Masters in Public Health Australia: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

Australia is one of the top destinations for students pursuing a Masters in Public Health (MPH). In 2025, over 40 universities across the country offer more than 120 specialized public health programs. 

These programs focus on epidemiology, global health, health policy, biostatistics, and disease prevention, preparing graduates for high-demand roles worldwide. 

The average tuition fee for international students ranges between AUD 35,000–60,000 per year ($22,500–38,500 / INR 19–33L), while the average cost of living is AUD 1,700–2,250 (INR 1.1–1.5 lakh) per month. 

Discover your pathway to a world-class Masters in Public Health in Australia, where top universities like the University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, University of Queensland, and Monash University are shaping the next generation of health leaders. Let’s dive into why Australia is the ultimate destination for your MPH journey. 

Why Study a Masters in Public Health in Australia? 

Australia is a top destination for Masters students, offering quality education, strong career opportunities, and international exposure. 

Here’s why a Masters in Public Health in Australia is popular: 

Parameters	Details
Top universities	• University of Sydney  • University of Melbourne  • University of Queensland  • Monash University
Industry links	• Partnerships with WHO, UNICEF, and local health agencies  • Internships in hospitals, NGOs, and government projects
Career demand	• 50,000+ public health job openings in Australia by 2030  • Average salary AUD 70,000–120,000 ($45,000–77,000 / INR 38–65L)
Post-study work visa	• 2–4-year post-study work visa for international graduates  • Pathway to permanent residency through skilled migration
Tuition &   Cost of Living	• Tuition: AUD 35,000–60,000 per year ($22,500–38,500 / INR 19–33L)  • Living: AUD 20,000–25,000 annually ($12,800–16,000 / INR 11–14L)
Scholarships & funding	• Australia Awards Scholarship  • University-specific scholarships  • Research and merit-based funding

Australia’s practical training, global recognition, and strong career prospects make it an ideal choice for students pursuing public health internationally. 

Which are the Top Universities for Masters in Public Health in Australia? 

A Masters in Public Health (MPH) in Australia is very popular with international students. In 2025, over 40 universities offer more than 120 Public Health Programs. Most classes have 25–50 students, which helps with personal attention and hands-on learning. 

Top 10 Universities for Masters in Public Health in Australia: 

University	QS World University Ranking 2026
University of Melbourne	#19
University of Sydney	#25
University of Queensland	#42
Monash University	#36
University of New South Wales (UNSW)	#20
Australian National University (ANU)	#32
University of Western Australia	#77
Adelaide University	#82
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)	#96
Macquarie University	#138

 

What are the eligibility criteria for a Masters in Public Health in Australia? 

Australian MPH programs are designed to welcome students from different academic and professional backgrounds. Universities use flexible evaluation methods, assessing prior studies, international grades, and relevant experience.  

Here’s the general eligibility criteria you need to know before applying:  

Requirement	Details
Bachelor’s degree	Any field with WAM ≥65% (or equivalent). Graduate certificates can sometimes be included.
English proficiency	IELTS 6.5 overall (no band <6.0) or TOEFL 90+. English-taught degrees may also qualify.
Work experience	Optional, but public health or healthcare experience strengthens your profile.
Advanced standing / credit	Prior degrees or 2+ years of relevant work may reduce course length (up to 50–100 points).
Special pathways	Programs like Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM) support students facing financial, geographic, or personal challenges.
Supporting documents	Transcripts, English scores, CV, and sometimes references or statements.

Note: Meeting these rules does not guarantee admission; universities also consider grades, prior study, and experience. 

Do you need prior healthcare or work experience for MPH in Australia? 

Most MPH programs in Australia don’t require prior healthcare or public health experience. Around 70% of universities accept applicants directly after a bachelor’s degree.  

Here are the benefits of having experience: 

• Strengthens your application and CV 
• Shows readiness for real-world public health work 
• May reduce course length with advanced standing 
• Can improve chances for scholarships or special programs 

How can international students apply for a Masters in Public Health in Australia? 

