Masters in Australia | Frequently Asked Questions

Studying a Master’s degree in Australia is a dream for many international students. The reason is Australia’s advanced education system, best universities and globally recognised degrees.  To get admission into the university of your choice, it is better to understand its eligibility criteria, application process, average fee and many more.

 

But how to choose the right university? Or what qualifications are required to pursue a Master program in Australia and what are the top universities offering this degree? All these questions are covered in this blog post. Let’s explore together the answers of all relevant questions about pursuing a Master’s in Australia. 

 

Is it worth pursuing a master’s degree in Australia?

Yes, Australia is a top destination to pursue a master’s degree for international students The country has world-class universities and advanced educational facilities. Here are some of the reasons why you should study a master’s degree in Australia:

 

• According to the 2023 QS rankings, Australian universities are in the top 100 in the world. 
• Australia is one of the safest countries for international students in the world, with the lowest crime rate.
• The research facilities are extensive and advanced, especially in fields like climate change and sustainable development. 
• Australian degrees are internationally recognised and allow students to explore job opportunities across the globe. 

 

What types of master’s degrees are offered in Australia?

Depending on your undergraduate degree, there are several different types of master’s degrees available in Australia. 

Traditional master’s

These academic courses enable you to become an expert in a particular area by studying it in depth. 

Change of direction master’s

If you want to change academic path or course, a master’s degree in a change of direction is a good choice. However, you should have a basic understanding of the fundamental concepts in your new field before moving towards specialisation.

Graduate entry qualifications

If you have completed an undergraduate degree and intend to become professionally qualified in the same sector, this is the ideal option for you. For example, if you want to teach, you can demonstrate your professional training via a Master of Teaching or Graduate Diploma.

Professional development master’s

If you want to become successful in your career through additional training, a master’s in professional development is a good option.  However, you must have the required qualifications and work experience as compared to get enrolled in this course.

 

What is the eligibility criteria to apply for a master’s degree in Australia?

You are required to meet certain requirements to be eligible for a master’s degree in Australia. However, the requirements for each course and university are different. Here are some of the general requirements: 

 

• You must have completed a recognized bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
• You must have appeared in English language proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
• You must meet the minimum GPA requirements specified by your chosen university or program.
• You must provide additional documents such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume or CV.

 

How do I apply for a master’s degree in Australia?

The admissions process for international students can be confusing. However, by following the proper steps, you can easily apply for a university of your choice. Below is an overview of the admissions process.

 

• Start by researching top universities and courses offered by them.
• Choose a university of your choice and select the program.
• Verify whether you meet the specific requirements of the course and the university. 
• Gather and organize all the required documents for your application. 
• Submit an online application to your chosen university. Make sure to fill out the form correctly. 
• If your application is approved, the university will send you an offer letter.
• Accept that offer letter and submit half of your average tuition fee if the university asks you to.  
• Once you have accepted the offer letter, the university will then send you a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE).
• Upon receiving your CoE, apply for the student visa visa through the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

 

What are the top universities to study Master’s in Australia?

Here is a list of the top 10 universities to study Master’s in Australia:

• The University of Melbourne
• The Australian National University (ANU)
• The University of Sydney
• The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
• The University of Queensland (UQ)
• Monash University
• The University of Western Australia (UWA)
• The University of Adelaide
• RMIT University
• The University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

 

Which master’s degrees are most in demand in Australia?

Here are some of the most popular master’s degree programs in Australia:

• Information Technology (IT)
• Engineering
• Health Sciences
• Business Administration (MBA)
• Accounting and Finance
• Law
• Education
• Psychology
• Achitechture
• Petroleum and Geosciences

 

What is the difference between a bachelor’s degree and an honours degree in Australia?

In Australia, a bachelor’s degree typically takes three to four years to complete and provides foundational knowledge in a specific field. It combines both theoretical and practical learning and prepares students for professional careers or higher studies.

 

On the other hand, an honours degree is a higher-level qualification that usually involves an additional year of study after completing a bachelor’s degree. During this year, students focus on a research project or thesis.  It provides students with a deeper understanding and practical knowledge of their field or niche.

