Australia is home to 9 universities offering dedicated Master of Finance programmes, with the University of Melbourne ranked #13 globally (QS 2026), University of Sydney at #18, and ANU at #30. Annual tuition fees for international students range from AUD 46,900 (INR 31.02 lakh) at Macquarie University to AUD 64,800 (INR 42.84 lakh) at the University of Sydney. No GMAT is required at 8 out of 9 universities, and graduates receive a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) providing 2 to 4 years of unrestricted work rights. Financial Analyst and Risk Manager roles are listed on Australia's Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), enabling direct PR through Subclass 189 without employer sponsorship.
Here is why Indian students choose Australia for MS in Finance:
- 9 universities offering dedicated Master of Finance programmes, with 3 in the global QS top 30 (2026)
- No GMAT required at 8 out of 9 universities; only UQ mandates GMAT 550
- 2 to 4-year Subclass 485 visa after graduation, no employer lottery required
- Finance roles on Australia's MLTSSL, enabling direct PR through Subclass 189
- Australia manages over AUD 3.9 trillion in superannuation assets, the 4th largest pension pool globally, creating unique demand for finance professionals
- Multiple universities are CFA Institute University Affiliates, giving students a head start on the globally recognised CFA designation
- International students can work unlimited hours during studies (40-hour fortnightly cap permanently removed in 2023)
- Average Financial Analyst salary: AUD 81,597 (INR 53.98 lakh) per year; Risk Manager: AUD 1,37,513 (INR 90.95 lakh) per year
All currency conversions use AUD 1 = INR 66.19 (July 2026).
- Top Universities for MS in Finance in Australia
- Specialisations in MS in Finance in Australia
- MS in Finance in Australia Requirements
- MS in Finance in Australia Fees
- Cost of Living in Australia for MS Finance
- Scholarships for MS in Finance in Australia
- Jobs and Salary After MS in Finance in Australia
- Australia vs Other Countries for MS in Finance
- FAQs
Top Universities for MS in Finance in Australia
All 9 universities on this list offer active Master of Finance programmes to Indian international students. All programmes are full-time, on-campus, and eligible for the Subclass 485 post-study work visa.
| University | QS Rank 2026 | Location |
|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | #13 | Melbourne, VIC |
| University of Sydney | #18 | Sydney, NSW |
| ANU | #30 | Canberra, ACT |
| Monash University | #57 | Melbourne, VIC |
| University of Queensland | #90 | Brisbane, QLD |
| University of Adelaide | #109 | Adelaide, SA |
| Macquarie University | #195 | Sydney, NSW |
| UTS | #258 | Sydney, NSW |
| RMIT University | #331 | Melbourne, VIC |
What students say:
- University of Melbourne is the most recommended for Indian students targeting investment banking or asset management. Its #13 global ranking and proximity to Melbourne's financial district make it the strongest brand on this list.
- Macquarie is recommended for students targeting FinTech and banking roles in Sydney. Its dedicated FinTech specialisation and CFA affiliation make it the best value option in Australia's largest financial market.
Specialisations in MS in Finance in Australia
Australian Master of Finance programmes offer specialisations aligned with the country's strongest financial sectors. Investment Management, Risk Management, and FinTech are the most in-demand for Indian graduates in 2026.
|
Specialisation |
Best Universities |
Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
|
Investment Management & Portfolio Management |
University of Queensland (UQ), University of Technology Sydney (UTS), University of Melbourne |
Students with strong quantitative, finance, or economics backgrounds. |
|
Risk Management & Quantitative Finance |
RMIT University, Macquarie University, Australian National University (ANU) |
Engineering, mathematics, statistics, or finance graduates. |
|
FinTech & Digital Finance |
Macquarie University, University of Adelaide |
IT, computer science, engineering, and finance graduates interested in technology-driven finance. |
|
Corporate Finance & Investment Banking |
University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Macquarie University, University of Sydney |
Students aiming for careers in investment banking, corporate finance, mergers & acquisitions, or capital markets. |
|
Sustainable Finance & ESG |
Macquarie University, University of Adelaide |
Students interested in impact investing, green finance, sustainability consulting, or ESG analysis. |
What students say:
- Investment Management is the most recommended specialisation for Indian students targeting Australia's superannuation sector. No other country offers a comparable scale of pension fund employment for finance graduates.
