Master of Philosophy (Chemistry) (CRICOS course code 032826D) is a Masters Degree (Research) delivered by The University of Newcastle (UoN) over 2 years. This research-intensive program is designed for students who want to deepen their expertise in chemical sciences through independent investigation under expert supervision. Located in New South Wales, UoN offers two campuses: Callaghan in Newcastle and Central Coast at Ourimbah. As a CRICOS-registered provider (00109J), The University of Newcastle is a government university committed to high-quality education and research. This course is ideal for international students aiming for careers in academia, industry, or further PhD study. With Australia’s strong research infrastructure and ESOS Act protections, you can study with confidence. HeadStart Academy provides this information from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you make informed decisions.
This course falls under the field of Natural and Physical Sciences (01), specifically Chemical Sciences (0105) – Chemical Sciences, n.e.c. (010599). As a research degree, you will undertake a substantial original research project leading to a thesis. Typical learning outcomes include advanced knowledge of chemical principles, research methodology, critical analysis, and scholarly communication. You will work closely with a supervisor to design experiments, analyse data, and contribute new knowledge to the field. While specific topics depend on your project, areas of focus may include organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, or materials chemistry. UoN has strong research groups in chemistry, providing access to modern laboratories and equipment. This program develops skills in problem-solving, project management, and scientific writing – highly valued in research and industry.
Master of Philosophy (Chemistry) has a standard duration of 2 years (104 weeks) on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification, not a dual award. There is no foundation studies component. As a research degree, it typically involves full-time study, but part-time options may be available subject to visa conditions. You will be expected to engage in regular meetings with your supervisor, lab work, and independent research. The program culminates in a thesis examination. International students must maintain a full-time enrolment load to comply with their student visa.
The indicative total cost for this course, as per the CRICOS register, is A$107,003. This includes tuition fees of A$106,238 and non-tuition fees of A$765. Please note that this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. OSHC for a single student for 2 years is approximately A$1,500–A$2,000 depending on the provider. Living costs vary by location; in Newcastle/Ourimbah, weekly costs for rent may be A$200–A$400, groceries A$60–A$100, and public transport A$30–A$50. Fees are set by the institution and subject to change – always confirm with The University of Newcastle directly. HeadStart Academy displays indicative fees sourced from the CRICOS register to help you budget.
Entry requirements are set by The University of Newcastle. Generally, for a Masters Degree (Research), you need a bachelor's degree with a strong academic record (e.g., Honours or equivalent) in a relevant field such as chemistry or a related discipline. English language requirements vary by provider; for UoN, typical scores include IELTS overall 6.5 (no band below 6.0) or equivalent. Some courses may require 7.0 overall. You should check the specific requirements on UoN's website. Foundation or pathway options are available through UoN’s Foundation Studies or English language programs if you do not meet direct entry. International students must also meet Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criteria and provide evidence of financial capacity.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as a research student, you may have opportunities to engage in teaching assistantships or research support roles within the university, but these are not part of the course requirements.
This course is delivered at two locations: The University of Newcastle (Callaghan) – CALLAGHAN, NSW, and The University of Newcastle (Central Coast) – Ourimbah, NSW. Both campuses offer modern research facilities and a vibrant student community. Newcastle is a major regional city with a population of about 500,000, known for its beaches and lower cost of living compared to Sydney. Ourimbah is on the Central Coast, about 1 hour north of Sydney, and offers a more relaxed setting. Both locations are accessible by public transport. The state of NSW has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, offering a wide range of courses.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course in Australia. Visa conditions include maintaining full-time enrolment, meeting attendance requirements, and holding Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Student work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). You must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, showing you intend to stay temporarily for study. Financial capacity requirements include being able to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses. For visa applications, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy provides general guidance only.
Follow these three steps to apply for Master of Philosophy (Chemistry) at The University of Newcastle (UoN):
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Filter by course level (Masters Degree (Research)), field (Chemical Sciences), and location (NSW) on HeadStart Academy to find registered courses. 2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Prepare your documents: academic transcripts, English test scores (e.g., IELTS), research proposal, and references. Check deadline – UoN typically has intakes in February and July. Submit your application through UoN’s online portal. 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** – Once accepted, UoN will issue a CoE. Then lodge your visa application via ImmiAccount, pay the visa fee, and provide biometrics if required. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds.
Newcastle offers a great environment for research students. The city has a strong industrial base (mining, energy, manufacturing) providing potential industry links. The University of Newcastle is a leading research university, particularly in health, energy, and materials. Living costs are about 20% lower than Sydney, with weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment around $300–$400. The region has a vibrant student population, good public transport, and beautiful beaches. Consider the lifestyle: if you prefer a quieter, more affordable city with outdoor activities, Newcastle is ideal. If you need proximity to Sydney, the Central Coast campus (Ourimbah) is within commuting distance. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia, you have options – but UoN’s research reputation makes it a strong choice for chemistry.
Ready to take the next step? Visit The University of Newcastle website to apply for Master of Philosophy (Chemistry) or explore more courses on HeadStart Academy.
Master of Philosophy (Chemistry) is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of Newcastle (UoN). 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.