MS in Australia: Top Universities, Fees & Rankings 2026

Q: How much CGPA is required for MS in Australia?

Most Australian universities require around 6065% or equivalent CGPA in a bachelors degree for MS admissions. Top universities like University of Melbourne, UNSW Sydney, and Australian National University may require higher scores for competitive programs. Students with lower CGPA can still get admission with a strong SOP, work experience, or relevant certifications.

Priya Vimal

Study Abroad Content Writer | Updated on - May 16, 2026

Australia is an emerging study abroad destination for MS programs for Indian students. Some of the reasons are PR pathways, globally ranked universities, and a student-friendly environment. An Australian master's is 1-2 year postgraduate program that focuses on advanced learning; popular master's programs include Data Science, Cybersecurity, Computing, Nursing and Biotechnology.

There are 36 universities in Australia featured in the QS World University 2026 rankings. The University of Melbourne (#19), The University of New South Wales (#20) and Monash University (#36) are some of the popular universities in Australia. The annual tuition fees for a Master’s program in Australia lies between AUD 37,984-58,056 (INR 26-39 lakh) and the living expenses can be expected in the range of 1,340-2,090 (INR 92,000-1.44 lakh).

Check out: Best countries for Studying Abroad

Table of Contents

Why Study in Australia?
MS in Australia University Rankings 2026
MS in Australia University Fees for Indian Students
Cost of Living in Australia
Admission Requirements for MS in Australia
Visa Procedure in Australia
Career Options and PR Pathways after MS in Australia
FAQs

Why Study in Australia?

Australia has become a preferred destination for Indian students due to its globally ranked universities, practical education system, and strong job outcomes. With a balance of quality education and career opportunities, it offers a well-rounded study experience.

World-class education system: Australia is known for a high-quality education, with universities like Curtin University that ranked 1% of universities worldwide based on the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU).
According to the QS Best Student Cities Rankings, Australian cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane are among the world’s top destinations for international students, recognised for their quality education, student life, safety, and career opportunities.
Mediterranean climate: Students can experience warm and dry summers. Apart from that, Perth is the sunniest capital city in Australia, with clear skies for 70% of the time in a year
Post-study work opportunities: International students can get a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) after completing eligible studies.

Explore more: Study in Australia 2026

MS in Australia University Rankings 2026

Below are the top universities in Australia for Master’s programs, ranked by the QS World University Rankings 2026.

University Name	Location	QS World University Rankings 2026	Collegedunia Study Abroad Rankings 2026 (Overall)
University of Melbourne	Melbourne	#19	#24
University of New South Wales	Sydney	#20	#32
The University of Sydney	Sydney	#25	#89
Australian National University	Canberra	#32	#38
Monash University	Melbourne	#36	#40
The University of Queensland	Brisbane	#42	#100
University of Western Australia	Perth	#77	#70
University of Technology Sydney	Sydney	#96	#85
RMIT University	Melbourne	#125	#141
Curtin University	Perth	#183	#153

Check: Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026 Rankings

MS in Australia University Fees for Indian Students

Indian students choose to pursue a master’s degree in Australia for high-quality teaching, global rankings, and strong career outcomes. These Australian universities offer a wide range of postgraduate courses in business, engineering, IT, health, and more.

Below are the top universities in Australia for master's programs, ranked by the QS World University Rankings 2026.

