How to Work Around the 485 Policy Changes: A Treasure-Level Guide to 1-Year Australian Master’s Programs (Business / Engineering / Humanities; Prestigious or Affordable — You Choose!)



Ever since the Department of Home Affairs updated its definition of “studying in Australia”, because of the pandemic,online classes taken from inside China no longer count toward the in-Australia study-time requirementhuge numbers of people applying for the 485 or lodging a skilled-migration claim have been hit, wave after wave!
I’ve got a huge pool of clients — this July’s graduates especially —thinking they had caught the tail-end of the 408 visa, thinking they could stretch their in-Australia study time and their 485 with various policy workarounds. But people propose and the department disposes — the policy kept pulling rugs and we kept tripping over our plans, leaving everyone awkward and full of regret…
Amid all the grumbling, alongside our favourite four-character vent phrases,

The most important thing is tocalm down and look at how to solve it!

So today I’m going to walk you through, in detail,the 1-year master’s programs you can actually enrol in at Australian universities!
That said, if budget is tight, considerthe 6-month translation-and-interpreting program — it can top up study-time points (but not rescue a 485). Saves time, saves tuition!
And a one-year master’s is also a great fit if your plan iscoming to Australia to gild the CV and pick up a qualification students!


Most importantly — my Thursday-evening study-abroad livestream!!!

The biggest thing, of course, is my study-abroad livestream! Rain or shine — I bring youthe real story on study-abroad topics, shared honestly
core focus:sincerityzero information asymmetry — and, as someone who believes a gentleman earns through the right means —This Thursday evening’s livestream will also cover this topic in detail.

I’ll also share an insider angle on why to chooseearly-childhood-teachingGD+Masterof1+1this combined package program is also a strong option — youwithout wasting time, and you also geta skills assessment and qualification in an in-demand migration occupation, and most importantly1yearGD, after which you can try lodging485!

Long-press to book a spot for the livestream

Many Australian universities already offer1-year master’s programs, or, by recognising relevant undergraduate credits or professional experience, trimming what would otherwise be a1.5-year program, down to1-year course down so you can finish your master’s and walk away with the degree in 1 year!

Key points — the tricky bits of a one-year master’s!



Somerequire a relevant undergraduate background
Some require2year+ of work experience
Some requirewritten statementsPSCV, and issuedemployment verificationwith fairly detailed specifications
If you want to aim for one ofAustralia8Go8, mainly inbusinessas the main focus
Australianon-8Go8universities —choice of majorsopens right up

Starting with a bonus

Curating — fancy a look?


Before I dive into a detailed breakdown by field, let me call out one program I personally think is great and which is also on the migration occupation list —interesting program, which suits anyone who loves the arts — Curation. It’s also a pivot option for those of you affected by the policy and looking to switch tracks quickly.Maybe setbacks are just a cosmic nudge, pointing you toward different scenery and another possibility for your life?! (Kidding, of course.)

Let’s talk first about this field —the skills assessment needs work experience and it isn’t a walk in the park. Of course, if you’re truly passionate and can land a job, you can pursue a VET skills assessment after completing your qualification. Space is limited here, so DM me if you want more detail — for now, here’s a quick list of the assessments you can target:
-ANZSCO 149311 Conference and Event Organiser
-ANZSCO 139911 Arts Administrator or Manager
-ANZSCO 212111 Artistic Director
-ANZSCO 224212 Gallery or Museum Curator
Conference and Event Organiser is a Category C occupation; an AQF Diploma or higher is required,or, if highly relevant, at least 1 year of related work experience within the 5 years since graduation. The bar is relatively low,invitations have also come through relatively easily over the last couple of financial years.
Note: the skills-assessment summary above is translated from the VET Assessment website. DM me for more detail.

