Australia is undeniably one of the best study-abroad countries for international students. Its outstanding quality of life, world-class educational system, breathtaking scenery, and pleasant weather are all excellent reasons why many international students choose to further their studies here.
In fact, Australia ranks third in the world in terms of the highest number of international students, and it’s home to six universities within the world’s top 100. If you’re a master’s student and have made up your mind to study in Australia, then it’s time to submit the applications!
And before you start this process, you need to understand how to apply for masters in Australia for international students. So, read on as in this guide, we will explain everything you need to know to study master’s in Australia, including the eligibility criteria, tuition fees, top universities, documents required, scholarships, intakes, and a lot more.
Cost of Studying Masters in Australia
The cost of studying in Australia is dependent on so many factors and varies from university to university. On average, international students should set aside a budget of at least AUD 30,000 and AUD 75,000 per year to study masters in Australia.
Here’s a breakdown of the Cost of Studying Master’s in Australia for international students:
Expense Category | Estimated Cost (AUD per year) |
Tuition Fees | AUD 22,000 – 50,000 |
Accommodation | AUD 10,000 – 22,000 |
Food & Groceries | AUD 4,000 – 7,000 |
Transportation | AUD 1,500 – 3,000 |
Books & Supplies | AUD 500 – 1,500 |
Health Insurance (OSHC) | AUD 600 – 800 |
Personal & Leisure | AUD 2,000 – 5,000 |
Note: The tuition fees for courses like Master’s in the Arts and Humanities are relatively lower as compared to study programs like Engineering, and Medicine.
Top Australian Universities Offering Masters to International Students
Here are some of the top universities in Australia that you can consider for a Master’s degree as an international student:
- The Australian National University (ANU)
- Monash University
- The University of Western Australia (UWA)
- The University of Adelaide
- RMIT University
- The University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
- The University of Melbourne
- The University of Queensland
- The University of Sydney
Eligibility Criteria to Study Master’s in Australia
Here’s the eligibility criteria that you have to meet if you want to study master’s in Australia:
Academic Requirements to Study in Australia
To study master’s in Australia, you must have an undergraduate degree. Moreover, every university in Australia has a different set of requirements and on the basis of it, these institutes enroll students.
Some universities in Australia require a GPA of 3.0 or equal. On the other hand, some universities need a minimum of 60% in your undergraduate degree. The academic requirements vary from university to university, so before submitting your application, verify that you meet the eligibility criteria.
English Language Requirements to Study in Australia
Just like the academic requirements, international students applying for master’s in Australia will also have to fulfill certain English language requirements. Australian universities want a language proficiency test for their applications. For IELTS, students need a minimum score of 6.0 (or equivalent), with no band score below 5.5.
Universities in Australia also accept various other English proficiency tests. These are:
- Duolingo
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- C1 Advanced
Documents Required to Study Masters in Australia
Sorting out all the necessary documents for your Australian study visa is quite a time-consuming process. This is why you’ll have to make sure to start it well ahead of time so you don’t miss anything.
First of all, visit the official university website where you’re applying and verify all the crucial documents and other paperwork required.
Make a list and start gathering all those important documents. Generally, every university in Australia will require the following documents from international students:
- Transcripts of your previous education
- Copies of your passport or ID card
- Your recent photos.
- Proof of language competency in English.
- The application form with your signature.
- The Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE).
- Your Overseas Student Health Cover insurance (OSHC).
- Financial statement
- A clean criminal record with the signature of police authorities.
- Letters of recommendation
Major Intakes in Australia for Masters Courses
In Australia, there are typically 3 major intakes, so do your research, select the intake that best aligns with your academic goals, and find out the exact dates when you should apply.
The following are the most popular intakes in Australia for international students:
- July Intake – Less competitive intake, has better weather but it depends on location.
- February Intake – Most popular, diverse course selection, most universities offer admissions.
- November Intake – May have limited course options, but could be ideal for those international students who need more time to prepare.
Step-by-step Process to Apply for Masters in Australia
The application process to study Master’s in Australia typically involves the following steps:
1. Choose the right course and university: Do your research and explore the available Master’s programs in Australia and the universities offering them. Then, select the ones that best align with your academic and professional objectives.
2. Check the eligibility criteria: Then, visit the university’s official website or consult with a credible study abroad consultancy like StudyWise to verify the entry requirements for your chosen program. Confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria before you move forward with the application process.
3. Gather crucial documents: Next, you need to sort out all the required documents mentioned on the official website of the respective university, which we have also discussed above.
4. Pay application fee: Some universities may require a certain application fee. However, some universities in Australia waive it for international students. So, confirm it and pay the fee if required.
5. Wait for the admission decision: After submitting your application, wait for the decision. Usually, for most Australian university applications, you can expect a decision within 2 to 3 weeks. Stay updated with the status of your application.
6. Accept the offer and obtain confirmation of enrollment (CoE): If there’s a positive decision on your application, you will receive an offer of admission from the university. So, carefully review all the terms and conditions. If you decide to accept the offer, make sure to follow all the instructions cited in the offer so you can obtain a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from the university.
7. Submit the application for a student visa: Once you have received the CoE, the next step is to submit your application for a student visa (subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Make sure that you fulfill all the visa requirements.
8. Prepare for departure: When you get the study visa to Australia, start preparing for your departure. Pack your stuff, look for accommodation, book your tickets, and plan your budget.
Note: Keep in mind that the application process to study master’s in Australia can vary based on different universities and courses, so always visit the official websites of the universities you are going to apply to in order to get detailed and up-to-date information on their specific application procedures.
Study in Australia with StudyWise
Now, you know how to apply for masters in Australia. If you need any additional information regarding the study visa or are feeling confused about the selection of the right courses or universities, feel free to contact us.
We, StudyWise, as the best study abroad consultants, are always here to help you out, and we put our best efforts into making your international education dreams a wonderful reality.
Contact us today and book a free consultation session with us!
FAQs:
How much gap is accepted for Master’s in Australia?
Most Australian universities accept a 1-2 year study gap for undergraduate programs and 3-4 years for postgraduate programs, but this can vary by institution. So, always check the specific guidelines of the university you’re applying to.
How to Apply for Masters in Australia?
There are different sets of requirements to apply for master’s in Australia, depending on the course and university you choose. For example, some Australian universities will prefer students with a GPA of 3.0 or equal, whereas others may require a minimum of 60% in your undergraduate degree. So, you will have to verify all these details from the university’s official website.
How much score is needed for Australia PR?
Students who want to apply for PR in Australia must score at least 65 points.