Applying for Masters in Public Health in Australia requires planning and attention to detail. Universities review applicants based on academic qualifications, English proficiency, and relevant experience.  

Most programs have two main intakes: February and July, and early preparation improves your chances of acceptance. 

Step-by-step application process: 

1. Research Programs – Identify Australian universities offering MPH and choose specializations that match your career goals. 
2. Check Eligibility – Ensure you meet academic, English, and other criteria. Work experience can be an advantage but is usually optional. 
3. Prepare Required Documents – Gather academic transcripts, CV, SOP, recommendation letters, and proof of English proficiency. 
4. Apply Online – Submit your application via the university portal, ensuring all fields and documents are complete. 
5. Pay Application Fees – AUD 100–150 (INR 6,000–9,000) 
6. Interview (if required) – Some universities may interview to assess motivation and suitability. 
7. Receive Admission Decision – Confirm your spot by paying any enrollment deposit once accepted. 

What documents are required for the MPH application process? 

International students usually need the following: 

• Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts 
• CV / Resume 
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) 
• 2–3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs) 
• English proficiency scorecard (IELTS/TOEFL) 
• Passport copy 
• Proof of financial resources 
• Completed application form 

What are the popular specializations in Masters in Public Health in Australia? 

Australian MPH programs offer a wide range of specializations to match different career paths. Students can choose fields that align with their interests, helping them focus on specific areas of public health and increase job readiness.  

Popular specializations include: 

• Environmental Health Science 
• Community Health 
• Nutrition 
• Occupational Health 
• Biostatistics 
• Epidemiology 
• Global Health 
• Food Safety 
• Health Services Administration 
• Social and Behavioral Sciences 
• Disaster Management and Emergency Preparedness 
• Health Policy 
• Maternal and Child Health 

What is the course curriculum for Masters in Public Health in Australia? 

Australian MPH programs are designed to combine theory, research, and practical experience. Most programs last 1.5–2 years full-time, usually divided over two academic years. 

Here is the general course curriculum for Masters in Public Health in Australia: 

Year / Semester	Course Components	Subjects / Details
Year 1 / Semester 1	Core Subjects	• Foundations of Public Health   • Epidemiology   • Biostatistics   • Health Systems & Policy
Year 1 / Semester 2	Core & Introductory Electives	• Global & Community Health   • Public Health Leadership   • Environmental & Occupational Health
Year 2 / Semester 1	Specialization Electives	• Nutrition   • Maternal & Child Health   • Disaster Management & Emergency Preparedness   • Health Services Administration   • Social & Behavioral Sciences   • Food Safety
Year 2 / Semester 2	Research / Capstone & Optional Internship	• Public Health Project / Capstone   • Research Methods

How much does it cost to study a Masters in Public Health in Australia? 

On average, international students spend about AUD 43,000 – 76,000 per year (INR 28–49 lakh), which includes both tuition and living expenses. Tuition fees usually range from AUD 23,000 – 49,330 (INR 15–33 lakh) per year, depending on the university, while living costs like rent, food, transport, and personal expenses add another AUD 20,000 – 27,000 (INR 13–16 lakh) annually. 

How much is the cost of living for students in Australia? 

Living in Australia can be higher than in India, but careful budgeting helps. On average, an international student spends around AUD 1,700–2,250 (INR 1.1–1.5 lakh) per month, covering food, transport, and essentials, excluding tuition. 

Average Monthly Expenses in Australia: 

Category	Appx. Monthly Cost (AUD / INR)
Rent, 1-bedroom, city center	2,100–2,200 (INR 1.43–1.5 lakh)
Rent, 1-bedroom, outside center	1,600–1,700 (INR 1.09–1.17 lakh)
Food & Eating Out	700–1,200 (INR 48–82k)
Utilities & Internet	300–400 (INR 20–27k)
Transport	120–200 (INR 8.2–13.5k)
Leisure & Miscellaneous	150–250 (INR 10–17k)

Source: Numbeo 

 

What scholarships are available for Masters in Public Health in Australia? 