Program summary:
University of Melbourne — Master of Art Curatorship
Duration: 1.5 or 2 years (the 2-year stream has no undergraduate-major prerequisite; the 1.5-year stream requires an art-curatorship bachelor’s). Melbourne has been running this program for 30 years and it suits students who did an art-related bachelor’s in China and later took a 2-year master’s in Australia they weren’t keen on. This is just a thought-starter — I can’t take “life-direction” liability, because employment isn’t straightforward.
Intakes: March, July
2024 tuition: AUD $31,008 / year
For onshore students in Australia — entry: a weighted average of 70% or above, and undergraduate subjects in writing and analysis
UNSW Sydney — Master of Curating and Cultural Leadership
Duration: 1.5 or 2 years (the 2-year stream has no undergraduate-major prerequisite; the 1.5-year stream requires a related bachelor’s background)
Intakes: February, May, September
2023 tuition: $37,435 / year
For onshore students in Australia — entry: a weighted average of 65% or above
University of Sydney — Master of Art Curating
Duration: 1 year or 1.5 years
Intakes: February, August
2024 tuition: AUD 45,500 / year
For onshore students in Australia — entry: an undergraduate major in Anthropology, Archaeology, Art History, Cultural Geography, Cultural Studies, Education, English, Gender Studies, History or Indigenous Studies; weighted average 65%
University of Canberra (UC) — Master of Creative Industries
Duration: 1.5 or 2 years (the 2-year stream has no undergraduate-major prerequisite; the 1.5-year stream requires a related bachelor’s background)
Intakes: February, August
2024 tuition: AUD $4,312.50 / year
Entry: an Australian bachelor’s degree recognised by the university

***Tuition is subject to each university’s official course page — fees change every Australian financial year, and they mostly go up.
Below is a round-up of Australian university1-year master’s programs

A disclaimer up front

Many of you will ask aboutthe tuition question — Australian tuition goes up every year, so what I’ve summarised here isthe 2023 or 2024 fees as at the time this article was written.

Another thing isEnglish test results — if you arerecent graduates from Australian universities do not needan English-language score. The English-test requirements listed in the program summaries are for onshore readers in China who are interested — that’s why they’re included.


Also — if the article doesanything not specifically flagged below is a 1-year master’s program


Business

ANU Australian National University
Master of Financial Management
-Intakes: February, July
-Entry: bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, with a weighted average at least equivalent to
ANU 5.0/7.0. Relevant fields: Accounting, Actuarial Science, Business, Business Information Systems, Economics, Finance, International Trade, Management, Marketing, Mathematics, Statistics. English: IELTS 6.5 (6.0) or TOEFL 80 (RW 20, LS 18); no language-pathway pairing available.

Master of Applied Accounting
Intakes: February, July
Entry: a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, with a weighted average at least equivalent to ANU 5.0/7.0
Academic background: Accounting, Actuarial Science, Business, Business Information Systems, Economics, Finance, International Trade, Management, Public Administration. English: IELTS 6.5 (6.0) or TOEFL 80 (RW 20, LS 18); no language-pathway pairing available.

Master of Management
Intakes: February, July
Academic requirements: bachelor’s degree with a relevant background (Computer Science / Business / Management); weighted average at least equivalent to ANU 5.0/7.0
Specialisations: Management / Digital Transformation / Entrepreneurship & Innovation / Leadership / Project Management
If you are not a recent Australian graduate, English requirements for the above programs are: IELTS 6.5 (6.0) or TOEFL 80 (RW 20, LS 18). No language-pathway pairing — you must submit a passing English score before the university will assess your application.

