Masters in Computer Science in Australia: Your Comprehensive Guide

Australia is home to some of the top-ranked universities globally, making it one of the prominent study-abroad destinations for international students. Australian universities are globally recognized, and attaining an Australian degree can open doors to excellent career prospects. Computer Science is one of the most preferred subjects among international students from Australia. A plethora of courses are available in Australia for students in the field of Computer Science. Pursuing a masters in computer science in Australia can be a life-changing decision for a student as the education imparted in Australia is unbeatable. In this blog, Shuraa Education will help you at every step. Read further to know more.

Best Universities for Master’s in computer science in Australia

The following table details the top MS in Computer Science in Australia ranked following the World University Rankings 2023 by Subject: Computer Science, along with the duration of the program and the course fee. 

In addition to pursuing a master’s degree in computer science in Australia, applicants have the option to pursue a master’s in computer engineering at leading computer science colleges in the country. 

Why study Master’s in computer science in Australia?

Here are the key points to consider when pursuing a masters in computer science in Australia: 

• Times Higher Education World University Ranking ranks nine leading Australian Universities amongst the top 150 international universities for Computer Science programs. 
• The top 5 Australian universities offering an MS in Computer Science are listed among the top 150 universities for computer science programs according to QS World University Rankings 2023. 
• The top Australian universities, the University of Melbourne and ANU, offering the program have a high international student enrollment of 46% and 44%, respectively. 
• The Australian Computer Society (ACS) predicts there will be a greater demand for computer science graduates by 2024 owing to a shortage of 100,000 employees with 164,000 qualifications. 
• The number of international students in the recent past pursuing Computer Science and Mathematics programs in Australia was registered to be 24,000 
• International students with a skilled graduate temporary visa can work from 18 months to 3 years after their studies.  
• Australia is home to the world’s largest tech companies, including Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. Completing a Master’s in Computer Science in Australia can give you a competitive edge in the job market and increase your chances of securing a high-paying job.

Master’s in computer science: What is it About?

Detailed below is the program outline, course curriculum, and types of degrees offered in Australia for pursuing a PG degree in Computer Science. The top universities in Australia offer the master’s program in Computer Science under the Information Technology Department, Faculty of Science, and School of Engineering. Hence, the criteria of same apply to Ms in Computer Science in Australia also.

1. Course Curriculum:

The masters degree in computer science is for prospective students with an undergraduate degree in a related subject or significant work experience. The course is structured to provide a strong foundation of advanced computer science topics to enhance career prospects. Emphasis is placed upon the structured design of algorithms, programming techniques, high-level description of the abstract architecture of the von Neumann machine, and numerical and non-numerical applications. Hence, the program equips the students with the following technical and professional skills for higher career outcomes. 

• Critical thinking and problem-solving 
• Research planning and execution 
• Scientific communication. 

2. Degree types:

Types of Graduate Degrees in Computer Science in Australia, excluding Computer Science Engineering, encompass the following: 

• Master of Computer Science: 

This degree program is structured as a course-based curriculum, providing a comprehensive foundation in various fields such as knowledge systems, programming languages, distributed computing, information systems, mathematics/statistics, spatial information science, or linguistics. 

• Master of Science in Computer Science: 

This degree program is research-oriented, allowing students to expand and intensify their expertise in a specific computing area. It involves conducting research under the guidance of an academic staff member to delve deeper into specialized areas of computing.

3. Areas of Specialization and Electives: 

Many Australian universities provide specialization options in burgeoning fields such as Intelligent Systems, Machine Learning, Big Data, Network and Information Security, Software Engineering, Big Data Management, Cloud Computing, Mobile Computing, Software Architecture, Web Systems, and Search Technology. Additionally, students can choose from various electives, including Advanced Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Human-Computer Interaction, Programming Languages, Distributed Computing, Spatial Information, and more. 

Best 10 Master’s (MS) in Computer Science Universities in Australia

Below is a compilation of the leading 10 Master’s (MS) in Computer Science Universities in Australia, along with their 2023 QS University rankings for Computer Science & Information Systems:

Admissions Process for Master’s in Computer Science in Australia:

To gain admission to a Master’s in Computer Science program in Australia, international students must meet the university’s specified academic and non-academic requirements, as well as fulfil the English Language proficiency criteria.

Admission Sessions and Application Deadlines

Many renowned universities in Australia hold admission sessions twice annually, in February and July. The academic semesters correspondingly span from February to June and July to November. International students should apply well before the deadlines to facilitate the Australian visa process and secure a spot in the desired semester.

Application Process

International students interested in pursuing a MS program in Computer Science in Australia can apply through one of the following methods: 

• Online Application: Complete the application form available on the official website or application portal of the university well before the application deadlines. 
• Assistance from University Representatives: Seek help from authorized agents or university representatives who can aid in preparing and submitting the application for the study program and the student visa application. 

Eligibility Requirements for a Master’s in Computer Science in Australia

Australian universities, whether for international or domestic students, adhere to consistent eligibility standards. However, international applicants must fulfil the following criteria to qualify for the program: 

• Completion of at least 15 years of education, including a 10+2+3 breakdown. 
• Possess a 3–4-year bachelor’s degree in computer science, science, mathematics, or related disciplines. 
• Work experience in a relevant field is recommended.
• Demonstration of English proficiency. 

