A detailed guide to the top MS Universities in Australia for international students

An MS or Masters of Science degree can be the next step towards advancing your career and professional growth. If you are a student of science or technology with a specialisation in STEM subjects, an MS is key to a rewarding job role with attractive pay packages. Pursuing the course overseas can double these benefits. Australia is one of the top study-abroad destinations offering MS courses in various STEM subjects. At least 9 Australian universities of the top 100 international universities rank in the QS World University Rankings 2024. This article covers the top universities in Australia that are the most popular for MS degrees among international students.

Top Universities in Australia for MS

The section below lists the top 5 universities in Australia for MS programs. These universities are ranked in order as per QS World University Rankings 2024.

The popular MS programs preferred by international students at the university include Master of Financial Mathematics, Master of Genome Analytics, and Master of Food Science and Agribusiness.

The entry requirements for each course may vary. Some of the standard admission criteria include:

  • A Bachelor’s in the relevant discipline with a major in subjects with a Maths base, such as Physics, Statistics, and Engineering

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall 6.5 band in the test

Documents Required for MS in Australia for Indian Students:

  • Official transcripts of all grades secured, mark sheets, and courses pursued

  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)

  • Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

  • Completed application form

  • Passport copy (valid for travel to Australia)

  • Valid student visa for Australia

  • Updated CV

The admission deadlines for different universities offering MS courses in Australia may vary. Most universities accept applications from February to July. However, some only accept student admissions in September or January. You may have to check with the specific university you apply to for its admission deadline.

Location

Melbourne

Type

Public

QS Ranking

42

Avg Tuition Fees

AUD 53,000 (indicative annual fee)

Popular Courses

Master of Financial Mathematics

Master of Genome Analytics

Master of Food Science and Agribusiness

Course Duration

2 years

Related Source: https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/actuarial-studies-b6014?international=true#application-fees

Campus facilities at Monash University include clubs run by students for social events and trips. Additionally, there is a well-stocked library, advanced technological study areas, and convertible classrooms. On-campus accommodation is also part of Monash University in Melbourne.

Jobs & Annual Salary After MS in Australia

Expected Job Role

Average Annual Salary (Approx)

Food Technologist

AUD 69,477

Data Scientist

AUD 88,156

Senior Software Engineer

AUD 115,840

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

  • University of Western Australia: Another top university to study MS in Australia is located in the western part of the country and renowned for top-notch academic and research options.

Some notable MS programs that can be pursued at the University of Western Australia are Master of Professional Engineering - Biomedical Engineering, Master of Renewable and Future Energy, and Master of Agricultural Economics.

Some of the standard admission criteria for some of these courses include:

  • A Bachelor’s qualification or an Indian equivalent degree recognised by the University of Western Australia

  • Studies in Biological or Medical Sciences or any other discipline related to the course pursued

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall 6.5 band in the test

Documents Required for MS in Australia for Indian Students:

  • Official transcripts of all grades secured, mark sheets, and courses pursued

  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)

  • Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

  • Completed application form

  • Passport copy (valid for travel to Australia)

  • Valid student visa for Australia

  • Updated CV

The admission deadlines for different universities offering MS courses in Australia may vary. Most universities accept applications from February to July. However, some only accept student admissions in September or January. You may have to check with the specific university you apply to for its admission deadline.

Location

Perth

Type

Public

QS Ranking

72

Avg Tuition Fees

AUD 46,400 (indicative annual fee)

Popular Courses

Master of Professional Engineering - Biomedical Engineering

Master of Renewable and Future Energy Master of Agricultural Economics

Course Duration

1-2 years

Related Source: https://www.uwa.edu.au/study/courses/master-of-biomedical-science#fees-and-scholarships

Campus facilities at the University of Western Australia include multiple libraries, a School of Molecular Sciences, a dedicated learning area for Maths and Engineering students, a trading room, and more.

Students feel free to hang out at the campus cafes, clubs, and shops at leisure. They can also avail the essential services of a hairdresser, pharmacy, ATM, keycutter, and shoe repairer. To accommodate international students, the university provides on-campus student housing centres and a private accommodation plan as well.