UNSW Sydney
Master of Commerce (1.7 years)
(14 majors; Master of Professional Accounting 1.7 years)
Intakes: February, June, September
Entry: a bachelor’s degree with no major-field prerequisite; applicants with a business-related background may apply for credit transfer to shorten the course

Master of Finance
Intakes: February, June, September
Entry: a bachelor’s in finance, with at least 7 finance-related subjects.
Specialisations: Corporate Finance and Investment Banking, Finance (General), Financial Technology, Funds Management

Master of Financial Analysis
Intakes: February, June, September
Entry: a bachelor’s in a relevant field, including at least 7 finance- or accounting-related subjects at undergraduate level
All of the above sit in the business school; 211 & 985 universities require an arithmetic average of 72%+ and non-211/985 universities 88%+;
English: IELTS 7.0 (6.0) or TOEFL 94 (W 25, LSR 23); direct-entry English pathway available

University of Melbourne
Master of Business Analytics
Intakes: January
Academic requirements: a relevant background is required, for example Statistics, Actuarial Science, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Physics, Finance, Economics or Science.
Other requirements: interviews and CV; GMAT may also be requested
English: IELTS 7.0 (6.5), or TOEFL 102 (Writing 24, other sections 21), or PTE 65 (Writing 65, other sections 50)
Note: entry to this program is highly competitive and applicants are selected in rounds
Indicative business-school GPA cut-offs — T1 Chinese universities: 80; 985/211 universities: 85%; non-211 universities: 90%

University of Sydney
Master of Management (1.15 years)
Intakes: February, August
Entry: a bachelor’s degree; plus a CV and a Statement of Motivation (no more than 2 pages, outlining what you hope to achieve professionally and personally by completing the Master of Management program); shortlisted students will also be asked to submit a short motivational video. Places are limited and entry is competitive.

Master of International Business (1.15 years)
Intakes: February, August
Entry: a bachelor’s in a relevant field, OR any bachelor’s plus at least 3 years of relevant work experience; plus a Statement of Motivation. DM me any time with further questions.
Note:For both of the above programs, 211 & 985 universities require an arithmetic average of 75%+ and non-211/985 universities 87%+. English: IELTS 7.0 (6.0) or TOEFL 96 (W 19, LSR 17); direct-entry English pathway available.

Monash University
Master of Applied Marketing
Intakes: February, July
Entry: a bachelor’s in a relevant field plus at least three years of relevant work experience; applicants must also submit a CV (with two referees’ details) and a Statement of Purpose
English: IELTS 6.5 (6.0) or TOEFL 79 (R 13, L 12, S 18, W 21); direct-entry English pathway available

University of Queensland
Master of Business Administration
Intakes: January, July
GPA requirements: 211 — 75; non-211 — 80
IELTS 6.5 (6), or TOEFL overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.
Other requirements: 4 years of work experience, including 2 years in a management-related role; GMAT 550 or above; additional assessments may apply

University of Western Australia
Master of Business Administration (MBA) Intensive
Intakes: January
Duration: as fast as 12 months; taught coursework combined with a thesis
English: IELTS 7 (6.5), or TOEFL a minimum overall score 100 (iBT) with a minimum score of 20 in each section.
Other requirements: 2 years of relevant work experience + GMAT 650 or above

Macquarie University
Master of Commerce
Master of Finance
Master of Marketing
Master of Accounting
Master of Management
Master of International Business
Master of Applied Economics
Master of Business Analytics
Master of International Trade and Commerce Law
Intakes: February, July
Entry: meet any two of the three criteria below
a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent
two years of full-time relevant work experience
a Chinese bachelor’s degree with an arithmetic average of 73% or above
English: IELTS 6.5 (6.0) or TOEFL 83 (R 13, W 21, L 12, S 18); direct-entry English pathway available
*The 1-year stream of this program requires a relevant undergraduate background plus an undergraduate weighted average of 73%+

University of Wollongong
Master of Business
Master of Business Analytics
Master of Financial Management
Master of International Business
Master of lnnovation & Entrepreneurship
Master of Human Resource Management
Master of Marketing
Master of Management
Intakes: February, May, August
English: IELTS 6.5 (6.0) or TOEFL 86 (RW 18, LS 17); direct-entry English pathway available
All of the above programs are1.5-year program, with no restriction on undergraduate major; students with a business undergraduate background can obtain a 4-subject credit reduction without submitting course descriptions and finish a business master’s in 1 year

