Master by Research in Australia: Low Tuition Fee Options for International Students

Key Takeaways: A Master by Research in Australia doesn’t have to be expensive. By targeting low-fee regional universities, applying for RTP or university scholarships, and planning your budget carefully, you can secure a world-class research education and even gain a head start toward Australian Permanent Residency. This guide below shows international students how to find low-tuition fee options, scholarships, and plan a budget-friendly research journey. What is a Master by Research?  A Master by Research is a postgraduate degree focused primarily on  independent research , with roughly  80% of the program dedicated to a thesis and a small portion to coursework. Duration: Typically 1.5–2 years. Purpose: Provides intensive research training and can serve as direct entry into a PhD . Benefits for international students: Potential credit or fast-track options for a PhD pathway. Access to government-funded scholarships such as the Research Training Program (RTP). Flexible schedules allowing part-time work during study. Adds 5 points in the skills assessment for migration purposes. Can be a second master’s degree to extend post-study work visa and strengthen career profile. Tuition fees for Master by Research in Australia Major universities: AUD $30,000–$45,000 per year for tuition. Living expenses: AUD $20,000–$25,000 per year (rent, food, transport). Tip: Choosing a low-fee Master by Research at regional universities or securing a supervisor-funded project can dramatically reduce costs and earn extra migration points. Low Tuition Fee Options for a Master by Research in Australia: Several Australian universities combine affordable tuition with strong research programs. Some standout options for international students include: University Entry Requirements Proposal / Supervisor Documents Required Tuition & Scholarships Notes Torrens University – Master by Research Bachelor or Master (AQF7+) with GPA ≥ Credit  (PhD: Distinction) Not required - Bachelor/Master degree & transcript- CV- IELTS 6.5 (no band <6.0) or exempt if last degree completed at Torrens/Australian public uni within 2 years - Reference letters - Online application Tuition: ~AUD 27,750/yearScholarship: 12%–20% Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide Central Queensland University (CQU) – Master of Research (2 years) Bachelor in a relevant discipline with high GPA; may accept Graduate Diploma or work experience Usually preliminary proposal , supervisor approval required; can choose existing project or propose own topic - Degree & transcript - CV - IELTS - Referee reports - Research proposal (preliminary/full) - Passport & personal documents Tuition: AUD 30,684–37,824/yearScholarship: 25% Focus areas: Data Science, Agriculture, Rural/Regional & Public Health, Energy Systems, Supply Chains & Circular Economy, Education Macquarie University – Master of Research (MRes) Bachelor or higher, GPA/WAM meets program standard; MRes can lead to PhD Supervisor required depending on discipline; usually confirmed for HDR students - Degree & transcript - CV - IELTS - Referees letters- Online application - Contact supervisor (if applicable) Tuition: AUD 34,500–47,600/year (Business/Social lower; Science/Engineering/Medical higher)Scholarships: iMQRES 100% tuition; Year 2 scholarship for MRes students with WAM ≥80 (tuition + stipend ~AUD 38,500) Disciplines: Arts, Medicine, Health & Human Sciences, Science & Engineering, Business Charles Darwin University (CDU) – Master by Research (2 years) Completed at least 0.5 semester of postgraduate research or equivalent publications/research experience Mandatory research proposal (500–1000 words)  and agreement from HDR supervisor - Degree & transcript - Research proposal - CV - Supervisor approval letter - IELTS or recognized English qualification - Reference letters Tuition: AUD 31,135–33,705/year Campuses: Alice Springs, Brisbane, Sydney, Darwin, Casuarina, Dana Smart Application Roadmap for a Master by Research in Australia Applying for a Master by Research is faster than a PhD. While PhD applications can take up to 6 months , Master by Research applications usually take up to 3 months . Start early: reach out to potential supervisors, prepare your research proposal, and explore scholarships to ensure you meet deadlines and strengthen your application. Besides university-specific scholarships, applicants can also apply for RTP scholarships, but these are highly competitive and require a strong academic, research background. Always check deadlines carefully. Master's by Research Scholarships in Australia (2025–2026) Torrens University : 12%–20% tuition scholarship for international students. Research Training Program (RTP) : Available at various Australian universities; covers tuition fees, living stipend, and OSHC. Open to domestic and international students. Highly competitive – requires strong academic background and research capability. Pay attention to offer deadlines. Melbourne Research Scholarship (UniMelb):  100% tuition fee, up to AUD 135,000. University of Sydney International Scholarship: Full tuition fee waiver + travel allowance up to AUD 5,000. Other scholarships (Australia Awards, Destination Australia, Adelaide ASI, UQ, UWA, Griffith, UniSA IRTS): All include tuition fees, living allowance, and/or travel assistance, available to international and domestic students depending on the program. Contact iae GLOBAL today for expert support with applications, scholarship guidance, and choosing the best low-tuition fee Master's by Research program for you. Start Your Journey with iae GLOBAL Find out more at: www.iaeglobal.com.au   Contact us: info@iaeglobal.com.au Call: (02) 9267 5252