Study in Australia

Women in STEM is one of the most talked about topics in recent history. 

Rightly so, as there is underrepresentation of women in the STEM field.    

So in this article, we are looking for Top STEM courses in Australia that female international students need to know about.

Let’s get started!

What is STEM? 

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STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

It refers to a multidisciplinary approach to education and career paths involving these fields.

But these four fields of STEM comprise many other subfields that students can have a career in.

Notably, some universities also refer to STEM as STEMM (including Medicine in STEM).

Why STEM in Australia?

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In this ever-changing world, technology is dictating the future of work.

Many new work opportunities are emerging, while some jobs are disappearing in front of our eyes.  

Education in STEM is not just critical but essential for preparing ourselves for the jobs of the future.

In Australia, the gap between the skills employers need and knowledge generated in the education sector is widening.

So, STEM course graduates are considered to be in high demand in Australia.

STEM careers are well-paid and highly valued in today’s job market.

Why Women in STEM?

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According to the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, women make up only 37% of students studying STEM courses in Australian universities.

And the numbers are worse when it comes to STEM-qualified employment with women representing 15% of these jobs. 

In 2022, there was 17% or $27,012 of pay gap between men and women in STEM industries.

Apart from these numbers, more women are needed in STEM careers as they bring a different perspective in the industry. 

Increase of women in STEM can ultimately benefit the industry as a whole. 

List of popular STEM courses in Australia

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There are plenty of options in terms of courses you can study in STEM areas, but we have handpicked some of the most popular ones.  

You can undertake both or either undergraduate or postgraduate courses in these fields:

• Information Technology
• Biomedicine
• Civil Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Software Engineering
• Agriculture Engineering
• Architecture
• Physics
• Biochemistry
• Food Science
• Medicine

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and there are many other courses you can do in the STEM fields.

Top STEM universities in Australia

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Here is a list of Top STEM universities in Australia that you might consider studying in:

• Australian National University (ANU): ANU is known for its excellence in research and STEM disciplines.
• The University of Melbourne: A global leader with a strong emphasis on innovation and technology.
• The University of Sydney: The University of Sydney offers cutting-edge research facilities and a diverse range of STEM courses.
• The University of Queensland (UQ): UQ is known for its contributions to science, research and technology.
• Monash University: Monash University is renowned for STEM programs and research output.

Requirements to study STEM courses in Australia as an international student

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Here are some of the basic requirements to study STEM courses in Australia:

• Passport and Student visa: You will need a passport and an Australian student visa in order to study in Australia as an international student.
• Academic Qualification: To get an admission into STEM courses, you will need to have a high school certificate with good grades in the relevant subjects to get into an undergraduate program. If you want to get into a postgraduate course, then you will need to have a Bachelor’s degree in the relevant field.
• English Proficiency tests: Students from non-English speaking countries are required to undertake an English Proficiency test like IELTS, PTE or others. With minimum overall scores of 6.0 to 6.5 IELTS equivalent depending on the university.
• Entrance Tests: Some universities in Australia may require entrance tests as part of their admission requirements. While some offer scholarships to students with higher scores in these entrance tests. Common entrance tests into STEM courses include GRE, GMAT (for postgraduate courses) and SAT or ACT (for undergraduate programs).

We hope you find this information related to STEM courses for female international students in Australia useful. 

As an international student, you might have come across a very important term in Australian academics, “Academic Misconduct”.

With more international students choosing to study in Australia than ever before, it is critical to explain the concept of academic integrity and academic misconduct to the student.

But due to language barriers and various other reasons, some students might not understand the importance of these terms.

So in this article, we are giving you detailed information to help you understand the academic misconduct in Australia and its impact on you as a student in Australia.

What is Academic Integrity?

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Academic Integrity is about acting honestly, responsibly, ethically in your studies.

It is about maintaining those values when doing your assignments, research, homework, exams and all other academic 

It is expected by all universities in Australia that students and staff must adhere to academic integrity standards.

What is Academic Misconduct?

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Academic misconduct refers to any action or attempt made by a student or group of students to gain an unfair advantage over others in an academic setting.