University of Newcastle
Master of International Business
Master of Marketing
Master of Human Resource Management
Master of Professional Accounting
Intakes: January, May, August
English: IELTS 6.5 (6.0) or TOEFL 79 (R 13, L 12, S 18, W 21); direct-entry English pathway available
All of the above programs are 1.5 years, open to bachelor-degree holders regardless of undergraduate major. You may apply for credit transfer via the options below to shorten the course to 1 year: a matching or relevant undergraduate background; OR:
Any undergraduate major, plus 2+ years of relevant work experience. Employment verification must include: company letterhead; employment period (full-time vs part-time); primary responsibilities; company chop/seal; and the company contact’s name, contact details, and wet signature.
Master of applied finance
Same requirements as above

Flinders University
Master of Business Administration Future Business
Intakes: March, July, October
English: IELTS 6.5 (6.0)
Academic requirements: no specific major background or work experience required
Duration: 1 year (3 trimesters, 12 subjects total)

Bond University
Master of Business
Bond University runs a 2-year bachelor’s and a 1.4-year master’s. Short course duration across the board is the drawcard!
January, May, September intakes; standard length 1 year 4 months; no bachelor-major prerequisite; with a relevant background you may be able to reduce to 1 year (course descriptions required)
English: IELTS 6.5 (6.0), or TOEFL79 (no scores below 21 in Writing, 18 in Speaking, and 16 in Reading and Listening)


Humanities & Social Sciences

Australian National University

Master of Anthropology

Master of Art History and Curatorial Studies

Master of Digital Humanities and Public Culture

Master of History

Master of Pacific Development

Master of Social Research Methods

Requirements: February and July intakes; a relevant undergraduate background is required; 985 & 211 universities — 75%; non-211/985 — 85%


Master of Contemporary Art Practice

Requirements: February intake; a relevant undergraduate background, or any undergraduate major plus at least 3 years of relevant work experience; 985 & 211 universities — 75%; non-211/985 — 85%

English requirements for the above programs: IELTS 6.5 (6.0) or TOEFL 80 (RW 20, LS 18). No language-pathway pairing — you must submit a passing English score before the university will assess your application.


Bond University

Master of Communication

January, May, September intakes; bachelor’s degree in a related field required (criminology, sociology, legal studies, psychology, humanities/arts or business studies)

English: IELTS 6.5 (6.0), or TOEFL 79 (no scores below 21 in Writing, 18 in Speaking, and 16 in Reading and Listening)


Macquarie University

Master of International Relations

Master of Public and Social Policy

The above programs intake in February and July; applicants must meet any two of the three criteria below:

A. Bachelor’s degree in a related field

B. Relevant work experience

C. Undergraduate weighted average 73%+

English: IELTS 6.5 (6.0) or TOEFL 83 (R13,W21,L12,S18); direct-entry English pathway available


Engineering / Project Management — Engineering

Monash University

Master of Engineering

Intakes: February, July

English: IELTS 6.5 (6.0) or TOEFL 79 (R 13, L 12, S 18, W 21); direct-entry English pathway available. Academic requirements: a bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline,

MY DREAM OFFER

211 & the 59 non-211 listed universities: arithmetic average 69%+; non-211/985: 80%+

Please note: the former 1-year Master of Advanced Engineering has stopped accepting new students since Semester 2, 2021.


