Best Postgraduate Course to Study in Australia

As of 2024, there are 824,951 international students in Australia. If you compare the numbers from the previous year, you will find more than a 13%  increase.  

Furthermore, India is the second-highest sending market for international students. So, it’s certainly smart to pursue your postgraduate studies in Australia. The hard part is picking the right course. 

There are numerous courses and programs available in Australia for postgraduate degrees. They are broadly divided into taught degrees or coursework and research degrees. 

Here’s a table for a quick understanding:

Postgrad options by coursework and research degrees	Duration
Graduate Certificate	6 to 14 months
Graduate Diploma	6 to 14 months
Master’s Degree (by Coursework)	1 to 2 years
Master’s Degree (Extended)	1 to 2 years
Doctorate	Up to 4 years
Master’s degree (by research)	2 years
Research Doctorate (PhD)	Up to 4 years

Having so many options can actually be confusing. When choosing, you need to ask yourself questions like:

• Which course will offer me the best career opportunities?
• Which one suits my long-term goals the best?
• Which one can I afford to pursue financially?

You may also research the 10 best postgraduate courses to study in Australia. Here’s a list that covers a variety of options, from master’s and PhDs to diplomas.

So, without further ado, let’s dive right in.

Best postgraduate course to study in Australia

Besides personal interests, what factors should drive you to choose a particular course? When it comes to postgraduate courses in Australia, you should consider the following:

• Professional skill development
• Career advancement
• Income potential
• Networking
• Specialization 
• Practical Application

Here are the 10 best postgraduate courses that tick all the necessary boxes. 

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Let’s begin with the most popular choice. When it comes to postgraduate education, MBA is recognized as the #1 choice globally. This trend has been going strong since 2011-12, and it rings true for Australia as well.

Course vverview:

By definition, an MBA degree is a general management degree. It educates business students in areas such as:

• Finance
• Human Resource
• Marketing
• Strategy
• Operations Management

Unlike regular Master’s programs, MBA in Australia emphasizes peer-to-peer education. Students from diverse backgrounds get to interact with each other and with successful business people.

MBA programs in Australia typically span 1 to 2 years. The curriculum includes a combination of theoretical coursework, practical projects, and internships.

Admission requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution.
• A satisfactory GPA (on average, 2.5 – 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale).
• 2-3 years of relevant work experience.
• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.).
• GMAT or GRE scores (required by some universities).

Top universities:

• Melbourne Business School
• Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) – University of New South Wales
• University of Sydney Business School
• UQ Business School
• Macquarie Business School, Macquarie University

Comparison with other postgraduate options:

Unlike specialized master’s degrees, an MBA offers a broader business education. Do you want something more focused? A Master of Professional Accounting or graduate certificate in business may be more suitable.

Master of Professional Accounting

If you are aiming for exceptional career growth opportunities, a Master of Professional Accounting may be ideal. It offers high employability in both public and private sectors. With this degree, you can become a certified accountant. 

Course overview:

Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) is a degree in accounting. It is a 2-year program that provides an in-depth understanding of:

• Accounting principles
• Financial reporting
• Auditing 
• Taxation

In Australia, MPA programs focus more on practical skills. So, students get to learn the practical applications of the subjects in their curriculum. 

Admission requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree
• A decent GPA (4.0 and above)
• Minimum IELTS/TOEFL scores of 6.5
• Relevant work experience (optional)

Top universities:

• The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
• Monash University
• University of Melbourne
• The University of Sydney
• The University of Queensland

Comparison with other postgraduate options:

A Master of Professional Accounting goes deep into accounting practices. There are also graduate diplomas in accounting. However, they usually lack the comprehensive approach needed for certification.

Master of Computer Science

Another best postgraduate course to study in Australia is a Master of Computer Science. There is a high demand for tech professionals in the country. The Australian Government plans to create 1.2 million tech-related jobs by 2030. Besides career growth opportunities, the program also paves the way for a PhD. 

Course overview:

Depending on the university, the duration of the program is 1-2 years. It covers advanced computing topics such as:

• Algorithms
• Data structures
• Artificial intelligence
• Cybersecurity

It also prepares students for roles in research, software development, and IT management.