University Name	Popular Program	Annual Tuition Fees (AUD/INR)
University of Melbourne	MS Psychology	AUD 37,984 (INR 26 lakh)
University of New South Wales	MS Data Science and Decisions	AUD 43,500 (INR 29 lakh)
The University of Sydney	MS Data Science	AUD 57,900 (INR 39 lakh)
Australian National University	MS Computing	AUD 56,120 (INR 38 lakh)
Monash University	MS Data Science	AUD 55,700 (INR 38 lakh)
The University of Queensland	MS Cybersecurity	AUD 58,056 (INR 39 lakh)
The University of Western Australia	MS Biotechnology	AUD 51,000 (INR 35 lakh)
University of Technology Sydney	MS Nursing	AUD 45,050 (INR 30 lakh)
RMIT University	MS Computer Science	AUD 38,400 (INR 26 lakh)
Curtin University	MS Nursing Practice	AUD 43,178 (INR 29 lakh)

Check out: Public Universities in Australia

Cost of Living in Australia

Before applying, students need to have an estimated idea about the expenses apart from tuition fees. The monthly cost of living in Australia for a student depends on the location. Students can expect high expenses in cities like Melbourne and Sydney. The table below shows the cost breakdown for international students.

Expenses	Sydney	Perth	Canberra
Accommodation	AUD 1,200-1,600 (INR 82,506-1.1 lakh)	AUD 850-1,200 (INR 58,442-82,506)	AUD 900-1,200 (INR 61,880-82,506)
Food	AUD 350-500 (INR 24,064-34,377)	AUD 280-400 (INR 19,251-27,502)	AUD 300-420 (INR 20,626-28,877)
Transportation	AUD 100-150 (INR 6,875-10,313)	AUD 60-100 (INR 4,125-6,875)	AUD 70-120 (INR 4,812-8,250)
OSHC (standard health cover)	AUD 50-80 (INR 3,437-5,500)	AUD 50-80 (INR 3,437-5,500)	AUD 50-80 (INR 3,437-5,500)
Utilities	AUD 130-200 (INR 8,938-13,751)	AUD 100-150 (INR 6,875-10,313)	AUD 110-170 (INR 7,563-11,688 )
Total	AUD 1,830-2,530 (INR 1.26 lakh-1.74 lakh)	AUD 1,340-1,940 (INR 92,000-1.33 lakh)	AUD 1,430-2,090 (INR 98,241-1.44 lakh)

Source: Numbeo
(Affordable alternatives: Brisbane and Adelaide)

Admission Requirements for MS in Australia

The table mentions the eligibility and documents required for Indian students pursuing MS in Australia.

Requirement	Details
Academic qualification	Bachelor's degree (3 or 4 years) with a minimum GPA equivalent to 60–65%
English language proof	IELTS Academic: overall 6.5 - 7.5 TOEFL iBT: 79–100 PTE Academic: 58–65
Statement of Purpose (SOP)	A SOP that explains your academic background, areas of interest, reasons for choosing the course, and future career plans
Letters of Recommendation (LOR)	2–3 academic or professional references
CV/Resume	Required at most universities; should highlight academic achievements, projects and relevant work experience

Documents Required for MS in Australia:

Bachelor’s degree certificate
Academic transcripts
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Resume/CV
Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
English Proficiency Scorecard
Valid passport
Passport-size photographs

Visa Procedure in Australia

International students planning to study in Australia are required to apply for a Student Visa (subclass 500). A subclass 500 visa allows international students to study and work part-time in Australia, while a subclass 485 visa allows them to stay and work for 2-4 years.

After receiving the offer letter or COE (Confirmation of Enrolment), and submit proper supporting documents, including their academic transcripts (marksheets), confirmation of enrolment from the university, English proficiency results (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE ), financial proof and other requirement documents, a Genuine Student (GS) Requirement (a statement of your intentions for studying in Australia).

Check out: Australia Work Visa

Key 2026 update for Indian Students

Australia's student visa rejection rate for Indian applicants rose to approximately 40% in early 2026 due to stricter genuine student (GS) assessment. This does not mean Australia is closed to Indian students, it means weak applications with unclear study purpose or poor financial documentation are being rejected. Students with a clear academic rationale, strong financial proof and a well-written GS statement continue to receive visas.

Scholarships for MS in Australia

There are many popular scholarships in Australia for international students to pursue MS program. Some of them are listed in the table below.