University of Queensland (UQ)

Master of Engineering Science

Intakes: February, July

English: IELTS 6.5 (6.0), or an equivalent English test result

Academic requirements: 211 weighted average 70+; non-211/985 weighted 75+; a four-year bachelor’s in a related engineering discipline is required. Specialisations:

Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Software Engineering, Urban Water Engineering


University of Melbourne

Master of Engineering Management

Intakes: March and July (two intakes)

The program has two specialisations: Change Management and Project Management

Academic requirements: a four-year bachelor’s in engineering, or equivalent to a three-year Australian bachelor’s in a related field plus at least 2 years of relevant work experience; C9 & 985 universities — weighted 75%; 211 — weighted 80%; non-211/985 — weighted 90%


Master of Engineering Structures

Intakes: March and July (two intakes)

GPA requirements: C9 & 985 universities — weighted 75+; 211 universities — weighted 80+; non-211/985 universities — weighted 90+,

Academic background: A) a four-year bachelor’s in Structural Engineering; OR B) a four-year bachelor’s in Civil Engineering plus at least 1 year of relevant work experience, or a final undergraduate year with 30% structural-engineering content, etc.


Master of Environmental Engineering

Intakes: March and July (two intakes)

Academic requirements: a four-year bachelor’s in engineering, or equivalent to a three-year Australian bachelor’s in a related field plus at least 2 years of relevant work experience; C9 & 985 universities — weighted 75+; 211 — weighted 80+; non-211/985 — weighted 90+. English for all the above programs: IELTS 6.5 (6.0) or TOEFL 79 (W 21, S 18, R 13, L 13); direct-entry English pathway available.

University of Sydney

Master of Project and Program Management

Intakes: March, August

Academic requirements: at least 2 years of relevant work experience plus a bachelor’s degree. 211 universities — 75%+; non-211/985 — 80%+. English: IELTS 7.0 (6.0) or TOEFL 96 (W 22, LSR 20); direct-entry English pathway available.


University of Wollongong

Master of Engineering Management

Intakes: February, July; a bachelor’s degree in engineering is required with no specific major-stream restriction; weighted average 70%+


Master of Engineering Science

The program has three specialisations: Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering

Intakes: February, July

Academic requirements: a bachelor’s in engineering with a background in Electrical, Computer, or Telecommunications Engineering; weighted average 70%+. English for all the above programs: IELTS 6.5 (6.0) or TOEFL 86 (RW 18, SL 17)

University of Technology Sydney

Master of Engineering Management

Intakes: February, August

Academic requirements: a bachelor’s degree with no more than 25% of undergraduate subjects failed; the university automatically assesses for 1-year admission

Master of Environmental Engineering Management

Intakes: February, August

Academic requirements: an engineering or natural-sciences degree; no more than 25% of undergraduate subjects failed; the university automatically assesses for 1-year admission

Master of Engineering

Intakes: February, August

Academic requirements: an engineering degree in a relevant discipline with no more than 25% of undergraduate subjects failed; the university automatically assesses for 1-year admission. English for all the above programs: IELTS 6.5 (6.0) or TOEFL 79–93 overall with a writing score of 21; direct-entry English pathway available.


Curtin University

Master of Engineering Management

Intakes: January, May, August

Academic requirements: a four-year bachelor’s degree in engineering. Direct IELTS entry 6.0 (6.0). The above is only a partial list of the one-year programs available.


Queensland University of Technology

Master of Engineering

Intakes: February, July

Academic requirements: for the Mechanical and Electrical streams, a relevant engineering background matching the chosen stream is required


Master of Engineering Management

Intakes: February, July

Academic requirements: a four-year bachelor’s in a related engineering discipline, or a three-year bachelor’s in a related engineering discipline plus at least two years of relevant work experience.


Master of Project Management

Intakes: February, July

Academic requirements: a four-year bachelor’s in engineering or built environment

English requirements for the above programs: IELTS 6.5 (6.0) or TOEFL 79 (LR 16, W 21, S 18)

Swinburne University of Technology

Master of Engineering Practice (7 specialisations)

Intakes: February, August

Academic requirements: a four-year engineering bachelor’s with a weighted average of 60+; IELTS 6.5 (6.0)

If you want to unlock more ways to navigate the 485 policy changes and find the right program, DM me — let’s work through it together so Australian study doesn’t feel like a fog. I’m Nicole, and I lead with honesty and zero information-asymmetry!

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