Masters in Computer Science in Australia

Australia's international education landscape continues to rebound: in the first six months of 2025, new onshore student visa commencements reached approximately 145,000 for public universities, forming part of a capped  270,000 allowance across higher education for the year. 

With institutions like the University of Queensland ranked among the top 50 globally (QS World University Rankings 2025), Australia is a top choice for international students seeking quality education in tech. Programs are typically 1.5 to 2 years long and offer flexibility through specialisations like Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science. And after completing the Master’s degree, the average starting salary would be around AUD 90,000/year (INR 50.6L/year). 

This guide covers everything you need to know before applying for Masters in Computer Science to study in Australia.

Masters in Computer Science in Australia: Overview

The Master’s in Computer Science in Australia typically offers three yearly intakes: February (primary), July (secondary), and a smaller November intake. Nearly 50% of international students begin in February, while July, the second most popular, attracts a smaller but significant cohort. 

Here is a quick overview of pursuing Masters in Computer Science in Australia:

Note: Fees and costs are approximate and may change depending on exchange rates and university policy.

Now, let’s see why you should go for a Masters in Computer Science from Australia! 

Why Pursue Masters in Computer Science in Australia?

Australia’s Masters in Computer Science delivers more than just a degree; it offers a strategic pathway into the global tech world. 

Each year, around 24,000 international students enroll in Computer Science programs in Australia because of top-ranking universities like the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

Here are some reasons why you should opt for this:

• Top-ranked universities with research depth: Australia’s Group of Eight universities, including the University of Melbourne and the Australian National University, consistently rank among the top 100 globally in computer science, ensuring academic excellence and credibility.
• Industry engagement and practical skills: Institutions like UNSW have strong ties with CSIRO/Data61, and partnerships with IBM, Cisco, and Microsoft enable real-world projects, industrial internships, and access to state-of-the-art labs.
• Lucrative job prospects and salary growth: Graduates report starting salaries between AUD 60k and 120k (INR 31–62 LPA), with average wages around AUD 90k (INR 47 LPA). This reflects strong demand for tech specialists in Australia.
• Post-study work and residency pathways: International students can secure up to three to five years of a post-study visa, work part-time, and qualify for skilled migration to build careers and settle in Australia.
• Cultural diversity and quality of life: Hosting over one million international students, Australia combines multicultural campus communities with high living standards, universal healthcare, and strong student support systems.

These are some of the basic benefits you will get if you choose to do a Masters in Computer Science from Australia.

Now, it is time to explore some of the top Universities in Australia that offer courses on Masters in Computer Science. 

Top Universities For Studying Masters in Computer Science in Australia

From January 2025, the Australian government has introduced a cap of 270,000 new international student enrollments, which will significantly impact the field of Computer Science. 

This might be the perfect time to start your Masters in Computer Science in Australia with top universities like the Australian National University (ANU) and UNSW Sydney. These institutions combine academic depth with practical exposure and industry alignment. 

Below is a curated list of top universities to help you make an informed choice.

Note: Fees are estimated and subject to change.

Next, let’s see what other options you have along with these top universities. 

Popular Universities to Pursue Master’s in Computer Science in Australia 

Beyond the top-ranked universities already mentioned, Australia offers several other excellent options for pursuing a Master's in Computer Science. Institutions like Swinburne and Victoria University also provide strong programs in this field. 

Here are some other popular choices to consider

Now that you have covered all the available options with top Australian Universities, next let’s see what eligibility criteria you need to pass to pursue Masters in Computer Science in Australia! 

Eligibility Criteria for Masters in Computer Science in Australia

Eligibility for Masters in Computer Science in Australia includes important tests like TOEFL, Cambridge C1/C2, IELTS and more. Along with that, for international students, it is also important to have specific documents like letters of recommendation, a passport, work experience, and more. 

While requirements may vary across universities, certain criteria are commonly expected. Here’s a simple breakdown. 

Note: Scores must be valid within two years prior to course start date. Check individual university pages for program-specific language score requirements.

Next, let’s see the detailed step-by-step process for applying to these top Australian universities for Masters in Computer Science.

Application Process for Masters in Computer Science in Australia

Applying to top Australian universities such as The University of Melbourne, Australian National University (ANU), University of Sydney, and Monash University typically involves an online application process. This includes submitting academic documents, meeting course-specific eligibility criteria, and securing a student visa.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Research and shortlist programs

Identify programs aligned with your academic background and career goals.

Check eligibility criteria: 

• GPA/year percentage
• prerequisite computing coursework,
• Required test scores (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE). 

Step 2: Prepare supporting documents

Academic transcripts and degree certification (official, translated if needed). You need these required documents: 

• IELTS
• TOEFL
• PTE
• OET
• Cambridge
• CV/Resume
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• 1–2 Letters of Recommendation.
• GRE/GATE if required by your specialization.

Step 3: Complete the online application

Create an account on the university portal or government platform. Fill in personal, academic, and test score details, and upload documents.

Step 4: Pay the application fee

Fees typically range from AUD 100–150 (INR 5.6K-5.8K). Full payment is required to proceed. 

