Study a Master's Degree in Australia: Top Courses, Costs & PR Tips

Getting a Master’s degree in Australia can do more than you think.

It can be beneficial for your study and migration plans if:

• You want to be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) Post-Higher Education Work stream. 

• You want to gain more points for skilled migration.

• You want to change your career or specialise in a new field.

It can be the key to any of your goals. But considering the cost, time and energy you’ll spend on it, is it really worth it? Read more to find out.

Completing a master's degree can have the following advantages for your migration goals in Australia:

1. Qualify for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)

Under the Post-Higher Education Work stream, if you’re studying a Master’s coursework, you can stay up to 2 years. If you’re studying a Master’s by research, you can stay up to 3 years. 

• Master’s coursework - stay 2 years on a 485 visa

• Master’s by research - stay 3 years on a 485 visa

2. Add more points to your EOI

If you want to apply for permanent residency through a skilled visa in Australia, you will need a minimum of 65 points in your expression of interest. 

Completing a master’s degree can gain you 15 points. But if you completed a Master’s by research in STEM or ICT fields, you can gain an additional 10 points. In summary: 

• Master’s degree - 15 points

• Master’s by research in STEM or ICT fields - +10 points

3. More work rights for you and your partner

If you have a partner (like a spouse or de facto partner), they can come with you to Australia as your dependent. And if you are studying a Master’s by coursework or research, your partner will have unlimited work rights. Meaning, they can work full-time while you study.

4. Apply for a subclass 485 visa until you’re 50 years old

The age limit for the Australian Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa is 35, but if you completed a Master’s by research degree in Australia, you can apply until you’re 50. 

“A Master’s degree by coursework in Australia provides 15 points in the Expression of Interest (EOI). For those who complete a Master’s by research in STEM or ICT fields, an additional 10 points may be awarded, making it an even stronger pathway.

If the degree is undertaken in a designated regional area, candidates may gain a further 5 points, enhancing their competitiveness.

Importantly, for Master’s by research graduates, the age limit to apply for the subclass 485 visa is extended to 50, compared with the standard cut-off age of 35 for those who did not complete research-based studies.”

- Michael Li, registered migration agent at IDP (MARN 1802068)

1. Better career opportunities locally and globally 

In many countries, a Master’s is now the minimum to stay competitive in the job market. If you don’t plan to stay in Australia, having a Master’s qualification here can set you up for opportunities back home, where you can have better chances of qualifying for higher-salary roles. 

2. More employment opportunities

Studying a master’s degree in Australia can help you find better job opportunities. 

In 2024, 53% of undergraduates secured full-time jobs after finishing their degree, while 77% of postgraduate research graduates did. This shows higher employability rates among postgraduate degree holders. 

3. Stronger career outcomes and higher pay

In 2023, international postgraduate research graduates earned a median salary of $92,000. This is much higher than the $65,000 for undergraduates. This shows that a master’s degree doesn’t just build your knowledge, it also helps you earn more and find better job opportunities.

Did any of these benefits make you think “Wow, that’s actually great!”, and you want to know more about how it can help you personally?

Our migration and education experts at IDP can offer personalised advice for you. 

If you have any questions or contemplations about pursuing a master’s degree in Australia, don't hesitate to talk to our friendly counsellors for free. 

When choosing a Master’s degree in Australia, one of the first decisions you’ll make is whether to take a coursework or research pathway. Both are recognised at the postgraduate level, but they serve very different goals.

Master’s by Coursework

This is the most common type of Master’s program for international students. It’s designed to build your skills in a specific profession or industry through lectures, group work, case studies, and practical projects.

• Ideal if you want to upskill or change careers

• Usually completed in 1 to 2 years

• Common in fields like IT, Public Health, Business, and Social Work

You’ll graduate with the knowledge and qualifications to enter the workforce, or, in many cases, to apply for a post-study work visa or permanent residency.

Master’s by Research

If you're aiming for an academic or research career, this pathway is for you. Master's by research in Australia involves working closely with a supervisor on an independent research project, sometimes as preparation for a PhD.

• Strong focus on original research and thesis writing

• Access to labs, funding, and university research facilities

• Usually completed in 2 years or more

Many research-based programs come with longer post-study work rights, giving you up to 3 years of stay after graduation.

The cost of master’s programs in Australia (per year) ranges from AUD 32,000 to 60,000. This cost varies according to your course (science courses tend to be more expensive) and the university.

As an international student, you’ll have to pay the full fee for a master’s program.

But you can also apply for scholarships if you need help affording your studies. 

What do we mean by popular courses?

The most popular courses in Australia among international students are those that have strong job demands and PR opportunities.

These programs lead to jobs that are in Australia's Skilled Occupation List (SOL), which is important if you’re aiming for a post-study work visa or permanent residency.

