Master of Science - Materials Science & Engineering - by research (CRICOS course code 000985J) is a Masters Degree (Research) delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 2 years. This research-focused program immerses students in the field of materials engineering, exploring the properties, performance, and applications of metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, and nanomaterials. UNSW, a world‑ranked university located in Kensington, Sydney, offers a rich research environment with state‑of‑the‑art laboratories. CRICOS registration ensures this course meets Australian quality standards for international students. The indicative total cost is A$123,000 (tuition and non‑tuition fees). International students must meet English language requirements and hold a prior qualification in a relevant field. A Student visa (Subclass 500) is required for overseas study. This page provides all essential details to help you make an informed decision.
Master of Science - Materials Science & Engineering - by research (CRICOS course code 000985J) is a Masters Degree (Research) delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 2 years. This program is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced research in materials science and engineering, contributing to innovations in industries such as aerospace, biomedical devices, electronics, and energy. As a research degree, students complete a substantial thesis under the supervision of an academic expert, developing critical thinking, project management, and scientific communication skills. UNSW is a Group of Eight university with a strong reputation for engineering and research output. The course is registered on CRICOS, meaning it is approved for delivery to international students and covered by the ESOS Act 2000, which provides tuition protection and consumer rights.
The field of education is Materials Engineering (03 – Engineering and Related Technologies, 0303 – Process and Resources Engineering, 030305 – Materials Engineering). At this level, graduates typically learn to: analyse and characterise material properties using advanced techniques; design and develop new materials with specific performance characteristics; understand the relationship between processing, structure, and properties; apply computational modelling and simulation to materials problems; and evaluate the environmental and economic impact of material choices. Research students also gain expertise in experimental design, data analysis, literature review, and scholarly writing. The program culminates in a thesis that demonstrates original contribution to knowledge. Note that this is a general description of the field; specific curriculum details should be confirmed with the provider.
The course duration is 2 years (104 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is delivered full‑time in English, and is a single qualification (not a dual or combined degree). No foundation studies are required. The language of instruction is English throughout. Students are expected to be enrolled on a full‑time basis to maintain compliance with student visa conditions. The research nature of the degree requires frequent interaction with supervisors and access to laboratory facilities, so distance or part‑time options are not typically available.
Tuition fees: A$121,000 (indicative total for 2 years). Non‑tuition fees: A$2,000 (includes materials, library access, and student services). Estimated total: A$123,000. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the student visa application charge are NOT included in these figures. OSHC typically costs around A$600–800 per year for single cover. Living costs in Sydney are estimated at A$500–700 per week for rent, plus groceries and transport. Fees are set by the institution and are subject to change each year. Always confirm current fees directly on the UNSW website before applying. CRICOS data is sourced as at April 2026.
English language requirements: English language requirements vary by provider — typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on course level. For this research master's, UNSW generally expects an IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band below 6.0) or equivalent (e.g., TOEFL iBT 90, PTE 64). Prior qualifications: A bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., materials science, engineering, physics, chemistry) with Honours (or equivalent research experience) is typically required. Applicants may need to submit a research proposal and/or attend an interview. Foundation/pathway options: If you do not meet the academic entry requirements, consider a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in a related field. Refer to the UNSW website for detailed entry criteria. HeadStart Academy does not assess qualifications; this is general guidance only.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component (e.g., internship, placement, or industry project). However, students may undertake casual work during their studies subject to student visa conditions. The research activities themselves are academic, not work‑integrated learning.
The full program is delivered at The University of New South Wales — Kensington, NSW. Kensington is a suburb approximately 6 km south‑east of the Sydney central business district. Sydney is Australia's largest city, home to over 200,000 international students and multiple universities. Public transport (buses and light rail) connects the campus to the city centre, and the surrounding area offers a range of student accommodation. Sydney's cost of living is among the highest in Australia, with typical weekly rent for a studio or shared apartment ranging from $400 to $700. The campus provides modern libraries, laboratories, and research centres.
This course qualifies for a Student visa (Subclass 500). To apply, you must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, have sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and dependants, and maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. It is essential to comply with visa conditions, including maintaining enrolment and satisfactory course progress. For detailed visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au). HeadStart Academy provides general guidance only.
Follow these three steps to apply for Master of Science - Materials Science & Engineering - by research at The University of New South Wales (UNSW):
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Master of Science - Materials Science & Engineering - by research is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of New South Wales (UNSW). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.