Academic Misconduct is a serious offense and can have serious consequences if breached.

Types of Academic Misconduct

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These are the common types of academic misconduct you must know about:

📝 Plagiarism: It is an act of copying others’ work without giving credit. This includes words, ideas and information from sources without credit. You are basically claiming it to be your work when it is not.

📚 Cheating: It is about unfair actions during exams, tests, quizzes, like looking at someone else’s paper or using notes when not allowed.

🧪 Fabrication: Making up data or sources or lying about information in assignments or research papers, similar to telling a made-up story.

🤝 Collusion: It is about working together on academic tasks with other students when you should do tasks alone.

💰 Contract Cheating: An act of paying someone else to do your homework, assignments, tests, etc. Contract Cheating is illegal in Australia.

🎭 Impersonation: Having someone else pretend to be you and getting them to sit test on your behalf.

🧾 Misrepresentation: Giving fake documents or information, like using a fake ID or fake academic transcripts.

🚫 Breach of Exam Rules: Breaking the rules set out by your educational institutions during the exam, like using phones when it’s forbidden.

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Consequence of Academic Misconduct

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These are some of the consequences of academic misconduct:

• Failing and repeating the subject: You might receive a failure for the subject and might have to repeat the subject again.
• Formal warnings: Your educational institution might issue you a formal warning letter.
• Additional costs: If you have to repeat the unit or subject, then you may also have to pay additional costs for that.
• Expulsion from the university: You might also be expelled from the university or college if you were involved in serious academic misconduct.
• Student Visa Jeopardy: Serious cases of academic misconduct can also lead to criminal charges, visa cancellation and deportation.

What happens if a student is accused of Academic Misconduct?

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Here are the steps that are usually expected in cases of academic misconduct. Please note that these steps may vary from one institution to another. 

But here are the general overview:

1. Notification: Students get notified about the allegation of academic misconduct.
2. Investigation: Education institute starts investigation about the allegations made.
3. Meeting: Students are usually expected to attend the meeting with the academic faculty members and can provide their side of the story.
4. Evidence review: After the meeting, students reponses and evidence is evaluated by the educational institution.
5. Academic hearing: Student might be required to attend the academic hearing if the evidence suggests academic misconduct.
6. Decision: After hearing, the decision is made about whether a sanction should be imposed or not.
7. Appeal: If the student was given a sanction (discussed above in the consequences), then they can appeal if they believe that the decision for sanction was unfair.
8. Documentation: Any outcome of academic misconduct is recorded in Student’s academic records. 

How to avoid Academic Misconduct?

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Here are ways on how you can avoid academic misconduct:

• Own work: Always do your own original work.
• References: Always reference your work with the correct reference style used by your educational institute. 
• No Cheating: Never involve in any cheating whether if it is with friends or using paid services.
• Check your submission: Double-check your work before submission. You can use tools to check your plagiarism score for any unintentional plagiarism.
• Time Management: Managing your study, work and life balance will help you plan for your academic career. You can download free time management template from our website here.
• No Sharing: Sharing is not always caring. So, don’t share your work with others unless it’s allowed by your educators.
• Support Available: Use the academic resources and support channels provided by educational institutes
• Seek support: If in doubt or struggling with your academic works, then seek support from the right channels. The earlier, the better.

Reporting Academic Misconduct

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If you come across any academic misconduct by any other student or peers, then you should promptly report it to your educational institution. 

Most universities and educational institutions in Australia will have clear guidelines on how and where to report academic misconduct.

You can research that information on your education institute’s website.

How to get support?

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If you are struggling to complete assignments, tasks, or homework, then help is available via your educational institutions.

The first point of contact for support is your teacher.

If they can’t help you with your questions, they will direct you to seek support from academic channels at your institution. 

So, don’t hide away and seek support as soon as you need it. 

If you want to know everything about assignments in Australia, then check our detailed guide on it.

Details for the long awaited Maitri scholarship for Indian students have been released. 

