MS in Australia 2024: Universities, Cost, Eligibility, Jobs

Australia is one of the most preferred global study-abroad destinations. Many international students are pursuing higher education in Australia. MS in Australia is a 1-2 year degree, after completing their master’s degree, students are eligible for a one-year post-study work visa. MS in Australia costs  between $20,000-$ 50,000. 

More than 75% of students choose Management, Engineering, and Information Technology as their preferred MS courses in Australia’s top universities. On completion of either of the degree programs, students are eligible for a one-year post-study work visa.

MS in Australia: Universities, Cost, Eligibility

Australia is a top choice among global study abroad destinations. An increasing number of international students are opting for MS in Australia. It is typically a 1-2 year degree program. After completing their master’s degree, students may qualify for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which grants them the ability to work in Australia for up to 4 years. 

The cost of an MS program in Australia can differ based on several factors, including university, chosen program, and location.

When it comes to MS programs, Australia’s top universities are a beacon of excellence. Management, Engineering, and Information Technology are among the popular choices for international students, offering a world-class education that is highly respected and recognized globally.

Masters in Australia Costs: Key Pointers

The Masters in Australia fees are comparatively more affordable than other traditional destinations like US or UK. Students can expect an excellent educational framework based on the British Educational System for Higher Education. International students doing MS in Australia can also work up to 20 hours weekly during a particular semester. 

Universities in Australia offer excellent opportunities for gaining more experience while completing the course. The ESOS Act (Education Services for Overseas Students) provides a great support system for students in Australia. This helps in safeguarding the rights of international students in the country. 

The Australian government also deploys close to AUD 300 million to provide 3,000 scholarships to students across 55 countries.

Top 10 Universities and Their Popular Master’s Programs in Australia

MS in Australia Application and Requirements

To study for an MS in Australia, students must fulfill specific entry requirements, including English language, academic healthcare cover, and visa requirements. The academic year for MS in Australia is between February and November, wherein the application process starts in February and ends in July. 

A detail is listed below:

Academic Requirements

• An undergraduate degree in a relevant field is necessary. 
• Work experience and qualifications are required for most professional MS degrees in Australia.
• The top-ranking universities usually require standardized entrance test scores like GRE and GMAT. 
• Academic references are an essential admission requirement for MS in Australia. At least two letters of recommendation are required to submit applications.
• Additional documents like a statement of research (for research-based-MS), statement of intent, or personal statements are required along with the application package.

English Language Requirement Test

International students from non-native English-speaking countries must submit their English language proficiency (ELP) scores as proof. However, the requirements might vary among universities and specializations.  

Usually, the general score required for entering some of the top universities for MS in Australia is below.

• IELTS: 6.5 or above, 
• TOEFL: 80 or above, and 
• PTE: 58 or above

MS in Australia with Scholarships

The country offers numerous scholarships to attract international students from across the globe. Most students are flocking to Australian universities as the living standards in Australia are pretty high. To keep up with the living standards, sufficient funds become a necessity. 

Some students resort to different scholarships to keep pace with the high living standards and afford the educational fees. 

There are two kinds of scholarships available in the country-

•   Australian Government Awarded Scholarships
•   Scholarships Awarded by Australian Universities

Mentioned below is a list of scholarships awarded to students-

Disclaimer: Graduates must note that all course fees are approximate amounts subject to change depending on various conditions.

Post-Study Work Visa in Australia 

There are two types of post-study work visas offered in Australia. 

Post-study work stream

This visa is for bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral students from any recognized Australian university. Students who applied for the student visa after November 2011 are eligible for this visa. Your post-study work visa tenure will depend on the degree you have gained.

Graduate work stream

This visa will be given to students who meet all the Australian study requirements and hold eligible qualifications and skills for occupations listed on the SOL (Skilled Occupation List). The Graduate work stream visa is generally for students applying for vocational education or training qualifications. The duration of this visa is 18 months.

Please note that students graduating with a master’s by research degree will get a post-study work visa with three years of validity.  

Top Recruiters or Hiring Companies After MS in Australia

Completing a postgraduate degree in Australia, particularly a Master of Science (MS), can open doors to a rewarding career in the country. These study abroad programs equip you with advanced skills and expertise, making you a desirable candidate for leading Australian companies. 

This guide delves into the top recruiters and hiring companies actively seeking MS graduates in Australia, showcasing the potential career prospects awaiting you.

Generalist Recruitment Agencies

Australia boasts a well-developed recruitment landscape with numerous agencies specializing in various sectors. Some of the most prominent generalist recruiters who work with MS graduates include:

• Hays: A renowned name in the industry, Hays connects professionals across diverse fields, including IT, finance, construction, and engineering. They boast a strong network of companies and can be a valuable resource for MS graduates seeking a variety of career opportunities.
• Michael Page: With a global presence, Michael Page excels in placing professionals in engineering, marketing, healthcare, and other sectors. MS graduates may find it easy to identify positions at Michael Page that align with their specific skills and interests.
• Robert Half: Specializing in accounting, finance, and technology, Robert Half offers tailored recruitment solutions for both employers and job seekers. Their focus on these in-demand fields makes them a valuable resource for MS graduates.

