Master of Philosophy (CRICOS course code 078345G) is a Masters Degree (Research) delivered by University of Wollongong (UoW) over 2 years. This Level 9 AQF program falls under the broad field of Health, allowing students to undertake advanced research in a specialised area. As a CRICOS-registered course at a government university, it meets the requirements for international student visas and is covered by ESOS Act protections. With an indicative total cost of A$161,972 and delivery at UOW Wollongong campus, this degree offers a pathway to academic or industry research careers. HeadStart Academy provides free, data-driven guidance from the official CRICOS register to help you compare courses and plan your study in Australia. Whether you are exploring research options or ready to apply, this page gives you the essential facts.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
Master of Philosophy (CRICOS course code 078345G) is a Masters Degree (Research) delivered by University of Wollongong (UoW) over 2 years. As an AQF Level 9 qualification, it sits above a coursework master's but below a PhD, focusing on independent research under supervision. The field of education is Health (06), specifically n.f.d. (not further defined) which means it spans various health-related disciplines. This flexibility allows students to tailor their research to areas such as public health, clinical science, or health policy. University of Wollongong (CRICOS 00102E) is a public research university with a strong reputation, particularly in health and medical research. The course is full-time and delivered on-campus at the Wollongong campus. International students benefit from the ESOS Act protections and the course is registered for student visa (Subclass 500) purposes. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, the data here is sourced from the official register as at April 2026 and is subject to change.
Master of Philosophy programs are research-intensive degrees where students undertake a substantial research project under the guidance of a supervisor. The field of Health (060000) means research topics may align with health sciences, including biomedical, clinical, or population health. Graduates typically develop advanced skills in research design, data analysis, critical thinking, and scholarly writing. While the exact syllabus is set by University of Wollongong, typical milestones include a research proposal, literature review, ethics approval, data collection, and thesis submission. This degree is ideal for those aiming to pursue a PhD or seek research roles in academia, government, or industry. Courses at this level require a strong prior academic background, often a bachelor's degree with honours or a coursework master's. Always check the provider's exact research areas and supervisor availability before applying.
The Master of Philosophy at University of Wollongong is listed on the CRICOS register with a duration of 2 years (104 weeks). This full-time program is delivered in English. It is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies. The language of instruction is English, and the course is not a VET program (no national code). Students are expected to attend the Wollongong campus regularly, as the research degree requires close supervision and access to university facilities. Part-time study may be possible for domestic students, but international students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with visa conditions. The CRICOS registration confirms that this duration meets Australian student visa requirements for genuine temporary entrant (GTE) assessment.
The indicative tuition fee for Master of Philosophy is A$160,512 for the full program (2 years), with additional non-tuition fees of A$1,460, giving an estimated total of A$161,972. These figures are sourced from the official CRICOS register and are subject to change by the provider. Please note that this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the student visa application charge. For example, OSHC typically costs between A$500 and A$700 per year, living expenses in Wollongong are estimated at around A$25,000-A$30,000 annually, and the visa application fee is currently A$710 (Subclass 500, as at April 2026). Always confirm current fees directly with University of Wollongong at www.uow.edu.au before making financial decisions. HeadStart Academy provides free, unbiased data from the CRICOS register – no commission or referral fees involved.
English language requirements vary by provider — typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on course level. For a Masters Degree (Research) at University of Wollongong, expect a higher band, often IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 (or equivalent). Prior qualifications typically include a bachelor's degree with honours or a master's degree in a relevant field, with evidence of research capability. Foundation or pathway options may be available through the university's Graduate Certificate or Pre-Master's programs – refer to the provider's website for details. International students must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and demonstrate financial capacity for tuition, living costs, and OSHC. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered migration agent for personalised visa advice.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. While research degrees may involve fieldwork or lab work, there is no structured internship or placement as part of the program. However, students can engage in optional work during their studies, subject to visa conditions. International students on a Subclass 500 visa are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. This can provide valuable experience and income to offset living costs. The ESOS Act ensures that your education is protected – if the provider fails to deliver, you are entitled to a refund or placement in another course.
This course is delivered at the UOW Wollongong campus in Wollongong, NSW. Wollongong is a coastal city approximately 80km south of Sydney, with a population of around 300,000. It is home to over 10,000 international students, supported by a range of CRICOS-registered providers. The university campus is well-connected by public transport, including trains and buses, and offers student accommodation both on and off campus. Typical living costs in Wollongong are lower than Sydney, with average weekly rent for a share house around A$180–A$250, groceries A$80–A$120, and a public transport pass A$30–A$50. The city's relaxed lifestyle and proximity to beaches make it popular among students. Studying in Wollongong provides access to a growing health research sector, with links to Wollongong Hospital and local health services.
International students enrolling in this CRICOS-registered course can apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), sufficient financial capacity (tuition + living costs + OSHC + airfares), genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, and health insurance via Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Student work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Dependants may accompany the student on a Subclass 500 visa or as Student Guardian (Subclass 590). The Department of Home Affairs assesses applications based on the student's circumstances and the course's CRICOS registration. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice – please consult a registered MARA agent or visit homeaffairs.gov.au for the latest information.
Applying for Master of Philosophy at University of Wollongong (UoW) involves three key steps:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Masters Degree (Research)), field (Health), and location (Wollongong). Verify the course's CRICOS registration status. 2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Check entry requirements (English test scores, academic transcripts, research proposal). Submit your application through UoW's online portal before the deadline. Note application deadlines vary by intake (typically February and July). 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – Once accepted, UoW issues a CoE. Use this to apply for a Subclass 500 visa through ImmiAccount, including evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE. For personalised advice, contact UoW's international admissions or a registered migration agent.
Ready to take the next step? Explore more Masters Degree (Research) courses in Health on HeadStart Academy or apply directly to University of Wollongong.
Master of Philosophy is a CRICOS-registered programme at University of Wollongong (UoW). 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.