Maitri Scholarship was first announced on 14th February 2023 and since then we have been waiting for further details about the scholarship.

Now, the Centre for Australia India Relations has provided more insights into this $11.2 million scholarship.

Interested? Read on.

What is Maitri Scholarship?

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Maitri Scholarship is an Australian government initiative to strengthen bilateral ties with India. 

The scholarship is designed to help high achieving Indian students to study higher degree programs in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) at an Australian university.  

What are the benefits of Maitri Scholarship?

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Maitri Scholarship will provide the following benefits to the successful applicants:

• Significant financial contribution toward tuition fee
• One-off establishment fee
• Economy class airfare
• Visa
• Passport
• Overseas Students Health Cover
• Travel Insurance
• Temporary Accommodation
• Monthly stipend
• Funding for professional development

Maitri Scholars will also join an alumni community to share their experiences and further develop their knowledge and professional relations. 

Who is eligible for Maitri Scholarship?

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Here are the eligibility requirements to apply for the Maitri Scholarship:

• You must be an Indian citizen
• You must not be an Australian citizen or Permanent resident of Australia
• You must be a new enrolment at Australian University
• You must have completed an eligible Higher Degree by Research (HDR) application through the nominating Australian university
• You must be proposing to study an approved qualification at nominated campus
• You must be willing and able to participate in Maitri professional development events, function (if possible, internship/work placement) organised by Centre, DFAT and the University 
• You must hold a student visa for the duration of the course
• You must follow the Maitri Scholars Program Agreement and other documents including Australia Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research

What courses can you study under Maitri Scholarship?

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Here is a list of approved courses for the Maitri Scholarship, specifically studies in STEM-related fields of advanced manufacturing, critical technology (incl. batteries), critical minerals, and clean energy solutions:

• Masters (by research) 
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)  

As per the update, Undergraduate degrees and Master by Coursework degrees are not eligible for this scholarship.

Not eligible for this scholarship? Check our article on fully funded scholarships for international students here.

How to apply for Maitri Scholarship?

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Students who are planning to study in 2024 must express their interest to apply for the Maitri Scholarship to their respective Australian university. 

You don’t need to apply to the Centre for Australia-India Relations.

Universities will then nominate the potential scholars for consideration by the Centre for Australia-India Relations (Centre).

Australian universities can apply for this program through GrantConnect.

So, if you’re a student who meets the above requirements and wants to apply for studying in 2024, contact your university for an application.

Source: Centre for Australia India Relations

Around 50% of international students do higher degree programs in Australia.

It includes students studying Bachelor’s, Masters and PhDs and many of these students study their Masters degree here in Australia.

Our founder, Sam Sharma, also studied Masters in accounting here in Australia as well.

In this article, we are going to give you the ultimate guide about studying for a masters degree in Australia.

We are covering information on topics like the requirements, work opportunities, universities, costs involved, popular courses, scholarships and post-study work visas.

Let’s go!

Why study Masters in Australia?

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Let’s discuss why studying a Master’s degree in Australia is a good choice. Naturally, there are plenty of other countries you can choose from, so why Australia only?

Here are our Top 4 picks:

• Quality Education – Australian universities do rank really well in most of the university ranking and the quality of education in Australia is pretty good. 
• Available choice of courses – There are plenty of courses to choose from, for international students planning to study Masters degree overseas.
• Part-time work opportunities – International students studying Masters degree can work part-time while studying.
• Post Study work visa options – There are options for post study work visas after completing the Master’s degree. 

Requirements to study Masters Degree in Australia

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Here are the basic requirements to study Masters Degree in Australia for international students:

• Bachelor’s degree –  You will need to have completed a Bachelor’s degree to study Master’s Degree in Australia.
• English Language Test – Usually you have to meet the minimum scores requirements in the English language tests. The popular tests include IELTS and PTE.  As an example if you are undertaking IELTS then you must have at least a minimum of 6.5 overall score.
• GTE statement – Students are required to write a GTE statement (Genuine Temporary Entrant explaining about why they want to study in Australia.
• GMAT, GRE – You also may have to undertake a GMAT or GRE test, especially if you’re planning to do certain Masters courses like MBA.
• Student Visa (subclass 500) – Very importantly you will need a student visa (subclass 500) in order to come to Australia for studies. 