University Name	Scholarships Name	Eligibility	Coverage
Monash University	Monash International Merit scholarship	All enrolled students enrolled in PG program	Up AUD 10,000-15,000 (INR 6.8-10 lakh) per year
Curtin University	Curtin Global Future Leaders Scholarship	Students enrolled in UG or PG with strong academic grades	AUD 10,000-12,500 (INR 6.8-8.5 lakh)
University of New South Wales	International student award	International students with strong academic grades (merit-based)	20% reduction in the tuition fees might be waived off
The University of Sydney	Sydney Scholarships India equity scholarship	International/Indian students applied for a postgraduate program	AUD 40,000 (INR 27 lakh )
Australian National University (ANU)	ANU Chancellor's International Scholarship	Students enrolled in any program except Doctor Of Medicine and Surgery (MChD) and Master Of Military and Defence Studies	25-50% tuition may be waived off
The University of Queensland	UQ International Excellence Scholarship	International students (including India) strong academics, with a 6.75 on a scale of UQ's 7-point scale	25% fee reduction in the tuition fees
RMIT University	Future Leaders Scholarship (India & Subcontinent)	Indian/subcontinent students applying for UG or PG programs (coursework)	20% fee reduction in the tuition fees

Check out: Scholarships to study in Australia

Career Options and PR Pathways after MS in Australia

After completing an eligible master's degree, international students can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). This visa allows graduates to stay and find jobs in Australia. For long-term settlement, many graduates explore PR pathways through skilled independent (189), skilled nominated (190), regional visas (491), or employer-sponsored visas. However, the recent update on the increase in Australia’s skilled visa salary threshold in 2026 may impact employer-sponsored PR pathways for international students.

Check out: PR Courses for Australia
Australia continues to attract Indian students for master’s programs because of its globally recognised universities, strong employment opportunities, and post-study work benefits. With top-ranked institutions, practical learning methods, and pathways to temporary work visas and PR, Australia offers both academic and career growth opportunities for international students.

FAQs

Ques. Can I get a PR if I study in Australia?

Ans. Studying in Australia does not guarantee permanent residency (PR), but it can improve PR opportunities. After completing an eligible master’s degree, international students can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) to gain work experience. PR pathways may then be explored through skilled migration visas such as subclass 189, 190, or 491, depending on occupation demand, work experience, location of study, and points score.

Ques. How much does MS cost in Australia?

Ans. The annual tuition fees for an MS in Australia generally range between AUD 37,000–58,000 (INR 26–39 lakh), depending on the university and program. Apart from tuition fees, international students should also budget for living expenses, health insurance and visa.

Ques. How many Backlogs are allowed for MS in Australia?

Ans. Australian universities do not usually mention a fixed backlog limit, but students with backlogs can still get admission if they have a good overall academic profile, relevant projects, SOP, and English proficiency scores. Top-ranked universities may prefer students with fewer backlogs, while some universities accept students with 5–10 backlogs, depending on the course and academic performance.

Ques. How much CGPA is required for MS in Australia?

Ans. Most Australian universities require around 60–65% or equivalent CGPA in a bachelor’s degree for MS admissions. Top universities like University of Melbourne, UNSW Sydney, and Australian National University may require higher scores for competitive programs. Students with lower CGPA can still get admission with a strong SOP, work experience, or relevant certifications.