Jobs & Annual Salary After MS in Australia

Expected Job Role

Average Annual Salary (Approx)

Financial Manager

AUD 125,000

Computer & Information Systems Manager

AUD 140,000

Nurse Anaesthetist

AUD 165,000

  • RMIT University: This is one of the oldest study institutions in Australia, having existed since 1887. The university invites applications from numerous international students every academic year.

These students prefer a wide variety of MS programs at the university, some of which include Master of Data Science, Master of Laboratory Medicine, and Master of Geospatial Science.

To apply at RMIT University, international students must adhere to the following criteria:

  • A Bachelor’s degree of at least 4 years of full-time study in a relevant subject with honours

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall 6.5 band in the test

Documents Required for MS in Australia for Indian Students:

  • Official transcripts of all grades secured, mark sheets, and courses pursued

  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)

  • Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

  • Completed application form

  • Passport copy (valid for travel to Australia)

  • Valid student visa for Australia

  • Updated CV

The admission deadlines for different universities offering MS courses in Australia may vary. Most universities accept applications from February to July. However, some only accept student admissions in September or January. You may have to check with the specific university you apply to for its admission deadline.

Location

Melbourne

Type

Public

QS Ranking

140

Avg Tuition Fees

AUD 73,920 (indicative annual fee)

Popular Courses

Master of Data Science

Master of Laboratory Medicine

Master of Geospatial Science

Course Duration

2 years

RMIT campus houses research foundations, academic departments, and technical schools. In addition, students can join numerous clubs and societies and stay fit at the fully-equipped gym and multi-purpose indoor and outdoor courts.

On-campus accommodation facilities include student residence halls and private apartments for rent off-campus.

Jobs & Annual Salary After MS in Australia

Expected Job Role

Average Annual Salary (Approx)

Senior Data Scientist

AUD 155,000

Technical Support Engineer

AUD 84,000

Principal Software Engineer

AUD 178,000

Related Sources: https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/melbourne-senior-data-scientist-salary-SRCH_IL.0,9_IM965_KO10,31.htm

https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/melbourne-technical-support-engineer-salary-SRCH_IL.0,9_IM965_KO10,36.htm

https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/melbourne-principal-software-engineer-salary-SRCH_IL.0,9_IM965_KO10,37.htm

  • University of Wollongong: One of the finest universities in Wollongong, Australia, this study institution offers a variety of courses to international students in STEM fields and other disciplines.

Some top MS courses offered at the University of Wollongong are Graduate Certificate in Biofabrication, Master of Earth and Environmental Sciences, and Master of Medical Biotechnology.

The eligibility criteria for MS courses at the university are listed as follows:

  • A Bachelor of Science qualification from a recognised university in India, including a related Science subject

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall 6.5 band in the test

Documents Required for MS in Australia for Indian Students:

  • Official transcripts of all grades secured, mark sheets, and courses pursued

  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)

  • Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

  • Completed application form

  • Passport copy (valid for travel to Australia)

  • Valid student visa for Australia

  • Updated CV

The admission deadlines for different universities offering MS courses in Australia may vary. Most universities accept applications from February to July. However, some only accept student admissions in September or January. You may have to check with the specific university you apply to for its admission deadline.

Location

Wollongong, Australia

Type

Public

QS Ranking

162

Avg Tuition Fees

AUD 69,312 (indicative annual fee)

Popular Courses

Graduate Certificate in Biofabrication Master of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Master of Medical Biotechnology

Course Duration

2 years

Related Source: https://coursefinder.uow.edu.au/information/index.html?course=master-medical-biotechnology

Students can avail several campus facilities at the University of Wollongong, such as multiple libraries fully stocked with numerous academic resources, sports, and healthcare facilities. Moreover, there is a technologically advanced planetarium with 4k laser projection.

