There are 43 Masters Degree (Research) courses offered by 9 CRICOS-registered providers across Queensland. This AQF Level 9 qualification is designed for students who wish to undertake a significant research project under supervision, leading to a thesis. Whether you are interested in natural sciences, engineering, health, or creative arts, Queensland offers a diverse range of research opportunities. In this guide, HeadStart Academy provides a comprehensive overview of Masters Degree (Research) programs in Queensland, including fee ranges, durations, top providers, and application steps. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to ensure accuracy and trust.
Counted from the official register for QLD: 60 non-expired CRICOS courses across 17 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 Queensland 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?
The University of Queensland is a government CRICOS provider with 377 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$3,420 to A$447,525. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Masters Degree (Coursework), Graduate Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00025B, Government, 377 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Griffith University is a government CRICOS provider with 293 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$18,447 to A$342,017. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Masters Degree (Coursework), Masters Degree (Research).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00233E, Government, 293 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is a government CRICOS provider with 288 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$900 to A$304,700. Common levels include Masters Degree (Research), Bachelor Degree, Doctoral Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00213J, Government, 288 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Bond University is a private CRICOS provider with 179 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$248.6 to A$301,972. Common levels include Masters Degree (Coursework), Graduate Certificate, Bachelor Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00017B, Private, 179 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
University of the Sunshine Coast
University of the Sunshine Coast is a government CRICOS provider with 145 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$1 to A$167,500. Common levels include Masters Degree (Research), Diploma, Bachelor Honours Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 01595D, Government, 145 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Torrens University Australia Limited
Torrens University Australia Limited is a private CRICOS provider with 126 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$500 to A$129,000. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Diploma, Masters Degree (Coursework).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03389E, Private, 126 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
James Cook University is a government CRICOS provider with 121 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$1 to A$473,482.483. Common levels include Diploma, Masters Degree (Research), Bachelor Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00117J, Government, 121 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Southern Cross University (SCU)
Southern Cross University (SCU) is a government CRICOS provider with 119 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$13,880 to A$144,000. Common levels include Diploma, Masters Degree (Coursework), Graduate Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 01241G, Government, 119 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Australian Catholic University Limited
Australian Catholic University Limited is a government CRICOS provider with 116 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$10,640 to A$210,176. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Diploma, Bachelor Honours Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00004G, Government, 116 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Central Queensland University is a government CRICOS provider with 105 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Queensland. Indicative course totals on register from A$1 to A$218,771. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Diploma, Non AQF Award.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00219C, Government, 105 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).
A Masters Degree (Research) is a postgraduate qualification at AQF Level 9 that focuses on independent research. It typically requires one to two years of full-time study and culminates in a thesis of up to 50,000 words. Entry usually requires a bachelor's degree with honours or equivalent research experience. This degree qualifies graduates for advanced professional practice or further study at Doctoral level (AQF Level 10). It differs from a coursework master's by emphasising original research under a supervisor.
Tuition fees for Masters Degree (Research) in Queensland range from A$31,300 to A$105,208 depending on the field of study, provider, and research intensity. The duration is typically 1 to 2 years full-time. Below is a breakdown by field of education as listed on CRICOS. Note that fees are indicative and do not include non-tuition costs such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and materials.
Queensland is home to several leading universities that offer Masters Degree (Research) programs. Here are the top providers by number of courses:
Masters Degree (Research) programs in Queensland cover a wide range of disciplines. According to the CRICOS register, the following broad fields are offered: Natural and Physical Sciences, Engineering, Health, Society and Culture, Creative Arts, Education, Management and Commerce, Information Technology, Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies, Architecture and Building, and Mixed Field Programmes. Each field includes multiple specialised research areas. For example, within Natural and Physical Sciences, you can pursue research in biology, chemistry, physics, or earth sciences. Health fields include nursing, public health, and medical science. This diversity ensures that research students can find a program that matches their interests and career goals.
English language requirements vary by provider and course. Typically, for a Masters Degree (Research), you need an IELTS overall score of 6.5 to 7.0, with no band less than 6.0. Some universities may accept other tests like TOEFL or PTE. It is important to check the specific requirements of your chosen provider. Some programs may have higher requirements for research degrees due to the thesis component.
International students studying a Masters Degree (Research) in Queensland typically need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition and living costs, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). You must also have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your CRICOS-registered provider. For detailed visa guidance, see our Student Visa Subclass 500 page. Note: HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice; consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs.
Applying for a Masters Degree (Research) in Queensland is straightforward when you follow these three steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use our directory to filter by course level, field, and city. Ensure your chosen provider and course are CRICOS-registered. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Check entry requirements, including your previous qualifications and English language test scores. Submit your application with all required documents (transcripts, research proposal, references) before the deadline. 3. Receive your CoE and apply for your Student visa – Once accepted, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Prepare evidence of finances, OSHC, and GTE statement.
Queensland offers a vibrant lifestyle with a mix of urban and natural environments. Brisbane, the state capital, has a student population of over 150,000, with excellent public transport. The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast also host major universities. Living costs in Brisbane are around AUD 1,500–2,000 per month for rent, food, and transport. Regional areas like Townsville and Cairns offer lower costs but a tropical climate. Consider the research strengths of each university: JCU excels in marine and tropical science, while UQ is strong in health and engineering. Queensland's research infrastructure, including the Queensland Brain Institute and the Translational Research Institute, provides excellent facilities.
Ready to start your research journey in Queensland? Explore CRICOS-registered providers and find your perfect program.
Showing 60 masters degree (research) courses from 17 CRICOS providers in Queensland.