This week, results have been rolling in —the 2022 postgraduate entrance exam scores. The news has dominated headlines across major media outlets.
This contest drew 4.57 million candidates — a record high. Compared with last year,enrolments increased by approximately 800,000. But the competition is far from over — there are further rounds, including the re-examination, and candidates need to prepare carefully.
Is this gruelling race truly the only path to postgraduate study? Must you simply wait and hope to make the cut?
There is another path you can choose for yourself — a master’s degree at a leading Australian university
According to the latest findings published by global education website educations.com, based on a survey of 10,000 students from 181 countries,Australia is students’ top choice for studying abroad!
Advantages of studying for a master’s degree in Australia
Strong university rankings and high international recognition
Multiple universities ranked in the world’s top 1%
Short duration and excellent value for money
Master’s programmes ranging from 1 to 2 years are available
No postgraduate entrance exam required
Simply provide your four-year undergraduate academic results
Strong pathway to work visas and migration
Australia is many people’s first choice for migration. After completing your degree, you may be eligible for a work visa. Under current policy, coursework postgraduates who meet the requirements for the Subclass 485 Graduate Work visa receive at least 3 years, with a further 1–2 year extension available in designated regional areas — giving you ample time to pursue permanent residency.
Plenty of options even without a related undergraduate background
Postgraduate study gives you the flexibility to change direction. If you weren’t happy with your undergraduate major, postgraduate programmes at many universities don’t require a related background.
Improve your English and develop independent living skills
An immersive English-language environment plays a crucial role in improving your proficiency. Compared with the boarding-school model at home, studying at an Australian university also builds greater independence and self-reliance.
Natural landscapes of the Southern Hemisphere
Australia boasts some of the world’s most unique and diverse natural environments — distinctive wildlife, spectacular landscapes, and numerous national parks and World Heritage protected areas. The time difference from Beijing is just 2–3 hours.
Final-year students in their last semester,students who have decided not to sit the postgraduate entrance exam, and those who are burned out from the competition —now is an excellent time to apply for postgraduate study in Australia.
Study-abroad timeline
01
February–March: Prepare your application materials, select your programme and submit to universities. Sit your English language test.
02
March–April: Receive your conditional offer letter. Sit your language test.
03
June: Obtain your graduation documents and language results — exchange these for a full offer (students who have already graduated can provide these from the outset).
Australian universities generally have two intake periods: February and August.
If your academic results meet the requirements, butyour English results are not yet sufficient,you may be able tomeet the English requirement through a university pathway English language course.
Option 1: Prestige-focused — choose a world-renowned university. Aim for a top-ranked master’s degree, completed in as short a time as possible.
Option 2: Migration-focused — choose a migration-friendly programme. Aim to stay in Australia long-term and obtain permanent residency.
Study Pathway 1
More and more students want to graduate from a top-ranked university as quickly as possible, obtain their master’s qualification, and enter the workforce.
We recommend one-year master’s programmes at leading universities.
“ University of Sydney — One-Year Postgraduate Programmes
The University of Sydney is the first university in all of Australia, Oceania, and the Southern Hemisphere, founded in 1850 and located in Sydney, the capital of New South Wales.In the 2022 QS World University Rankings, it is ranked 38th globally. In the 2022 QS Graduate Employability Rankings, it ranks 1st in Australia and 4th in the world.
Recommended one-year programme
Master of Business Law – 1 year
This programme combines law and business. Topics covered include tax law, contract transactions, international trade law, and financial transaction regulations.
Admission requirements:
No related undergraduate background required — you only need to meet the University of Sydney’s academic entry requirements.
English requirement: IELTS overall 7, no band below 6
Applicants with 2 or more years of relevant work experience may have their academic requirements adjusted.
Intake: February / August each year
“ University of Melbourne — One-Year Postgraduate Programmes
Founded in Melbourne, Australia in 1853, the University of Melbourne develops students’ comprehensive capabilities in academic excellence and personal character.In the 2022 QS World University Rankings, it is ranked 2nd in Australia and 37th globally. In other rankings — such as the Times Higher Education World University Rankings — it ranks 1st in Australia.
Recommended one-year programme
Master of Engineering Management – 1 year
This programme is designed to help engineering students advance their management careers, addressing complex people management and project challenges in technical fields. Topics include: engineering management and leadership, building information modelling, engineering project delivery, engineering entrepreneurship, and contracts and procurement.
Admission requirements:
1. Completion of a 4-year engineering undergraduate degree meeting the academic requirements
or
2. Completion of a 3-year engineering undergraduate degree meeting the academic requirements, plus 2 or more years of relevant work experience
English requirement: IELTS overall 6.5, no band below 6
Intake: February / July each year
“ Australian National University — One-Year Postgraduate Programmes
The Australian National University (ANU) is a research-intensive national university located in Canberra, the Australian Capital Territory. It is the only university in Australia established by an Act of the Australian Parliament.ANU has ranked first in Australia in the QS World University Rankings for multiple consecutive years. In the 2022 QS rankings, it is placed 27th in the world.
Recommended one-year programme
Master of Financial Management – 1 year
This programme suits students looking to pursue a career in finance and business. Topics include financial reporting, financial applications, investment, and international finance.
Admission requirements:
A related business undergraduate background is required (including but not limited to accounting, actuarial studies, business, economics, finance, international trade, management, mathematics, and marketing).
ANU admissions operate on acompetitive selection basis, with offers made to the strongest applicants, and English requirements must be met before submitting an application.
