Masters in Australia for Indian students: courses, costs and careers

Masters in Australia from India.

We updated this guide on 15 October 2026.

A masters is a career decision first.

The right course builds skills employers value. The right plan keeps your costs clear.

We've answered the questions Indian students ask most about a masters in Australia, so you can choose with confidence.

Why do Indian students choose a masters in Australia?

  • Recognised qualifications. Australian masters degrees sit within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), at Level 9.

  • Career focus. Many courses include industry projects, placements or internships.

  • Course choice. From IT and engineering to business, health and education.

  • Work while you study. Up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session.

  • Post-study work. Eligible Indian graduates can stay up to three years after a masters under the Australia–India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA).


Should I choose the course or the country first?

The course. Then the country.

Start with the career you want. Work backwards to the skills you need. Then find the course that builds them.

Australia is a strong option when its courses match your goal.

What types of masters are there?

Australia offers three types:

Type

What it is

Good for

Masters by coursework

Taught units, projects and sometimes a placement

Building professional skills for industry

Masters by research

Mostly an independent research thesis

Research careers or a pathway to a PhD

Extended masters

Longer professional programs

Entry into some professions


Most coursework masters take one to two years of full-time study. Your bachelor degree can affect the length.

Can I study a masters with a three-year Indian degree?

Often, yes. Entry rules vary by university and course.

Some masters accept three-year bachelor degrees. Others ask for a four-year degree, honours or relevant work experience.

Your degree can also shape your course length. A related bachelor degree may give you credit and a shorter course.

Check each course's entry requirements before you shortlist.

Which fields can I explore?

Fields worth exploring include:

  • IT : data science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and software engineering

  • Engineering: civil, electrical, mechanical and engineering management

  • Business: accounting, finance, business analytics and marketing

  • Health: nursing, public health and health management

  • Education: teaching and educational leadership


Choose a field where your background, interests and career goals meet.

Can I study an MBA in Australia?

Yes. Many Australian universities offer MBA programs.

MBAs usually look for work experience as well as academic results. Requirements vary by program.

If you're early in your career, a specialised business masters may suit you better. Examples include business analytics, finance or marketing.

What English score do I need?

You need to meet two requirements:

  • Your course. Each university sets its own English entry score. Masters courses often ask for more than the visa minimum.

  • Your visa. Most degree students need IELTS 6.0 overall, or an equivalent score.


Our guide to IELTS scores for Australia explains each requirement.

How much does a masters in Australia cost?

Plan for five costs:

  1. Tuition. Each university sets its own fees. Compare them on StudyNet.io.

  2. Living costs. For the visa, you show at least AUD 29,710 for 12 months. Real costs can be higher in large cities.

  3. Student visa fee. AUD 2,500 for most students from 1 July 2026.

  4. Health cover. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your whole stay.

  5. Travel and set-up. Flights, a rental bond and your first weeks.


Scholarships can reduce your tuition. Our scholarships guide for Indian students explains your options.

How do I pay my fees from India?

Most Indian families pay through their bank under the Reserve Bank of India's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).

  • LRS limit: up to USD 250,000 per person, per financial year, across all purposes.

  • TCS on self-funded education payments: none up to ₹10 lakh a year, then 2% on the amount above. This applies from 1 April 2026.

  • TCS on loan-funded education payments: none, when the loan is from a qualifying financial institution.


Your bank applies the current rules. Check with your bank before you send money.

Many Australian universities accept tuition through Flywire. STUDYNET helps you pay your tuition through Flywire.

Can I use an education loan?

Yes. Education loans are a common way to fund a masters.

Approved education loans can also form part of your visa evidence of funds. The loan letter should show:

  • that the loan is approved, not just applied for

  • the approved amount

  • that the funds are for study in Australia


Compare interest rates, collateral rules and repayment terms across lenders.

What happens after I graduate?

Eligible graduates may apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).

Under AI-ECTA, Indian passport holders can stay up to three years after a masters, by coursework or by research. Most applicants must be 35 or under.

Use that time to build Australian work experience. It strengthens your career wherever you go next.

Our guide to post-study work for Indian graduates explains the details.

How do I choose the right course?

Check these before you apply:

  • Career fit. Does the course build the skills your target role needs?

  • Practical learning. Are there placements, internships or industry projects?

  • Entry requirements. Academic, English and work experience.

  • Cost. Tuition and living costs in that city.

  • Intakes. Which start dates are offered?

  • Location. City or regional campus.


How can STUDYNET help?

Explore masters courses and compare universities on StudyNet.io. You don't need to sign up.

Ask StudyNet.ai about entry requirements, scholarships and your statement of purpose, any time of day.

Your counsellor helps you shortlist courses and plan your application.

Official sources.


A masters is an investment in your career. Plan it with care.

We guide you from first question to first day.

Find your counsellor.

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