A powerful flow of overseas students study in Australia making it a global favourite higher education destination. Studying for a Master’s Degree in Australia is an interesting option for both domestic and international students. Length of Study varies based on discipline area, form of study, and previous qualifications, as well as individual university requirements.
Types of Master’s Degrees in Australia and Their Duration
The duration of a master’s degree in Australia mainly relies on the selected course. Master’s degrees are available from universities in diverse formats to accommodate different academic and applied interests.
Master’s by Coursework (1 to 2 Years)
Master’s by Coursework is the most commonly obtained postgraduate degree in Australia. Students follow a formalized selection of subjects, like you might do in an undergraduate degree, in addition to other assessments, like assignments, projects, or exams.
- Duration: 1 to 2 years
- Ideal for: Students seeking specialized skills to grow in their careers
- Examples: Business Administration (MBA); MEng; Master of Marketing
Master’s by Research (1.5 to 2 Years)
Some programs require you to complete research in your Master’s, like a master’s by research (i.e. 1.5–2 years). A Master’s by Research (research-based Master’s) is a research-based program for students to focus on specific research in an area of study, mentored by academics. This is a thesis degree and is often undertaken by students interested in obtaining a PhD.
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 years
- Best for: Students looking to do academic research or get a PhD
- Example: Master of Science MSc
Extended Master’s Degree (Up to 3 Years)
Several Australian universities offer extended master’s degrees, particularly in fields that demand extensive professional training. These are often more coursework-heavy, with programs as well including placements or internships.
- Duration: Up to 3 years
- Best for: Great for students pursuing a highly niche or professional degree
- Master of Clinical Psychology, Master of Architecture
Factors That Affect the Duration of a Master’s Degree in Australia
The duration of a master’s program in Australia depends on various factors such as the student’s academic background, mode of study, and course structure.
Previous Qualifications (Background with Degree of Bachelor)
The length of a master’s degree in Australia is typically influenced by a student’s prior qualifications:
- Related undergraduate degree: 1 to 1.5 years for a master’s program, for students who have an appropriate bachelor’s degree.
- Unrelated undergraduate degree: Students with bachelor’s degrees in unrelated fields, such as humanities or the arts may require around 2 years of schooling, as additional foundations may need to be covered.
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Study
Students can pursue a program full or part-time, affecting how long their master’s program will take to complete.
- Full-time students usually finish their degree within 1–2 years.
- Students studying part-time can take up to 4 years to complete the course allows.
Online vs. On-Campus Learning
A majority of Australian universities offer online master’s programs that allow students to earn their degrees remotely.
- Online programs offer flexibility, but students tend to take longer to finish.
- Durations for on-campus programs are carefully outlined and allow for much quicker completion.
Requirements for the University and Course
The course structure will differ from university to university. Some offer intensive programs where students can complete their studies in a shorter time, while others have internships or require a thesis to be submitted which can increase the length of time taken to complete their studies.
Entry Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Australia
To study for a master’s in Australia, the students have to fulfill the particular entry requirements, which consist of academic qualifications, ability in the English language, and work experience (for some programs).
Academic Requirements
- Most master’s programs require a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- Some programs will accept students from unrelated fields of study but may require prerequisite coursework.
English Language Proficiency
International students must take English proficiency tests, including:
- IELTS: 6.5 to 7.0 (depending on university)
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score ranging from 79 to 90
- PTE Academic: 58 to 65 minimum score
Work Experience (For Professional Degrees)
Certain programs, including the Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Social Work, may ask for work experience beforehand. They would usually ask for 2–5 years of relevant work experience.
Cost of a Master’s Degree in Australia
Master Degree Fees in Australia The tuition fees for a master’s degree in Australia depend on the university track, course, and whether you are a domestic or international student.
Tuition Fees
- Domestic students: AUD 20,000 – 50,000 per year
- International Student: AUD 25,000 – 60,000 per annum
Additional Costs
- Student visa: AUD 710 (2024)
- Cost of living: AUD 21,000 – 30,000 per year (includes accommodation, food and transport)
Scholarships and Financial Aid
There are also scholarships available at many universities, as well as government grants for international and domestic students. Here are some of the common scholarships:
- Australia Awards Scholarships
- Institution-Specific Scholarships
Post-Study Work Opportunities in Australia
International students who complete a master’s degree in Australia can apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which permits them to remain and work in Australia.
Post-Study Work Visa Duration
- Masters by Coursework: 2–3 years
- Research Master’s: 3–4 years
Career Opportunities after a Master’s Degree
The career prospects for master’s degree graduates from Australia are quite good. Some common industries that hire master’s graduates include:
- Engineering
- Information Technology (IT)
- Healthcare and Nursing
- Business and Finance
Conclusion
Depending on the type of program and prior academic background, a master’s degree in Australia will take 1-2 years. It is important to note that master’s programs can extend for about 3 years, especially in professional courses.
The form the degree takes (e.g. full-time vs. part-time, online vs. on-campus, Australian-style vs. US-style, etc) all affect the length of study. Australia is an attractive destination for students around the world, with world-class universities, a superior education system, and post-study work rights.
Prospective students planning to study in Australia should research the particular program they want to attend, including requirements, fees (tuition), and duration, to ensure they make sound decisions.
