Master of Medicine - research (CRICOS course code 059839K) is a Masters Degree (Research) delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 2 years. This course is designed for international students who wish to undertake supervised research in General Medicine, leading to the production of a thesis. As a CRICOS-registered course (059839K), it meets the standards required for international student enrolment under the ESOS Act. UNSW, a government-funded university, offers a vibrant research environment at its Kensington campus in Sydney. This page provides essential information on fees, entry requirements, and the student visa process to help you plan your study journey in Australia.
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Master of Medicine - research (CRICOS course code 059839K) is a Masters Degree (Research) (AQF Level 9) delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 2 years (104 weeks). This course is classified under Field of Education 060101 - General Medicine, part of the Health field. As a research degree, students are expected to conduct independent research under supervision and submit a thesis for examination. UNSW is a leading Australian university, ranked among the top in the world, and its medical research is internationally recognised. The course is offered in English, with no dual qualification or work component. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
This research degree allows you to delve deeply into a specific area of general medicine. While the exact syllabus is determined by your research proposal and supervisor, typical learning outcomes include advanced knowledge of medical science, research methodology, critical analysis of literature, and the ability to communicate research findings. Graduates often pursue careers in academia, clinical research, or healthcare leadership. The program emphasises independent study and scholarly writing, culminating in a thesis. As a Masters by Research, it is distinct from coursework masters and provides a pathway to a PhD.
The CRICOS register lists the course duration as 2 years (104 weeks). Study is full-time, with instruction delivered in English. This is a single qualification (no dual degree) and does not include foundation studies. Students are expected to be based at the Kensington campus for the majority of their research. The program may be available part-time in some cases, but international students are generally required to maintain full-time enrolment for visa compliance.
Tuition fees for Master of Medicine - research are indicative only and sourced from the CRICOS register. As at April 2026, the indicative tuition fee is A$116,000 for the full program. Non-tuition fees (e.g., student services and amenities fee) are approximately A$2,000, bringing the estimated total to A$118,000. These fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the student visa application charge. Please note: fees are set by UNSW and subject to change — always confirm current fees on the UNSW website ([www.unsw.edu.au](https://www.unsw.edu.au)).
English language requirements vary by provider — typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on course level. For a Masters by Research, UNSW usually requires a minimum IELTS 6.5 (with no band below 6.0) or equivalent. Additionally, applicants are expected to hold a bachelor's degree (AQF Level 7 or equivalent) in a relevant field, with a strong academic record. Some applicants may need to complete a research proposal and secure a supervisor before applying. UNSW may offer pathway programs for students who do not meet direct entry requirements — check the provider's website for details. Entry is competitive and assessed on a case-by-case basis.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. This can help offset living costs but should not interfere with study commitments.
The course is delivered at The University of New South Wales — Kensington, NSW. Kensington is a suburb in Sydney's eastern suburbs, approximately 6 km from the city centre. Sydney is the largest city in Australia, with over 200,000 international students and more than 300 CRICOS-registered providers. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average — indicative weekly rent for a share house is around A$300–$500, groceries about A$80–$120, and public transport a weekly cap of A$50. The Kensington campus is well-served by buses and light rail, and is close to beaches and parks.
To study this course, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and English proficiency. As an international student, you must maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course and meet attendance and progress requirements. OSHC is mandatory for your visa. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. After graduation, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) if you meet the requirements. Always check the Department of Home Affairs for current conditions.
Before committing to a research degree, consider your long-term career goals. A Masters by Research can lead to a PhD and academic positions, but also opens doors in clinical trials, health policy, and medical writing. You will need to identify a research topic and supervisor — this can take time. UNSW has strong research centres in areas like cancer, neuroscience, and infectious diseases. Also factor in the cost and time: 2 years of full-time study with significant tuition and living expenses. Sydney offers a vibrant multicultural environment but has a high cost of living. Ensure you understand the GTE requirement: you must demonstrate a genuine intention to study and return home or transition to a skilled visa pathway.
Ready to start your research journey? Explore this course on UNSW's website or contact their admissions team for application details.
View the full The University of New South Wales (UNSW) profile →
Master of Medicine - 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.