Study in Australia for Indian Students

Coursework and research Master's in Australia: fees, the AUD 29,710 financial requirement, February and July intakes, the Genuine Student requirement and the 485 post-study visa.

Australia is one of the top study destinations for Indian students, with universities offering Master's programmes in IT, data science, engineering, business, accounting, nursing and public health. Most Master's degrees combine coursework with practical projects, and some include internships or industry placements.

This guide explains how studying in Australia works for students from India: Master's programme structure, universities and courses, tuition fees and the cost of living, eligibility and IELTS requirements, the February and July intakes, scholarships, the Student visa (subclass 500) and the Temporary Graduate visa for post-study work.

Why Study in Australia?

Practical, industry-focused Master's: Many coursework Master's programmes include capstone projects, internships or work-integrated learning.
Two intakes a year: February and July intakes give you flexibility to plan around exams and results.
Post-study work options: Eligible graduates can apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) to work after completing their degree.
Research-intensive universities: Australia's major universities are strong in research, including through the Group of Eight institutions.
Large Indian community: Cities such as Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide have large Indian communities and good student support.

Masters in Australia for Indian Students

A Master's by coursework in Australia usually takes 1.5 to 2 years, depending on your prior qualification — some universities give credit for relevant study, shortening the programme. Master's by research programmes focus on a thesis and usually take two years.

Admission requirements depend on the university and programme. Many universities publish specific entry requirements for Indian qualifications, including minimum percentages and whether three-year degrees are accepted.

The GRE is not usually required for Australian Master's programmes. English proficiency is commonly shown with IELTS Academic, PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT.

Typical duration: 1.5–2 years (coursework); about 2 years (research)
Main intakes: February (Semester 1) and July (Semester 2)
English tests: IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT
GRE / GMAT: Not usually required (some MBAs ask for GMAT)
Student visa: Subclass 500 (CoE issued by the university)
Work after study: Subclass 485: 2 years (coursework Master's), 3 years (research Master's)

Popular Master's programmes in Australia

Master of Information Technology
Master of Data Science
Master of Computer Science
Master of Engineering
Master of Business Analytics
Master of Professional Accounting
MBA
Master of Nursing
Master of Public Health
Master of Project Management

Best Universities in Australia for International Students

Australia has around 40 universities. These are among those Indian students commonly consider — compare programmes, fees and entry requirements on each university's website.

Entry requirements and fees vary between universities and programmes.

University of Melbourne (Melbourne, Victoria): Research across disciplines, engineering, business
University of Sydney (Sydney, New South Wales): Engineering, business, health
University of New South Wales (UNSW) (Sydney, New South Wales): Engineering, IT, business
Monash University (Melbourne, Victoria): Engineering, IT, pharmacy, business
Australian National University (ANU) (Canberra, ACT): Research, computing, public policy
University of Queensland (Brisbane, Queensland): Engineering, life sciences, business
University of Adelaide (Adelaide, South Australia): Engineering, sciences, health
University of Western Australia (Perth, Western Australia): Engineering, mining, sciences
RMIT University (Melbourne, Victoria): Technology, design, engineering
Deakin University (Geelong & Melbourne, Victoria): IT, cybersecurity, business

Popular Courses to Study in Australia

Information Technology & Computer Science: Master's programmes in software, AI, cybersecurity and cloud computing.
Data Science & Business Analytics: Programmes combining statistics, programming and business decision-making.
Engineering: Master of Engineering and specialised programmes in civil, electrical, mechanical and mining engineering.
Accounting & Finance: Professional Accounting programmes accredited by professional bodies.
Nursing & Public Health: Programmes linked to Australia's healthcare sector; nursing has specific registration requirements.
MBA & Management: MBAs and management Master's; MBAs often expect work experience.

Cost of Studying in Australia

The cost of studying in Australia depends on the university, programme and city. Figures below are approximate annual ranges for international students — check each university's fees page for exact amounts.

