Masters Study in Australia: 2026 Guide

You can study a Masters degree at one of 43 world-renowned universities in Australia. They usually take between one and two years to complete with intakes starting in February and July. Australian Masters degrees cost between AUD $22,000-$50,000 per year (USD $14,200-$32,280) but, when budgeting, you must think about accommodation costs and the general cost of living as well. International students will need to apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) to study in Australia.

Australia is famous as the home of beautiful weather, relaxed living and diverse sport and leisure opportunities. But did you know, six Australian universities are also among the world’s top 100?

Australian universities

There are over 40 universities in Australia.

The majority are public institutions, administered and funded by the Australian federal government.

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

These are the top five universities in Australia according to the Times Higher Education world rankings, in order:

• University of Melbourne
• The University of Sydney
• Monash University
• Australian National University
• UNSW Sydney

Types of Masters degrees in Australia

Length of a Masters degree in Australia

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

Traditional academic courses taught entirely by coursework are generally 18 months long.

Degrees that include foundational training or require vocational placements (like some Change of Direction or Professional Masters) may be longer.

If you’re looking for the length of a particular course you can check you university website or our course listings.

The academic year

The academic year in Australia begins in February.

It runs across two teaching semesters from February to June and from July to November.

Intakes

Australian universities often offer two intakes – one in February and the other in July.

Some professional courses are only available to start in February so check with your university before you apply.

Applying for a Masters in Australia

Australian universities are free to set their own application and admissions requirements.

These are likely to vary slightly between the different types of Masters degrees

The cost of a Masters in Australia

The average fees is between AUD $22,000 and $50,000 per year (USD $14,200-32,280).

This could be reduced to between AUD $4,445 and $16,323 for Commonwealth supported students, who pay a smaller ‘student contribution fee’.

You may also need to consider the cost of admissions tests such as the GRE and GMAT, English language tests and any other study materials you may require.

Cost of living

The Australian government estimates that students will need to budget AUD $2,042 (USD $1,338) per month.

This will vary according to your location, choice of accommodation and lifestyle.

Cost of accommodation

University accommodation in Australia is typically between AUD$346 (uncatered) to $484 (catered) per week (USD $237-332), and this often includes utilities.

In private accommodation, a room in a flat (shared house) could be upward of AUD $140 to $293 per week (USD $96-201), as a rough estimate.

An apartment can cost much more than this and include utilities, as shown in the table above.

Budgeting when living in Australia

Once you have sorted your accommodation, you’ll want to make sure you budget for other essential costs.

We’ve put together some typical costs and compared this to the average costs of living in the USA.

Australian student visas

Most international students will need to apply for the Student Visas (Subclass 500).

It allows international students to undertake full-time study in Australia.

It is usually granted for the duration of your course (up to 5 years).

Visa eligibility criteria

• You must have been accepted by an Australian university and have obtained a Certificate of Enrolment (CoE). This is an official document issued by the university once you have paid the tuition deposit.
• If you’re not a native speaker, you’ll need to provide evidence of your fluency in English. You can provide English language test results, which you might have provided when applying for your course as well. Most recognised English language tests are accepted by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
• You’ll need to show you have a minimum of AU$29,710 (US$18,519) in savings to cover costs while you study. The actual living costs may be more than this amount, depending on where you live and your lifestyle.
• All students have to fulfill the Genuine Student test. You’ll need to give information about your current circumstances (including family, employment and economic situation), motivations to study your particular course and it’s benefits to you and any other information you’d like to include.

Applications

The application itself is straightforward and is completed online.

If you’re applying for the visa from outside Australia, you must apply at least 8 weeks before the start of your course.

There are some documents you’ll need at hand to complete your visa application.

• The Certificate of Enrolment (CoE)
• Bank statements, letters of sponsorship or funding to prove you meet the financial requirements.
• English language test results
• Health insurance documents
• Passport
• Your CV
• Previous academic transcripts

You can also check the Australian government’s visa document checklist to know what you’ll need.

Costs

You’ll have to pay an application fee of AU$2,000 (US$1,317) when you make the application.

There is an extra charge if your family members (dependants) are applying with you.

The Australian Government provides a searchable database of all visa costs.

Visa processing times

The Australian government estimates that 90% of student visas are processed within 57 days.

However, it can take longer depending on whether you need to provide any further supporting evidence, or if you’re applying for any dependants as well.

You can check current wait times on the Australian government’s Immigration and Citizenship website.

Bringing family to Australia on a student visa

You are allowed to bring family with you on an Australian student visa.

A family member can be your spouse or your or your spouse’s dependent child.

You’d need to declare them as part of your application, even if they are not travelling to Australia with you. Your family members must also meet the Australian government’s requirements for health and character.

Working while studying in Australia

According to the conditions of your student visa, you can work for 48 hours a fortnight during term time.

This limit doesn’t include placements, internships or other activities required by your course.

Voluntary / unpaid work isn’t included in the limit either, as long as it benefits the community, is for a non-profit organisation and satisfies certain other conditions.

You can work unlimited hours during the holidays.

Note that your right to work while studying abroad in Australia only applies for the duration of your course.

You can’t work until your registration period has started and will lose your right to work in Australia if you exit your course.

Living in Australia as a Masters student

Unless you’re averse to great weather, exciting wildlife and beautiful geography, it’s likely that the appeal of spending time abroad in Australia probably doesn’t need to be explained to you.

Frequently Asked Questions