Step 5: Track application status

Use the portal and your email for updates. Institutions may request clarification.

Step 6: Respond to conditional offer (if issued)

Offers may require you to meet conditions like a final transcript, minimum test scores, or credit checking. Submit the required documents as soon as possible. 

Step 7: Accept the offer and pay the tuition deposit

Sign the acceptance form and pay the first semester’s tuition to receive the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), mandatory for visa processing.

Step 8: Apply for the Student Visa (Subclass 500)

For a student visa in Australia, you need some important documents. Prepare beforehand with these documents:

• CoE
• GTE statement
• Valid passport
• English scores
• OSHC proof
• financial evidence (≥ AUD 29,710/year) (INR 16.7L/year)
• Any police or health checks as needed. 

Step 9: Meet health and character checks

Undergo required medical examinations and, if requested, provide a police certificate.

Step 10: Visa decision and arrival preparations

Upon approval, receive your visa grant letter. Prepare for entry to Australia: pack documents (passport, CoE, OSHC card, proof of funds, offer letter) and plan post-arrival essentials like accommodation and orientation arrangements.

Next, let’s explore different course details for Masters in Computer Science in Australia. 

Course details for Masters in Computer Science in Australia

Australian universities design their Masters in Computer Science programs to include core subjects, domain-specific specializations, and industry-oriented components. 

They include main subjects like Advanced Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Human-Computer Interaction, and more. 

Here is a detailed outline of Masters in Computer Science courses:

In the next part, let’s discuss the overall estimated costs for pursuing Masters in Computer Science in Australia. 

Cost of Pursuing Masters in Computer Science in Australia

Estimated cost for studying in Australia depends on various factors like tuition fees, accommodation, transportation and many others. 

The cost of pursuing a Master’s in Computer Science typically ranges between AUD 35,000 (INR 20L) to AUD 60,000 (INR 33.7L) per year in tuition fees, depending on the university and program type.

Here's a detailed overview of expenses for Masters in Computer Science in Australia:

Next, you will get to know about available financial support for your Masters in Australia in the form of scholarships. 

Masters in Computer Science in Australia: Scholarships for Students

Australian universities and government bodies collectively invest millions in scholarships for international students. Universities like UNSW, ANU, Swinburne, and foundations like Destination Australia can support you with funds up to AUD 32,000 (INR 18L) per year and more! 

These scholarships can reduce your tuition and living expenses significantly.  Here’s a detailed breakdown of the available scholarships.

Internal Scholarships

Top universities in Australia, including Melbourne, RMIT, and Macquarie, offer internal scholarships starting from AUD 10,000/year (INR 5.6L/year). These scholarships are mainly based on merit and research potential. 

Below are some top internal scholarships available for Masters in Computer Science in Australia.

Now, let’s see how the government and external foundations can help with financial support for studying in Australia. 

External Scholarships

The Australian Government offers strong support for both international and domestic students through generous funding options. Scholarships for Indian students provide up to AUD 50,000 per year (INR 28L/year) offered by government-backed foundations.

Below are some notable external scholarships available for a Master’s in Computer Science in Australia:

Now, it’s time to see what your future might look like if you get a Masters degree in Computer Science in Australia! 

Job Opportunities After Masters in Computer Science in Australia

The average salary for a computer science master's degree holder in Australia can vary significantly based on experience, specific role, and location, but generally falls between $90,000 to $130,000 AUD per year (INR 50.5L - INR 73L). 

Entry-level positions might start around $70,000 - $90,000 AUD (INR 40L - INR 50.5L), while experienced professionals, especially in specialized fields like cybersecurity or AI/ML, can earn upwards of $150,000 - $200,000+ AUD (INR 84L - INR 1,12,37,640). 

Below are some of the most high-demand  jobs in Australia:

Source: Seek

Next, let’s see which recruiters can help you with these jobs!

Top Recruiters Hiring Masters in Computer Science in Australia Graduates

Australia's tech sector is booming, and many leading organizations actively recruit computer science professionals.

Top global brands like Atlassian, Google, Microsoft, and the Queensland Government are hiring Masters in Computer Science graduates with attractive salary ranges from AUD 105,000 (INR 52.5 L) to AUD 140,000 (INR 70 L) annually.

These are top employers, offering roles with competitive pay and growth prospects:

Source: Glassdoor 

Note: The INR conversion is based on the current exchange rate.

Lastly, let’s discuss how upGrad can help you to get started with Masters in Computer Science in Australia! 

How upGrad Can Help You Study Masters in Computer Science in Australia?

Planning your Masters in Computer Science in Australia can feel overwhelming, especially with multiple application steps, document requirements, and scholarship deadlines. That’s where upGrad simplifies the journey.

We connect you with expert counsellors who have experience helping students gain admission into universities like Melbourne, UNSW, and UQ. You’ll get end-to-end mentorship, right from profile evaluation to final enrolment.

Don’t leave your application to chance. Book a session with us to get expert-led support and move one step closer to your future in Australia.

Need help getting started? Talk to a study abroad advisor at upGrad and start building your CS career in Australia today!