For the Student visa you must show living costs of AUD 29,710 for 12 months, plus tuition and travel costs.

Tuition fees in Australia

Master's by coursework: approx. AUD 30,000 – 55,000 per year
MBA: approx. AUD 45,000 – 90,000+ for the programme
Master's by research: similar to coursework; research scholarships may cover fees

Living expenses in Australia

Financial capacity for the visa (living costs): AUD 29,710 for 12 months
Accommodation (shared): approx. AUD 200 – 450 per week
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): mandatory for the whole visa period
Food, transport and personal: approx. AUD 150 – 300 per week

Eligibility to Study in Australia

Australian universities set their own entry requirements. Indian applicants for a Master's in Australia usually need:

Academic qualification: A relevant bachelor's degree; some universities accept three-year Indian degrees for certain programmes.
Grades: Minimum percentages are set by each university and may depend on the Indian institution.
English proficiency: IELTS Academic (commonly 6.5 overall with band minimums), PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT.
Work experience: Required for most MBAs and some management programmes.
Genuine Student requirement: For the visa, you must show you genuinely intend to study in Australia.

Documents usually required

Passport
Degree certificate and transcripts
English test score report
Statement of purpose / Genuine Student response
CV and work experience letters where relevant
Proof of financial capacity
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and OSHC for the visa

Intakes in Australia

Australian universities have two main intakes:

Deadlines vary by university, and popular programmes can fill early. Allow time for the CoE and visa processing.

February intake (Semester 1): classes start February / March; apply Commonly apply between August and November of the previous year
July intake (Semester 2): classes start July; apply Commonly apply between February and May
November intake: classes start November; apply Limited programmes at some universities

Scholarships in Australia for Indian Students

Indian students can explore government, university and research funding for Master's study in Australia:

Australia Awards Scholarships: Fully funded government awards; India participates through Australia Awards South Asia & Mongolia, with specific eligibility criteria.
Destination Australia: Government-funded scholarships for students studying at eligible campuses in regional Australia.
University merit scholarships: Tuition reductions for international students, offered directly by universities.
Research Training Program (RTP): Tuition and stipend support for higher-degree research students.

How to Apply to Universities in Australia

1. Choose your course: Decide between coursework and research Master's and your specialisation.
2. Shortlist universities: Compare programmes, cities, fees and scholarship options.
3. Check eligibility: Confirm percentage, degree-length and English test requirements.
4. Prepare for English tests: Take IELTS, PTE or TOEFL with enough time for a retake.
5. Prepare documents: Transcripts, statement of purpose, CV and references.
6. Submit applications: Apply directly to universities.
7. Receive your offer: Accept the offer and pay the tuition deposit.
8. Get your CoE and OSHC: The university issues a Confirmation of Enrolment; arrange health cover.
9. Apply for the Student visa: Apply online for the subclass 500 visa with your Genuine Student response and financial evidence.
10. Prepare for travel: Arrange accommodation and pre-departure formalities.

Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) for Indian Students

Indian students need a Student visa (subclass 500) to study in Australia. After accepting your offer and paying your deposit, your university issues a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). You then apply online through ImmiAccount.

Your application must meet the Genuine Student requirement, which replaced the earlier Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test in 2024. You must also show financial capacity — living costs of AUD 29,710 for 12 months plus tuition and travel — English proficiency where required, and Overseas Student Health Cover for your stay.

Check the current visa application charge on the Department of Home Affairs website, as it has changed several times recently.

Australian visa rules have changed frequently since 2024. Check immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before applying.

Visa document checklist

Valid passport
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Genuine Student requirement response
Proof of financial capacity
English test results
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Health and character checks where requested

Working while studying in Australia

Student visa holders can usually work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.

Working after your studies

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows eligible graduates to work after their studies — generally 2 years after a coursework Master's and 3 years after a Master's by research. Age and English requirements apply.