- FinTech at Macquarie is recommended for Indian students from IT backgrounds. The CFA affiliation and industry capstone projects provide a direct pathway to roles at Australian fintech companies and Big Four banks.
MS in Finance in Australia Requirements
All programmes require a bachelor's degree and English proficiency. No GMAT is required at 8 out of 9 universities. UQ is the only university mandating GMAT 550 for international applicants. Indian bachelor's degrees (BCom, BBA, BSc) with 60 to 65%+ aggregate are accepted at all 9 universities.
| University | Academic Eligibility | Min. Aggregate | GMAT/GRE | IELTS/TOEFL/PTE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | Bachelor's degree (any discipline); relevant background preferred | 60 to 65% | Not required | IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL 79 |
| University of Sydney | Bachelor's degree (any discipline) with credit average | 65% | Not required | IELTS 6.5 (writing 6.0); TOEFL 85 |
| ANU | Bachelor's degree with strong academic record | 60 to 65% | Not required | IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL 80 |
| Monash University | Bachelor's degree (any discipline); finance background not required | 60% | Not required | IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL 79; PTE 58 |
| University of Queensland | Bachelor's in relevant discipline | GPA 4.5/7 (~65%) | GMAT 550 (mandatory for international students) | IELTS 7.0 (all bands 6.0); TOEFL 100 |
| University of Adelaide | Bachelor's degree (AQF Level 7) | GPA 4.5/7 (~65%) | Not required | IELTS 6.5 (all bands 6.0); TOEFL 79 |
| Macquarie University | Bachelor's degree (any discipline); WAM 65+ for 1.5-year entry | 65% | Optional (GMAT 600 alternative pathway) | IELTS 6.5 (all bands 6.0); TOEFL 79 |
| UTS | Bachelor's degree with 75%+ subjects at pass level | 60% | Not required | IELTS 6.5 (writing 6.0); TOEFL 79; PTE 58 |
| RMIT University | Bachelor's degree (any discipline) for 2-year; business degree for 1.5-year | 60% | Not required | IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL 79; PTE 58 |
Key notes for Indian students:
- No GMAT required at 8 out of 9 universities. UQ is the only exception, requiring GMAT 550 for international applicants.
- IELTS 6.5 is the standard requirement at 8 universities. UQ requires IELTS 7.0, the highest English requirement on this list.
- Indian BCom, BBA, and BSc graduates with 60%+ are eligible at most universities. Monash and RMIT accept students from any discipline, making them the most accessible entry points.
- Applications are processed within 4 to 8 weeks with rolling admissions and February and July intakes at most universities.
MS in Finance in Australia Fees
Annual tuition fees range from AUD 46,900 (INR 31.02 lakh) at Macquarie University to AUD 64,800 (INR 42.84 lakh) at the University of Sydney. UQ's 1-year programme has the lowest total cost at AUD 60,952 (INR 40.31 lakh). Working unlimited hours during studies can offset AUD 15,000 to AUD 25,000 (INR 9.93 lakh to INR 16.55 lakh) per year in living costs.