Industry-Specific Recruiters

Many recruitment agencies cater specifically to certain industries like engineering, healthcare, and IT. These agencies maintain strong relationships with leading companies and can be a valuable first step for MS graduates seeking diverse career opportunities.

By combining generalist and industry-specific resources, you can build a targeted job search strategy that leverages your MS qualification and increases your chances of securing a fulfilling position in Australia.

Salary After MS in Australia 

Earning a master’s degree in Australia can be a smart investment in your future. MS study abroad programs equip you with advanced skills, translating to higher earning potential.

• Field of Study: According to a 2023 report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on advertised salaries, occupations requiring a Master’s degree qualification generally advertised higher salaries than those requiring a Bachelor’s degree. Specific fields within Science and Technology often command top salaries. For example, a 2022 report by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) suggests an average base salary of A$125,000 for experienced IT professionals with a Master’s degree.
• Industry: Specific industries tend to offer higher compensation for MS graduates. The ABS report highlights industries like Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, Finance and Insurance, and Mining as having some of the highest advertised salaries for occupations requiring a Master’s degree.
• Experience: Work experience plays a crucial role in salary negotiations. The longer your relevant experience, the higher your earning potential.
• Location: Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne generally offer higher salaries compared to regional areas. This is due to factors like cost of living and a higher concentration of jobs requiring specialized skills.

Salary Research Tools

While a single average salary isn’t available, these resources can help you research specific salaries for MS graduates in your chosen field and location:

• SEEK: This major Australian job board allows you to filter job listings by degree level, location, and industry (https://www.seek.com.au/).
• Indeed: Similar to SEEK, Indeed allows you to refine job search results based on various criteria, including education level, location, and experience (https://www.indeed.com/q-australia-jobs.html).
• Government Reports: The ABS website offers reports on the Australian labor market, including information on advertised salaries by occupation and location (https://www.abs.gov.au/).

By taking these factors into account and making use of the available resources, you can gain a clearer picture of potential salary expectations for MS graduates in Australia.

Sample Salary Ranges for MS Graduates in Australia

Here’s a table outlining the average salaries for some popular MS specializations in Australia:

By strategically choosing your MS specialization, gaining experience, and negotiating your salary effectively, you can significantly increase your earning potential after graduation in Australia.

Taxes for International Students in Australia

Any student with a permit to stay in the country for more than six months will be considered an Australian resident. This is because of tax reasons. If an international student is doing a part-time job in Australia and earning INR 13,40,050 or more, they must pay fiscal tax for the year ending as per country rules.

You can also take a unique route towards studying MS in Australia with a comparatively lower cost and more flexibility courtesy of platforms like upGrad Abroad. You can save on tuition fees greatly while benefiting from end-to-end support and assistance with all aspects, including visa applications, admissions, and others.

Get Free Counselling to Study in Australia 

PR and Australian Citizenship

Two key pathways for building a fulfilling career in Australia are Permanent Residency (PR) and Australian Citizenship. Let’s explore the requirements and eligibility for each option.

Permanent Residency (PR)

PR is a condition granted to individuals who can live and work indefinitely in Australia. It unlocks numerous benefits, including access to Medicare (Australia’s national health scheme) and the ability to sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency.

Here are some of the common ways to obtain PR in Australia:

Skilled Migration

This pathway targets skilled professionals with occupations recorded on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). You’ll need to meet specific skill and experience requirements, along with obtaining a positive skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority.

Employer Nomination Scheme

The Employer Nomination Scheme allows Australian businesses to sponsor skilled workers from abroad for permanent residency, specifically to fill positions where they haven’t been able to find qualified Australians.

Investment Visa

This pathway is for individuals who can invest a significant amount of money in Australia. The particular requirements differ based on the subclass of visa.

Australian Citizenship

While PR offers significant benefits, Australian citizenship grants you the full rights and responsibilities of an Australian citizen. This includes the right to vote in federal elections, hold certain government jobs, and apply for an Australian passport.

To be eligible for Australian Citizenship, you must generally:

• Be a permanent resident for at least four years.
• Meet residence requirements, which involve spending a certain amount of time physically present in Australia.
• Pass a citizenship test that evaluates your knowledge of Australian history, values, and institutions.
• Demonstrate a basic level of English language proficiency.

The choice between PR and citizenship depends on your individual circumstances and long-term goals. PR offers a quicker pathway to residency and employment in Australia, while citizenship grants you a deeper connection to the country and its democratic processes.

Both PR and Australian citizenship offer exciting possibilities for those who wish to build a future in Australia after their study abroad experience. By understanding the requirements and eligibility criteria, you can make an informed decision about the best pathway for you.

Conclusion

Australia continues to shine as a premier destination for international students, especially those pursuing a Master of Science (MS). With its world-class universities, diverse and inclusive culture, and robust support systems, Australia offers an exceptional educational experience. 

The availability of post-study work visas and abundant scholarships further enhance its appeal. Whether you're drawn to Management, Engineering, or Information Technology, an MS in Australia promises a rewarding academic and professional journey, making it a top choice for students worldwide.