Here are the top Master’s programs for international students in Australia:

1. Master of Education

A Master of Education is ideal for those looking to become educational leaders, curriculum designers, or policy professionals. It can help you qualify for teaching registration (if combined with a teaching qualification) and pursue leadership roles in early childhood, primary, or secondary education.

• Course outcomes: School leadership, curriculum development, education consulting, international education policy

• Average fees: AUD 40,300–45,792 per year

• Duration: 1 to 2 years

• Roles in the Skilled Occupation List (SOL): Primary School Teacher, Secondary School Teacher, Special Education Teacher

Sources: The University of  Queensland, Monash University, Department of Home Affairs - SOL

2. Master's in Public Health

A Master of Public Health will train you to tackle global health challenges through evidence-based practice. This is popular among health and science graduates because it’s aligned with Australia’s public health workforce shortages, and often includes research or practicum components.

• Course outcomes: Health promotion officer, epidemiologist, health policy analyst, global health consultant

• Typical fees: AUD 32,000–44,000 per year

• Duration:  1.5 to 2 years

• Roles in the SOL: Environmental Health Officer, Health Promotion Practitioner, Public Health Manager

Sources: IDP Postgraduate Public Health courses, Deakin University, Department of Home Affairs - SOL

3. Master's Degree in IT

With global demand for skilled tech professionals, a Master’s in IT offers pathways into high-growth fields like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and cloud computing. Many graduates are eligible for the 3-year post-study work visa.

• Course outcomes: Software engineer, cybersecurity analyst, data scientist, cloud solutions architect

• Typical fees: AUD 32,200–53,900 per year

• Duration: 1.5 to 2 years

• Roles in the SOL: ICT Business Analyst, Software Engineer, Cybersecurity Specialist, Data Scientist

Sources: Monash University, University of Melbourne, Department of Home Affairs - SOL

4. Master of Science 

A Master of Science in Australia allows students to deepen their expertise in scientific fields like biotechnology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. Many programs offer research options or internships, making it a great choice if you are planning to pursue a PhD or a career in R&D.

• Course outcomes: Lab researcher, environmental scientist, biotech consultant, academic researcher

• Typical fees: AUD 34,000– 56,000 per year

• Duration: 1.5 to 2 years

• Roles in the SOL: Biotechnologist, Environmental Consultant, Physicist, Materials Engineer

Sources: Victoria University of Wellington, University of Melbourne, Department of Home Affairs - SOL

5. Master of Social Work

A Master of Social Work prepares students for diverse roles in mental health, child protection, community services, and social justice sectors. It is also a professional pathway to:

• Registration as a qualified social worker in Australia

• Case management and counselling roles

• NGO and government work in Australia or abroad

  • Course outcomes: Registered social worker, mental health caseworker, family support practitioner

  • Typical fees: AUD 30,000– 42,300 per year

  • Duration: 2 years

  • Roles in the SOL: Social Worker, Welfare Worker, Community Worker

Sources: University of Western Australia, Monash University, Griffith University, Department of Home Affairs - SOL

6. Master of Nursing

With Australia’s ongoing demand for healthcare professionals, a Master of Nursing allows international students to upskill into leadership or specialised clinical roles. It’s also a pathway to meeting NMBA registration requirements and accessing regional healthcare jobs.

• Course outcomes: Nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator, aged care manager

• Typical fees: AUD 33,000 - 51,300 per year

• Duration: 1.5 to 2 years

• Roles in the SOL: Registered Nurse (Aged Care), Clinical Nurse, Nurse Educator, Nurse Manager

Sources: Southern Cross University, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Department of Home Affairs - SOL

7. Master of Business Administration (MBA)

A Master of Business Administration is ideal for international students who want to take on leadership roles or launch their business ventures. It equips you with core business skills, such as strategy, finance, marketing, and people management that you can apply across industries. Some universities, like RMIT, offer hands-on learning with real companies and also provide an Executive MBA for experienced professionals

• Course outcomes: Business consultant, marketing manager, operations manager, strategy lead, startup founder

• Typical fees: AUD 28,990–69,000 per year

• Duration: 1.5 to 2 year

• Roles in the SOL: Management Consultant, Corporate General Manager, Sales and Marketing Manager

Sources: University of Queensland, RMIT University, University of the Sunshine Coast, Department of Home Affairs - SOL

I want to know the accurate cost of my target course

I want specific course details

There’s no single “best” university for a master’s program.

Instead, the right university for you depends on what you want to study and what you want to achieve after graduation.

For example, one university might be highly regarded for engineering and technology, while another is better known for business or healthcare. So, rather than focusing on overall rankings, the best approach is to first decide on your study area and then look for universities that are strong in that field.

Let’s say you’re interested in studying business. A university that ranks high globally may not necessarily offer the strongest business program or the best industry connections in that area. 