| University | Programme | Duration | Annual Fee (AUD) | Annual Fee (INR) | Total Fee (AUD) | Total Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | Master of Finance | 1.5 years | AUD 53,000 to AUD 58,000 | INR 35.08 lakh to INR 38.39 lakh | AUD 79,500 to AUD 87,000 | INR 52.61 lakh to INR 57.59 lakh |
| University of Sydney | Master of Commerce (Finance) | 1.5 to 2 years | AUD 64,800 | INR 42.84 lakh | AUD 97,200 to AUD 1,29,600 | INR 64.31 lakh to INR 85.75 lakh |
| ANU | Master of Finance | 1.5 to 2 years | AUD 56,120 | INR 37.14 lakh | AUD 84,180 to AUD 1,12,240 | INR 55.70 lakh to INR 74.28 lakh |
| Monash University | Master of Banking and Finance | 1.5 to 2 years | AUD 59,900 | INR 39.64 lakh | AUD 89,850 to AUD 1,19,800 | INR 59.47 lakh to INR 79.29 lakh |
| University of Queensland | Master of Finance and Investment Management | 1 year | AUD 60,952 | INR 40.31 lakh | AUD 60,952 | INR 40.31 lakh |
| University of Adelaide | MS Accounting and Finance | 2 years | AUD 52,200 | INR 34.55 lakh | AUD 1,04,400 | INR 69.10 lakh |
| Macquarie University | Master of Banking and Finance | 1 to 2 years | AUD 46,900 | INR 31.02 lakh | AUD 46,900 to AUD 93,800 | INR 31.02 lakh to INR 62.09 lakh |
| UTS | Master of Finance | 1.5 years | AUD 53,255 | INR 35.24 lakh | AUD 79,883 | INR 52.87 lakh |
| RMIT University | MS Finance | 2 years | AUD 48,960 | INR 32.40 lakh | AUD 97,920 | INR 64.80 lakh |
What students say:
- UQ's 1-year programme at AUD 60,952 (INR 40.31 lakh) total is the fastest and most cost-efficient route to graduation and the Subclass 485 visa among all top-ranked programmes.
- Macquarie at AUD 46,900 (INR 31.02 lakh) per year is the most affordable option in Sydney, Australia's largest financial market, making it the strongest value proposition for budget-conscious Indian students.
Cost of Living in Australia for MS Finance
Monthly living costs range from AUD 1,600 (INR 1.06 lakh) in Adelaide to AUD 3,000 (INR 1.99 lakh) in Sydney. Adelaide is the most affordable major city for Indian students. The Australian Government requires a minimum of AUD 29,710 (INR 19.65 lakh) per year in living expenses for student visa purposes.
| University | City | Monthly Cost (AUD) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne, Monash, RMIT | Melbourne, VIC | AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,800 | INR 1.32 lakh to INR 1.85 lakh |
| University of Sydney, Macquarie, UTS | Sydney, NSW | AUD 2,200 to AUD 3,000 | INR 1.46 lakh to INR 1.99 lakh |
| ANU | Canberra, ACT | AUD 1,800 to AUD 2,400 | INR 1.19 lakh to INR 1.59 lakh |
| University of Queensland | Brisbane, QLD | AUD 1,800 to AUD 2,500 | INR 1.19 lakh to INR 1.65 lakh |
| University of Adelaide | Adelaide, SA | AUD 1,600 to AUD 2,200 | INR 1.06 lakh to INR 1.46 lakh |
Total annual budget (tuition + living) for Indian MS Finance students:
| Profile | Annual Budget (AUD) | Annual Budget (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget (Adelaide/ANU/Brisbane, shared housing) | AUD 74,000 to AUD 85,000 | INR 48.98 lakh to INR 56.26 lakh |
| Mid-range (Monash/RMIT/Macquarie, shared flat) | AUD 85,000 to AUD 1,00,000 | INR 56.26 lakh to INR 66.19 lakh |
| Standard (Melbourne/Sydney, shared flat) | AUD 95,000 to AUD 1,15,000 | INR 62.88 lakh to INR 76.12 lakh |
What students say:
- Adelaide (University of Adelaide) is the most recommended city for Indian MS Finance students on a budget. Monthly costs are AUD 600 to AUD 800 (INR 39,714 to INR 52,952) lower than Sydney, and the university qualifies graduates for additional post-study work rights under the regional study incentive.
