- Study Australia lists 42 Australian universities, with 9 ranked among the world's top 100 (QS)
- The Student visa (subclass 500) now requires meeting the Genuine Student requirement introduced in 2024, and the application charge rose to AUD 2,000 from July 2025
- Graduates can apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) to work after study.
Australia is one of the world's most popular destinations for international students and a leading choice for postgraduate study. Students from India and around the world choose it for world-class universities, strong research, and excellent career prospects after graduation.
Why Study in Australia After Graduation?
Australia is one of the world's leading study destinations, hosting students from across the globe in 42 universities. Its postgraduate degrees combine practical training with academic depth, strong research links and global recognition, helping graduates raise their employability and market value while studying in an English-speaking, multicultural and welcoming environment.
Australia is especially popular with students who have finished their bachelor's degree. There are many postgraduate options to choose from once you decide to study in Australia, across humanities, science and commerce.
The Australian education system is among the best in the world, giving students strong experience, knowledge and exposure. A master's degree from Australia adds to a graduate's market value, as many of its universities rank among the global top 100 in the QS World University Rankings.
Study in Australia for Indian StudentsRead →Which Are the Best PG Courses in Humanities?
Australia offers a wide range of postgraduate humanities programmes spanning languages, social sciences, law, fine arts and creative fields such as music and design. Universities including Flinders, Adelaide, Sydney, La Trobe, Wollongong and the Australian National University deliver these masters degrees, pairing subject expertise with the soft skills employers value worldwide.
There is no shortage of humanities courses for those planning postgraduate study in Australia. Students can take up programmes in languages, social sciences, law and fine arts.
Creative options such as a Master of Jewellery Design, a Master of Leadership and a Master of Music are also available.
Top universities for postgraduate humanities courses include:
- Flinders University
- Victoria University
- La Trobe University
- The University of Adelaide
- The University of Sydney
- University of Wollongong
- University of Southern Queensland
- The Australian National University
Which Are the Top PG Courses in Science?
Postgraduate science study in Australia covers engineering, environmental science, food science, animal science and many applied fields through MSc and master's programmes. Leading providers include the University of Queensland, Monash University, the Australian National University, University of Technology Sydney and the University of Sydney, all known for strong research facilities and industry links.
Australia offers a wide range of MSc courses across many fields of science. Whether engineering, medical or another discipline, it is a strong choice for postgraduate science study.
Popular postgraduate science courses include:
- Master of Applied Science
- Master of Animal Science
- Master of Food Science and Technology
- Master of Engineering Science
- Master of Archaeological Science
- Master of Design Science
- Master of Environmental Science
- Master of Sports Science
- Master of Architectural Science
These and many other courses are offered by leading universities such as:
- The University of Queensland
- Monash University
- Australian National University
- University of Technology Sydney
- The University of Sydney
What Postgraduate Commerce Courses Can You Pursue?
For commerce graduates, Australia offers MBA, Master of Commerce and specialised masters in finance, economics, marketing and human resources. Business schools such as Melbourne Business School, UNSW Business School, the University of Sydney, Curtin, RMIT, Victoria University and Edith Cowan University deliver these programmes with strong industry exposure and global career outcomes.
Commerce is one of the most in-demand fields worldwide, and Australia is a strong place to study it. Many MBA programmes here develop students' business and management skills.
The Master of Commerce is among the most sought-after degrees offered by Australian universities. There are also masters in finance, human resources, economics and marketing that help graduates build their careers and raise their value worldwide.
Universities offering postgraduate commerce courses include:
- Melbourne Business School
- UNSW Business School
- The University of Sydney
- Curtin University
- RMIT University
- Victoria University
- Edith Cowan University
What Are the Postgraduate Study Options and Durations?
Australian postgraduate qualifications include graduate certificates and diplomas, masters by coursework, masters by research and the PhD. According to Study Australia, a graduate diploma takes about one year, masters degrees usually run one to two years, and a PhD takes three to four years, letting you match study length to your goals.
- Graduate certificate or graduate diploma - around one year
- Masters by coursework - one to two years, focused on professional practice or your field
- Masters by research - one to two years, producing original research
- PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) - three to four years of in-depth research
How Do Student and Post-Study Work Visas Work?
International postgraduates study on the Student visa (subclass 500), which from July 2024 requires meeting the Genuine Student requirement and from 2025 carries a higher application charge. After graduating, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) lets eligible bachelor and masters graduates stay and work in Australia, typically for two years.
From July 2024 the Genuine Student requirement replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant test for the subclass 500 student visa, and the visa application charge rose to AUD 2,000 from July 2025. Most international students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the semester. After finishing an eligible degree, graduates can apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) to gain work experience in Australia, with longer stays available for research degrees and study in regional areas.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in Australia?
Tuition for postgraduate study in Australia varies widely by university, course and city, so there is no single fixed figure. Study Australia advises international students to use its official cost-of-living calculator and course search to estimate fees and living expenses, then budget for tuition, accommodation, transport and health cover together.
Costs also depend on your lifestyle and city, with Sydney and Melbourne generally more expensive than regional centres. Scholarships from Australian universities and the government can reduce tuition for strong international applicants.