On the other hand, a university with a more modest international ranking might have excellent graduate outcomes and partnerships in the exact field you want.

That said, here are some universities known best for each of the programs we discussed above.

Master of Education

• University of Melbourne

• Monash University

• University of Sydney

• The University of Queensland

• UNSW Sydney

Master's in Public Health

• Central Queensland University (CQUniversity Australia)

• University of Southern Queensland

• James Cook University

Master's Degree in Information Technology

• The University of Melbourne 

• The Australian National University (ANU) 

• The University of New South Wales (UNSW) 

• The University of Sydney 

• Monash University 

Master of Science 

• University of Melbourne

• Australian National University

Master of Social Work

• The University of Melbourne

• Monash University

• The University of Queensland

• Curtin University

Master of Nursing

• University of Technology Sydney

• University of South Australia

• Adelaide University

• The University of Queensland

• Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

• Melbourne Business School

• University of Sydney Business School

• UQ Business School

• Macquarie Business School, Macquarie University

• University of Western Australia Business School

• RMIT University School of Business and Law

If you’d like, we can help you compare specific programs based on your interests and career plans. 

We’ll also show you which universities offer strong student support, good employability outcomes, and even regional advantages if PR is part of your long-term goal.

Let’s start by narrowing down your field of study, and from there, we can shortlist the universities that may be best for you and your long-term study and migration goals.

Talk to an IDP counsellor for free now. 

Completing a master’s degree in Australia is a big achievement — and for many international students, it’s also a potential step toward permanent residency (PR).

But let’s be clear: studying a master’s degree does not automatically lead to PR There’s no guaranteed outcome.

However, your qualification can open the door to visa pathways that may eventually lead to PR, if you meet the requirements.

Here’s how you can plan your next steps:

1. Apply for a Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV)

Most graduates of a master’s degree are eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). This visa lets you live, work, and gain local experience in Australia for up to 3 years after graduation.

Tip: Studying in a designated regional area can give you extra time on your PSWV (up to 2 additional years).

2. Align Your Degree With a Skilled Occupation

To become eligible for most PR visas, your nominated occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

Explore which roles your degree aligns with, and check the visa pathways available for that role:

• Skilled Independent visa (189) – points-tested, no sponsorship

• State Nominated visa (190) – requires a state/territory nomination

• Regional visa (491) – requires nomination and work in a regional area

3. Gain Relevant Work Experience

During your PSWV, aim to work in a job that’s related to your nominated occupation. This can help you:

• Meet skills assessment requirements

• Improve your points score

• Boost your chances for state or regional nomination

4. Prepare for a Skills Assessment

Before applying for most skilled visas, you’ll need a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority (e.g., AITSL for Education, ACS for IT, AHPRA for Nursing).

Each authority has its own criteria. This may include:

• Specific qualifications

• Work experience

• English test scores

Check the requirements early so you don’t miss out later.

5. Consider Regional Migration

Some states and territories prioritise applicants who:

• Studied in a regional area

• Have strong ties to that region (e.g. work, residence)

If you’re open to relocating, this can be a more achievable pathway, especially through subclass 190 or 491.

Here’s the truth that a lot of international students don’t always hear:

Taking the wrong steps now can lead to a dead end later.

If your long-term goal is to get PR, but you study a course that doesn’t lead to an eligible occupation, or doesn’t help your migration points, you could end up wasting years of your time and thousands of dollars, without getting any closer to staying in Australia.

That’s why, at IDP, we start with your end goal in mind.

From the moment you speak with us, we look at your long-term plans, including your interest in PR, and help you choose a master’s course that aligns with the skilled migration pathways.

We support you through:

• Course matching based on your career and migration goals

• Visa application guidance for your student and post-study work visas

• PR planning support, so you understand what steps to take and when

Whatever your goals are for studying a master’s degree, we’ll help you take the right steps.

Maybe you’re wondering if you’ll qualify for your target course. 

Or you’re worried about costs. 

Maybe you’re hesitating. You want to make sure that your master’s degree could help you secure a job and lead to a PR pathway.

It’s a big decision to make, and one wrong step could lead to wasted time, money, or opportunities.

These are all valid worries, but you shouldn’t let overthinking and uncertainty hold you back. 

Why not consult the experts? At IDP, we have helped thousands of international students like you study and stay in Australia.

Ask our friendly education counsellors any questions about your study and PR plans. We’ll make sure you get the best unbiased and transparent advice that can help you figure out the next best step for your study and long-term goals. 

Sources: 

Master’s by research vs course work: Monash University, IDP Education 

Top master’s programs: IDP Education India, RMIT

SOL and PR pathways: Department of Home Affairs

Best universities: Times Higher Education, QS Top Universities