- Working 20 hours per week at the Australian minimum wage of AUD 24.10 (INR 15.95) per hour generates approximately AUD 1,900 to AUD 2,000 (INR 1.26 lakh to INR 1.32 lakh) per month, enough to cover most living costs.
Scholarships for MS in Finance in Australia
The Australia Awards Scholarship is the most prestigious and fully funded scholarship available to Indian students. The ANU Chancellor's International Scholarship offers a 25% tuition reduction with a dedicated India category and no separate application required. The Monash International Merit Scholarship offers AUD 15,000 (INR 9.93 lakh) per year, one of the highest annual merit awards on this list.
| Scholarship | University | Award (AUD) | Award (INR) | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia Awards Scholarship | All universities | Full tuition + living allowance + airfare | Full funding | Indian citizens; merit-based; highly competitive | Typically April |
| ANU Chancellor's International Scholarship | ANU | 25% tuition reduction (~AUD 14,030/year) | INR 9.28 lakh/year | International students; India-specific category; automatic consideration | Rolling |
| Monash International Merit Scholarship | Monash University | AUD 15,000/year | INR 9.93 lakh/year | International students; merit-based; automatic consideration | Rolling |
| Graduate Access Melbourne Scholarship | University of Melbourne | Up to AUD 10,000 | INR 6.62 lakh | Merit-based; international students; automatic consideration | Rolling |
| UQ International Scholarship | University of Queensland | Partial tuition waiver (merit-based) | Varies | International students; merit-based | Rolling |
| Adelaide University International Merit Scholarship | University of Adelaide | Partial fee waiver (merit-based) | Varies | International students; merit-based; automatic consideration | Rolling |
| Macquarie University Postgraduate Loyalty Scheme | Macquarie University | 10% tuition reduction | INR 3.10 lakh/year | International students; merit-based | Rolling |
| RMIT Bursary (Alumni) | RMIT University | 10% tuition reduction | INR 3.24 lakh/year | International students; merit-based | Rolling |
| UTS International Scholarships | UTS | Partial fee waivers | Varies | International students; merit-based | Rolling |
Top picks for Indian MS Finance students:
- ANU Chancellor's International Scholarship: 25% tuition reduction with a dedicated India category; automatically assessed at application with no separate form required; reduces ANU's annual fee to approximately AUD 42,090 (INR 27.85 lakh)
- Monash International Merit Scholarship: AUD 15,000 (INR 9.93 lakh) per year; one of the highest annual merit awards in Australia for MS Finance students; automatic consideration at application
- Australia Awards Scholarship: fully funded; most prestigious; apply by April each year; acceptance rate approximately 3 to 5% for Indian applicants
Jobs and Salary After MS in Finance in Australia
Australia's financial services sector is one of the largest in the Asia-Pacific region, with major employers including the Big Four banks (ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, NAB, Westpac), global investment banks (Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, UBS), Big 4 consulting firms (Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, EY), and superannuation funds. The Subclass 485 visa grants 2 years of unrestricted work rights, with Financial Analyst and Risk Manager roles listed on Australia's MLTSSL for direct PR through Subclass 189 without employer sponsorship.
| Job Role | Annual Salary (AUD) | Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Analyst (Entry level) | AUD 81,597 | INR 53.98 lakh |
| Investment Analyst (2 to 5 years) | AUD 1,00,000 to AUD 1,40,000 | INR 66.19 lakh to INR 92.67 lakh |
| Risk Manager (3 to 7 years) | AUD 1,37,513 | INR 90.95 lakh |
| Finance Manager (5 to 10 years) | AUD 1,35,000 to AUD 1,75,000 | INR 89.36 lakh to INR 1.16 crore |
| Investment Banker, Analyst level | AUD 1,20,000 to AUD 1,80,000 | INR 79.43 lakh to INR 1.19 crore |
| Portfolio Manager (5 to 10 years) | AUD 1,45,000 to AUD 1,65,000 | INR 95.95 lakh to INR 1.09 crore |
Post-study work and PR pathway for Indian MS Finance graduates:
- Complete MS in Finance (1 to 2 years full-time)
- Apply for Subclass 485 visa: 2 years in major cities; 3 to 4 years for ANU (Canberra) and University of Adelaide graduates under the regional study incentive
- Gain 1 to 2 years of Australian work experience as a Financial Analyst, Risk Analyst, or related role
- Apply for Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) for PR without employer sponsorship; Financial Analyst and Risk Manager are on the MLTSSL
- Apply for Australian citizenship after 4 years of residence (including 1 year as a permanent resident)
What students say:
- The CFA designation is described as the single most important career accelerator for Indian MS Finance graduates in Australia. Multiple universities on this list are CFA Institute University Affiliates, giving students a head start on the CFA syllabus while studying.