The university also provides on-campus accommodation to international students in the form of self-catered houses, studio apartments, and specific rooms for international. There is also a free shuttle bus service to the city and beach.

Jobs & Annual Salary After MS in Australia

Expected Job Role

Average Annual Salary (Approx)

Software Engineer

AUD 83,241

Information Technology Manager

AUD 109,668

Data Analyst

AUD 75,461

Related Sources: https://www.payscale.com/research/AU/Job=Software_Engineer/Salary

https://www.payscale.com/research/AU/Job=Information_Technology_(IT)_Manager/Salary

https://www.payscale.com/research/AU/Job=Data_Analyst/Salary

  • Curtin University: One of the younger institutions in Australia, operational for less than 50 years, Curtin University has earned a global reputation in the academic and research arenas.

The university offers top MS courses in Master of Cyber Security, Master of Predictive Analytics, Master of Chemical Engineering, and Master of Clinical Physiotherapy.

International students applying for MS courses at Curtin must meet the following admission requirements:

  • Undergraduate degree from a recognised Indian university

  • Any specific entry requirements for each course must also be met

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall 7.0 band in the test

Documents Required for MS in Australia for Indian Students:

  • Official transcripts of all grades secured, mark sheets, and courses pursued

  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)

  • Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

  • Completed application form

  • Passport copy (valid for travel to Australia)

  • Valid student visa for Australia

  • Updated CV

The admission deadlines for different universities offering MS courses in Australia may vary. Most universities accept applications from February to July. However, some only accept student admissions in September or January. You may have to check with the specific university you apply to for its admission deadline.

Location

Perth

Type

Public

QS Ranking

183

Avg Tuition Fees

AUD 22,601 (indicative annual fee)

Popular Courses

Master of Cyber Security

Master of Predictive Analytics

Master Chemical Engineering

Master of Clinical Physiotherapy

Course Duration

1-2 years

Related Source: https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/fees/understanding-your-fees/tuition-fees/student-fee-calculator/

Some popular campus facilities at Curtin include Astrodome, a social media command centre, a media production studio, an engineering pavilion, a simulated hospital ward, a moot court, and a stock market trading room.

On-campus accommodations facilities at Curtin University are well-furbished and managed by the university’s management.

Jobs & Annual Salary After MS in Australia

Expected Job Role

Average Annual Salary (Approx)

Site Reliability Engineer

AUD 140,187

Software Engineer

AUD 106,824

Cyber Security Engineer

AUD 120,222

Related Sources: https://au.indeed.com/career/site-reliability-engineer/salaries

https://au.indeed.com/career/software-engineer/salaries?from=top_sb

https://au.indeed.com/career/it-security-specialist/salaries?from=top_sb

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to study MS in Australia?

The actual cost of each MS course varies from one university in Australia to another. However, the average fee of the program at a top Australian university is estimated at AUD 22,601 (indicative annual fee).

Related Source: https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/fees/understanding-your-fees/tuition-fees/student-fee-calculator/

2. Does Australia have 1-year MS?

Many Australian universities offer both one-year and two-year MS programs. You may check with a study-abroad expert for more details on 1-year MS courses at an Australian university.

3. Is it worth going to Australia for MS?

Yes, Australian universities that offer MS courses are renowned globally for top-class research academic infrastructure and faculty. The career prospects for MS graduates in Australia are also rewarding and attractive.

4. What is the salary after MS in Australia?

It may vary between different employers in Australia. The average salary earned after completing an MS degree from an Australian university will likely be AUD 106,824 (approximately). This may vary for different job roles.

https://au.indeed.com/career/software-engineer/salaries?from=top_sb

6. What are the popular MS programs in Australian universities?

Some of the popular MS courses at universities in Australia are:

  • Master of Cyber Security

  • Master of Predictive Analytics

  • Master Chemical Engineering

  • Master of Clinical Physiotherapy

7. What IELTS score is required for an MS at Australian universities?

This may be different for different MS programs at different universities in Australia. Most universities accept an average IELTS score of overall 6.5 in each band of the English proficiency test.

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