Master of Philosophy (Aboriginal Health Studies) (CRICOS course code 039981C) is a Masters Degree (Research) delivered by The University of Newcastle (UoN) over 2 years. This research-focused program sits within the field of Indigenous Health (061305), part of the broader Public Health discipline. It is designed for students who wish to undertake advanced research that respects and integrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges, cultures, and health priorities. Graduates are equipped to contribute to culturally safe healthcare, policy development, and academic research. The course is delivered at UoN's Callaghan campus in Newcastle, New South Wales, a vibrant university city with a strong student community. As a CRICOS-registered course (039981C), it meets Australian standards for international students, ensuring quality education and ESOS Act protections. Whether you aim to pursue a PhD or work in Aboriginal health leadership, this degree offers a rigorous foundation. Use this page to explore tuition fees, entry requirements, and the application process for international students. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) and provided as a free resource by HeadStart Academy.
The Master of Philosophy (Aboriginal Health Studies) (CRICOS 039981C) is a Masters Degree (Research) at AQF Level 9, offered by The University of Newcastle (UoN), a government-funded institution (CRICOS 00109J). The course is registered under Field of Education 061305 - Indigenous Health, which falls under Public Health (0613). This research program allows students to design and execute a thesis that addresses critical issues in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. The University of Newcastle is recognized for its strong commitment to Indigenous education and research, with dedicated support through the Wollotuka Institute. The course duration is 2 years (104 weeks) of full-time study, with English as the language of instruction. It is a single qualification with no dual or foundation components. As a CRICOS-registered course, international students are protected under the ESOS Act and can access the same student rights as domestic students. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia offering more than 26,000 courses, this program stands out for its specialized focus on Indigenous health research.
This research master's degree focuses on Indigenous Health, an interdisciplinary field that combines public health principles with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. Students will develop advanced research skills, including qualitative and quantitative methodologies, ethical research practices with Indigenous communities, and critical analysis of health systems. The program emphasizes culturally appropriate approaches to health promotion, disease prevention, and health service delivery tailored to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Graduates gain expertise in areas such as community-based participatory research, health policy analysis, and social determinants of health. While the specific syllabus is determined by the student's research topic in consultation with supervisors, the degree equips students to produce a substantial thesis that contributes original knowledge to the field. This foundation prepares graduates for doctoral studies or leadership roles in Indigenous health research, policy, and practice.
The Master of Philosophy (Aboriginal Health Studies) is a full-time research program with a duration of 2 years (104 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification, meaning it is not bundled with another degree or dual award. The course does not include a foundation studies component. Students are expected to engage in independent research under the guidance of a supervisory panel, with regular progress reviews. While the primary mode is on-campus at the Callaghan campus, some research activities may involve fieldwork or off-campus work aligned with the research project. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) must maintain full-time enrolment as specified in their Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). The structured timeframe supports timely completion while allowing depth of research.
Course fees are set by The University of Newcastle (UoN) and are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. For the Master of Philosophy (Aboriginal Health Studies) (CRICOS 039981C), the indicative tuition fee is A$79,055. Non-tuition fees (such as student services and amenities) are estimated at A$765, bringing the estimated total to A$79,820. This amount does NOT include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. Living costs vary by location; in Newcastle, indicative weekly expenses are approximately A$350–$500 for rent, A$80–$100 for groceries, and A$30–$50 for public transport. Always confirm current fees directly with The University of Newcastle (UoN) at www.newcastle.edu.au before applying. Note that fees are subject to annual review by the institution.
Entry into the Master of Philosophy (Aboriginal Health Studies) requires prior qualifications appropriate for research at AQF Level 9. Typically, applicants hold a bachelor's degree with Honours or a master's degree in a relevant field such as health sciences, public health, or Indigenous studies. English language proficiency is essential; requirements vary by provider, but for research degrees, an IELTS overall score of 6.5–7.0 (with no band below 6.0) is common. Some providers may accept alternative tests like TOEFL or PTE. Additionally, applicants need to submit a research proposal and secure a supervisor before admission. Foundation or pathway options are not applicable for this course level. For specific entry requirements, refer to The University of Newcastle (UoN) directly. HeadStart Academy recommends contacting the institution's international admissions office for detailed guidance.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. As a research master's degree, the program is focused on thesis preparation and independent study. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Any employment must not interfere with academic progress. Students may seek part-time work in research assistant roles, tutoring, or relevant industry positions, but these are not part of the course requirements. Always check visa conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website.
The Master of Philosophy (Aboriginal Health Studies) is delivered at The University of Newcastle (Callaghan) campus, located in CALLAGHAN, New South Wales (NSW). Callaghan is a suburb of Newcastle, a coastal city approximately 160 km north of Sydney. The Callaghan campus is the main campus of UoN, set on 140 hectares of bushland, and offers modern research facilities, libraries, and student accommodation. Newcastle is home to over 40,000 university students across multiple institutions, with a vibrant cultural scene and affordable living costs compared to Sydney. Public transport from the city centre to the Callaghan campus is available via bus services. The city has a strong student population, with many international students choosing Newcastle for its lifestyle and academic reputation. For a complete list of UoN's CRICOS-registered courses, visit the institution page on HeadStart Academy.
International students enrolling in the Master of Philosophy (Aboriginal Health Studies) (CRICOS 039981C) typically need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires you to: maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, provide evidence of genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status, hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. As of current regulations, Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Upon completing a research master's degree, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) to gain work experience. Note that visa conditions can change; always consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy provides general guidance only and is not a migration agent.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Master of Philosophy (Aboriginal Health Studies) at The University of Newcastle (UoN):
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy to explore courses and providers. Filter by course level (Masters Degree (Research)), field (Indigenous Health), and location (NSW). Verify the CRICOS code (039981C) and provider registration (00109J) on the official CRICOS register.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Visit The University of Newcastle's website (www.newcastle.edu.au) to review specific entry requirements, including English language test scores (e.g., IELTS 6.5–7.0), academic transcripts, and a research proposal. Prepare your application before the deadline. You may need to contact a potential supervisor in the field of Aboriginal Health Studies.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa**: Upon acceptance, UoN will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds, and meet GTE requirements. For personalised visa advice, consult a MARA-registered migration agent.
Ready to pursue a research career in Aboriginal Health? Start your application today with The University of Newcastle (UoN).
Master of Philosophy (Aboriginal Health Studies) 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.