English requirement: IELTS overall 6.5, no band below 6
Australian universitieshave different GPA requirements for graduates of 985, 211, and non-ranked institutions.The above are examples only.The Group of Eight (Go8) and other leading universities such as UTS offer many additional one-year postgraduate options!If you are interested in a one-year master’s programme at an Australian university,please contact one of our consultants for a one-on-one consultationto find the right university and programmefor you and make the most of your time studying abroad.
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Study Pathway 2
Migration-focused programmes, with the goal of permanent residency. Aiming to stay in Australia long-term and obtain a green card.
Below we recommend universities and programmes suited to Pathway 2.
Studying abroad with the goal of obtaining a work visa and Australian permanent residency.
“ South Australia (SA) — State Picks
Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, is renowned for its beautiful environment and has consistently ranked among the world’s top 10 most liveable cities.
University of South Australia
The University of South Australia, located in Adelaide, is one of Australia’s leading universities, formed by the merger of two South Australian institutions into a comprehensive research university.
Recommended programme
Master of Social Work – 2 years
This programme is accredited by AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers).
The programme addresses the impact of current social issues, strengthens social work values and ethics, and provides practice experience. Areas covered include: human rights, child protection, cross-cultural practice, social issue analysis, and mental health.
Tuition fees: AUD 30,300 per year
February intake only
Admission requirements:
A relevant social sciences or humanities background is required, including but not limited to public service, social sciences, psychology, or public health.
Eligible applicants are selected on academic merit.
Language requirement: IELTS 7 in all four bands, or equivalent
Pathway to migration via South Australia state nomination
South Australian graduates who,upon graduation, achieve IELTS 7 in all four bands, are eligible for social work skills assessment accreditation.
Once other basic requirements are met, outstanding SA graduates (GPA 5.0 or above) may be exempt from the work experience requirement.Standard SA graduates applying for the Subclass 190 visa (direct PR pathway) need to accumulate 1 year of work experience (or just 6 months in a regional area within South Australia).
University of Adelaide
The University of Adelaide, located in Adelaide in southern Australia, is the third-oldest university in the country and a member of the Group of Eight (Go8).
Recommended programme:
Master of Clinical Nursing – 2 years
February intake only each year
This programme is accredited by ANMAC, the nursing skills assessment authority
This is an intensive registered nursing programme. Graduates may work in hospitals, operating theatres, emergency departments, and other healthcare settings. The programme covers clinical placement, anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology.
Admission requirements
A non-nursing undergraduate degree is required, but applicants must have completed subjects such as human biology and anatomy (which can be taken online).
Language requirement:IELTS 7 in all four bands, or equivalent.
Pathway to migration via South Australia state nomination
South Australian graduates who,upon graduation, meet the language requirement of IELTS 7 in all four bands (or equivalent), are eligible for a skills assessment.
Once other basic requirements and points are met,only 3 months of relevant work experience is required.
“ Northern Territory (NT) — State Picks
The Northern Territory is located in the north of Australia, with well-preserved natural ecosystems. Its economy is driven by pastoral industries, mining, tourism, and government services.
Charles Darwin University
Charles Darwin University, located in northern Australia, is the only public university in the Northern Territory. It offers a diverse range of programmes, from vocational courses to undergraduate degrees and research-based postgraduate study.
Recommended programme
Master of Occupational Therapy – 2 years
Occupational therapy assists people with physical, psychological, developmental, or social functional limitations to achieve maximum independence in daily life. This programme is accredited by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia and includes 1,000 hours of industry placement.
Topics covered include: anatomy and physiology, occupational therapy, paediatric and adolescent occupational therapy, and adult and aged care occupational therapy.
Admission requirements:
No medical undergraduate background required.
However, competition for this programme is strong. Students with excellent academic results have a greater chance of success. An interview may be required.
Language requirement: IELTS overall 7, no band below 6.5, or equivalent
Tuition fees: AUD 29,520 per year
Pathway to migration via Northern Territory state nomination
CDU graduates from this programme only need to achieve IELTS 7 in all four bands (or equivalent) to apply for a skills assessment.
The Northern Territory state government nomination does not have a mandatory work experience requirement.
As a local graduate, you first apply for the Subclass 485 visa. Once basic conditions are met, in addition to having studied and lived in the Northern Territory, you simply need to demonstrate that you are genuinely and actively seeking employment in your nominated occupation.
If you are looking to migrate to Australia through study,keep in mind that choosing the right direction matters more than working hard alone. Choosing the right programme and region from the outset gives you a significant advantage and higher priority when it comes to migration after graduation!
Scan the consultant QR code at the end of this article to get in touch.
Finally, we’d like to say:Whether you want a competitive qualification to take back home, plan to stay in Australia and obtain permanent residency, or have decided to stop pursuing the entrance exam and start looking for work. Life is always full of challenges and possibilities.Don’t limit yourself — give yourself a chance, and you may discover a much broader world.
Study abroad and migration video guides
Past articles
Under-qualified / older applicant / previous visa refusal — visitor visa or a study-work option: which should you choose?
Under-qualified / older applicant / previous visa refusal — visitor visa or a study-work option: which should you choose?
The Minister has named skilled migration as a priority — but will next year’s quota be 160,000, less, or more?
Visa processing speeds | Subclass 190 & 491 mostly processing recent applications; Subclass 189 clearing backlog!
Visa processing speeds | Subclass 190 & 491 mostly processing recent applications; Subclass 189 clearing backlog!
This is why Subclass 143 parent visa processing feels like it’s stuck in mid-2016
Migration information sharing and Q&A group
Step 1: Press and hold to add our customer service contact
Step 2: After adding, please
A brief guide to Subclass 155/157 renewal — how to maintain your PR while living overseas long-termClick ‘Original article’to view and share
