Master of Philosophy (Surveying and Mapping) (CRICOS course code 061522B) is a Masters Degree (Research) delivered by Curtin University over 2 years. This CRICOS-registered course prepares international students for advanced research careers in geomatic engineering, covering areas such as spatial data analysis, land surveying, and mapping technologies. As a student, you will benefit from Australia's robust ESOS Act protections, ensuring quality education and consumer rights. HeadStart Academy sources all data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), which lists 1,556 registered providers offering 26,433 courses — and this course is one of them. Whether you aspire to work in government, mining, or urban development, this research degree offers a pathway to skilled migration and professional recognition. Read on for fees, entry requirements, and how to apply.
This course sits under the broad field of Engineering and Related Technologies (03), specifically Geomatic Engineering (0311) and Surveying (031101). At Masters Degree (Research) level, students typically engage in independent research under supervision, culminating in a thesis. You will develop advanced skills in spatial data acquisition, processing, and analysis, using modern surveying instrumentation and geographic information systems (GIS). While the exact curriculum is set by Curtin University, graduates can expect to gain expertise in land surveying, cartography, remote sensing, and geodesy. This knowledge is critical for infrastructure projects, environmental monitoring, and resource management across Australia. The research component allows you to contribute new knowledge to the surveying and mapping profession, often with a focus on real-world problems such as coastal erosion, mining site monitoring, or smart city development.
The Master of Philosophy (Surveying and Mapping) is registered on CRICOS with a duration of 2 years (104 weeks). The language of instruction is English, and it is a single qualification (not a dual degree). No foundation studies or work component are included. As a research degree, you will work closely with an academic supervisor, with flexible study arrangements depending on your research plan. Most international students study full-time on campus at Curtin University's Bentley campus. The length of your candidature may vary based on progress, but CRICOS registration indicates the expected minimum duration. Ensure you maintain valid enrolment and attendance as required by your student visa conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$77,600, with non-tuition fees of A$1,000, giving an estimated total of A$78,600. Please note: this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. These are indicative figures sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 — always confirm current fees directly with Curtin University at www.curtin.edu.au. Living costs in Perth (WA) are generally lower than Sydney or Melbourne, but you should budget approximately A$400–600 per week for rent, groceries, and transport. OSHC costs vary by provider but typically start around A$500 per year for single cover. HeadStart Academy is a free resource; we do not charge referral fees and provide data direct from the CRICOS register.
Entry requirements for research degrees vary by provider and are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Generally, you will need a bachelor's degree with honours (AQF Level 8) or a master's degree in a relevant field such as surveying, geomatic engineering, or equivalent. English language requirements typically include an IELTS overall score of 5.5–7.0 (or equivalent), depending on the course level — check Curtin University's specific requirements. Some students may need to complete a preliminary or qualifying year if their previous qualifications are not in a closely related discipline. Curtin may also consider relevant work experience. Foundation studies are not applicable for this level. Always contact the provider directly for the most accurate and current entry criteria.
This course has no mandatory work component. However, as an international student on a Subclass 500 visa, you are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Many students use this opportunity to gain part-time experience in surveying-related roles, but this is not an official part of the degree. Your primary focus should remain on your research and thesis. If you have questions about work rights or visa conditions, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.
This course is delivered at Curtin University of Technology — Bentley, Western Australia. Bentley is a suburb of Perth, the capital city of WA, approximately 6 km southeast of the Perth central business district. Perth has a vibrant international student community, with over 50,000 international students enrolled across its universities in 2025. The city offers modern public transport (buses and trains) connecting to the Curtin campus, and living costs are slightly more affordable than in eastern capitals. With over 20 CRICOS-registered providers in WA offering diverse courses, Perth is a growing study destination. HeadStart Academy lists all providers and courses at headstartacademy.com.au.
To study this course, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Curtin University, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, evidence of financial capacity (tuition + living costs + OSHC), and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. Your student visa allows work rights (see above). Visa conditions include maintaining enrolment, satisfactory course progress, and not exceeding work limits. HeadStart Academy provides general guidance but does not give immigration advice — for specific visa applications, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit homeaffairs.gov.au. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses, safeguarding your tuition fees and educational quality.
Western Australia offers a unique blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. Perth's strong economy, particularly in mining and resources, provides excellent job prospects for surveying and mapping graduates. The state has a high number of CRICOS-registered providers — over 50 — offering courses across all levels. However, consider that Perth is geographically isolated; travel to other Australian cities is more expensive and time-consuming. The climate is warm and sunny, with mild winters. International students enjoy a supportive community, with dedicated student services at Curtin University. If you seek a research-focused environment with industry connections in geomatics, WA could be ideal. Use HeadStart Academy's filters to compare providers and courses across all Australian states.
Follow these three simple steps to start your journey: 1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** — Filter by course level (Masters Degree Research), field (Geomatic Engineering), and city (Perth) on HeadStart Academy. Compare Curtin University with other institutions offering similar courses. 2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** — Visit Curtin University's website for specific application requirements: you'll need to submit your academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS), research proposal, and meet application deadlines. Ensure you understand the entry criteria. 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** — Once Curtin offers you a place, you'll receive a CoE. Then apply for your visa through the Department of Home Affairs, including your OSHC and GTE statement. HeadStart Academy has a detailed student visa guide at /visa/student-visa-subclass-500.
Check your eligibility and start your application at Curtin University's website.
All Masters Degree (Research) courses in Western Australia →
Master of Philosophy (Surveying and Mapping) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Curtin University. 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.