Living in Australia as an Indian Student

Accommodation: Shared rentals, purpose-built student accommodation and homestays are common; Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive.
Food: Indian groceries and restaurants are widely available in major cities.
Transport: Public transport is good in capital cities; some states offer student concessions.
Indian community: Australia has one of the largest Indian diasporas, with active student associations.
Student support: Universities provide international student support, careers services and wellbeing programmes.

Australia vs Canada for a Master's Degree

This comparison is useful if you are considering research and professional programmes across major study fields in Australia alongside course-based and thesis-based graduate programmes in Canada. Programme titles, teaching language and entry rules differ by university, so compare the exact courses before weighing headline costs.

For Australia, start with research and professional programmes across major study fields; for Canada, compare course-based and thesis-based graduate programmes. Then weigh the exact course content, total budget and the post-study route relevant to your career plans.

Indicative tuition (tuition only): Master's by coursework: approx. AUD 30,000 – 55,000 per year; MBA: approx. AUD 45,000 – 90,000+ for the programme

Living-cost indications: Accommodation (shared): approx. AUD 200 – 450 per week; Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): mandatory for the whole visa period; Food, transport and personal: approx. AUD 150 – 300 per week

Typical Master's duration: 1.5–2 years (coursework); about 2 years (research)

English-taught study and language: IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT English-taught availability and any local-language requirements vary by course; confirm with the university.

Funding routes (not guaranteed): Australia Awards Scholarships; Destination Australia Awards are competitive and subject to each scheme's eligibility, deadlines and available funding.

Academic admission: Academic qualification: A relevant bachelor's degree; some universities accept three-year Indian degrees for certain programmes.; Grades: Minimum percentages are set by each university and may depend on the Indian institution.

Intakes and planning: February intake (Semester 1): starts February / March; apply Commonly apply between August and November of the previous year; July intake (Semester 2): starts July; apply Commonly apply between February and May

Student visa: Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) for Indian Students. Valid passport; Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

Post-study graduate route: The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows eligible graduates to work after their studies — generally 2 years after a coursework Master's and 3 years after a Master's by research. Age and English requirements apply.

Canada — Indicative tuition (tuition only): Course-based Master's: approx. CAD 20,000 – 50,000 per year; Thesis-based Master's: often lower; funding packages may offset tuition

Canada — Living-cost indications: Accommodation: approx. CAD 800 – 1,800 per month depending on city; Health insurance: provincial or university plan — cost depends on province; Food, transport and personal: approx. CAD 500 – 900 per month

Canada — Typical Master's duration: 1–2 years (course-based or thesis-based)

Canada — English-taught study and language: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or other accepted tests English-taught availability and any local-language requirements vary by course; confirm with the university.

Canada — Funding routes (not guaranteed): Graduate funding packages; University entrance and merit awards Awards are competitive and subject to each scheme's eligibility, deadlines and available funding.

Canada — Academic admission: Academic qualification: A four-year bachelor's degree in a relevant subject; some universities consider three-year degrees.; Grades: Universities publish a minimum average (often equivalent to a B or B+); competitive programmes expect more.

Canada — Intakes and planning: Fall intake: starts September; apply Many deadlines fall between December and March; Winter intake: starts January; apply Selected programmes; usually apply by August–October

Canada — Student visa: Canada Study Permit for Indian Students. Valid passport; Letter of acceptance from a DLI

Canada — Post-study graduate route: Graduates of eligible Master's programmes lasting at least eight months can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit of up to three years. University graduates must meet the language requirement (CLB 7).

Last verified 21 September 2026. Tuition is not the total cost of study; visa proof-of-funds is not necessarily the same as actual living expenses. Scholarship names are competitive funding routes to investigate, not guaranteed awards. Confirm fees, admissions, visa rules and graduate permissions with the university and the relevant authority before applying.