- Sydney-based graduates (UTS, Macquarie, Sydney) report the fastest time-to-offer for investment banking and asset management roles, with most receiving offers within 3 to 6 months of graduation.
Australia vs Other Countries for MS in Finance
Australia has 3 universities in the global QS top 30 (2026) offering Master of Finance programmes. Total programme cost ranges from AUD 60,952 (INR 40.31 lakh) at UQ to AUD 1,29,600 (INR 85.75 lakh) at the University of Sydney, which is 30 to 50% cheaper than equivalent US programmes.
| Factor | Australia | USA | UK | Canada | Germany |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top University (QS 2026) | Melbourne #13 | MIT #1 | LSE #2 | Toronto #21 | TU Munich #50 |
| Annual Tuition (Indian student) | AUD 46,900 to AUD 64,800 (INR 31.02 lakh to INR 42.84 lakh) | USD 60,000 to USD 90,000 (INR 57.20 lakh to INR 85.81 lakh) | £20,000 to £40,000 (INR 25.46 lakh to INR 50.92 lakh) | CAD 20,000 to CAD 45,000 (INR 13.41 lakh to INR 30.18 lakh) | €0 to €5,000 (INR 0 to INR 4.77 lakh) |
| GMAT Required | No (8 out of 9) | Yes (most schools) | No (most schools) | No (most schools) | No |
| Post-Study Work Rights | 2 to 4 years Subclass 485 (no lottery) | 1 year OPT (non-STEM, no extension) | 2 years Graduate Route | Up to 3 years PGWP | 18 months Job Seeker Visa |
| Work Rights During Study | Unlimited hours | 20 hours/week on campus | 20 hours/week | 24 hours/week | 120 full days/year |
| PR Pathway | Subclass 189: PR in 3 to 5 years (no employer sponsorship needed) | H-1B to Green Card: 8 to 15+ years for Indians | Skilled Worker Visa (employer sponsorship required) | Express Entry: PR in 2 to 3 years | EU Blue Card to PR: 5 years |
| Superannuation Sector | AUD 3.9 trillion (unique job market) | No equivalent | No equivalent | No equivalent | No equivalent |
| CFA Affiliation | Multiple universities | Multiple universities | Multiple universities | Multiple universities | Limited |
What students say:
- Australia is preferred over the USA for MS Finance because no GMAT is required at most universities and post-study work rights are 2 to 4 years versus only 1 year OPT for non-STEM degrees, with a significantly more direct PR pathway for Indian nationals.
- Canada is recommended for students who prioritise the fastest PR timeline, with Express Entry delivering PR in 2 to 3 years, though Australia's unique superannuation sector and higher finance salaries make it the stronger long-term financial choice.
For Indian students in 2026, Australia offers world-ranked finance education, no GMAT requirement at most universities, unlimited work rights during study, and a certain post-study work pathway with a direct PR route. Students targeting the highest global ranking should choose University of Melbourne (#13 globally, AUD 53,000 to AUD 58,000 / INR 35.08 lakh to INR 38.39 lakh per year). Students targeting the fastest graduation and lowest total cost should choose UQ (1 year, AUD 60,952 / INR 40.31 lakh total). Students targeting the best value in Sydney should choose Macquarie (AUD 46,900 / INR 31.02 lakh per year, CFA affiliated). Students targeting additional post-study work rights should choose ANU (Canberra) or University of Adelaide, both qualifying for 3 to 4 years on the Subclass 485 visa.
