Master of Business by Research (CRICOS 099205B) at Edith Cowan University

Course overview

Master of Business by Research (CRICOS course code 099205B) is a Masters Degree (Research) delivered by Edith Cowan University over 2 years. This AQF Level 9 qualification is ideal for students who want to pursue a career in business research, academia, or senior management roles requiring analytical and research expertise. The course focuses on developing independent research skills in business and management disciplines. As a research degree, students will undertake a supervised research project culminating in a thesis. The course is classified under field of education 08 - Management and Commerce, specifically 080399 Business and Management, n.e.c. Edith Cowan University is a government-owned institution with CRICOS registration 00279B, ensuring full ESOS Act protections for international students. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students, and this course is one of them.

What you'll study

While specific subjects are determined by the research topic and supervisor, students in a Masters by Research in Business typically engage in advanced research methodology training, literature review, data collection and analysis, and thesis writing. Graduates develop skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, project management, and scholarly communication. The research focus allows students to contribute new knowledge to the field of business and management. Many graduates pursue PhD studies or take on roles in business analysis, consulting, policy development, or academic research. Given the research nature, students will work closely with a supervisory panel to design and execute a research project aligned with their interests.

Duration and study mode

The Master of Business by Research is scheduled for 2 years (104 weeks) on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification, not a dual degree. There is no foundation studies component. Students are expected to be enrolled full-time, as per typical student visa conditions. The course does not include a work component or VET national code. Delivery locations are ECU City Campus in Perth’s CBD and ECU Joondalup Campus in the northern suburb of Joondalup. Perth has over 20 CRICOS-registered providers offering a wide range of courses. The city has a student population of approximately 150,000, with affordable living costs compared to Sydney or Melbourne. Indicative weekly rent in Perth is around AUD 200-350 for shared accommodation, with public transport accessible via Transperth trains and buses.

Fees (indicative — set by Edith Cowan University)

Tuition fee: AUD 95,100 (indicative, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026). Non-tuition fees: AUD 0. Estimated total course cost: AUD 95,100. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and visa application charges are not included. OSHC for a single student for 2 years is approximately AUD 1,000-1,500 depending on the provider. Living costs in Perth are estimated at AUD 21,041 per year (Department of Home Affairs guideline). Always confirm current fees directly with Edith Cowan University at www.ecu.edu.au, as fees are subject to change. HeadStart Academy does not charge referral fees; we are a free resource.

Entry requirements (general guidance)

English language requirements vary by provider — typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on course level. For a Masters Degree (Research), most universities require an IELTS overall band of 6.5 or 7.0 with no band less than 6.0. Prior qualifications typically include a Bachelor degree in a relevant field with a research component or demonstrated research experience. Some providers may require a research proposal or supervisor nomination before applying. Foundation or pathway options are not applicable for this level; however, students who do not meet English requirements may consider an English language course. Refer to Edith Cowan University's website for precise entry criteria. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; for visa-related advice, consult a MARA agent.

Work component

No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, student visa holders are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Work rights are subject to the Student visa (Subclass 500) regulations and may change.

Delivery locations

Edith Cowan University delivers this course at two campuses: ECU City Campus in Perth's central business district (CBD) and ECU Joondalup Campus in Joondalup, a major regional centre approximately 25 km north of Perth. Perth is the capital of Western Australia, known for its sunny climate and vibrant student community. The city has over 20 CRICOS-registered providers. Public transport connects both campuses via train and bus services. The Joondalup line serves ECU Joondalup, while the Perth CBD campus is easily accessible from multiple stations. Living costs in Perth are lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, with weekly rent averaging AUD 200-350 for shared accommodation, groceries around AUD 80-150, and transport AUD 30-50. All listed providers are CRICOS-registered, ensuring ESOS Act protections.

Student visa

International students require a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. Key requirements: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Edith Cowan University, Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement, evidence of English proficiency, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. As of April 2026, student visa holders can work 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. The Department of Home Affairs recommends financial capacity of at least AUD 21,041 per year for living costs (excluding tuition and OSHC). Always verify current visa conditions on homeaffairs.gov.au. HeadStart Academy provides general guidance only; for personalised advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA).

How to apply

Apply for Master of Business by Research at Edith Cowan University in 3 steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers — use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Masters Degree Research), field (Management and Commerce), and location (Perth or Joondalup). 2. Apply directly to Edith Cowan University — meet entry requirements (qualifications, English test, research proposal), submit application by the deadline. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) — after acceptance, ECU issues a CoE; then lodge a visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and financial evidence ready. All institutions listed are CRICOS-registered with the Australian Government.

Ready to apply? Start by researching CRICOS-registered providers on HeadStart Academy, then apply directly to Edith Cowan University. Once you receive your CoE, lodge your Student visa application. Visit ECU's website for the latest application deadlines.

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