Australia offers a wide range of scholarships for international students pursuing a Masters in Public Health. In 2025, more than 40 scholarships areilable across universities and government programs. Around 20–25% of international students receive some form of financial support. 

Types of Scholarships: 

• Merit-based – for academic excellence or outstanding achievements 

• Need-based – based on financial need 

• Talent-based – for leadership potential or unique skills 

Which government-funded scholarships can international students apply for? 

The Australian government supports talented international students with scholarships covering tuition fees and sometimes living allowances. Key government scholarships for MPH students include: 

Scholarship Name	Coverage	Eligibility
Australia Awards Scholarship	Full tuition + living allowance	For students from eligible countries with strong academic records
Destination Australia Program	Partial tuition + support allowance	Focus on regional universities; academic merit required
Research Training Program (RTP)	Tuition + living stipend	For postgraduate research students; merit-based
Endeavour Leadership Program	Full tuition + stipend	Exceptional international students; leadership potential required

Note: These scholarships are highly competitive, so early application and strong academic/professional records improve chances. 

What university-specific scholarships exist for MPH students? 

Many Australian universities offer MPH-specific scholarships for international students, ranging from partial tuition to full coverage. 

University	Scholarship Name	Eligibility
University of Melbourne	Melbourne International Research Scholarship	Outstanding academic record; merit-based
University of Sydney	Sydney Scholars Award	Academic excellence + leadership potential
University of Queensland	UQ International Scholarship	For high-performing international applicants
Monash University	Monash International Merit Scholarship	Academic achievement and program relevance
University of Western Australia	UWA Global Excellence Scholarship	Merit-based; competitive selection

How can Indian students apply for scholarships in Australia? 

Indian students can apply through: 

• University portals – submit scholarship applications along with MPH admission forms 
• Government portals – Australia Awards and other programs accept online applications 
• Meeting eligibility – strong academic scores, English proficiency, and sometimes relevant work experience 

Tip: Apply early, prepare a solid SOP and recommendation letters, and keep financial documents ready to increase chances. 

What are the career opportunities after completing a Masters in Public Health in Australia? 

A Masters in Public Health (MPH) in Australia opens doors to diverse, high-demand roles. In 2025, over 4,000 international MPH graduates join the workforce annually.  

Common roles include epidemiologist, health policy analyst, public health advisor, biostatistician, and program manager. Average salaries range from AUD 70,000–110,000 per year (INR 40–65 lakh), depending on experience and sector. 

Top Job Roles for MPH Graduates: 

• Epidemiologist 

• Public Health Officer/Advisor 

• Health Policy Analyst 

• Biostatistician 

• Health Program Manager 

• Community Health Specialist 

Which industries hire MPH graduates in Australia? 

Masters in Public Health graduates can work across public, private, and non-profit sectors. 

Most popular Industries include: 

Industry	Role
Hospitals & Healthcare	Public Health Officer, Infection Control Specialist
Government & Policy	Health Policy Analyst, Program Planner, Regulatory Advisor
NGOs & International Organizations	Community Health Worker, Program Coordinator
Research & Academia	Biostatistician, Epidemiologist, Public Health Researcher
Corporate Health & Safety	Occupational Health Advisor, Wellness Program Manager
Global Health	Consultant, Project Manager, Policy Analyst

Australia’s growing focus on preventive healthcare, pandemic preparedness, and community health programs ensures strong demand for MPH graduates across multiple sectors. 

How do visa and post-study work opportunities look for MPH students in Australia? 

After finishing a Masters in Public Health, international students can apply for the Temporary Graduate visa , which lets them work in Australia for 2–4 years. During this time, they can gain experience in hospitals, NGOs, research institutes, or government health agencies.  

This work experience can help graduates qualify for permanent residency through skilled migration or employer sponsorship. Australia offers flexible pathways to build a career in public health while staying longer after studies.