Australia vs UK for a Master's Degree

This comparison is useful if you are considering research and professional programmes across major study fields in Australia alongside one-year taught degrees and a wide range of specialist programmes in UK. Programme titles, teaching language and entry rules differ by university, so compare the exact courses before weighing headline costs.

For Australia, start with research and professional programmes across major study fields; for UK, compare one-year taught degrees and a wide range of specialist programmes. Then weigh the exact course content, total budget and the post-study route relevant to your career plans.

Indicative tuition (tuition only): Master's by coursework: approx. AUD 30,000 – 55,000 per year; MBA: approx. AUD 45,000 – 90,000+ for the programme

Typical Master's duration: 1.5–2 years (coursework); about 2 years (research)

English-taught study and language: IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT English-taught availability and any local-language requirements vary by course; confirm with the university.

Funding routes (not guaranteed): Australia Awards Scholarships; Destination Australia Awards are competitive and subject to each scheme's eligibility, deadlines and available funding.

Student visa: Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) for Indian Students. Valid passport; Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

UK — Indicative tuition (tuition only): Master's (taught) — most subjects: approx. £15,000 – 35,000 for the full one-year course; MBA: often £25,000 – 60,000+

UK — Living-cost indications: Accommodation (shared / halls): approx. £500 – 1,200 per month depending on city; Immigration Health Surcharge: paid with the visa application, per year of visa

UK — Typical Master's duration: 12 months (up to 24 with a placement year)

UK — English-taught study and language: IELTS Academic (UKVI where required), TOEFL, PTE English-taught availability and any local-language requirements vary by course; confirm with the university.

UK — Funding routes (not guaranteed): Chevening Scholarships; GREAT Scholarships Awards are competitive and subject to each scheme's eligibility, deadlines and available funding.

UK — Academic admission: Academic qualification: A bachelor's degree, usually equivalent to a UK 2:1 or 2:2 depending on the university and course.; Grades: Universities publish India-specific equivalents in percentage or CGPA, often varying by the Indian institution.

UK — Intakes and planning: September intake: starts September / October; apply Applications often open about a year earlier; many close between spring and summer; January intake: starts January / February; apply Usually apply by September–October of the previous year

UK — Student visa: UK Student Visa for Indian Students. Valid passport; CAS from your university

UK — Post-study graduate route: The Graduate Route lets eligible graduates stay and work for 2 years after a bachelor's or Master's degree. For applications made on or after 1 January 2027 this becomes 18 months; PhD graduates can stay for 3 years.

Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in Australia

Is Australia good for Indian students?

Yes. Australia offers practical, industry-focused Master's programmes, two intakes a year, post-study work through the subclass 485 visa and large Indian communities.

How much does it cost to study in Australia?

Coursework Master's tuition is roughly AUD 30,000–55,000 a year. For the Student visa you must also show living costs of AUD 29,710 for 12 months, plus tuition and travel.

What are the fees for a Master's in Australia?

Fees depend on the university and programme, commonly AUD 30,000–55,000 per year for coursework Master's. MBAs and some specialised programmes cost more.

What is the eligibility for a Master's in Australia?

A relevant bachelor's degree meeting the university's minimum percentage, an accepted English test score such as IELTS or PTE, and a statement of purpose. MBAs usually require work experience.

Is IELTS required to study in Australia?

English proficiency is required. Universities accept IELTS Academic and usually PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT; many Master's programmes ask for around 6.5 overall.

Is GRE required for a Master's in Australia?

No, most Australian Master's programmes do not require the GRE.

What are the intakes in Australia?

The main intakes are February (Semester 1) and July (Semester 2). A few universities also offer November starts.

What is the Genuine Student requirement?

It is the Student visa test that replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement in 2024. You must show that you genuinely intend to study in Australia.

Can I work while studying in Australia?

Yes. Student visa holders can usually work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.

How long can I stay in Australia after my Master's?

Under the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), eligible graduates can generally stay 2 years after a coursework Master's and 3 years after a research Master's.