Master of Philosophy (High Cost) (CRICOS course code 0100700) is a Masters Degree (Research) delivered by La Trobe University (La Trobe) over 2 years. This research-intensive program falls under Mixed Field Programmes (129999), allowing students to explore interdisciplinary topics. La Trobe is a CRICOS-registered provider (00115M) with a strong reputation for research excellence. As a government university, it offers international students ESOS Act protections. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia offering more than 26,000 courses, this degree stands out for its flexibility and high-level research training. Prospective students should note that all data on HeadStart Academy is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. This free resource helps you compare courses without any referral fees — just reliable, transparent information to guide your study in Australia.
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Master of Philosophy (High Cost) is a research-focused master's degree designed for students who want to delve deep into a specific field. The course is classified under field of education 12 – Mixed Field Programmes, specifically 129999 – Mixed Field Programmes, n.e.c., which covers interdisciplinary and emerging areas not captured by standard categories. This makes it ideal for students whose research crosses traditional boundaries. At La Trobe University, a government-funded institution with multiple campuses across Victoria, you will work closely with experienced supervisors to produce a thesis that contributes original knowledge. The degree is full-time for 2 years (104 weeks on CRICOS), taught and assessed in English. It is a single qualification with no dual award or foundation studies component. The CRICOS registration (0100700) is your guarantee that the course meets Australian Government standards for international students.
As a research degree, the Master of Philosophy (High Cost) does not have a fixed syllabus of coursework subjects. Instead, you will design a research project under academic supervision. The field of Mixed Field Programmes allows you to combine elements from different disciplines — for example, blending science with policy, or technology with social impact. Typically, students develop advanced critical thinking, methodological skills, and the ability to communicate complex ideas. Graduates often pursue careers in academia, research institutes, government, or industry roles that require high-level analytical expertise. The specific content depends on your chosen topic, but all students complete a substantial thesis. La Trobe's research strengths include health sciences, environmental management, and social innovation, but you are not limited to these areas. Your supervisor will help shape your study plan.
This course is offered on a full-time basis over 2 years, equivalent to 104 weeks of study as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English, and all assessments are conducted in English. There is no dual qualification or foundation studies pathway attached to this course. The CRICOS registration confirms that the program length meets immigration requirements for student visa holders. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their visa conditions. La Trobe may also offer a part-time option in exceptional circumstances, but this is not standard for visa holders. Always check with the provider for the latest study mode availability. The single qualification structure means you graduate with a Master of Philosophy without additional certificates.
According to the CRICOS register as at April 2026, the indicative tuition fee for Master of Philosophy (High Cost) is A$90,000 for the full 2-year program. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, making the estimated total cost A$90,000. However, this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students and typically costs A$500–A$700 per year for single cover. Living costs vary by location: in Melbourne, you may need A$20,000–A$25,000 per year for rent, groceries, and transport; regional campuses like Bendigo or Mildura are generally cheaper. Always confirm current fees with La Trobe University at http://www.latrobe.edu.au/international before applying, as fees are subject to change and may include annual increases.
Entry requirements for Master of Philosophy (High Cost) are set by La Trobe University and typically include a bachelor's degree with honours (AQF Level 8) or a master's degree (AQF Level 9) in a relevant field. Applicants without honours may be considered based on research experience or equivalent. English language requirements vary by provider but generally range from IELTS 5.5 to 7.0 overall, with higher scores required for research degrees. For this course, an IELTS of 6.5 or 7.0 is likely. Some candidates may need to submit a research proposal. Foundation or pathway options are not available for this level — students must meet the direct entry requirements. Contact La Trobe for specific prerequisites. All applicants must provide certified academic transcripts and proof of English proficiency. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as this is a competitive program.
This course has no mandatory work component. The CRICOS register indicates 'No work component' for Master of Philosophy (High Cost). However, students may choose to undertake casual work while studying, subject to their student visa conditions. International students on a Subclass 500 visa are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Any employment must not interfere with academic progress. La Trobe University may offer optional research internships or industry projects, but these are not a requirement of the degree. If you are looking for a program with integrated work placement, consider a professional master's or vocational course instead.
La Trobe University delivers Master of Philosophy (High Cost) across five Victoria campuses: Albury-Wodonga Campus in Wodonga (border region), Bendigo Campus in Flora Hill (regional city, ~100,000 population), Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus in Bundoora (outer northern Melbourne, major hub), Mildura Campus in Mildura (northwest regional centre), and Shepparton Campus in Shepparton (central Victoria). Each location offers a unique lifestyle and cost of living. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city with extensive public transport, higher living costs, and a large international student community. Regional campuses provide a quieter environment with lower rents — for example, a one-bedroom flat in Bendigo may cost A$300–A$400 per week versus A$450–A$600 in Melbourne. All campuses have research facilities and support services for international students. Consider your research topic, supervisor location, and lifestyle preferences when choosing.
To study Master of Philosophy (High Cost) as an international student, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to live and study in Australia for the duration of your course. Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient financial capacity (tuition, OSHC, living costs), and enrollment in a CRICOS-registered course. With a Subclass 500 visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during academic sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for yourself and any dependents. For dependents (spouse/children), you may need a Student Dependent visa (Subclass 500). Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for current conditions. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; consult a registered MARA agent for personalised advice.
Victoria is home to over 10 CRICOS-registered universities offering research degrees. Melbourne is a global student city with a diverse population and strong job market. Regional Victoria offers lower costs and a tight-knit academic community. The Master of Philosophy (High Cost) caters to interdisciplinary research — ideal if your project doesn't fit a single faculty. Consider that research degrees require significant self-motivation and independence. La Trobe provides research training, ethics approvals, and library access, but you will drive your own project. Also factor in the longer duration (2 years) compared to a coursework master's (1-2 years). The 'High Cost' indicator may affect OSHC premiums and visa financial evidence. Finally, think about post-study work: regional campuses may qualify you for additional post-study work rights (2+ years) under certain visa policies. Research your supervisor's expertise before applying.
How to Apply for Master of Philosophy (High Cost) at La Trobe University: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level (Masters Degree Research), field (Mixed Field Programmes), and location (Victoria). Confirm that La Trobe University (CRICOS 00115M) offers this course under code 0100700. 2. Apply directly to La Trobe University: Prepare your academic transcripts, English test scores (e.g., IELTS), research proposal (if required), and any other documents. Check application deadlines — most intakes are in February and July. Submit your application through La Trobe's online portal. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, La Trobe issues a CoE. Use this to apply for a student visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you meet GTE, financial capacity, and OSHC requirements. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent for your visa application.
Master of Philosophy (High Cost) is a CRICOS-registered programme at La Trobe University (La Trobe). 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.