Doing a master's or postgraduate degree in Australia is one of the decisions that most boosts a professional career: internationally renowned universities, programs connected to industry and an environment where English becomes a real work tool. In this guide we explain, step by step and updated for 2026, how it works, what you will be asked for and what to keep in mind before taking the leap.
Why study a master's in Australia
Australia is home to several of the world's most highly rated universities and offers postgraduate degrees that are very practice-oriented, with internships, projects and direct links to companies. Add to that three advantages that carry a lot of weight at postgraduate level:
- Internationally recognised programs in English, ideal for making a professional leap.
- The chance to work while you study to cover part of your expenses.
- An important advantage for those travelling as a family: in many master's programs, a dependent partner can usually work with no hour limit. We look at this in detail below and in our guide to studying in Australia with family.
Master's by coursework vs by research
In Australia, master's degrees broadly fall into two formats:
- Master's by coursework: the most common. It is based on classes, assignments, exams and, often, internships or a final project. It is the usual option for anyone who wants to specialise and improve their professional profile.
- Master's by research: centred on a supervised research project and usually the prelude to a doctorate (PhD). It normally requires prior research experience and a solid proposal.
The right choice depends on your goal: to specialise and work, or to move towards academic research. On the video call we help you define which one best fits your profile.
Admission requirements
Although each university sets its own conditions, the typical requirements for a master's in Australia are:
- A prior bachelor's or undergraduate degree, normally in a field related to the master's. Some programs also value or require work experience.
- A proven English level, usually IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0) or equivalent PTE, although the minimum varies depending on the university and the program.
- Meeting the Genuine Student (GS) requirement: demonstrating that your real intention is to study. We explain it in depth in our guide to the student visa requirements.
- Once admitted, obtaining the CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment) to apply for the subclass 500 student visa.
How long does a master's take?
Most master's degrees in Australia last between 1 and 2 years full time. The exact duration depends on the field, the format (coursework or research) and whether your prior degree lets you credit part of the credits and shorten the program.
Indicative costs
University fees vary a lot depending on the institution, the city and the field of study. As a general reference:
| Item | Indicative cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| University master's fee | $22,000 β $35,000 per year (varies a lot) |
| OSHC health insurance | From ~$52 per month (varies by insurer and duration) |
| Living costs funds to demonstrate | Amount set by the Government; may be updated each year |
Indicative figures for 2026; each university publishes its official fees and the Government sets the living costs amounts. We give you a realistic budget for your specific case.
Working during your master's
With the student visa you can work while studying your master's:
- You, as a student: up to 48 hours every two weeks while the course is in session, and with no hour limit during the program's holiday periods.
- Your dependent partner: in many master's programs, they can usually work with no hour limit βan important advantage over other study levels, where the partner is also limited to 48 hours per fortnight.
These conditions are set by the Government and must be confirmed for each case, but at postgraduate level they can make a big difference to the family budget. We expand on this in working and studying in Australia.
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π₯ Book your free video callPossible pathways after your studies
On completing certain postgraduate programs, there is the possibility of applying for a post-study work visa that allows you to stay and work in Australia for a time. It is something many students value when choosing their master's.
How we help you (and why with us)
- π’ Our own office in Melbourne and our own staff who support you from start to finish.
- π‘οΈ Migration assistance provided by a registered migration agent (MARN 2318321, AnuPreet Singh).
- π― We help you choose the master's and the university with the best value for money for your profile and goals.
- π We prepare your admission and your evidence (English, Genuine Student, funds) carefully to minimise the risk of refusal.
- π€ We support you on arrival: accommodation, bank account and job search.
- π¬ Close support by video call and WhatsApp. +800 students over the last 8 years.
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π₯ Book your free video callFrequently asked questions
Normally a related prior bachelor's or undergraduate degree, a proven English level (usually IELTS 6.5 or equivalent PTE, depending on the university), meeting the Genuine Student requirement and, after admission, the CoE to apply for the subclass 500 visa. Some programs require work experience or a portfolio.
Most last between 1 and 2 years full time, depending on the field, the format (coursework or research) and whether your prior degree allows credits to be transferred.
As a guide, fees usually range from AUD $22,000 to $35,000 per year, although this varies a lot by university and program. On top of that come OSHC, living costs and the cost of living.
In many master's programs, a dependent partner can usually work with no hour limit, unlike other study levels. The conditions are set by the Government and must be confirmed in each case.
There is the possibility of a post-study work visa after certain programs, but it is neither automatic nor guaranteed: it depends on the requirements in force and the decision rests with the Department of Home Affairs. We guide you based on your profile.