Found 44 universities

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Ranking	College Info	Top Courses	Fees & Cost of Living
#24/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) Check Other Rankings	University of Melbourne, Melbourne 8.7(Based on 59 User Reviews)Victoria, Australia70%Acceptance Rate	MS Data Science Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL5PTE64 View 39 Other Programs	Tuition: (A$60,588/Yr)$43.6K/Yr Check Admission Requirements
#32/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) Check Other Rankings	University of New South Wales, Sydney 8.0(Based on 14 User Reviews)New South Wales, Australia60%Acceptance Rate	MS Food Science Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: IELTS7PTE65 View 20 Other Programs	Tuition: (A$53,829/Yr)$38.8K/Yr Living: (A$1,335/Yr)$961.2/Yr Check Admission Requirements
#38/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) Check Other Rankings	Australian National University, Canberra 7.8(Based on 12 User Reviews)Australian Capital Territory , Australia35%Acceptance Rate	MS Applied Data Analytics Course duration: 18 months Exams Accepted: IELTS6.5PTE64 View 26 Other Programs	Tuition: (A$51,152/Yr)$36.8K/Yr Check Admission Requirements
#40/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) Check Other Rankings	Monash University, Melbourne 5.5(Based on 45 User Reviews)Victoria, Australia40%Acceptance Rate	MS Data Science Course duration: 18 months Exams Accepted: TOEFL4PTE58 View 13 Other Programs	Tuition: (A$53,993/Yr)$38.9K/Yr Living: (A$15,840/Yr)$11.4K/Yr Check Admission Requirements
Partner Colleges 8.2 Best In Infrastructure Queensland University of Technology Brisbane, Queensland $32.4K 1st Year Fees MIT Apply Now 7.4 Best In Infrastructure University of Adelaide Adelaide, South Australia $33.6K 1st Year Fees BN Apply Now 5.0 Best In Infrastructure University of Tasmania Hobart, Tasmania $29.5K 1st Year Fees BN Apply Now Australian Graduate School of Management Kensington, New South Wales $44.6K 1st Year Fees MFin Apply Now 8.0 Best In Academic The University of Queensland Brisbane, Queensland $41.8K 1st Year Fees Master of Data Science Apply Now 7.1 Best In Academic Griffith University Brisbane, Queensland $29.9K 1st Year Fees BN Apply Now 7.4 Best In Infrastructure Curtin University Perth, Western Australia $28.7K 1st Year Fees MPhil Civil Engineering Apply Now 7.9 Best In Infrastructure University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales $45.4K 1st Year Fees MIT Apply Now 7.5 Best In Infrastructure University of Newcastle Newcastle, New South Wales $31.8K 1st Year Fees BN Apply Now 7.9 Best In Academic Macquarie University Sydney, New South Wales $33.3K 1st Year Fees Master of Data Science Apply Now
#70/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) Check Other Rankings	University of Western Australia, Perth 8.3(Based on 10 User Reviews)Western Australia, Australia38%Acceptance Rate	MS Industrial and Organisational Psychology Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: IELTS7PTE65 View 1 Other Program	Tuition: (A$52,100/Yr)$37.5K/Yr Check Admission Requirements
#85/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) Check Other Rankings	University of Technology Sydney, Sydney 6.0(Based on 25 User Reviews)New South Wales, Australia19%Acceptance Rate	MS Course duration: 18 months Exams Accepted: TOEFL4PTE58 View 5 Other Programs	Tuition: (A$48,734/Yr)$35.1K/Yr Check Admission Requirements
#89/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) Check Other Rankings	The University of Sydney, Sydney 6.7(Based on 20 User Reviews)New South Wales, Australia30%Acceptance Rate	MS Data Science Course duration: 18 months Exams Accepted: TOEFL5PTE64 View 28 Other Programs	Tuition: (A$58,362/Yr)$42K/Yr Living: (A$11,760/Yr)$8.5K/Yr Check Admission Requirements
#100/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) Check Other Rankings	The University of Queensland, Brisbane 7.3(Based on 25 User Reviews)Queensland, Australia40%Acceptance Rate	MS Cyber Security Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL4.5PTE64 View 19 Other Programs	Tuition: (A$55,763/Yr)$40.1K/Yr Check Admission Requirements
#121/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) Check Other Rankings	Macquarie University, Sydney 9.0(Based on 20 User Reviews)New South Wales, Australia54%Acceptance Rate	MS Engineering Management Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: IELTS7PTE60 View 23 Other Programs	Tuition: (A$47,321/Yr)$34.1K/Yr Living: (A$26,400/Yr)$19K/Yr Check Admission Requirements
#141/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) Check Other Rankings	RMIT University, Melbourne 7.0(Based on 35 User Reviews)Victoria, Australia22%Acceptance Rate	MS Data Science Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: IELTS6.5PTE58 View 20 Other Programs	Tuition: (A$42,149/Yr)$30.3K/Yr Living: (A$28,800/Yr)$20.7K/Yr Check Admission Requirements

