How to choose a Masters in Australia as an international student is one of those decisions that feels overwhelming at first. I remember spending months researching courses, comparing universities, trying to figure out what would actually help me get a job and maybe stay in Australia. The information was everywhere, but most of it was marketing fluff that didn’t tell me what I actually needed to know.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve watched friends choose Masters programs for all sorts of reasons, and I’ve seen how those choices worked out. Some chose based on rankings and regretted it. Some chose based on cost and loved it. Some chose based on job outcomes and found it was the best decision they made.
So here’s everything I know about choosing a Masters in Australia, based on what actually matters in real life.
Why Do a Masters in Australia?
Let me start with this, because understanding your reasons helps you make better decisions.
Some students do Masters to get better job prospects. A Masters can help you stand out in competitive fields, qualify for higher level roles, or change careers entirely.
Some students do Masters for PR pathways. A Masters degree gives you more points for skilled migration and opens up visa options like the Temporary Graduate Visa (485). If staying in Australia long term is your goal, a Masters can help.
Some students do Masters to build on their bachelor degree. Maybe you want to specialise further, or maybe you want to change direction slightly. A Masters lets you build on what you’ve already learned.
Some students do Masters because they couldn’t get a job with just a bachelor degree. This is a valid reason, but make sure a Masters will actually help. Don’t just do more study hoping it’ll solve everything.
Whatever your reason, make sure it’s clear. A Masters is a big investment of time and money. You need to know why you’re doing it and what you want to achieve.
Coursework vs Research: The Big Decision
This is the first major decision you need to make, and it matters more than most people realise.
A coursework Masters is like an extended bachelor degree. You do subjects, assignments, exams. It’s structured, taught, and usually takes one to two years. Most international students do coursework Masters.
A research Masters is more independent. You do some coursework, but most of your time is spent on a research project. It’s less structured, more self directed, and usually takes two years. Fewer international students do research Masters.
Coursework Masters are better if: you want structure, you want to learn specific skills, you want to finish faster, or you’re not interested in research.
Research Masters are better if: you’re interested in research, you want to do a PhD later, you want to work in academia, or you have a specific research interest.
Most employers don’t care which type you do. They care about your skills, experience, and the quality of the degree. But if you’re planning to do a PhD or work in research, a research Masters helps.
I’ve written more about this in my guide on coursework vs research Masters in Australia if you want more detail.
Location: Where Should You Study?
This matters more than you think, especially for Masters students.
Melbourne and Sydney are expensive but have more job opportunities, more networking events, and more industry connections. If you’re doing a Masters to improve job prospects, these cities can be worth the extra cost.
Brisbane and Adelaide are cheaper and quieter. Fewer job opportunities, but lower living costs. If you’re on a tight budget, these cities can work well.
Regional cities are cheapest but have very limited job opportunities. For Masters students who need to work part time or want to network, regional cities can be challenging.
Think about where you want to work after graduation. If you want to work in Melbourne, studying in Melbourne helps you build local networks and understand the job market. If you’re flexible about location, you can save money by studying elsewhere.
I know Masters students who chose expensive cities and struggled financially. I also know Masters students who chose cheaper cities and struggled to find work. There’s no right answer, but think about what matters more to you: cost or opportunities.
Cost: The Real Numbers
Let’s talk about money, because this is where most students get surprised.
Course fees for Masters degrees vary massively. At top universities, you’re looking at $30,000 to $50,000 per year. At smaller universities or in regional areas, maybe $20,000 to $35,000 per year. Most Masters are one to two years, so total costs are $20,000 to $100,000.
Living costs add another $20,000 to $25,000 per year in Melbourne or Sydney, or $18,000 to $22,000 in other cities.
So a two year Masters in Melbourne might cost $140,000 to $200,000 total. That’s a lot of money, and you need to be realistic about whether you can afford it.
Some students work part time to cover living costs, but remember you’re limited to 48 hours per fortnight during semester. During breaks, you can work unlimited hours, but breaks are limited.
I’ve written about cheapest Masters degrees in Australia for international students if you want to see specific numbers.
Job Outcomes: What Actually Happens
This is the part that matters most, and where most advice online is misleading.
A Masters degree doesn’t guarantee a job. It can help, but it’s not a magic solution. Employers care about your skills, experience, and ability to do the job, not just your qualifications.
Some Masters degrees lead to better job outcomes than others. IT, engineering, data science, accounting, these fields often have good outcomes. Arts, humanities, some business specialisations, these can be more competitive.
