Are you considering a research master's in international relations, political science, or strategic studies? The Master of Philosophy, International, Political and Strategic Studies at Australian National University (ANU) offers a rigorous pathway to advanced research and academic careers. This page provides all the essential information from the official CRICOS register: course code 070899E, fees, duration, delivery location, and entry requirements. All data is sourced from CRICOS as of April 2026. HeadStart Academy is a free resource for international students, helping you navigate over 26,000 courses across 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers.
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Master of Philosophy, International, Political and Strategic Studies (CRICOS course code 070899E) is a Masters Degree (Research) delivered by Australian National University over 2 years. This course falls under the broad field of Society and Culture (09) and is classified as a research degree at AQF Level 9. It is designed for students who wish to develop advanced research skills and contribute original knowledge to the fields of international relations, political science, and strategic studies. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international students, and graduates are eligible to apply for post-study work visas. ANU is a public university based in Canberra, Australia's capital, offering a rich academic environment for research students.
As a Masters Degree (Research), this program focuses on independent research under the supervision of experienced academics. Students typically complete a thesis of up to 50,000 words that makes an original contribution to the field of international, political, and strategic studies. Coursework components may include advanced seminars on research methods, theories of international relations, security studies, and political analysis. Graduates develop critical thinking, analytical writing, and research skills that are highly valued in academia, government, and international organisations. The precise curriculum is set by Australian National University and may vary by specialisation. HeadStart Academy recommends contacting ANU directly for detailed study plans.
According to the CRICOS register, the course duration is 2 years (104 weeks) of full-time study. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification — not a dual award or combined course. There is no foundation studies component. As a research degree, students are expected to work closely with their supervisor and may have flexible study arrangements, but the standard duration is fixed for visa purposes. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with Student visa conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$113,760 for the total duration. Non-tuition fees (such as student services and amenities) are approximately A$746, bringing the estimated total to A$114,506. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register and are set by Australian National University. They do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. As a guide, living costs in Canberra are estimated at around A$30,000 per year for a single student (including rent, food, and transport). Always check the official ANU website for the most current fees before applying.
English language requirements vary by provider — typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on course level. For this Masters Degree (Research), ANU generally requires a bachelor's degree with at least second-class honours (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, plus a research proposal. International students must also meet English proficiency standards, often IELTS 6.5 or 7.0 overall with no band below 6.0. Foundation or pathway programs are not applicable for this level; however, ANU offers pre-master's or graduate certificate pathways for some courses. Refer to the provider's website for exact requirements. HeadStart Academy advises checking entry requirements directly with ANU or a registered education agent.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students on a Student visa may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions.
This course is delivered at Australian National University — Canberra City West, ACT. Canberra is Australia's capital, home to over 40,000 international students and 9 CRICOS-registered institutions. The city offers a high quality of life, with public transport including buses and light rail connecting the campus. Indicative weekly rent in Canberra is around A$350–500 for a shared apartment. The city is known for its political and academic environment, with proximity to government departments and think tanks — ideal for international and political studies.
International students require a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. You must obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from ANU before applying. Visa conditions include maintaining full-time enrolment, adequate OSHC, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement, and sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and dependants. Work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during holidays. HeadStart Academy recommends reviewing current visa policies on the Department of Home Affairs website or consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Master of Philosophy, International, Political and Strategic Studies at Australian National University:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level (Masters Degree (Research)), field (Society and Culture), and location (ACT). Confirm that ANU is CRICOS-registered (00120C) and the course code 070899E.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Submit your application to ANU, including academic transcripts, research proposal, English language test results (e.g., IELTS), and any other required documents. Check application deadlines for international students.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once ANU issues your CoE, you can lodge your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs.
Studying a research master's in international, political, and strategic studies requires dedication to independent research and a clear topic focus. Canberra's unique position as the political and diplomatic centre of Australia provides unparalleled access to government archives, embassies, and policy experts. However, living costs are higher than in many regional centres. Consider your English proficiency, previous research experience, and career goals. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected by the ESOS Act, ensuring tuition fee protection and academic quality. HeadStart Academy lists only genuine CRICOS providers — free and unbiased.
Ready to apply? Browse more Masters Degree (Research) courses in ACT or contact Australian National University directly.
All Masters Degree (Research) courses in Australian Capital Territory →
Master of Philosophy, International, Political and Strategic Studies is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian National 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.