There might be some other requirements depending upon the university or education provider you’re planning to study.

Want to check more about entry requirements for studying in Australia? Check this article. 

Types of Masters Degree in Australia

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There are 2 main types of Masters Degree programs in Australia. These are:

• Masters Degree by Coursework
• Masters Degree by Research

Masters by coursework is your typical sort of course where you as a student must study specific core subjects and electives in a structured way to complete the degree.

Students usually have to regularly attend classes, do assignments, exams, etc.

Masters by research is a course focused on research. Students must conduct research under a supervisor’s guidance and submit a thesis at the end of the course.

Read more about the difference between Masters by Coursework and Research here. 

Duration of Masters Degree in Australia

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If you’re doing Masters by Coursework, the duration of that course is around 1 to 2 years. 

However, the duration of the Master’s research could vary depending upon your research.

Popular Masters Degree Courses in Australia

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There are many Master Degree courses available for international students to study here in Australia. But there are few popular ones that lots of international students study here.

In the table below, you can see some of the most popular courses, field of study, duration and estimated fee per year.

Please note that there are many other courses that international students tend to study in Australia, but these are some of the most popular ones:

Field of Study	Popular Master’s Degree Courses	Duration	Estimated Tuition Fees (Annual)*
Business	– Master of Business Administration (MBA)	1.5-2 years	AUD 25,000 – AUD 80,000
	– Master of Commerce	1-2 years	AUD 22,000 – AUD 45,000
	– Master of Accounting	1-2 years	AUD 22,000 – AUD 40,000
Engineering	– Master of Engineering	2 years	AUD 25,000 – AUD 45,000
	– Master of Civil Engineering	2 years	AUD 25,000 – AUD 40,000
	– Master of Mechanical Engineering	2 years	AUD 25,000 – AUD 45,000
Health	– Master of Public Health	1-2 years	AUD 22,000 – AUD 40,000
	– Master of Nursing	1-2 years	AUD 22,000 – AUD 35,000
	– Master of Medicine (MD)	4 years	AUD 50,000 – AUD 80,000
Information Technology	– Master of Information Technology	1-2 years	AUD 22,000 – AUD 45,000
	– Master of Data Science	1-2 years	AUD 25,000 – AUD 50,000
	– Master of Cybersecurity	1.5-2 years	AUD 25,000 – AUD 50,000
Science	– Master of Environmental Science	1-2 years	AUD 22,000 – AUD 40,000
	– Master of Biotechnology	1-2 years	AUD 25,000 – AUD 45,000
	– Master of Science	1-2 years	AUD 25,000 – AUD 40,000

*Estimates Annual fee is just an average annual fee, but keep in mind that it can vary based on the university, location and the course. 

Universities to Study Masters Degrees in Australia

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We will divide this into two sections:

• In the first part, we’ll talk about the top five universities in Australia. 
• Then we’ll look at some of the most affordable universities. 

Top 5 Universities to study Masters degree in Australia:

• The University of Melbourne
• The University of Sydney
• Monash University
• University of New South Wales (UNSW)
• The Australian National University

Here are some affordable Universities to study Masters degree in Australia::

• University of the Sunshine Coast
• Federation University Australia
• University of Southern Queensland
• Charles Darwin University
• Central Queensland University

There are many other affordable universities here in Australia as well. 

Costs to study Masters Degree in Australia

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Now let’s discuss the costs to study Masters degree in Australia 

Here is a quick breakdown of the costs involved:

1. Tuition Fee – The tuition fee for the course will vary depending upon the university, location, scholarships and the type of course you’re doing. The average tuition fee for studying masters is: AUD 22,000 to AUD 50,000 per year (excluding high cost courses like medicine, law, etc.). For the complete Master’s degree, it is usually around $44,000 to $100,000.
2. Cost of living: Your cost of living could vary depending on your lifestyle, the city you are living in and the type of accommodation you find out and so on. However, the average costs could be AUD 20,000 to AUD 25,000 per year. So, if your Master degree is 2 years, then you can expect to pay $40,000 to $50,000 for your living costs.

