer vaccines. It is quite popular for its Master’s programs like Data Science, Computer Science, Business, Architecture, Information Technology, International Law, Financial Mathematics, and MBA.
Famous people who were students here are Geoffrey Rush, Quentin Bryce, Peter Doherty, Mark McGowan, Dorothy Hill, and Janet Fielding. The University of Queensland grants the International Onshore Merit Scholarship to overseas students, reducing their tuition fees to between AUD 5,000 and AUD 10,000. As part of the admission requirements, students need to submit a Cover Letter and a resume.
5. Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
The Queensland University of Technology was formed in 1849. It has world-leading facilities including the Science and Engineering Centre which is a model for teaching and research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. They offer executive education and professional development through online platforms like QUTeX, and QUT online. It is widely known for its postgraduate courses like Applied Finance, Human Resource Management, Integrated Marketing Management, International Business, Marketing, and Professional Accounting.
Prominent people to have attended the Queensland University of Technology are Deborah Mailman, Brenton Thwaites, and Gigi Edgley. The QUT Real World International Scholarship covers 20% of your tuition fees for the 1st year of your degree. It is awarded to students who have performed well in academics. Some Master’s courses at QUT require students to give referee reports, interviews, questionnaires, professional training, accreditation or registration, and access to related work or facilities.
6. Australian National University (ANU)
Built in 1946, the Australian National University is situated in Canberra, the capital of Australia. As per the QS World University Rankings 2025, it is placed at the 30th position. Some popular Master’s programs include Finance, MBA, International Management, Global Securities and Strategy, Actuarial studies and statistics, Nursing, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts. Among its faculty and alumni, it has 6 Nobel laureates and 49 Rhodes Scholars.
The ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship is designed to attract a diverse range of high-caliber overseas students to study at ANU. It selects students based on their academic merit and covers 25-50% of their tuition fees. Students interested in pursuing a Master’s degree at ANU, need to submit a CV, and 2 LORs and appear for an interview.
7. Monash University
Monash University is the 2nd oldest university in Australia. It was established by an Act of Parliament in the year 1958. It is a part of the Australia’s Group of Eight research universities. It offers a wide range of Postgraduate courses like Global Business, Marketing and Digital Communications, Business Innovation, Public Health, Public Policy and Management, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Urban Design, Environment and Sustainability.
The Monash University International Merit Scholarship is awarded to foreign students with a minimum average of 85%, who are about to enter a full-time PG course at the university. If you have enrolled in a research-related course, then you need to submit a research proposal and a LOR. Apart from this, you might be asked to be a part of a group discussion or appear for an interview.
8. University of Adelaide
Located in the heart of the city of Adelaide in Australia, the University of Adelaide was founded in the year 1874. It is the 3rd oldest university and is recognized as one of the most research-intensive universities in Australia. Its most sought-after Postgraduate courses are Computer Science, Cybersecurity, AI and Machine Learning, Data Science, Education, Business Administration, Computing and Innovation, and Business Analytics. Julia Gillard, the 1st female PM of Australia has been a student of the University of Adelaide.
It offers the Global Citizens International Scholarship under which academically meritorious students receive a 15% or 30% reduction in their tuition fees, for the duration of their PG studies. To apply for a PG course here, students are required to submit an SOP and an LOR. To ensure that you write effectively, take help from experienced SOP and LOR writers.
9. Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)
Known for its contemporary architecture and Victorian-era buildings, RMIT was established in 1887. In the world, it ranks among the top universities for studying architecture. It is quite popular for having a multidisciplinary approach to studying design. It is Australia’s 7th oldest university. RMIT is known for offering Master’s programs in the following subjects that are Architecture, Information Technology, Analytics, Communication Design, Global Studies, Interior Design, AI, Biotechnology, Mental Health Nursing, Animation, Games, and Interactivity.
RMIT graduates are considered to be some of the most employable in the world. RMIT’s Future Leaders Scholarship is meant for foreign students who will commence a Master’s degree at the university. It covers 20% of their tuition fees. Based on the program you have applied for, you need to submit a CV, a statement of completion, and a personal statement and you also might be asked to appear for an interview.
10. University of Technology, Sydney (UTS)
The University of Technology, Sydney was formed in the year 1988. It is ranked 4th globally, for graduate employability. It is also a founding member of the Australian Technology Network. It offers a variety of popular Postgraduate courses such as Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Data Science, Cyber Security Engineering, Business Analytics, Accounting Ethics and Governance, and Environmental Engineering. It has been home to several Fulbright Scholars, John Monash Scholars, and one Rhodes Scholar.
The UTS Postgraduate International Scholarship was established to attract foreign students who are about to start a full-time Master’s course at the university. It covers 20% of their tuition fees. While applying to a PG program here, applicants must submit a CV, portfolio, and/or a personal statement. A brief research proposal might be asked from students who have enrolled in a research-based course at UTS. To improve your chances of admission, contact study abroad consultants who deal with resume and SOP writing services.
Admission Requirements for Studying Masters in Australia
To study for a postgraduation degree in Australia, you need to meet the following requirements:
- A recognized bachelor’s degree certificate or 15 years of education with a strong academic background.
- Official transcripts and certificates from previously attended institutions.
- A decent GMAT or GRE score along with good scores in English language proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
- Based on the program you have applied for, universities might ask you to submit a portfolio, resume, SOP, LOR, and at times a research proposal as well. This is done to know about how your interest in a particular field began, and what motivates you to pursue it further and make a career out of it. Academic documents play an essential role in a college application as well as while applying for university scholarships. To ensure that your application stands out from the rest, you must seek assistance from experienced academic writers, especially SOP and LOR writers.
- Depending on the course, you have applied for, certain universities might ask you to be a part of a group discussion or appear for an interview.
Education Costs for Pursuing Masters from Australia
You should know that in Australia, the fees are not calculated based on a per-year basis, but as per the units you have enrolled in a course. Each unit has a separate band of subjects which are selected by the students themselves. This results in students having different fee structures. However, the average cost of pursuing a Master’s in Australia would be somewhere between AUD 22,000 and AUD 50,000 per year. International students, on the other hand, need to pay more based on their choice of location, living costs, and accommodation, which would be somewhere around AUD 2,042.
There are many ways through which you can manage your tuition fees. For instance, you can always choose a university especially a public university that charges much less than a private one. Other than that, you can apply for a scholarship or a grant given by a university or an institution. Most of the scholarships offered are based on your academic performance or your nationality or cultural affiliation. Apart from that, you can also apply for education loans for which you can get help from study abroad consultants.
Conclusion
The decision to study in Australia is like an investment for a good future. In the long run, it comes with numerous benefits in your academic and professional career. With world-class technology, research, and teaching facilities students get to be a part of a holistic educational environment. This allows them to maximize their potential and enhance their skills and knowledge base. By having connections with major companies and institutions in the world, Australian universities offer various placement opportunities for their students. Other than that, they are known for their higher graduate employability rate.
To ensure quality education is accessible to all, these universities offer numerous scholarships as well. Having a good academic score is not the only necessary prerequisite to getting admission to an Australian university. Universities pay a keen interest to an applicant’s resume, research proposal, SOP, and LOR, as this helps them to evaluate your personality and inclination towards pursuing a Master’s in a specific field. To ease your worries regarding a college application, contact study abroad consultants like Contentholic. We provide expert career counseling, visa guidance, and SOP and LOR writing services. Do, feel free to reach out to us.
