Master of Science (Applied Biology & Biotechnology) (CRICOS course code 079684C) is a Masters Degree (Research) delivered by Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology over 2 years. This course is designed for graduates seeking advanced research skills in biological sciences, with a focus on applied biology and biotechnology. Based on the CRICOS register, the course covers Field of Education 01 - Natural and Physical Sciences, specifically Biological Sciences. As a CRICOS-registered course, international students can study at RMIT with full ESOS Act protections. Melbourne is home to over 50 CRICOS-registered providers offering hundreds of natural and physical sciences courses. This Master of Science (Research) provides a pathway to PhD study or careers in research, biotech, and academia. HeadStart Academy sources all data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to ensure accuracy.
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Master of Science (Applied Biology & Biotechnology) (CRICOS 079684C) is a Masters Degree (Research) (AQF Level 9) delivered by Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (CRICOS 00122A). The course duration is 2 years (104 weeks) with English as the language of instruction. It is a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies component. The field of education is 010900 - Biological Sciences, n.f.d., within Natural and Physical Sciences. This research-focused program allows students to undertake a substantial research project under supervision. RMIT is a government university with multiple campuses, and this course is offered at both Bundoora and Melbourne city campuses. As a CRICOS-registered provider, RMIT must meet strict quality standards under the ESOS Act. Australia has 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering over 26,000 courses — this course is one of many research degrees available in Victoria.
As a research master's in applied biology and biotechnology, students typically develop advanced knowledge in molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, and bioprocessing. The field of Biological Sciences encompasses the study of living organisms and their interactions. At the Masters Degree (Research) level, you'll learn to design and conduct independent research, analyse complex data, and communicate scientific findings. While specific syllabus details are set by RMIT, graduates of similar programs often gain skills in laboratory techniques, bioinformatics, and research ethics. This background prepares you for roles in pharmaceutical, agricultural, or environmental biotechnology, or for further doctoral study. Melbourne's strong life sciences sector, including research institutes and biotech companies, offers practical context for your studies.
The Master of Science (Applied Biology & Biotechnology) has a duration of 2 years (104 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The course is delivered in English, and it is a single qualification only — not a dual or joint degree. There is no foundation studies component. Students are expected to engage in full-time study, though specific study modes (e.g., on-campus, blended) should be confirmed with RMIT. The course is research-based, meaning you'll spend significant time in labs and conducting fieldwork under supervision. Melbourne offers excellent public transport to both campuses: the Bundoora campus is accessible via tram and bus, while the city campus is near central stations. Living costs in Melbourne average around A$450-600 per week for rent, groceries, and transport (indicative only).
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$80,640 for the full 2-year program. Non-tuition fees are estimated at A$746, bringing the estimated total to A$81,386. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Please note: fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. OSHC for a single student typically costs A$500-700 per year. Living expenses in Melbourne are around A$21,000 per year. Always refer to RMIT's official website for current fees before applying. As a CRICOS-registered institution, RMIT must publish accurate fee information but reserves the right to adjust charges. HeadStart Academy provides indicative data only.
Entry requirements for a Masters Degree (Research) typically include a bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., biological sciences, biotechnology) with a strong academic record. English language requirements vary by provider — for RMIT, the expected IELTS score is usually 6.5 overall (with no band below 6.0), though some courses may require 7.0. Other accepted tests include TOEFL and PTE. Prior research experience or a thesis component may be advantageous. Foundation or pathway options are not applicable as this is a direct entry master's. Always check RMIT's specific entry requirements for this exact CRICOS course on their website. International students should also meet Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criteria for their student visa.
No work component: This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as a research master's, you may have opportunities to engage in research projects with industry partners. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). Melbourne has a thriving job market for biotech graduates, with many research institutes and companies offering part-time work.
This course is delivered at two RMIT campuses in Victoria: Bundoora Campus (Plenty Road, Bundoora VIC 3083) and RMIT University - 124 Latrobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. Bundoora is a northern suburb of Melbourne, about 15 km from the city, with a large student population and affordable housing. The Melbourne city campus is in the heart of the CBD, offering easy access to public transport, libraries, and research facilities. Both locations are well-served by trams, buses, and trains. Melbourne has over 50 CRICOS-registered providers and a student population exceeding 200,000, making it a vibrant study destination. Living costs in Melbourne are generally slightly lower than Sydney but higher than regional areas.
International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can study this course full-time. Visa conditions include maintaining enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meeting attendance and progress requirements, holding OSHC for the duration of stay, and not breaching work conditions (48 hours per fortnight during term). You must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. The Department of Home Affairs assesses your financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. As a research degree, you may be eligible for a longer visa duration. Always consult a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised advice. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Master of Science (Applied Biology & Biotechnology) at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level and field, then shortlist RMIT. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – check RMIT's entry requirements, prepare your English test results (e.g., IELTS), academic transcripts, and research proposal. Submit your application online before the deadline. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – once accepted, RMIT issues a CoE. Use it to apply for a visa via the Department of Home Affairs, including paying the visa fee, arranging OSHC, and demonstrating financial capacity.
Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city and a major hub for life sciences research. With over 50 CRICOS-registered providers offering hundreds of science courses, you'll have access to world-class facilities. The city's biotechnology sector includes companies like CSL, and research institutes such as the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute. Living costs are moderate: rent for a share house averages around A$200-300 per week, groceries A$80-150, and public transport A$50 (with international student concessions). Melbourne's multicultural environment and strong student community make it an attractive choice. However, consider that a research degree requires self-motivation and the ability to work independently. Ensure you have adequate funding before committing.
All institutions and courses listed on HeadStart Academy are registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) as at 1 April 2026. Australia has 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses across all study levels and states. The ESOS Act 2000 and National Code provide legal protections for international students, including tuition fee protection and complaint handling. HeadStart Academy is a free resource — we do not charge referral fees or take commissions. Data is sourced directly from the official CRICOS register to ensure accuracy. Always verify current registration status at cricos.teqsa.gov.au.
Ready to start your research journey? Explore more Masters Degree (Research) courses in Victoria on HeadStart Academy, or apply directly to RMIT today.
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Master of Science (Applied Biology & Biotechnology) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. 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.