A complete guide on the top Australian universities to choose for your Masters

When searching for the best study-abroad destination to pursue your Masters degree, Australia is a worthy consideration for many reasons. The country offers a high quality of living, top-class education and research opportunities, and excellent potential for employment. Additionally, you can work part-time as you study and comfortably finance your study stay in the country. Moreover, Australia welcomes students from culturally diverse backgrounds from all over the world.

Australia is home to some of the finest universities spread across different states in the country, each offering something unique to students in terms of both learning and campus facilities. This article highlights the top 5 universities in Australia that are renowned for their comprehensive Masters courses. 

Top Universities in Australia for a Masters

Australia is home to many universities that offer both domestic and international students a chance to pursue advanced studies such as Masters after completing their Undergraduate degrees. Many universities in Australia for Masters rank high in the QS World University Rankings 2024. The top 5 of these institutions are detailed below:

Related Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings?countries=au&sort_by=rank&order_by=asc

  • The University of Melbourne: One of the top universities in Australia for Masters courses, the University of Melbourne has 8 campuses with exclusive facilities designed for student learning and research.

Some of the top Masters courses preferred by international students at the university are Master of Mechanical Engineering, Master of Food Science, Master of Urban Horticulture, Executive Master of Arts, and Master of Arts and Cultural Management.

Students seeking admission to Australian universities for Masters must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Completion of a recognised UG degree from a recognised Indian university

Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with at least 6.5 or higher, and not less than 6.0 in any band of the test

Related Source: https://study.unimelb.edu.au/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements/other-ways-to-satisfy-english-language-requirements#navigation-test

Location

Melbourne, Australia

Type of University

Public

QS Ranking

14

Popular Courses

Master of Mechanical Engineering

Master of Food Science

Master of Urban Horticulture Executive Master of Arts

Master of Arts and Cultural Management

Course Duration

1-2 years

Avg Tuition Fee

AUD 48,640 (indicative annual fee for PG course)

IELTS test score required

6.5

Related Source: https://study.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0028/341893/FEE_TABLE_INTERNATIONAL.pdf

Some popular campus facilities at the University of Melbourne include research programs for students, well-stocked libraries with international academic and fictional titles, eLearning and IT, an amphitheatre, and seminar rooms.

In addition, students can participate in various societies and clubs, campus sports facilities, language clubs, industry events and seminars, and student volunteering activities as part of recreation.

University accommodation and residential colleges are the two main accommodation options available on campus for international students arriving in Australia to pursue a Masters at the University of Melbourne.

Students completing Masters degrees at the university are then eligible to apply for various jobs in Australia, such as Marketing Director, Data Analyst, Business Development Manager, Data Scientist, and Quantity Surveyor.

  • The University of Sydney: The next on the list of top 10 universities in Australia for Masters is the University of Sydney. It has been consistently ranked among the top 20 universities in the world, as per QS World University Rankings 2024.

The notable Masters programs at the University of Sydney are the dual degree of Bachelor of Arts and Master of Nursing - Indigenous Studies, Bachelor of Science and Master of Nursing - Pharmacology, and Master of Music Studies in Performance.

The general entry requirements for Masters programs at the university include:

  • Tertiary qualification from a recognised university or institute in India or any other specific program-specific requirements as laid out by the university. These may include submission of a portfolio, prior study in a specific academic subject related to the PG course pursued, and relevant work experience.

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with at least 5.5 or higher

Location

Sydney, Australia

Type of University

Public

QS Ranking

19

Popular Courses

Bachelor of Arts and Master of Nursing - Indigenous Studies

Bachelor of Science and Master of Nursing - Pharmacology

Master of Music Studies in Performance

Course Duration

1-3 years

Avg Tuition Fee

AUD 49,500 (indicative annual fee for PG course)

IELTS test score required

5.5

Related Source: https://www.sydney.edu.au/courses/courses/pc/master-of-digital-communication-and-culture.html

Campus facilities at the University of Sydney include research facilities, art galleries, historical museums, libraries, and laboratories.

Students can also indulge in group fitness classes every week or participate in varied university sports events.

The university provides 3 main residential options on campus to make international students feel welcome and comfortable in Sydney. These facilities are equipped with single study rooms and spacious living areas.

Some of the top job roles that students completing Masters programs at the university can apply for are Clinical Provider, Environmental Compliance Manager, Governance Officer, Dietitian, and Research Officer.

  • The University of New South Wales (UNSW): Ranked among the top universities in Australia for graduate employment, UNSW is renowned the world over and consistently attracts international students every year.

Some of the most popular Masters courses offered at the university include Master of Education in Educational Studies, Master of Mining Engineering - Mine Management, and Master of Marine Science and Management.

Students can apply for any of the above courses by meeting the following entry requirements:

  • Completion of Undergraduate qualification or its Indian equivalent from a recognised or accredited university or higher study institution

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with at least 6.5 overall on the test

Related Source: https://www.unsw.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements#studyabroadexchangestudents

Location

Sydney, Australia

Type of University

Public

QS Ranking

19

Popular Courses

Master of Education in Educational Studies

Master of Mining Engineering - Mine Management

Master of Marine Science and Management

Course Duration

1-2 years

Avg Tuition Fee

AUD 55,040 (indicative annual fee for PG course)

IELTS test score required

6.5

Related Source: https://www.unsw.edu.au/study/postgraduate/master-of-mine-geotechnical-engineering?studentType=International

Special care is taken at UNSW to ensure student safety by installing 24-hour CCTV monitoring systems, alarm systems, and 24-hour security patrols around the campus.