Your bachelor degree background matters. If you’re doing a Masters in IT but your bachelor was in arts, employers might be skeptical. If you’re doing a Masters that builds on your bachelor degree, that’s usually better.
Work experience matters more than your degree. If you have relevant work experience, that’s usually more valuable than a Masters degree alone. If you don’t have work experience, a Masters can help, but you still need to build experience somehow.
I know Masters graduates who got great jobs quickly. I also know Masters graduates who struggled to find work. The difference? Their field, their experience, their networking, and their approach to job searching.
Specialisation: What Should You Focus On?
This depends on your goals and your field.
If you want to work in a specific area, specialise in that area. A Masters in data science is different from a Masters in general IT. A Masters in engineering management is different from a Masters in general engineering.
If you’re not sure what you want to do, a more general Masters gives you flexibility. But you might miss out on specialised knowledge that could help you stand out.
If you want to change careers, a Masters can help, but you need to choose carefully. A Masters in a completely different field might not be enough. You might need to do additional courses, build experience, or take entry level roles.
Think about what employers in your field actually want. Look at job ads. See what qualifications they ask for, what skills they want, what experience they expect. Then choose a Masters that helps you develop those things.
University Reputation: Does It Matter?
This is controversial, but here’s what I’ve seen.
For most jobs, university reputation matters less than you think. Employers care more about your skills, experience, and ability to do the job. A Masters from a “lower ranked” university can be just as valuable as a Masters from a “top ranked” university if you have the right skills and experience.
That said, some employers do care. In competitive fields, in certain industries, university reputation can matter. But it’s usually not the deciding factor.
If you’re planning to go back to your home country, university reputation might matter more. Some employers and governments care about university rankings. But if you’re planning to stay in Australia, it matters less.
The key is finding the right balance. Don’t choose a university just because of rankings if you can’t afford it or if the course doesn’t suit you. But don’t ignore reputation entirely if it matters in your field.
The Practical Checklist
Here’s what I wish I’d checked before choosing:
Can you actually afford it? Be realistic about total costs, not just course fees. Include living costs, textbooks, and unexpected expenses.
What are the job outcomes really like? Talk to recent graduates. Check graduate employment rates. Look at job ads to see what employers want.
What’s the course structure? Does it suit how you learn? Are there opportunities for work placements or internships?
What support is available? Are there good career services, academic support, and international student services?
What are the visa implications? Will a Masters help with PR? What visa options does it open up?
What’s the location like? Can you afford to live there? Are there job opportunities? Will you enjoy living there?
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Masters take in Australia?
Most Masters degrees take one to two years full time. Coursework Masters are usually one to two years. Research Masters are usually two years. Part time options are available but take longer.
Can I work while doing a Masters?
Yes, but you’re limited to 48 hours per fortnight during semester. During official uni breaks, you can work unlimited hours. I’ve written about how many hours Masters students can work in Australia if you want more detail.
Do I need a Masters to get a job in Australia?
Not necessarily. It depends on your field and your goals. Some fields value Masters degrees. Others care more about experience. Some jobs require Masters degrees. Others don’t. Research your specific field to see what’s actually needed.
Should I do a Masters or a Graduate Diploma?
It depends on your goals. A Masters is longer and more comprehensive. A Graduate Diploma is shorter and more focused. If you want depth and a recognised qualification, a Masters is better. If you want something quick and focused, a Graduate Diploma might work. I’ve written about Masters vs Graduate Diploma in Australia if you want more detail.
Can I do a Masters if my bachelor grades were low?
Yes, but it can be harder. Some universities have minimum grade requirements. Some are more flexible. Some have pathway programs for students with lower grades. I’ve written about postgraduate pathways for students with low grades if you want more detail.
Will a Masters help me get PR in Australia?
It can help. A Masters degree gives you more points for skilled migration and opens up visa options like the Temporary Graduate Visa (485). But it’s not a guarantee. You still need to meet other requirements like English language, work experience, and skills assessment.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a Masters in Australia as an international student is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is understanding your goals, researching your options, and being realistic about costs and outcomes.
Don’t choose based on rankings alone. Don’t choose based on cost alone. Don’t choose based on what your friends are doing.
Choose based on what actually matters: whether you can afford it, whether it’ll help you achieve your goals, whether the course structure suits you, and whether the job outcomes are good.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Do your research, talk to real students and graduates, and be honest with yourself about what you want and what you can afford.
If you’re still planning your Masters journey, check out my guides on coursework vs research Masters and cheapest Masters degrees in Australia. And if you’re comparing specific programs, talk to current students and recent graduates. They’ll give you the real story that marketing materials won’t.