Now, let’s do the match to understand the total costs involved:

If you factor in your tuition fee and cost of living for the whole course (usually 2 years), then you are looking at spending around $84,000 to $150,000 for the entire duration of the course.

Keep in mind that the costs could vary depending upon different factors and these numbers are just averages. So you may be paying less or more depending upon your situation.

Scholarships for Masters in Australia

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The good thing about studying in Australia is that there are many scholarships available for international students planning to do their Masters degree in Australia.

Usually you have to apply for them during your application process. So it is important to discuss that with your education consultant.

We will divide these scholarships into 3 main categories:

• Australian Government Scholarships:
• Provider Scholarships
• Other organisations

Australian government-sponsored scholarships 

There are a few Australian government-sponsored scholarships for international students, including:

• Australia Awards 
• Destination Australia 
• Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) 

You can read our complete guide to Australia Awards Scholarship here. 

Apart from that, you can also look for provider scholarships. 

Most universities, colleges, and Tafes have some scholarships available for international students to apply for. 

You need to go to the university website in order to find those scholarships.

Scholarship amounts could vary, but this is something you need to research on the website of your university you’re planning to study.

Last but not the least you can also look into some other organisations like Rotary Club or some other clubs or associations who sponsor some of these scholarships as well.

Sometimes your own home government could also be providing some scholarships for studying overseas to the citizens. So we suggest you check your own government websites as well. 

Work Opportunties for Students Studying Masters in Australia

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As an international student while you are studying you are usually allowed to work.

However, there are limitations on how many hours your can work in Australia during your study.

So if your study is in session (means your term or semester is going on) then you can work 48 hours per fortnight.

However, if you have official school holidays you can work unlimited hours during those holidays.

These restrictions specifically apply to students who are doing their masters by coursework. 

If you are a student who is doing your Masters by research, you can work unlimited hours even when your study is in session or even when you’re doing your research.

There are no work restrictions for international students who are doing their masters by research in Australia. 

Another good thing if you’re doing Masters in Australia and if you’re bringing your partner or your dependent with you then your dependent can work unlimited work hours as well. 

Your dependent can still work full-time work hours, even if you’re doing Masters by coursework.

Once you finish your course, you can apply for some post-study work visas where you can work unlimited hours as well.

Post Study Work Visa for Master Degree Students 

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Disclaimer: Information provided in this section is general in nature and does not constitute legal or migration advice. Please seek help from a registered migration agent or research on the Department of Home Affoars website for more information.

Now, let’s discuss post-study work visa options after completing your Masters in Australia.

We have also collated this information in this section from the Department of Home Affairs website. 

After completing your master’s degree, students can usually apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 (post-study work stream).

This visa allows international students to work in their chosen field, gain work experience, and potentially become eligible for permanent residency.

In the recent news update, international students studying eligible qualifications from some specific universities could be eligible for additional post-study work visas. 

Check the table below to see the post study work visa rights for international students doing Masters’s degree in Australia.

Region	Masters Degree Courses (Coursework and Research)	Eligible Masters Degree Courses for Extended Post Study Work Rights
Major Cities – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane	3 years	5 years
Cities and Major Regional Centres – Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong and Hobart	4 years	6 years
Regional Centres and Other Regional Areas – Rest of Australia	5 years	7 years

So that was the complete guide regarding the master’s degree in Australia for international students. We hope you enjoy reading this.

Now if you want to know whether you should study a Master’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree in Australia, check the video below for that.

Resources used for the above table (Date: 05/09/2023):

Regional Area Post Study Work Visa: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/regional-migration 

Post Study Work Visa: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485/post-study-work#Eligibility 

Eligible Qualifications for Extended Work Rights:

https://www.education.gov.au/extended-poststudy-work-rights-international-graduates/resources/cricos-courses-eligible-extended-poststudy-work-rights