Guide & Required Documents for Postgraduate Coursework Applications in Australia

Thursday 13 February 2025

This guide provides international students with essential information on applying for postgraduate coursework degrees in Australia. It covers types of programs, admission and visa requirements, tuition fees, and necessary documents for a successful application process.

Comprehensive Guide & Required Documents for Postgraduate Coursework Applications in Australia

1. Introduction

Pursuing a postgraduate coursework degree in Australia provides international students with advanced academic knowledge, professional development, and career opportunities. Whether you're applying for a Master’s degree, Graduate Certificate, or Graduate Diploma, understanding the admission process, visa requirements, and required documents is crucial for a smooth application process.

This guide covers:
✔ Types of postgraduate coursework programs
✔ Admission & English language requirements
✔ Student Visa (Subclass 500) requirements
✔ Tuition fees & estimated living costs
✔ Required documents for application & visa processing

💡 Tip: You can explore CRICOS-registered postgraduate courses on MyCourseFinder.com to compare options and apply easily.

2. Types of Postgraduate Coursework Degrees in Australia

Program Type	Description	Duration
Graduate Certificate	A short program focusing on specialized skills or professional development.	6 months
Graduate Diploma	More advanced than a Graduate Certificate, often used as a pathway to a Master’s degree.	1 year
Master’s by Coursework	A structured program with coursework, projects, and sometimes a minor thesis.	1 – 2 years
Master’s (Extended)	A longer professional degree in fields like Law, Medicine, or Business.	2 – 3 years
Master’s (Professional)	Combines coursework with an industry placement or internship.	1.5 – 2 years

💡 Tip: Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas are great options if you don’t want to commit to a full Master’s degree initially.

3. Admission Requirements for Postgraduate Coursework Degrees

A. Academic Requirements

✔ A recognized undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree or equivalent
✔ Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement (varies by university)
✔ Some universities require relevant work experience (especially for MBAs and professional Master’s degrees)
✔ Additional portfolio or project work (for design, architecture, or creative courses)

📌 Not sure if you qualify? Many universities offer pathway programs—check options at MyCourseFinder.com.

B. English Language Requirements

International students must meet minimum English proficiency scores.

Test	Minimum Score for Admission
IELTS Academic	6.5 – 7.0 (no band lower than 6.0)
TOEFL iBT	79 – 100
PTE Academic	58 – 70
Cambridge English (CAE)	176 – 185

💡 Tip: If your scores do not meet university entry requirements, you can take an ELICOS (English Language) course before starting your program.

4. Student Visa (Subclass 500) Requirements for Postgraduate Students

To study in Australia, international students must obtain a Student Visa (Subclass 500 – Higher Education Sector).

Key Visa Requirements:

✔ Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered university
✔ Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Statement
✔ Proof of Financial Capacity (see section 5 for details)
✔ OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) for the entire visa duration
✔ English Language Proficiency Test Scores
✔ Health Examination & Police Clearance (if required)

📌 Need help with your student visa application? Get expert guidance from MyCourseFinder.com.

5. Tuition Fees & Estimated Living Costs for Postgraduate Students (2025)

A. Tuition Fees (Annual Estimates by Study Field)

Field of Study	Annual Fees (AUD)
Business & Management	$30,000 – $55,000
Engineering & IT	$35,000 – $60,000
Medicine & Health Sciences	$50,000 – $80,000
Science & Mathematics	$32,000 – $50,000
Arts & Humanities	$25,000 – $45,000
Law	$35,000 – $55,000

📌 Tip: Tuition fees vary based on university, program, and city. Search for affordable study options on MyCourseFinder.com.

B. Australian Government Financial Requirements (2025 Update)

The Australian Government has increased the minimum financial requirements for international students.

✔ Single Student: AUD $29,710 per year
✔ Student with Partner: AUD $41,300 per year
✔ Student with Partner & One Child: AUD $50,800 per year

💡 Students must provide bank statements, sponsorship letters, or scholarship confirmation as proof of financial capacity.

C. Estimated Living Costs (Annual Breakdown)

Expense Type	Estimated Cost (AUD)
Accommodation (Rent, Homestay, College Dorm)	$12,000 – $24,000
Food & Groceries	$5,000 – $8,000
Transport (Public Transport & Fuel)	$1,500 – $3,500
Books & Study Materials	$500 – $1,500
OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)	$600 – $1,200
Miscellaneous (Entertainment, Personal Expenses)	$3,000 – $6,000
Total Estimated Cost Per Year	$22,000 – $45,000

💡 Tip: Major cities (Sydney, Melbourne) have higher living costs than regional areas (Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane).

6. Required Documents for Postgraduate Coursework Applications

A. Documents for University Admission

✅ Completed Application Form (online or paper-based)
✅ Passport Copy (valid for at least 6 months before travel)
✅ Bachelor’s Degree Certificate & Transcripts (translated if needed)
✅ English Language Proficiency Test Scores
✅ Statement of Purpose (SOP)
✅ Letters of Recommendation (LORs) (if required by the university)
✅ Work Experience Documents (if applying for MBA or professional Master’s programs)
✅ Portfolio (for creative or design-based courses)

B. Documents for Student Visa (Subclass 500 – Higher Education Sector)

✅ Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered university
✅ Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Statement
✅ Financial Proof (bank statements, sponsor letters, or scholarships)
✅ OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) for the entire visa duration
✅ Health Examination & Police Clearance (if required)

💡 Need help with document preparation? MyCourseFinder.com can assist with admissions, visa, and financial documents.

7. Final Thoughts & Next Steps

📌 Key Takeaways for Postgraduate Applicants:
✔ Choose a CRICOS-registered university and check entry requirements
✔ Meet English language proficiency and academic qualifications
✔ Ensure you have enough funds for tuition, living costs & OSHC
✔ Prepare all required documents before applying for admission & a student visa

💡 Need help finding the right postgraduate program or completing your student visa?

🎓 MyCourseFinder.com offers:
✅ Verified CRICOS-approved Master’s & Graduate Diploma programs
✅ Expert visa assistance & financial document support
✅ Exclusive OSHC discounts for international students

👉 Start your postgraduate journey today with MyCourseFinder.com! 🚀