 

Can you apply for a master’s degree without an honours degree in Australia?

Yes, you can apply for a master’s degree in Australia without an honours degree. Many Australian universities accept students who have completed a standard bachelor’s degree. However, you may be asked to have relevant work experience, especially for professional or coursework-based master’s programs. 

 

Moreover, some universities also offer programs or graduate diplomas that can lead to a master’s degree. However, the entry requirements differ for each program. Therefore, verify whether you meet the certain eligibility criteria for that particular course and university and then apply for it. 

 

Can I get into a master’s program without a bachelor’s degree in Australia?

Yes, it is possible to take admission into a master’s program in Australia without a bachelor’s degree.  However, keep in mind that this is not the traditional pathway. But, how can you do it? Here are some alternative pathways to get admission into a master’s degree without completing a bachelor’s degree:

 

• Some universities ask you to have work experience in a relevant field as a substitute for a bachelor’s degree. 
• You can start with a Graduate Certificate or Diploma, which are shorter than a full master’s program. 
• Some institutions may consider other qualifications equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. 

 

So, you can get enrolled in a master’s degree through a bachelor’s equivalent qualification or work experience. However, it’s best to check the specific entry requirements of the university and program you’re interested in.

 

Which is the best city to study a master’s programme in Australia?

Melbourne is one of the best cities to study a master’s programme in Australia. It ranks at the top of the student city rankings list due to its diverse student population and world-class education system.  Melbourne is home to various top universities, including:

• University of Melbourne
• Monash University
• RMIT University
• Deakin University
• Swinburne University of Technology
• La Trobe University
• Victoria University
• Australian Catholic University

 

These universities are famous for their research and academic excellence. Other famous cities for studying a master’s programme include Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, and Adelaide. Each city offers its own unique advantages. Choosing the best city for your studies depends upon personal preferences and interests. 

 

What are the cheap Australian universities for studying Master’s in Australia?

If you are looking for budget-friendly options to pursue your higher education in Australia, here are some of the cheap universities for you:

• University of Wollongong
• University of Tasmania
• Melbourne Institute of Technology
• Charles Sturt University
• Torrens University Australia
•  Kaplan Business School
•  Engineering Institute of Technology
• Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School
• University of Canberra
• University of Southern Queensland

 

What are the 1-year master’s degrees in Australia?

Here is the list of 1-year master’s degrees in Australia based on various categories:

Arts and social sciences

• Master of Creative Writing
• Master of International Relations
• Master of International Trade and Commerce Law
• Master of Public and Social Policy

Business

• Master of Accounting
• Master of Applied Economics
• Master of Applied Finance
• Master of Business Analytics
• Master of Commerce
• Master of Finance
• Master of Information Technology in Cyber Security
• Master of Information Technology in Networking
• Master of International Business
• Master of Management
• Master of Marketing
• Master of Media and Communications

Education

• Master of Early Childhood
• Master of Education

Engineering

• Master of Engineering in Electronics Engineering
• Information technologies
• Master of Data Science
• Master of Information Systems Management
• Master of Information Technology in Cyber Security
• Master of Information Technology in Internet of Things
• Master of Information Technology in Networking

Law

• Master of International Trade and Commerce Law
• Master of Laws
• Master of Public and Social Policy
• Media, communications and creative arts
• Master of Creative Industries
• Master of Creative Writing
• Master of Media and Communications

Science

• Master of Applied Statistics
• Master of Conservation Biology
• Master of Biotechnology
• Master of Data Science
• Master of Environment
• Master of Sustainable Development
• Security, intelligence and criminology
• Master of Counter Terrorism
• Master of Criminology
• Master of Cyber Security Analysis
• Master of Intelligence
• Master of Security and Strategic Studies

 

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, pursuing a master’s degree in Australia offers numerous benefits, including access to top-ranked universities, advanced research facilities, and a vibrant student life.

Whether you’re looking to advance your career, switch fields, or gain specialized knowledge, Australia provides a supportive and enriching environment for your studies. By understanding the eligibility criteria, exploring different types of master’s programs, and choosing the right city and university, you can make the most of your educational journey.