Admission requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field
• A minimum GPA of 60%-75%
• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL)
• Relevant work experience

Top universities:

• University of Melbourne 
• Australian National University (ANU) 
• University of New South Wales (UNSW) 
• University of Sydney 
• Monash University 

Comparison with other postgraduate options:

Compared to the broader IT programs, the Master of Computer Science focuses on in-depth technical skills. Graduate diplomas or certificates in IT may provide foundational exposure. However, they lack the depth and research opportunities that a full master’s program offers.

Master of Data Science

The demand for data specialists is consistently on the rise. In every major industry, from engineering to health, big data and analytics play a crucial role in strategic decision-making and innovation.

Course overview:

As a PG degree, the program typically spans 1-2 years depending on the university. You may pursue it part-time or full-time. The program offers an in-depth understanding of:

• Data analysis
• Natural language processing
• Data warehousing
• Machine learning
• Predictive modeling
• Statistics

Admission requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in a related field (computer science or mathematics)
• Knowledge of basic programming and statistical analysis
• Minimum GPA of 5.0
• Proof of English language proficiency

Top universities:

• The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
• University of South Australia
• University of Southern Queensland 
• University of Sydney
• University of Melbourne

Comparison with other postgraduate options:

The Master of Data Science is a more focused and specialized program than the broad MS in computer science degree. It is ideal for students who are interested only in data analysis and its applications.

Master of Public Health (MPH)

This is another one of the top choices for masters in Australia. Getting a Master of Public Health allows you to make a significant positive impact in the world. 

Course overview:

This is a 2-year program. It prepares students to solve global health issues. Students can choose one of eight career pathways. They can also create their own custom pathway based on personal aspirations. The coursework involves subjects like:

• Epidemiology
• Biostatistics
• Health policy
• Community health

Admission requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in a related field (health sciences or medicine)
• Strong academic transcripts
• Proof of English proficiency
• Experience in health care or community services (optional)

Top universities:

• Australian National University (ANU)
• The University of Sydney
• Curtin University
• University of Melbourne
• Deakin University

Comparison with other postgraduate options:

If you are interested in policy and community health, a Master of Public Health is what you should probably pursue. The program offers a blend of research and practical experience. However, it differs from research-intensive PhD programs.

Graduate Diploma in Information Technology

If you are looking for postgraduate diploma courses, this is an excellent option. A Graduate Diploma in IT is a short and intensive course at the postgraduate level. 

It is ideal for students who want to upgrade their technical skills but don’t wish to commit to a full master’s program.

Course overview:

One of the best one-year PG courses, this graduate diploma is for IT professionals. It helps them develop diverse skills. The course covers a broad curriculum, which includes:

• Principles of Programming
• Secure By Design
• Software Engineering Principles
• Software Development Management 
• Cloud Computing Fundamentals
• Intelligent Systems
• Research Methodologies
• System Analysis and Design

Admission requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in a related field
• A decent GPA (4 or above)
• Relevant work experience
• Proof of English proficiency

Top universities:

• University of Melbourne
• UNSW Sydney
• The University of Queensland
• Charles Sturt University
• Monash University

Comparison with other postgraduate options:

Compared to a full-time master’s program, this graduate diploma is more concise. It is also a lot more cost-effective. Students who are looking for a quick transition into the IT field can opt for it. 

Graduate Certificate in Project Management

In project management, this is the best postgraduate course to study in Australia. This short course will help you hone your project management skills. 

Course overview:

A Graduate Certificate in Project Management teaches advanced techniques and principles for project team roles. The curriculum equips students with leadership and management skills. 

Students typically need to undertake one core business unit along with around three specialized project management units. 

The duration of this course is 6 months. So, if you are looking for courses after post-graduation, this may be suitable.

Admission requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree
• Strong academic record
• Proof of English language proficiency
• 3 to 5 years of relevant professional experience

Top universities:

• The University of Sydney
• RMIT University
• Charles Sturt University
• Victoria University
• Swinburne University of Technology

Comparison with other postgraduate options:

This graduate certificate is a focused alternative to a master’s degree in Australia. It is ideal for professionals who want to sharpen their skills. But they don’t have to commit to a full master’s course.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Engineering

A PhD is the highest level of PG study in Australia. It is a research-intensive program. If you want to do research that contributes to technological advancement, this is the program for you.

Course overview:

A PhD in Engineering involves rigorous research. Students have to pick a specific engineering field and conduct independent research with the guidance of a supervisor. Key areas of research include:

• Complex systems
• Data science
• Energy
• Environment
• Food supply
• Healthcare
• Infrastructure
• IoT
• Robotics

The program typically takes around 3 to 4 years to complete. Students prepare a thesis, which makes an original and substantial contribution. 

