10 Best Master’s Courses in Australia for 2026: Universities, Costs & PR Pathways Explained

Introduction 

Australia continues to stand out as a global education powerhouse — home to world-ranked universities, strong graduate employability, and clear migration opportunities. 
For international students, completing a master’s degree in Australia opens doors to advanced skills, global recognition, and long-term career stability under the Subclass 485 Post-Study Work Visa. 

At Aussizz Group, our experienced counsellors and migration experts help you choose the right program, prepare your visa, and plan a future aligned with your permanent residency goals. 

Note: Many other Australian universities (public and private) also offer these programs. The universities listed below are representative examples with on-campus delivery and strong industry alignment. 
The Medium and Long-Term Skilled Occupation List (MLTSSL) is reviewed regularly — occupations currently listed may change with government updates. 

1. Master of Information Technology (IT) 

Why It’s in Demand: 
Australia’s technology workforce is projected to reach 1.2 million jobs by 2030, driven by AI, cybersecurity and automation (Tech Council of Australia, 2024). As digital transformation accelerates across finance, health and education, skilled IT professionals are in short supply. 

• Popular Universities: Monash University, RMIT, Deakin University, University of Western Australia, Southern Cross University 

• Tuition Fees: AUD 38,000 – 52,000 per year 

• Career Outcomes: Software Engineer, Cybersecurity Analyst, Cloud Architect, Data Scientist, AI Engineer 

• Migration Insight: ICT occupations frequently appear on the MLTSSL; verify current listings before applying. 

• Average Salary: AUD 90,000 – 120,000 per year (Seek Australia, 2024) 

2. Master of Engineering 

Why It’s in Demand: 
Australia’s infrastructure pipeline exceeds A$120 billion, with strong investment in renewable energy, construction and manufacturing (Infrastructure Australia, 2023). Graduates skilled in design, project management and sustainability remain in high demand. 

• Popular Universities: University of Queensland, Curtin University, University of Adelaide, Charles Darwin University, Edith Cowan University 

• Tuition Fees: AUD 40,000 – 65,000 per year 

• Career Outcomes: Civil Engineer, Project Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Environmental Engineer, Engineering Consultant, Mining Engineer 

• Migration Insight: Engineering occupations generally remain PR-aligned but should always be confirmed at the time of visa application. 

• Average Salary: AUD 80,000 – 130,000 per year (Engineers Australia Salary Guide 2024) 

3. Master of Nursing Practice (Graduate Entry / Pre-Registration) 

Why It’s in Demand: 
Australia faces a shortage of more than 70,000 nurses by 2035 (Department of Health). Graduates gain AHPRA-accredited clinical training and enjoy one of the strongest PR-linked healthcare careers. 

• Popular Universities: Deakin University, Charles Darwin University, La Trobe University, Southern Cross University, QUT 

• Tuition Fees: AUD 34,000 – 52,000 per year 

• Career Outcomes: Registered Nurse, Clinical Educator, Mental-Health Nurse, Community Health Nurse, Aged-Care Coordinator  

• Migration Insight: Nursing roles remain among Australia’s most consistent PR pathways. 

• Average Salary: AUD 75,000 – 110,000 per year (Seek Australia, 2024) 

4. Master of Data Science 

Why It’s in Demand: 
Australia’s data-driven economy could add A$100 billion per year by 2030 through analytics and AI innovation (Tech Council of Australia, 2024). Graduates with analytical, statistical, and computational expertise are highly employable across sectors. 

• Popular Universities: Deakin University, Monash University, University of Queensland, University of Canberra, RMIT, La Trobe University  

• Tuition Fees: AUD 38,000 – 60,000 per year 

• Career Outcomes: Data Scientist, Machine-Learning Engineer, BI Analyst, Statistician, Data Engineer  

• Migration Insight: Data-related occupations regularly appear under ICT streams on the skilled lists. 

• Average Salary: AUD 90,000 – 125,000 per year (Seek 2024) 

5. Master of Social Work (Qualifying) 

Why It’s in Demand: 
Government programs like NDIS and My Aged Care are driving strong demand for qualified social-work professionals in counselling, community, and healthcare services (AIHW, 2023). 

• Popular Universities: Southern Cross University, Charles Darwin University, Griffith University, CQUniversity  

• Tuition Fees: AUD 35,000 – 45,000 per year 

• Career Outcomes: Social Worker, Case Manager, Policy Advisor, Youth Worker, Family Support Worker, Community Program Leader 

• Migration Insight: Social-work occupations remain migration-relevant; always confirm current skilled-list status. 

• Average Salary: AUD 70,000 – 95,000 per year 

6. Master of Pharmacy 

Why It’s in Demand: 
Pharmacists are vital to Australia’s healthcare and aged-care system. Ongoing demand in rural and hospital settings provides strong job security (Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, 2023). 

• Popular Universities: University of Sydney, Curtin University, University of Canberra, Monash University 

• Tuition Fees: AUD 38,000 – 55,000 per year 

• Career Outcomes: Hospital Pharmacist, Community Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacist, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Research Pharmacologist  

• Migration Insight: Pharmacy is a PR-aligned profession; verify registration and MLTSSL status. 

