- holly1445
- Oct 16
- 3 min read
Key Takeaways:
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
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