Additionally, students can avail of a bookshop on campus, cafe, fitness and aquatic centre, sports facilities, career counselling, and chaplain services as well.

To make room for accommodation for international students, UNSW provides purpose-built residences and private student accommodation off campus.

Graduates from the university are likely to find lucrative career prospects in fields such as engineering, nursing, hospitality, social work, and psychology.

  • Australian National University (ANU): This university is highly popular in Australia for housing the highest number of Nobel winners in its alumni and faculty, among all other Australian universities.

ANU offers international students a wide array of Masters programs in different disciplines, some of which are Master of International Management - Project Management, Master of Forests (Advanced), and Master of Computing - Artificial Intelligence.

Some of the standard admission requirements for the courses at ANU are listed below:

  • A Bachelor’s qualification from an accredited Indian university that is recognised by ANU

  • Other qualifications as recognised by the Australian Qualifications Framework

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with at least 6.5 overall on the test

Related Source: https://policies.anu.edu.au/ppl/document/ANUP_000408?utm_source=IDP&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=IDP

Location

Canberra, Australia

Type of University

Public

QS Ranking

34

Popular Courses

Master of International Management - Project Management

Master of Forests (Advanced)

Master of Computing - Artificial Intelligence

Course Duration

1-2 years

Avg Tuition Fee

AUD 96,070 (indicative fee for PG course)

IELTS test score required

6.5

The campus at ANU is well-designed to ensure absolute student comfort through spacious outdoor areas, common rooms, and study spaces. In addition, students also have easy access to restaurants, shops, and public transportation.

Campus accommodation for students at ANU includes both catered and self-catered accommodation, and each option has a large residential community equipped with all the necessary amenities for comfortable living.

Some of the highly sought-after jobs in Australia after completing Masters from ANU include Project Manager, Senior Software Engineer, and Data Scientist.

  • The University of Queensland: One of the top universities in Australia for Postgraduate programs, this university has also been enjoying the prestige of being one of the top study institutions in the world. Its popularity can be attributed to the university's excellent academic and research options.

Among the many brilliant courses offered at the University of Queensland, the ones that are the most selected for Masters programs include Master of Social Work (Qualifying), Master of Communication, and Master of Clinical Psychology.

The eligibility requirements for Masters courses at the University of Queensland are as follows:

  • A recognised Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study, similar to the one pursued at a Masters level

  • Some courses may prefer prior professional experience in a relevant industry as well

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with at least 6.5 overall on the test

Related Source: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/programs/master-architecture-5429#entry-requirements

Location

Queensland, Australia

Type of University

Public

QS Ranking

43

Popular Courses

Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

Master of Communication

Master of Clinical Psychology

Master of Forests (Advanced)

Master of Computing - Artificial Intelligence

Course Duration

1-2 years

Avg Tuition Fee

AUD 44,960 (indicative fee for PG course)

IELTS test score required

6.5

Related Source: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/programs/master-architecture-5429#overview

Students at the University of Queensland have access to some of the finest research and learning spaces, all fitted with advanced technology. The university houses one of the top research libraries in Australia, in addition to 8 research institutes recognised globally. It also provides one of the world's fastest and most advanced information networks.

For student recreation, libraries, food courts, shopping arenas, and fitness and healthcare centres are provided.

UQ Residences Homes are highly popular among international students as comfortable and affordable accommodation options. Alternatively, private residential options are also available off campus per student preference and budget.

Students completing Masters degrees from the University of Queensland are entitled to apply for a variety of career roles, some of which include Population Health Analyst, Environmental Compliance Manager, and Governance Officer.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost for Masters in Australia?

The actual cost of the program may vary from one university to another. However, the average cost of pursuing a Masters degree at a top Australian university is estimated at AUD 44,960 (approximately).

Related Source: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/programs/master-architecture-5429#overview

2. What is the minimum requirement for pursuing a Masters in Australia?

Most Australian universities accept students for Masters programs after they have completed a Bachelor’s qualification or an equivalent from outside of Australia from a recognised study institution.

3. What is the salary after Masters in Australia?

The average salary of a graduate in Masters from a leading Australian university is roughly around AUD 85,000 per annum.

Related Source: https://www.payscale.com/research/AU/Degree=Master_of_Science_(MS)/Salary

4. Is it worth going to Australia for a Masters?

Absolutely! Australia has many top-ranked universities as per QS World University Rankings 2024. Also, the career prospects for graduates of Masters courses in Australia are pretty rewarding and promising.

5. What are the popular Masters programs in Australian universities?

Some of the most popular Masters courses preferred by international students at Australian universities include:

  • Master of Marketing

  • Master of Public Health

  • Master of Commerce

  • Master of Information Technology

  • Master in Advanced Finance

6. What is the duration for a Masters program in Australian universities?

Most universities in Australia offer Masters courses for around 1-2 years. However, the actual length of the program may vary from one university to another in Australia.

7. What IELTS score is required for a Masters at Australian universities?

The acceptable IELTS score for most Masters courses offered at Australian universities ranges between 5.5 and 6.5. However, each university may specify a different score for IELTS for different PG programs.

8. Does Australia have 1 year Masters?

Yes, Australian universities do offer Masters programs with a total duration of 1 year.

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