• Average Salary: AUD 80,000 – 105,000 per year 

7. Master of Occupational Therapy 

Why It’s in Demand: 
In 2022, 5.5 million Australians (21.4%) reported living with disability (ABS 2022), increasing demand for allied-health professionals across NDIS and aged care. 

• Popular Universities: Charles Darwin University, Curtin University, La Trobe University, Swinburne University  

• Tuition Fees: AUD 38,000 – 50,000 per year 

• Career Outcomes: Occupational Therapist, Rehabilitation Consultant, Disability Support Advisor, Paediatric Therapist, Aged-Care Specialist  

• Migration Insight: Occupational Therapy is PR-aligned; students should confirm current AHPRA and MLTSSL requirements. 

• Average Salary: AUD 75,000 – 100,000 per year 

8. Master of Teaching (Secondary) 

Why It’s in Demand: 
Australia’s shortage of qualified STEM and English teachers has made secondary education one of the most employable careers (Department of Education, 2023). States offer incentives for graduates to teach in priority areas. 

• Popular Universities: Charles Darwin University, University of New England, University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), Southern Cross University, University of Melbourne 

• Tuition Fees: AUD 32,000 – 44,000 per year 

• Career Outcomes: Secondary Teacher, Curriculum Planner, Subject Coordinator, Education Consultant, Instructional Designer  

• Migration Insight: Secondary School Teacher (ANZSCO 241411) is on the MLTSSL and eligible for state nomination in most regions. 

• Average Salary: AUD 80,000 – 115,000 per year 

9. Master of Counselling 

Why It’s in Demand: 
With increasing mental-health awareness and government investment in programs like Headspace and Better Access, the need for counsellors continues to rise (Department of Health, 2024). 

• Popular Universities: Murdoch University, University of Queensland, University of the Sunshine Coast, Deakin University  

• Tuition Fees: AUD 36,000 – 55,000 per year 

• Career Outcomes: Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Family Therapist, School Counsellor, Trauma Specialist, Wellbeing Coach 

• Migration Insight: Counselling roles may be eligible under regional nomination or community-services visa streams 

• Average Salary: AUD 65,000 – 95,000 per year 

10. Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) 

Why It’s in Demand: 
Australia’s Early-Childhood Education Reform Agenda is creating strong, long-term demand for qualified teachers to meet preschool participation targets (Department of Education, 2024). 

• Popular Universities: Charles Darwin University, Edith Cowan University, Southern Cross University, Deakin University 

• Tuition Fees: AUD 32,000 – 45,000 per year 

• Career Outcomes: Early-Childhood Teacher, Kindergarten Director, Curriculum Designer, Education Coordinator, Centre Manager  

• Migration Insight: Early-Childhood Teacher (ANZSCO 241111) is a high-demand occupation on the MLTSSL. 

• Average Salary: AUD 70,000 – 100,000 per year 

Living Costs & Post-Study Opportunities 

• Estimated Living Cost: AUD 29,710 per year (DHA 2024 guidelines) 

• Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485): 2 – 4 years depending on study level and location 

• Regional Bonus: Studying at CDU, SCU or UniSC offers extended work rights and extra PR points 

How Aussizz Group Supports You 

• Course Counselling: Programs aligned with academic profile & PR pathways 

• Visa & GS Support: Full documentation for Subclass 500 applications 

• Financial & OSHC Planning: Tailored budget and insurance guidance 

• Migration Strategy: Advice from MARA-registered agents for 485 and Skilled Visas 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q1. How can I check if my master’s course supports migration pathways? 
Check whether your intended occupation appears on Australia’s Skilled Occupation Lists (SOL) — particularly the MLTSSL or STSOL, updated periodically by the DHA. 

Q2. What if my occupation is removed from the skilled list while I’m studying? 
You can still qualify for the 485 Post-Study Work Visa and later explore 491 Regional Nomination or Employer Sponsorship (482 / 186) options. 

Q3. Can I bring dependants while studying? 
Yes. Spouses and children can join you on a Subclass 500 Student Visa, and partners may work full-time while you study. 

Q4. How many hours can students work? 
International students can work 48 hours per fortnight during study sessions and full-time during semester breaks. 

Q5. Are scholarships available? 
Yes — including Destination Australia Scholarships, Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Awards, and university merit scholarships. 

Q6. How does regional study help with PR? 
Regional study offers +5 PR points, longer 485 visa (up to 4 years), and priority for Subclass 491 Regional Nominations. 

Q7. Can I apply for PR immediately after completing my Master’s? 
Not directly — most students gain work experience on the 485 visa before applying for 189, 190 or 491 visas. 

Q8. Is OSHC mandatory? 
Yes — Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is required for your entire study period and ensures access to healthcare. 

Q9. What is the total cost of studying and living in Australia? 

• Tuition: AUD 32,000 – 65,000 per year 

• Living: AUD 29,710 per year (DHA minimum 2024) 

Conclusion 

Choosing the right master’s degree in Australia means aligning your education with career and migration goals. Programs such as IT, Engineering, Nursing, and Teaching offer global recognition and strong PR pathways. 

At Aussizz Group, we combine education expertise with licensed migration guidance — helping you study smart, stay compliant and achieve your Australian dream. 

📞 Start your 2026 journey today! Connect with our team for personalised course and visa guidance.