There are 33 Masters Degree (Research) courses offered by 2 CRICOS-registered providers across Australian Capital Territory. These research-focused programs at AQF Level 9 are designed for students who wish to pursue advanced knowledge in a specific field through independent research under expert supervision. With a combined offering from the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra and the University of Canberra, ACT provides a concentrated yet high-quality postgraduate research environment. Tuition ranges from A$53,600 to A$126,570, and most programs run between 1.5 and 2 years full-time. Whether your interest lies in natural sciences, engineering, health, or creative arts, ACT’s research degrees offer a pathway to academia or specialised professional roles.
Counted from the official register for ACT: 55 non-expired CRICOS courses across 5 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.
Ranked by active CRICOS course coverage for Masters Degree (Research) in Australian Capital Territory on the April 2026 register snapshot. Recalculated this build (2026-10-05). Use this as a shortlist, then confirm current fees and intakes with each provider.
Commercial disclosure: Payment does not affect this ranking or inclusion. Ordering is coverage-based from the CRICOS register — not an endorsement or quality score. How we rank · Is this legit?
Australian National University
Australian National University is a government CRICOS provider with 420 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Australian Capital Territory. Indicative course totals on register from A$1 to A$404,862. Common levels include Bachelor Honours Degree, Bachelor Degree, Non AQF Award.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00120C, Government, 420 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
University of Canberra is a government CRICOS provider with 211 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Australian Capital Territory. Indicative course totals on register from A$1 to A$199,365. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Non AQF Award, Masters Degree (Research).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00212K, Government, 211 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
The University of New South Wales (UNSW)
The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a government CRICOS provider with 55 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Australian Capital Territory. Indicative course totals on register from A$500 to A$207,500. Common levels include Doctoral Degree, Non AQF Award, Masters Degree (Research).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00098G, Government, 55 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Canberra Institute of Technology
Canberra Institute of Technology is a government CRICOS provider with 40 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Australian Capital Territory. Indicative course totals on register from A$150 to A$36,420. Common levels include Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, Diploma, Certificate IV.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00001K, Government, 40 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
The Canberra Training School Pty. Ltd.
The Canberra Training School Pty. Ltd. is a private CRICOS provider with 33 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Australian Capital Territory. Indicative course totals on register from A$2,550 to A$29,550. Common levels include Non AQF Award, Diploma, Advanced Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03465J, Private, 33 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Australian Catholic University Limited
Australian Catholic University Limited is a government CRICOS provider with 32 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Australian Capital Territory. Indicative course totals on register from A$10,640 to A$210,176. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Non AQF Award, Masters Degree (Research).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00004G, Government, 32 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Australian National Education Pty Ltd
Australian National Education Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 20 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Australian Capital Territory. Indicative course totals on register from A$7,250 to A$33,750. Common levels include Diploma, Certificate IV, Certificate III.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03859B, Private, 20 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Radix Education Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 19 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Australian Capital Territory. Indicative course totals on register from A$7,800 to A$29,550. Common levels include Advanced Diploma, Diploma, Graduate Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03835K, Private, 19 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Opulence College Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 19 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Australian Capital Territory. Indicative course totals on register from A$6,800 to A$27,200. Common levels include Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Certificate III.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03878K, Private, 19 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Bhairav Baba Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 19 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Australian Capital Territory. Indicative course totals on register from A$10,500 to A$44,250. Common levels include Diploma, Graduate Diploma, Advanced Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03880E, Private, 19 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Similar to a register-first directory: every claim you can act on should be checkable against an official source. Full ranking rules: methodology.
Maintained by HeadStart Academy editorial · Snapshot recalculated this build (2026-10-05).
| Field of Education | Approx Tuition Range | Approx Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 09 - Society and Culture | A$53,600 – A$126,570 | 1.5 – 2 years |
| 01 - Natural and Physical Sciences | A$53,600 – A$126,570 | 1.5 – 2 years |
| 03 - Engineering and Related Technologies | A$53,600 – A$126,570 | 1.5 – 2 years |
| 06 - Health | A$53,600 – A$126,570 | 1.5 – 2 years |
| 05 - Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies | A$53,600 – A$126,570 | 1.5 – 2 years |
| 02 - Information Technology | A$53,600 – A$126,570 | 1.5 – 2 years |
| 07 - Education | A$53,600 – A$126,570 | 1.5 – 2 years |
| 10 - Creative Arts | A$53,600 – A$126,570 | 1.5 – 2 years |
| 12 - Mixed Field Programmes | A$53,600 – A$126,570 | 1.5 – 2 years |
A Masters Degree (Research) is an AQF Level 9 qualification that typically requires the completion of a substantial research project, thesis, or equivalent. Entry usually requires a bachelor’s degree with honours or a coursework master’s with a research component. It serves as a pathway to doctoral studies (AQF Level 10) and qualifies graduates for research-intensive roles in academia, industry, and government. Unlike coursework master’s programs, the emphasis is on original research and contribution to knowledge.
Tuition fees for Masters Degree (Research) programs in ACT range from A$53,600 to A$126,570 for the total course, depending on the field and provider. Duration is typically 1 year 6 months (78 weeks) to 2 years full-time. Note that these are indicative tuition costs only; additional expenses include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs (e.g., Canberra’s average weekly rent is around A$500–$700), and other university fees. The table below provides an approximate breakdown by field of education.
The Australian National University (CRICOS 00120C) in Canberra’s Acton campus is Australia’s top-ranked university and offers 25 Masters Degree (Research) courses across fields like natural sciences, engineering, and health. Its strong research culture and proximity to national institutions make it ideal for research students. The University of Canberra (CRICOS 00212K) in Bruce provides 8 research master’s programs, with expertise in health, education, and creative arts. It offers a supportive environment with excellent facilities and industry connections.
The 33 courses cover nine broad fields: Society and Culture (09), Natural and Physical Sciences (01), Engineering and Related Technologies (03), Health (06), Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies (05), Information Technology (02), Education (07), Creative Arts (10), and Mixed Field Programmes (12). This diversity allows students to pursue research in areas ranging from climate science to digital humanities, often with interdisciplinary opportunities.
English language requirements vary by provider and course. Typically, you’ll need an IELTS overall score between 5.5 and 7.0, with no band less than 5.5 to 6.5. Some courses, especially in health or education, may require higher scores. Always check the specific requirements of your chosen provider and course on their website.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study a Masters Degree (Research) in Australia. You must demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) intention, meet financial capacity requirements (tuition + living costs + OSHC), and maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). For detailed guidance, visit our student visa page.
Ready to find your Masters Degree (Research) in ACT? Use our course search to filter by provider, field, and duration — all from the official CRICOS register.
Showing 55 masters degree (research) courses from 5 CRICOS providers in Australian Capital Territory.