Explore Courses

Masters in Australia Eligibility Criteria & Requirements

Updated on 15 May, 2024

Neha Uppal

Neha Uppal

Sr. Content editor

While pursuing a master’s degree in Australia, every student wants to experience the enriching, inspiring, and unmatched experience there. Students often want to know about the eligibility criteria to study in Australia. They would like to know the best Australian universities offering master’s degrees and job openings following the post-graduation program. Some of the oldest Australian universities form a part of Go8 or a group of eight universities that are consistently ranked among the top universities on the global rankings.

A Master’s is a post-graduation degree that is pursued after completing graduation to enhance one’s skills in a specific scientific genre. This degree provides comprehensive research and study on a particular subject of choice, and these include molecular science, agriculture and environment, biological science, human science, psychological science, and others.

This article will give you an overview of everything related to study a master’s degree in Australia.

Why study master’s in Australia?

Global Rankings: According to the 2024 QS rankings, 7 Australian universities are ranked among the top 100 in the world.

Safety: Australia is renowned as one of the safest countries for international students, boasting some of the lowest homicide rates globally. The country prioritizes the safety of its students.

Research Opportunities: Australian institutions offer exceptional research opportunities, particularly in emerging fields such as environmental sciences. For instance, marine biology students are permitted to conduct their master's research in the Great Barrier Reef.

Internationally Recognized Programs: Australian degrees are universally accepted and esteemed by employers and higher education institutions worldwide.

Read More: How Much Gap Is Acceptable for Study in Australia?

Eligibility criteria for pursuing a master’s in Australia

We suggest you check your entry requirements before applying to any university. The most common requirements include

1) Undergraduate degree

2) English proficiency tests

3) GMAT/GRE 

Application Process for Master’s Study in Australia

Studying for a master’s degree in Australia involves the following steps in the application process:

Research and Choose a Course: Explore the available master’s programs in Australia to find one that aligns with your academic and career goals. Consider factors such as course content, university rankings, location, and eligibility requirements.

Meet the Entry Requirements: Check the entry requirements for your chosen program, including academic qualifications, English language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL scores), and any specific prerequisites. Ensure you meet the minimum criteria before proceeding.

Prepare Supporting Documents: Gather necessary documents, such as academic transcripts, degree certificates, proof of English language proficiency, CV, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and a valid passport.

Apply Online: Most Australian universities offer online application portals where you can create an account and submit your application. Fill in accurate information and upload the required documents.

Pay Application Fee: Some universities may require an application fee, which varies by institution. Pay the fee as instructed during the application process.

Await Admission Decision: After submitting your application, the university will review your profile and make an admission decision. This process may take several weeks to a couple of months. Stay in touch with the admissions office for updates.

Accept Offer and Obtain CoE (confirmation of enrollment): If you receive an offer of admission, carefully review the terms and conditions, including tuition fees and scholarships. If you accept the offer, follow instructions to secure your place and obtain a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from the university.

Apply for Student Visa: With the CoE, apply for a student visa (subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you meet visa requirements, including health insurance coverage.

Prepare for Departure: Make arrangements for accommodation, travel, and finances. Research the city or town where you'll be studying and familiarize yourself with Australian culture and lifestyle.

Keep in mind that the application process may vary between universities and courses, so visit the official websites for detailed and up-to-date information on specific application procedures.

Related Reads:

Cost of Study in AustraliaCost of MS in AustraliaSOP for Australia
Requirements for Studying in AustraliaJobs After MBA in AustraliaCost of living in Australia
How to Study in Australia from India?Study in Australia for Indian Students After 12th

Top Universities in Australia and their subject-wise rankings:

There are so many universities for Indian students to pursue quality education in Australia. Some of them are listed below in the table:

Subject 

University & QS Subject Ranking

Life science & Medicine

The University of Melbourne-18

The University of Sydney-27

The University of Queensland-31

Monash University- =31

The University of New South Wales-54

Engineering & Technology

The University of New South Wales-31

The University of Melbourne-=49

Monash University-=73

The University of Sydney- =68

The Australian National University -

Natural Sciences

The Australian National University

The University of Melbourne-57

The University of Sydney-=72

The University of New South Wales-52

Monash University-91

Social Science & Management

The University of Melbourne-=25

The University of New South Wales-27

The Australian National University

The University of Sydney-40

Monash University-51

Arts & Humanities

The University of Melbourne-22

The University of Sydney-=34

The Australian National University

Monash University-=64

The University of New South Wales-=48

Source: QS WUR by Subject 2024

Study in Australia – Important Read
Australian Government ScholarshipAsean Partner Scholarship
Melbourne University Acceptance RateThe Australian National University Acceptance Rate

Top Universities in Australia to study Master’s in Australia

University 

QS WUR 2024

The Australian National University34
The University of Melbourne14
The University of Sydney19
The University of New South Wales20
The University of Queensland43
Monash University42
The University of Western Australia72
The University of Adelaide89
University of Technology Sydney90
University of Wollongong162

QS Rankings 2024

Cost of Studying Master’s in Australia from India

The average program fee to study for a full-time Master’s degree in Australia is AUD $50,000 to AUD $65,760. Some of the programs in top universities in Australia do not offer part-time study or credit transfers.

More Resources for Australia:

Study in AustraliaWhy Study in Australia?IELTS Score for Australia
491 Visa AustraliaMBA fees in AustraliaEducation System in Australia
Job Opportunities in AustraliaPart-time Jobs in AustraliaTop Cities in Australia

Requirements to Study in Australia

The admission cycle in Australia commences in the month of February and July. The requirements to study master’s in Australia include English languages proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL, a Statement of purpose along with a bank statement reflecting financial capacity, and an Overseas Health Cover. 

Exams needed to Study master’s in Australia

Following are the exams you need to clear in order to study master’s in Australia:

Exam

Score

English Proficiency Exam

TOEFL- 90 or above

PTE- 72 or above

IELTS- 6.0 to 6.5

CAE- C1 certificate (65 and above) or C2 certificate 

GMAT680 or above
Medical College Admissions Test  

472 to 528 (overall scores)

118 and 132 (sectional scores) 

Law School Admissions Test or LSAT 150 or above

Application Procedure for Masters in Australia

The application window for Masters opens in the month of March in Australia but it can vary with the course and the institution. There are two semesters offered in Australia for masters but some educational institutions also offer programs in three semesters giving the student an opportunity to select from any of the intakes. 

The intakes in Australia are broken down into three and are as follows: 

  • Trimester 1: Starts late February/early March to late May/early June
  • Trimester 2: Starts late July/early August 
  • Trimester 3: Starts September to late November

Intake

Deadlines

Semester 1 (Late February/Early March intake)October-November
Semester 2 (Late July intake/Early August)April-May
Trimester 3September – November

Source: Official website of Australia

The July intake is preferred more by the students but the February and September intakes are equally good. To reach an informed decision around which intakes to opt for, the candidate should take into account the availability of the program of interest, academic records, acceptance rates,  entrance test scores, academic readiness, and job opportunities.

Also Read:

Scholarship for Master’s in Australia

Sponsored by the DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs) and ACIAR (Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research) along with the Department of Education, it offers UG/PG scholarships. Students applying for Australian partner universities and TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutions are eligible. Coverage is provided for the entire tuition costs, living costs, airfare, health insurance, along with miscellaneous costs. The total coverage period is two years. Scholars should return to India after finishing their education.

Name of the ScholarshipAward 

Eligibility

The University of New South Wales Business School$10,000 annuallyAcademic performance, leadership attributes, co-curricular activities, and more. 
University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship

$110,000

(100% coverage for fees)

Students are considered automatically, without having to provide dedicated applications
International Scientia Coursework Scholarship at the University of New South WalesThe scholarship comes in two parts, one which offers coverage for the total tuition costs and another component which is $20,000 per year for tuition chargesA scholarship program for international students taking up postgraduate or graduate courses at the institution
Monash MBA International Excellence in LeadershipTwo awards of amount $16,000 each Exceptional leadership skills and stellar academic record and an interview that needs to be cleared by the aspirant.
University of Sydney’s Dr Abdul Kalam International Postgraduate Scholarship50% of tuition costs for a yearThose with distinctions in their undergraduate courses can apply
University of Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship100% or 50% waivers on tuition fees for three-year UG courses. It may also be a remission of $10,000 on tuition costs for the first year. Stellar academic record 
Swinburne University$38,000 Stellar academic record and remarkable leadership skills
Sydney Scholars India Equity Scholarship$50,000 per year (throughout four years) and ten UG/PG students will receive $20,000 for the first year.15 UG/PG students will also be getting $10,000 as their scholarship amounts under this scholarshipOnly Indian students with a good academic record are eligible.
Vice-Chancellor International Scholarships SchemeOpen to international students interested in UG/PG courses with CRICOS registration
Griffith University50% of overall tuition costs for the entire length of the courseStellar academic record and remarkable leadership skills

