Australian Master's Degrees

Australia is the third choice of study destination in the world after the USA and the UK, quite an impressive statistic considering the small size of the population. The quality of Australian universities is evident by the fact that seven out of a total of forty-one appear the top 100 of the QS World University Ranking table.

How long does it take to get a master’s degree in Australia?

In Australia, a full-time coursework master’s degree usually takes between 18 months and 2 years full time.

How much work is involved?

In Australia there are two types of master’s programs;Coursework master’s – These programs have a structure consisting of core, optional and elective units and require enrolment in these units, attendance at any timetabled classes and completion of required assignments. Most Master by Coursework courses have a research element and may require the completion of a minor thesis. Research master’s – These qualifications are awarded following the completion of a major thesis, involving independent original research, under the supervision of a senior academic. Students may be required to undertake some units to expand their skills, but this is decided on an individual basis. Progress on the courses is assessed through reports from student and supervisor to the relevant graduate studies committee, not through required assignments.

How will the university assess me?

In most cases universities assess your performance on a graduate program based upon your dissertation (or project) and a combination of your coursework results and written examinations.

What are the entrance requirements for an Australian master’s?

The English language requirement is generally 90 – 100 iBT TOEFL or 6.5 IELTS but in some cases it can be lower (80-90 iBT TOEFL or 6.0 IELTS) or higher (7.0 IELTS).
A relevant bachelor’s degree is usually required to gain entrance to a master’s course. If your bachelor’s degree does not meet the university’s relevancy requirements for the program that you want to study we can point you towards a pre-master’s program that will get you to where you want to be. A pre-master’s can also be useful if you don’t have the university’s GPA requirement. Business and information technology/computing departments typically offer conversion courses to degree holders in any subject area. Mature students without a degree but with substantial and relevant work experience can often gain admission to a master’s program without having to enroll in a bachelor’s degree first. Talk to us and we’ll find the best path for you to take.

What paperwork do I need?

  • University application form – Your GetSet Counsellor  will be able to walk you through the application forms of all the schools to which you are applying in Australia to make sure all the required information is given.
  • Degree certificate and transcript – If you did not graduate from university but have work experience it may be possible to apply to some universities with other qualifications. GetSet staff will know at which Australian institutions this will be possible.
  • Statement of purpose – Don’t worry about that, we can walk you through this.
  • Two references – A reference is a letter from a relevant person who knows you and can attest to your character, skills and experience. Get one from your employer and one from your most-recent place of study. If you do not have any work experience, provide two academic references.
  • IELTS/TOEFL certificate – Most universities allow you to send this at a later date if you don’t have it when you send your application. We can check this out for you.
  • Portfolio – If you are applying for an art or design course you must provide a portfolio with at least ten pieces of your own work.
  • Unlike the USA, most Australian universities don’t require GMAT or GRE for admission to a master’s degree program.

Still want to know more?