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Our Guides to Masters Study in Australia – 2025
Australia is famous as the home of beautiful weather, relaxed living and diverse sport and leisure opportunities. But did you know that it’s also the world’s third most popular destination for study abroad?
As an international student studying a Masters in Australia, you’ll have the chance to take advantage of the unique educational opportunities that its universities offer and join more than 370,000 other students every year.
Why study a Masters in Australia?
- World-class reputation – There are six Australian universities among the world’s top 100 (according to Times Higher Education), reflecting the country’s academic excellence.
- Unique research opportunities – Australia’s oceans and beaches may be famous as a surfer’s paradise, but they also offer unparalleled potential for environmental science research. After all, how many other countries give their marine biologists the chance to explore the Great Barrier Reef?
- Internationally recognised courses - Modelled on the British degree system, Australian Masters degrees are respected around the world.
- Fantastic climate and quality of life – Along with enviable year-round sunshine, Australia enjoys its status as one of the world’s safest and most stable countries.
| Masters Study in Australia - Overview | |
|---|---|
| Universities | 43 |
| Oldest University | University of Sydney (1850) |
| Course Length | 1-2 years |
| Average Fees | AUD $22,000-50,000 per year (USD $14,200-32,280) |
| Academic Year | February to November |
Where can you study a Masters in Australia?
There are over 40 universities in Australia. The majority are public institutions, administered and funded by the Australian federal government. Some maintain multiple campuses, but most are located within specific cities – with the greatest concentration on the eastern coast.
We’ve looked at the best universities in Australia according to some of the most popular world university rankings. To help you make sense of these rankings we have a guide on how to use postgraduate university rankings.
| University | THE 2025 | QS 2025 | ARWU 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | 39 | 13 | 37 |
| Monash University | =58 | 37 | 82 |
| The University of Sydney | 61 | 18 | 74 |
| Australian National University | =73 | 30 | 101-150 |
| University of Queensland | 77 | =40 | 201-300 |
| Information in this table is based on the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings and Academic Ranking of World Universities. Visit their websites for more information. | |||
Types of Maters degree in Australia
You can study a Masters in Australia in a few different formats. Some courses build directly on your undergraduate study. Others provide advanced training to boost your current career – or switch to a new one. Which type of Masters you study depends on your subject and career goal, but this overview should help you get started.
- Traditional Masters are academic courses, offering the chance to study a specific subject in more depth. They are similar to degrees awarding qualifications like the Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc) in countries like the UK. These courses are delivered through a combination of teaching and / or research , with most including a final dissertation or similar project.
- ‘Change of direction’ Masters are for students who are looking to switch academic pathways or gain additional expertise in a new area. They often start by giving you a grounding in the core principles of your new subject, before providing advanced training in a certain specialism. These are similar to the postgraduate conversion courses in countries like the UK.
- Graduate entry professional qualifications are for candidates who have already completed an undergraduate degree and want to qualify professionally in a related career. These courses are ideal if you intend to enter a regulated profession. If you wish to become a teacher, for example, you could use a Graduate Diploma or Master of Teaching to add professional training to your existing knowledge of a specialist subject. As an international student you should make sure Australian professional qualifications are recognised in your home country before committing to one.
- Professional development Masters are for candidates looking to enhance their careers through additional training. For example, you might be an experienced teacher wanting to develop your management skills, or a marketing professional looking to improve your digital media expertise. Unlike graduate entry professional Masters, these courses usually require existing qualifications and experience.
Research Masters degrees in Australia
Most Australian universities offer research-based Masters degrees as well. These will usually be academic courses; however, some professional courses can include extended practical placements.
You can study a Masters by Research as a terminal (final) qualification in Australia or, if you wish to progress to doctoral research, you may be able to upgrade your degree to a PhD.
Your university will set its own application process for postgraduate research degrees, but you will normally be expected to provide a research proposal. This doesn’t have to be final, but it should demonstrate the potential of your work and its suitability to the department and supervisor you are applying to work with.
Length of a Masters degree in Australia
The exact length of your Masters degree will depend on the type of course you study and its content. In most cases, a Masters degree in Australia takes 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 in Australia
The academic year in Australia begins in February. It runs across two teaching semesters from February to June and from July to November.
Australian universities often offer two intakes – in February and July. However, some professional courses are only available to start in February so check with your university before you apply.
Starting your Masters degree in February may seem strange if you’re used to an academic year beginning in September (this is particularly likely if you’re a current undergraduate, expecting to finish in the summer). Having some time between the end of your Bachelors degree and the beginning of your Masters may be helpful. You’ll have space to organise your application and perhaps even acclimatise to Australia before your degree starts (subject to the conditions of your visa, of course).
Now that you know what to expect from a Masters course in Australia, you can read our guides on applications, visas and more!
Think you’re ready to find your perfect Masters Down Under?
Search our database of Masters courses in Australia .
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