Specific Eligibility Criteria for Each University

To gain admission to master’s programs in computer science at Australian universities, international students must satisfy the requirements for international credential equivalence and English language proficiency as outlined in the respective tables provided by each institution. 

Required Documents for Masters in Computer Science in Australia 

To apply for an MS in Computer Science program in Australia, applicants need to submit the following documents: 

• A completed application form along with the application fee. 
• Certified copies of all academic transcripts, including professional qualifications, as true copies of the original documents. 
• Certified English translations of all academic records accredited by specified university agencies. 
• Proof of language proficiency through tests required for studying in Australia. 
• Official identification documents, such as birth certificate, citizenship documents, or passport. 
• Financial affidavits as evidence of funding. 
• 2-3 Letters of Recommendation (LOR) specifically tailored for applications in Australia. 
• An updated CV if requested by the university. 

Admission Outcome

Upon successful submission of the application and required documents, applicants will receive a confirmation email. The application status can be tracked regularly through the university’s student portal. The ranking of applications is determined primarily by previous academic performance. However, familiarity with formal logic, discrete mathematics, and second-year university-level mathematics/statistics is advisable.

All applicants will be notified of the admission decision via email. Australian universities typically provide a decision within 4-8 weeks for graduate coursework applications and 8-12 weeks for graduate research applications in Computer Science from the date of receiving a complete application. 

Get Free Assistance From Our Experts.

Master in Computer Science in Australia fee structure

International students should plan their finances meticulously when considering pursuing a Masters in Computer Science in Australia. Adequate funding should be allocated for pre-arrival preparations, tuition fees, and living expenses. Further details regarding Master in Computer Science in Australia fees are outlined in the following sections.

Master in Computer Science in Australia Fees: Tuition Fees

Upon arrival, one of the significant expenditures of a master in computer science in Australia fees 

Living Expenses in Australia

The expenses associated with pursuing a Masters in Computer Science in Australia vary based on the educational institution and study location. On average, the monthly cost of living in Australia is approximately 2,326 AUD (1.28 lakhs INR), with accommodation expenses being a significant portion of this total.  

Scholarship Opportunities for Masters in Computer Science in Australia

Australian universities provide financial support to international students through various means such as scholarships, loans, bursaries, and grants. In addition to need and merit-based scholarships, universities offer department-specific scholarships to deserving international students pursuing degrees in computer science. The table below outlines popular scholarships in Australia available for international students enrolled in master’s programs in Computer Science. 

Get scholarships. Talk to us! 

Job Prospects after Completing a Masters in Computer Science in Australia

As the demand for Computer Science and IT professionals continues to rise globally, graduates with a master’s degree in Computer Science can explore diverse and financially rewarding career opportunities. This program prepares graduates for pivotal roles in various Computer and Information Technology sectors, including 

• Systems and security engineering 
• Software and hardware management 
• Network design, management, and engineering 
• Data communications 
• Telecommunications 
• Wireless networks

Professionals in Computer Science with practical expertise in Machine Learning, Business Intelligence, Data Visualization, Data Warehousing, and Data Management are offered lucrative salary packages in rapidly growing industries such as Cable & Media, Telecom, Hospitality, Banking, Finance, and Insurance.

Unlock Australian scholarships. Consult our expert team today!

The following table showcases leading employers who actively recruit Computer Science professionals with a master’s degree in these thriving sectors: 

Comparing Master’s in Computer Science Programs: Australia vs. USA

When aspiring for a Master’s in Computer Science, students are presented with a multitude of choices worldwide. Australia and the USA stand out as popular destinations for higher education in this field, boasting prestigious universities and outstanding programs. This often leaves students in a dilemma when choosing between the two. This section aims to delve into the Master’s in Computer Science programs offered in both Australia and the United States, emphasizing their commonalities and distinctions, thus aiding students in making well-informed decisions. 

As per the Australian Government’s Job Outlook website, the rise of the digital era has led to numerous job opportunities, both from newly established positions and turnover due to workers leaving their jobs. Over the past five years, there has been a significant increase in demand for software and applications programmers, computer network professionals, managers, database administrators, and system analysts. This trend is expected to continue strongly over the next five years. Consequently, international students favor pursuing a MS program in Computer Science in Australia due to its comprehensive coverage of advanced computer science disciplines. Shuraa Education is here to assist you at every stage of your journey. Get in touch with us today. Feel free to email us at info@shuraaeducation.com or reach out via phone or WhatsApp at +91 931 999 8924 for expert guidance and support.

FAQs

Q1. Which key subjects are included in Master’s (MS) in Computer Science programs in Australia?

Fundamental subjects such as Programming, Operating Systems, Databases, Python, Java, and Coding form the core curriculum. 

Q2. How long does a Master’s (MS) in Computer Science program typically last in Australia?

Master’s in Computer Science programs in Australia generally span 1-2 years. 

Q3. What is the expense of pursuing a Master’s (MS) in Computer Science programs in Australia?

The cost of a Master’s in Computer Science course in Australia varies based on the university. Typically, tuition fees are around INR 25 Lacs per year.