#151/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) Check Other Rankings	University of Wollongong, Wollongong 6.5(Based on 7 User Reviews)New South Wales, Australia	MS Business Analytics Course duration: 18 months Exams Accepted: IELTS6.5 View 5 Other Programs	Tuition: (A$35,250/Yr)$25.4K/Yr Check Admission Requirements
#153/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) Check Other Rankings	Curtin University, Perth 6.8(Based on 9 User Reviews)Western Australia, Australia50%Acceptance Rate	MS Project Management Course duration: 18 months Exams Accepted: TOEFL4PTE58 View 12 Other Programs	Tuition: (A$43,144/Yr)$31.1K/Yr Living: (A$14,560/Yr)$10.5K/Yr Check Admission Requirements
#157/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) Check Other Rankings	Deakin University, Geelong 7.3(Based on 42 User Reviews)Victoria, Australia75%Acceptance Rate	M.S Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: TOEFL94PTE65 View 8 Other Programs	Tuition: (A$43,151/Yr)$31.1K/Yr Check Admission Requirements
#162/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) Check Other Rankings	University of Adelaide, Adelaide 10.0(Based on 16 User Reviews)South Australia, Australia75%Acceptance Rate	MS Data Science Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL4PTE64 View 19 Other Programs	Tuition: (A$52,505/Yr)$37.8K/Yr Living: (A$19,440/Yr)$14K/Yr Check Admission Requirements
#164/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) Check Other Rankings	Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 6.3(Based on 14 User Reviews)Queensland, Australia77%Acceptance Rate	M.S Clinical Psychology Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: IELTS7PTE66 View 3 Other Programs	Tuition: (A$22,250/Yr)$16K/Yr Check Admission Requirements
#177/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) Check Other Rankings	University of Newcastle, Newcastle 7.7(Based on 7 User Reviews)New South Wales, Australia87%Acceptance Rate	M.S Clinical Psychology Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: Duolingo120IELTS6.5PTE58 View 4 Other Programs	Tuition: (A$19,754/Yr)$14.2K/Yr Living: (A$11,158/Yr)$8K/Yr Check Admission Requirements
#189/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) Check Other Rankings	La Trobe University, Melbourne 6.0(Based on 15 User Reviews)Victoria, Australia	MS Business Analytics Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: IELTS6.5PTE58 View 28 Other Programs	Tuition: (A$42,357/Yr)$30.5K/Yr Check Admission Requirements
#205/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) Check Other Rankings	Griffith University, Brisbane 7.7(Based on 9 User Reviews)Queensland, Australia	MS Cyber Security Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL4PTE55 View 21 Other Programs	Tuition: (A$45,955/Yr)$33.1K/Yr Check Admission Requirements
#218/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) Check Other Rankings	Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne 8.7(Based on 20 User Reviews)Victoria, Australia70%Acceptance Rate	MS Biotechnology Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: IELTS6.5PTE58 View 1 Other Program	Tuition: (A$45,715/Yr)$32.9K/Yr Living: (A$1,000/Yr)$720/Yr Check Admission Requirements
#219/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) Check Other Rankings	University of Tasmania, Hobart 3.0(Based on 3 User Reviews)Tasmania, Australia	M.S Computer Engineering Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL72PTE50 View 10 Other Programs	Tuition: (A$37,972/Yr)$27.3K/Yr Check Admission Requirements