Admission requirements:

• A master’s degree in engineering
• A detailed research proposal
• Proof of English proficiency

Top universities:

• University of New South Wales
• University of Technology Sydney
• Curtin University
• University of Melbourne
• Monash University

Comparison with other postgraduate options:

A PhD is vastly different from a taught master’s program. It is research-focused and demands a long-term commitment. If you are passionate about academia,  it is the best postgraduate course to study in Australia.

Doctor of Education (EdD)

This is the best postgraduate course to study in Australia in the education sector. In EdD, the major focus is on professional experience as well as academic research. Candidates have to apply research and theory to solve real-world problems. 

Course overview:

The Doctor of Education (EdD) is ideal for individuals from the education sector. As part of the program, students perform scholarly inquiry and systematic critique of complex concepts. 

The goal here is to advance the knowledge and professional practice in education. Students get to learn to:

• Understand and use a range of qualitative and quantitative educational research methodologies.
• Translate research ideas to improve practice.
• Develop academic writing skills.
• Improve organizational and interpersonal skills. 

The duration of the program is 4 years. For successful completion, candidates have to complete coursework and write a thesis.

Admission requirements:

• A master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Five years of professional experience.
• Evidence of capability to undertake research.

Top universities:

• University of Melbourne
• University of Sydney
• Monash University
• The University of Queensland
• UNSW Sydney

Comparison with other postgraduate options:

A Master’s in Education focuses on practical teaching and administrative skills. A doctoral degree, however, emphasizes research and leadership. If you wish to pursue an academic career in education, an EdD is the right choice for you.

Master of Social Work

Do social justice and community service interest you? Then, for you, a Master of Social Work would be the best postgraduate course to study in Australia. 

Course overview:

Master of Social Work emphasizes research-based teaching. Students learn through various approaches including:

• Seminars 
• Lectures
• Interactive tutorials

The teaching method is also varied. It includes a combination of peer learning, collaborative group work, case and scenario-based learning, and practice skill simulations. The duration of the full-time program is 2 years. 

Admission requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Good academic record.
• Proof of English language proficiency.

Top universities:

• University of Sydney
• University of Melbourne
• RMIT University
• Deakin University
• The University of Western Australia

Comparison with other postgraduate options:

A Master of Social Work is ideal for those who want to create social change. It is not as research-intensive as a PhD. Rather, the program focuses on practical and field-based training.

Also Read: Why Study in Australia: Top Reasons To Pursue Higher Studies in Australia

Scholarships and funding opportunities for the best postgraduate course in Australia

Deciding on the best postgraduate course to study in Australia is a significant milestone. But the process doesn’t end there. If anything, it’s only getting started.

The next step is securing funding. Paying completely out of pocket, though possible, is the last resort for most. The majority of students look for scholarships. 

If you are academically gifted, there are scholarships offered by Australian universities. Here’s a scholarship program, launched by the University of Western Australia for 2025. 

There’s also the Australia Awards Scholarships. It is administered and overseen by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The scholarship is awarded to students in the Asia Pacific region. 

Indian students looking to do a PG in Australia can apply for this scholarship. It covers full tuition fees, return air travel, Contribution to Living Expenses, and many others.

A few other coveted scholarships and funding opportunities for international students are:

Award/Scholarship Program	Study Level	Total Value
Carnegie Mellon University Scholarships	Masters	Up to $20,000
Melbourne Research Scholarship	Masters / PhD	100% fee remission and up to $135,000
The University of Queensland Law Scholarship	Masters	Varies
University of South Australia Scholarships	Masters / PhD	Up to $28,854 per annum
Monash University Research Training Program	Masters / PhD	Up to $29,000

If you want to study abroad in Australia, a good scholarship will make that path easier. However, not getting a scholarship doesn’t mean the dream has hit a dead-end.

Also Read: Scholarship to Study in Australia For Indian Students: How To Apply

Many students think that without a scholarship, funding their education abroad is impossible. But that’s not true. With the right loan, you can still make studying in Australia a reality—without exhausting your savings or relying on family support.

That’s where FundRight (by GradRight) comes in.

How FundRight Helps You Secure the Best Education Loan

• Compare loan offers from 15+ lenders, including banks and NBFCs, to get the lowest interest rates.
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With FundRight, you don’t just take a loan—you take the best loan for your future.

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