Masters in Australia for Indian Students 2027: Fees, Courses & Post-Study Work
Australia has become one of the top destinations for Indian postgraduates, and for good reasons: world-ranked universities, a strong job market in healthcare, engineering and IT, and post-study work rights that can lead to permanent residency. At the same time, the rules have tightened. Visa fees went up in July 2026, the government now manages student numbers, and the post-study work visa has a lower age limit. This guide explains the masters in Australia for Indian students in 2027: the universities, courses, fees, eligibility, visa and career pathways, all with the current rules.
What this guide covers
Why choose a masters in Australia
- Globally ranked universities: the Group of Eight (Go8) universities regularly appear in the world top 100.
- Two years of post-study work for most master’s by coursework graduates, with extra time for regional study.
- Work while you study: up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during breaks.
- Clear skill shortages in nursing, teaching, engineering, IT and accounting, which are linked to migration pathways.
- Flexible intakes: February and July, with some universities offering November intakes.
Top universities for a masters in Australia
| University | City | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | Melbourne | Engineering, IT, business, public health |
| University of Sydney | Sydney | Engineering, data science, commerce |
| UNSW Sydney | Sydney | Engineering, cybersecurity, AI |
| Australian National University | Canberra | Computing, public policy, sciences |
| Monash University | Melbourne | Pharmacy, IT, engineering |
| University of Queensland | Brisbane | Biotechnology, engineering, business |
| University of Adelaide | Adelaide | Engineering, agriculture, wine science |
| University of Western Australia | Perth | Mining, petroleum, engineering |
Universities such as Deakin, RMIT, Macquarie, UTS, Griffith and La Trobe are also popular with Indian students and often have more flexible entry requirements. Our guide on how to choose the best master’s program in Australia walks through the selection process.
Popular courses for Indian students
- Master of Information Technology / Computer Science: strong demand, with cybersecurity, AI and data specialisations.
- Master of Engineering (Professional): two years, often accredited by Engineers Australia.
- Master of Professional Accounting: linked to accounting professional bodies and skills assessments.
- Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) and Public Health: healthcare shortages make these strong career choices.
- Master of Business Analytics and MBA.
- Master of Teaching: teachers are in national shortage.
How to choose between these courses
Pick the course that builds on your bachelor’s degree and leads to a clear job in Australia or back in India. If you are aiming for long-term work rights, check whether the related occupation appears on the current skills lists and whether a professional body must assess your degree. A course that fits your background is also easier to explain in your Genuine Student answers, which helps your visa.
Fees and living costs for a masters in Australia
Using roughly ₹58 to the Australian dollar:
| Expense | Per year (AUD) | Per year (approx. ₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, mid-ranked university | $32,000 to $42,000 | ₹18.5 lakh to ₹24.5 lakh |
| Tuition, Go8 university | $45,000 to $60,000 | ₹26 lakh to ₹35 lakh |
| Living costs (visa minimum) | $29,710 | ₹17.2 lakh |
| Overseas Student Health Cover | $600 to $800 | ₹35,000 to ₹46,000 |
A two-year masters in Australia typically costs ₹65 lakh to ₹1 crore in total, depending on university and city. Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane and regional cities are noticeably cheaper than Sydney and Melbourne. Many universities offer 10 to 30 percent merit scholarships for Indian students; ask about them when you apply.
Eligibility and English requirements
- Bachelor’s degree: a recognised three-year or four-year degree. Three-year degree holders may need to do a longer (1.5 to 2 year) master’s.
- Grades: Go8 universities usually expect 60 to 70 percent or above, depending on the university’s ranking in India. Other universities may accept 50 to 55 percent.
- English: most universities ask for IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, or an equivalent PTE or TOEFL score. Nursing and teaching need higher scores, often IELTS 7.0 or above in every band.
- Work experience: needed for MBA and some management programmes.
Australian student visa for 2026 and 2027
Key points for the Student visa (subclass 500):
- Application fee: AUD 2,500 from 1 July 2026, up from AUD 2,000.
- Financial capacity: AUD 29,710 a year for living costs, plus tuition and travel.
- Genuine Student requirement: written answers in the application explaining your study plans and ties.
- National Planning Level: 295,000 new international students in both 2026 and 2027. Visa applications for universities that have used 80 percent of their allocation are processed more slowly, so apply early in the cycle.
Our guide to the Australia student visa for Indian students covers the full checklist, and official details are on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Post-study work and PR pathways
After graduation, master’s by coursework graduates can apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), Post-Higher Education Work stream:
- Usually two years of stay for a master’s by coursework, three years for a master’s by research.
- Applicants must be 35 or younger at the time of application (with limited exceptions).
- English requirement is higher than for the student visa, typically IELTS 6.5 overall.
- Graduates of regional campuses may get one to two extra years.
Many graduates then move to skilled visas through employer sponsorship or points-tested skilled migration. Occupations on the core skills list, such as nurses, engineers, teachers and some ICT roles, have clearer pathways. For the broader picture, see our study in Australia page.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a masters in Australia cost for Indian students?
Most students spend ₹65 lakh to ₹1 crore for a two-year master’s, including tuition and living costs. Scholarships and regional universities can reduce this.
Can I do a masters in Australia after a three-year degree?
Yes. Many universities accept three-year degrees, though you may need to take a 1.5 or 2-year programme instead of a shorter one.
What IELTS score is needed for a masters in Australia?
Usually 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0. Nursing, teaching and some health courses require 7.0 or higher.
How long can I stay in Australia after my master’s?
Most master’s by coursework graduates get two years on the 485 visa, with extra time for regional study, if they are 35 or younger.
Which intake is best for a masters in Australia?
February is the main intake with the most courses. July is also popular and gives extra time to prepare.
Plan early to make the most of Australia
A masters in Australia for Indian students can be a strong career investment, especially in fields linked to skill shortages. With higher visa fees and managed student numbers, early planning and a carefully chosen course matter more than ever.
EDBGO helps Indian students choose the right Australian university and course, apply for scholarships, prepare Genuine Student answers and file a complete visa application. Share your profile with us to get a personalised shortlist.
