There are 142 Masters Degree (Research) courses offered by 6 CRICOS-registered providers across Western Australia. These programs are designed for students who want to pursue advanced research in their field, culminating in a thesis or equivalent work. Western Australia is home to world-class universities and research institutions, with strong links to industries in mining, energy, health, and agriculture. Whether you're interested in the natural and physical sciences, engineering, health, or society and culture, you'll find a research degree that matches your ambitions. Perth, the state capital, offers a vibrant student lifestyle with affordable living costs compared to Sydney or Melbourne, and campuses are well connected by public transport. All providers listed are CRICOS-registered, ensuring quality education and student protections under the ESOS Act.
Counted from the official register for WA: 146 non-expired CRICOS courses across 10 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 Western Australia on the April 2026 register snapshot. Recalculated this build (2026-10-06). 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?
Curtin University is a government CRICOS provider with 353 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Western Australia. Indicative course totals on register from A$100 to A$444,756. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Non AQF Award, Graduate Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00301J, Government, 353 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
The University of Western Australia (UWA)
The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a government CRICOS provider with 339 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Western Australia. Indicative course totals on register from A$2,950 to A$376,292. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Masters Degree (Coursework), Doctoral Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00126G, Government, 339 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Murdoch University (Murdoch) is a government CRICOS provider with 262 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Western Australia. Indicative course totals on register from A$9,182.5 to A$412,225. Common levels include Doctoral Degree, Bachelor Degree, Bachelor Honours Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00125J, Government, 262 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Edith Cowan University is a government CRICOS provider with 165 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Western Australia. Indicative course totals on register from A$11,700 to A$304,500. Common levels include Masters Degree (Coursework), Masters Degree (Research), Graduate Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00279B, Government, 165 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
The University of Notre Dame Australia
The University of Notre Dame Australia is a private CRICOS provider with 132 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Western Australia. Indicative course totals on register from A$14,682.5 to A$337,091. Common levels include Masters Degree (Coursework), Non AQF Award, Doctoral Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 01032F, Private, 132 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Department of Training and Workforce Development
Department of Training and Workforce Development is a government CRICOS provider with 101 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Western Australia. Indicative course totals on register from A$6,120 to A$36,296. Common levels include Diploma, Certificate III, Certificate II.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00020G, Government, 101 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
SAE Institute Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 54 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Western Australia. Indicative course totals on register from A$12,498 to A$85,249. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Associate Degree, Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00312F, Private, 54 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Greenwich College Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 44 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Western Australia. Indicative course totals on register from A$1,660 to A$28,000. Common levels include Non AQF Award, Certificate IV, Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 02672K, Private, 44 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Southern Cross University (SCU)
Southern Cross University (SCU) is a government CRICOS provider with 41 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Western Australia. Indicative course totals on register from A$15,000 to A$112,000. Common levels include Diploma, Masters Degree (Coursework), Graduate Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 01241G, Government, 41 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Lead College Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 38 active courses matched to Masters Degree (Research) in Western Australia. Indicative course totals on register from A$9,000 to A$36,500. Common levels include Certificate IV, Diploma, Certificate III.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03636F, Private, 38 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 (2026-10-06).
A Masters Degree (Research) is an AQF Level 9 qualification focused on independent research and thesis writing. It typically requires at least one year of full-time study, but can extend up to three years. Entry usually requires a bachelor's degree with honours or a postgraduate diploma with research components. International students must demonstrate English proficiency, typically IELTS 6.0–7.0 overall. This degree qualifies graduates for professional roles in research, academia, or industry R&D, and can be a pathway to a Doctoral Degree (PhD).
Tuition fees for Masters Degree (Research) in Western Australia range from A$38,400 to A$133,400 total, depending on the provider and field of study. Duration ranges from 1 to 3 years full-time. The table below shows indicative tuition ranges and durations by broad field of education. Note: Non-tuition fees, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and living costs (approximately A$450–A$600 per week for rent, groceries, and transport in Perth) are additional. Fees are set by institutions and subject to change; always confirm with the provider.
Here are the top CRICOS-registered providers offering Masters Degree (Research) courses in Western Australia:
Masters Degree (Research) in Western Australia covers 11 broad fields of education. Society and Culture leads with the most courses, followed by Health and Natural and Physical Sciences. You'll also find options in Information Technology, Engineering, Education, Creative Arts, Architecture and Building, Agriculture and Environmental Studies, Management and Commerce, and Mixed Field Programmes. This diversity means you can pursue research in nearly any discipline, from anthropology to zoology, in a supportive academic environment.
English language requirements vary by provider. For a Masters Degree (Research), most institutions require an IELTS overall band of 6.0 to 7.0, with no band below 6.0. Some providers accept PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or Cambridge English. Higher scores may be needed for fields like health or education. Always check the provider's specific requirements as they can differ.
To study a Masters Degree (Research) in Australia, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, evidence of financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and sufficient English proficiency. OSHC must be purchased for the duration of your visa. After receiving your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered provider, you can apply for the visa. For detailed guidance, see our [Student Visa Subclass 500 page](/visa/student-visa-subclass-500). Note: HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; consult MARA for advice.
Follow these three steps to begin your Masters Degree (Research) in Western Australia:
Western Australia offers a unique study experience with a lower cost of living than Sydney or Melbourne. Perth's median weekly rent for a shared apartment is around A$250–A$350, and public transport is affordable with student concessions. The state has a strong economy, particularly in mining and resources, providing job opportunities for research graduates. With six providers offering research masters, you'll have options in both city and regional locations. Consider your field of interest, preferred city size, and campus environment when deciding.
Ready to start your Masters Degree (Research) journey in WA? Use HeadStart Academy's free search tool to explore all 142 CRICOS-registered courses in Western Australia.
Showing 80 masters degree (research) courses from 5 CRICOS providers in Western Australia.