Career scope after Master’s in Australia

According to the 2020 Graduate Outcomes Survey, the median salary of postgraduate coursework graduates was $87,400, while for postgraduate research graduates it was $93,000. 


Pathway Programs With Some Important Resources:

BCA in Australia, University of CanberraBBA in Australia, University of CanberraBCA in Australia, James Cook University
BBA in Australia, James Cook UniversityBBA in Australia, Torrens UniversityBachelor Degree in Australia
Study in AustraliaMBA in AustraliaScholarship for Indian Students in Australia
Exams for MS in AustraliaMBA fees in AustraliaJobs After MBA in Australia

Read More: How to settle in Australia from India?

Study in Australia with upGrad Abroad

upGrad Abroad has started uniquely designed programs that enable students to save money on tuition fees, and other expenses. Students enrolling in these programs will be studying a part of their program online and completing the course on-campus. 

Benefits of joining upGrad’s program:

  • Quality education at lower prices
  • Degree from international colleges/universities
  • Time-saving
  • Save up to 1/5th the education cost
  • End-to-end assistance for application and visa

 

Recommended Reads:

Universities in Australia for MastersUniversities in Australia for Masters in PsychologyUniversities in Australia for Mba Without Work Experience
Universities in Australia for MBAUniversities in Australia for MS in Computer ScienceTop Universities in Australia
Universities in Australia for PhdBest Universities for Aerospace Engineering in AustraliaSample SOP for Australian Student Visa
Best Universities in Australia for LawBest Universities in Australia for ArchitectureStudent Visa for Australia
MS in Mechanical Engineering in AustraliaMasters in Biotechnology in AustraliaMasters in Psychology in Australia

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a Master’s degree in Australia?

In Australia, most master’s degrees take one to two years to complete.

 

 


 

 

 

Why one should study in Australia?

– Due to diverse cultures, friendly natives, and high-quality educational experiences, many international students pick Australia as their master’s destination.
– There are eight Australian institutions in the top 150 universities in the world, demonstrating the country’s academic excellence and world-class reputation.
– Australian universities provide excellent options for students to obtain experience while studying by allowing them to work up to 20 hours per week during a semester.
– The Education Services for Overseas Students Act (ESOS Act) of Australia provides an extensive student support system that aids in the protection of overseas students studying in Australia.

How to apply for a master’s in Australia?

– First, do some research on the best university in Australia that offers master’s degrees.
– Get started on the application process.
– Have your application processed.
– Accept the offer.
– Prepare yourself for the departure.

What are the English language requirements to study in Australia?

You will be required to submit the results of English language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. The score required in these tests varies depending on the course you will be taking.

 

 


 

 

 

When should I begin making my application?

It will take 4-6 weeks for your university application to be processed, you should start the procedure at least 7-8 months before the start of the semester.

 

 

 


 

 

 

How much gap is accepted for Master’s in Australia?

The acceptance of a gap year or gap in studies for Master’s in Australia can vary depending on the university and program. While some universities may have specific policies regarding gaps in studies, many universities in Australia are generally open to considering applications from students who have taken a gap year or have had a gap in their studies.

Neha Uppal

Sr. Content editor

Neha Uppal is a passionate content creator and editor. She carries 7.5+ years of experience working with leading edutech companies where she worked as a Faculty, Community Manager, and Content Marketeer. At upGrad, she is helping out people keep informed about the scopes and opportunities of studying abroad via informational articles/blogs.

See More

TRENDING SEARCHES

Documentation

Study Abroad Resources

Top Reads

IELTS Exam

Other Exams