Working out how much it costs to study a masters in Australia? Between Commonwealth Supported Places, HECS-HELP and student amenities fees, you’ll be introduced to a lot of new terms when it comes to university tuition fees. This explainer will help you understand the basics of how graduate study fees work and help you budget for life as a uni student in Melbourne.

University costs for studying a masters in Australia explained

How much does a masters or graduate degree cost?

Working out how much your masters or graduate degree will cost depends on:

The degree you choose

The type of enrolment place you're offered

If you're a domestic or international student

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

Being offered a Commonwealth Supported place means two things – one, the Australian Government will subsidise part of your fees (you won’t pay back this amount). And two, you can defer the amount you do need to pay through a HECS-HELP loan, a loan scheme from the Australian Government.

Commonwealth Supported Places are available in selected courses for eligible students. You can find out if CSP places are offered for the course you want to study on the find a course page.

Details on how much you will pay for your study area are available on the domestic fees and payments page.

Australian full fee

If offered an Australian fee place, tuition fees are calculated based on your course and study load per semester. You can choose to pay your course fees upfront as indicated on your student invoice or pay later through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme from the Australian Government.

Find this year’s Australian full fee place tuition fees on the domestic fees and payments page.

As an international student, you'll enter your course as a full fee-paying student. Your tuition fees are based on the course you choose and your study load, not the subjects you study. The total fees you'll pay yearly will depend on your total study load for the year.

Know what you want to study? Find course specific fee information on the international graduate coursework fees page.

The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) is charged each year of study and goes towards providing you with essential services and support. This includes the Graduate Students Association, Melbourne University Sport and careers and employability support.

If you are offered a Commonwealth Supported Place, the University will invoice you this fee each year of study. For international and Australian full fee-paying students, this fee is covered in your course fee.

Check this year’s cost on the student services and amenities fee.

A masters degree can make you more employable

Regardless of which fee structure applies to you, research shows the value of this investment is clear. Studying a masters means you’re more likely to gain full-time employment after uni, and earn a higher salary than those with an undergraduate qualification:

  • 90.3% of graduate coursework students gain full-time employment four to six months after completing their course, compared to 79% at undergraduate level
  • $96,600 is the median salary of graduate coursework students, compared to $71,000 for those with an undergraduate qualification.

Source: QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023

Living costs as a masters student in Australia

This guide breaks down the general expenses you should factor into your budget as a uni student in Melbourne. Of course, we all have different things we like to save or splurge on.

You can use the Study Australia cost of living calculator to help you work out specific costs relevant to you.

Expenses at a glance

  • Accommodation – we offer trusted and secure university accommodation options just a short walk from the Parkville campus, designed to meet all your needs away from home. Visit the accommodation page for full details on cost, facilities and support offered at each.
  • Clothes
  • Furniture and appliances (our accommodation options are furnished)
  • Bills
  • Public transport – you'll need a Myki card to get around Melbourne
  • Phone and internet
  • Laptop, textbooks and other study equipment
  • Food and eating out
  • Coffee on campus
  • Entertainment
  • Gym or sports.

Other expenses for international students

Student visa

The Australian Government requires you to pay for a student visa and have enough money for your stay. Check student visa fees and conditions on the Study Australia website.

Study Australia

Overseas student health cover

All international students will need to take out Overseas Student Health Cover. This is a compulsory condition of your student visa and will cover any medical treatment or emergency care needed when in Australia.

Learn more

Your guide to graduate study

Feel prepared to make your move and pursue further study.

Tips for applying for masters degree scholarships

Learn about our scholarships and how to apply, and read tips shared by our students on how to navigate the process.

How to fund your masters degree

Learn how to fund your masters degree in Australia with scholarships, bursaries, and student loans, and find out more about the eligibility requirements.

Nine in demand industries to turn your passion into a career

Explore what jobs are in demand in Australia and the graduate courses that can help you build your employability to make your move.