FAQs
Ques: Can Indian students apply for MS in Finance in Australia directly after B.Com or BBA?
Ans: Yes. All 9 universities accept Indian BCom, BBA, and BSc graduates with a minimum 60 to 65% aggregate. Monash and RMIT accept students from any discipline, making them the most accessible entry points for Indian students from non-finance backgrounds.
Ques: What are the fees for MS in Finance in Australia for Indian students?
Ans: Annual tuition fees range from AUD 46,900 (INR 31.02 lakh) at Macquarie to AUD 64,800 (INR 42.84 lakh) at the University of Sydney. Total programme cost including living expenses ranges from AUD 74,000 to AUD 1,15,000 (INR 48.98 lakh to INR 76.12 lakh) depending on the university and city.
Ques: Is GMAT required for MS in Finance in Australia?
Ans: No, GMAT is not required at 8 out of 9 universities. UQ is the only exception, requiring GMAT 550 for international applicants. Admissions at all other universities are based on academic transcripts and English proficiency scores only.
Ques: What is the post-study work visa for MS Finance graduates in Australia?
Ans: Graduates receive a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) providing 2 years of unrestricted work rights in major cities, extendable to 3 to 4 years for ANU (Canberra) and University of Adelaide graduates under the regional study incentive.
Ques: What is the PR pathway for Indian MS Finance graduates in Australia?
Ans: Financial Analyst and Risk Manager roles are listed on Australia's MLTSSL, allowing graduates to apply for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) without employer sponsorship after 1 to 2 years of Australian work experience. The typical PR timeline is 3 to 5 years from arrival.
Ques: Which is the best university for MS in Finance in Australia for Indian students?
Ans: For the highest global ranking, choose University of Melbourne (#13 globally). For the lowest total cost and fastest graduation, choose UQ (1 year, AUD 60,952 / INR 40.31 lakh total). For the best value in Sydney with CFA affiliation, choose Macquarie (AUD 46,900 / INR 31.02 lakh per year).
Ques: What is the salary after MS in Finance in Australia for Indian graduates?
Ans: Entry-level Financial Analysts earn AUD 81,597 (INR 53.98 lakh) per year. Risk Managers earn AUD 1,37,513 (INR 90.95 lakh) per year. Portfolio Managers earn AUD 1,45,000 to AUD 1,65,000 (INR 95.95 lakh to INR 1.09 crore) per year.
Ques: Can Indian students work during MS in Finance in Australia?
Ans: Yes. International students in Australia can work unlimited hours during their studies, with the 40-hour fortnightly cap permanently removed in 2023. Working 20 hours per week at the Australian minimum wage of AUD 24.10 (INR 15.95) per hour generates approximately AUD 1,900 to AUD 2,000 (INR 1.26 lakh to INR 1.32 lakh) per month.
Ques: Are there scholarships for Indian students for MS in Finance in Australia?
Ans: The ANU Chancellor's International Scholarship offers a 25% tuition reduction with a dedicated India category and automatic consideration at application. The Monash International Merit Scholarship offers AUD 15,000 (INR 9.93 lakh) per year with automatic consideration. The Australia Awards Scholarship provides full funding for eligible Indian students.
Ques: What is the difference between MS Finance in Australia and USA?
Ans: Australian MS Finance programmes do not require GMAT at most universities, cost AUD 46,900 to AUD 64,800 (INR 31.02 lakh to INR 42.84 lakh) per year (lower than most US equivalents), and provide a certain 2 to 4-year post-study work visa with no lottery. US programmes offer higher starting salaries but require GMAT at most universities and depend on the H-1B lottery for long-term work rights.
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