There are 1,138 Masters Degree (Coursework) courses offered by 66 CRICOS-registered providers across New South Wales. Whether you're looking to advance your career, switch fields, or gain specialised knowledge, NSW offers the largest concentration of postgraduate coursework programs in Australia. From world-leading universities in Sydney to regional campuses in Newcastle and Wollongong, you'll find a diverse range of options spanning management, health, IT, engineering, and the creative arts. This guide covers everything you need to know: tuition fees, durations, entry requirements, and student visa pathways for international students.
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A Masters Degree (Coursework) is an AQF Level 9 qualification that combines advanced coursework with optional research components. Unlike a research masters, the focus is on taught subjects, often including capstone projects or industry placements. Typical entry requires a bachelor's degree (AQF Level 7) in a related field, with some programs accepting graduates from any discipline. Many Masters (Coursework) programs serve as pathways to doctoral studies (AQF Level 10) or to professional practice in fields like psychology, engineering, or teaching. CRICOS-registered providers in NSW offer these programs under strict quality standards set by TEQSA and the ESOS Act.
Tuition fees for Masters Degree (Coursework) programs in NSW range from A$18,360 to A$846,500, depending on the field, provider, and program length. Duration spans from 16 weeks (intensive accelerated programs) to 8 years (part-time study or extended pathways). Below is an indicative breakdown by field of education. Note that fees do not include non-tuition costs such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (weekly rent, groceries, transport), or course materials. Always confirm the latest fees with your chosen institution.
New South Wales is home to eight of Australia's leading universities and several private providers with extensive Masters (Coursework) options. Macquarie University (CRICOS 00002J) in North Ryde offers 212 programs, with strengths in business, IT, and health sciences. The University of Sydney (CRICOS 00026A) in Camperdown has 200 programs, known for its law, medicine, and engineering faculties. UNSW Sydney (CRICOS 00098G) in Kensington provides 133 programs, excelling in engineering, business, and design. The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) (CRICOS 00099F) in Ultimo has 109 programs, with strong ties to industry and a focus on innovation. University of Wollongong (UoW) (CRICOS 00102E) and The University of Newcastle (UoN) (CRICOS 00109J) each offer 62 programs, with strengths in regional health, education, and environmental science. Western Sydney University (CRICOS 00917K) has 59 programs, known for its multicultural campuses and social sciences. Torrens University Australia (CRICOS 03389E), a private provider, offers 35 programs across design, business, and health. All are CRICOS-registered and fully compliant with ESOS Act protections.
Master Degree (Coursework) programs in NSW span 11 broad fields of education. The largest field is 08 - Management and Commerce, covering MBA, finance, accounting, and marketing. Next is 06 - Health, including public health, nursing, and clinical specialisations. 02 - Information Technology and 03 - Engineering and Related Technologies reflect strong demand in tech and infrastructure. 09 - Society and Culture includes law, social work, and psychology. 07 - Education offers teaching and TESOL pathways. 01 - Natural and Physical Sciences covers chemistry, physics, and environmental science. 10 - Creative Arts features design, film, and music. 04 - Architecture and Building and 05 - Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies have specialised offerings. 12 - Mixed Field Programmes are interdisciplinary. With 1,138 courses, students can find options that match their career goals.
English proficiency is a key entry requirement for international students. Most providers in NSW require an IELTS overall score of 6.5 to 7.0 (or equivalent TOEFL or PTE) for Masters (Coursework) programs. Some fields like health, education, or law may require higher scores (e.g., IELTS 7.0 with no band below 7.0). Exemptions may apply if your prior degree was taught in English. Check specific provider requirements on the CRICOS register.
International students studying a Masters Degree (Coursework) in NSW typically need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) declaration, financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (A$21,041/year), and OSHC. The Department of Home Affairs assesses applications individually. CRICOS registration ensures your course qualifies for visa purposes. After graduation, you may be eligible for post-study work rights. For detailed visa guidance, visit our Student Visa (Subclass 500) guide. Always consult a registered MARA agent for personal advice.
Follow these three steps to start your Masters journey in New South Wales:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use the CRICOS register to find programs filtered by course level, field, and city. All providers on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Prepare academic transcripts, English test scores, and a statement of purpose. Check application deadlines (often semester-based). Pay the application fee if required.
3. **Receive your CoE and apply for your student visa** – Once accepted, you'll get a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) via the Department of Home Affairs. Include evidence of OSHC, finances, and GTE statements.
Ready to find your Masters Degree (Coursework) in NSW? Browse our comprehensive list of CRICOS-registered providers and courses.
Showing 80 masters degree (coursework) courses from 1 CRICOS provider in New South Wales.
Counted from the official register for NSW: 1,246 non-expired CRICOS courses across 86 providers.
Most common course levels
Planning baseline from the CRICOS register [CRICOS register, Apr 2026]. Confirm fees, intakes and visa settings with the provider and government sources before applying.