Is an MS in Finance Worth It in Australia?

Pursuing an MS in Finance in Australia can be a good choice for Indian students wanting an excellent academic environment and a global career.

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Find below some of the top reasons why you should study an MS in finance in Australia:

Australia’s financial and insurance services sector is a major part of the country’s economy. According to recent data, over 5,50,000 people are employed in this sector, making it one of the country’s significant employment sectors with continued opportunities for graduates.

Australia hosts several globally recognised universities that rank highly in accounting, finance and related business subjects. According to QS World University Rankings, Australia has 6 universities in the top 50 rankings, such as UNSW Sydney, the University of Melbourne and the University of Sydney, among others. These rankings reflect academic quality, research reputation, and strong employer connections, factors that benefit students pursuing advanced studies in finance.

Jobs in the finance industry in Australia provide a good ROI due to the combination of strong university education and access to well-paying finance roles. According to recent data, one-third (34%) of firms are planning to hire extra finance talent, showing a continued focus on finance and accounting talent, with salaries and hiring activity climbing in recent years.

Many finance graduates leverage the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) to gain valuable work experience after completing their degree, and can pursue employer-sponsored visas or skilled migration pathways thereafter.

Indian students in Australia gain exposure to a multicultural and highly connected finance ecosystem, access to graduate job listings across finance disciplines, and the chance to study at globally respected institutions that are part of international rankings.

Not sure if an MS in Finance in Australia fits your profile? Career Launcher's study abroad experts have guided thousands of students to top finance programs worldwide.

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What is an MS/Master of Finance in Australia?

An MS or Master of Finance in Australia is a postgraduate degree designed to give students the advanced knowledge of financial theory, quantitative analysis, and practical decision-making skills required in today's global finance sector.

The duration of the program is typically around 1.5 to 2 years of full-time study, with some universities also having part-time options which last up to 3 years. However, part-time study may not be suitable for international students due to visa restrictions.

Eligibility & Entry Requirements for MS in Finance in Australia

Criteria 

Details

Academic 

An undergraduate degree in a related field (Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Business) is required with at least 60–65% or equivalent GPA. 

Prerequisite Subjects

Some universities may expect prior study in:


  • Financial accounting
  • Microeconomics/macroeconomics
  • Business statistics or mathematics

English Language Proficiency 

Common minimum scores are:


  • IELTS: Overall 6.5-7.0 (no band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL iBT: 79-100+
  • PTE Academic: 58-72+

GMAT/GRE

No compulsory requirements in most universities, but a good GMAT/GRE score can strengthen the application.


  • GMAT: 625-700+
  • GRE: 280-340+

Work Experience

Not mandatory, as this course is designed for fresh graduates

Documents Required 
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)/ Personal Statement 
  • Academic transcripts
  • Proof of funds
  • Updated CV or Resume
  • Letter of Recommendation (LOR) from a previous institution or employer

Student Visa

An Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) is required, and for that, students need: 


  • Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
  • Proof of funds for tuition and living expenses
  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
  • English proficiency and Genuine Student (GS) statement

Intakes and Deadlines

Most Australian universities offer two main intakes:


  • February (Semester 1) - primary intake
  • July (Semester 2) - secondary intake

Applications generally close 2-4 months before intake

*Entry requirements may vary across universities and programs. Applicants should always verify the specific eligibility criteria on the official university course page before applying.

Career Launcher experts review academic profiles, test scores, and work experience to suggest the best-fit universities.

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Top Universities for MS in Finance in Australia

Find below a curated list of some of the top universities in Australia offering programs in Finance, along with other key details like duration of the program and the tuition fees:

University

Program/ Related Program

Duration

Tuition Fees

University of New South Wales (UNSW)

Master of Finance

1-2 years

AUD$129,000


INR ~77 lacs

University of Melbourne

Master of Finance

18 months full-time/ 3 years part-time

AUD$58,876


INR ~35 lacs

University of Sydney

Master of Commerce (Finance)

1 year

AUD$61,700


INR ~37 lacs

Monash University

Master of Banking & Finance

1, 1.5 or 2 years full-time, depending on prior qualifications

AUD$38,000 per year


INR ~22 lacs

Australian National University (ANU)

Master of Finance

2-year full-time

AUD$56,120 per year


INR ~33 lacs

University of Queensland (UQ)

Master of

Finance and Investment Management

1 year full-time

AUD$58,056


INR ~34 lacs

RMIT University 

Master of Finance

Full-time 2 years or 1.5 years accelerated

AUD$48,960 per year 


INR ~29 lacs

Griffith University

Master of Finance

1-2 years full-time

AUD$41,000 per year


INR ~24 lacs

University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

Master of Finance

1.5 years full-time

3 years part-time

AUD$81,081


INR ~48 lacs

*Figures above are indicative and subject to change.

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Cost of Studying MS in Finance in Australia

It’s essential for students to understand the cost of pursuing an MS in Finance in Australia before applying to the program. Find a breakdown below to help you plan your budget effectively.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for an MS in Finance in Australia vary depending on the university, program structure, and duration of study. Based on the universities listed above, the tuition fees generally range between AUD 38,000 and AUD 86,000 for the full program.

Cost of Living in Australia

According to the Department of Home Affairs, you must prove that you have AU$29,710 (INR ~17 lacs) for living costs per year. This figure is required by Australia’s immigration standards, but it does not necessarily mean that you will need to spend this much during your stay.

According to Study Australia, a student can expect the following expenses on average for various things:

On average, you can expect your total annual cost to be roughly around AU$50,000 - AU$80,000 per year (~INR29 - ~47 lacs), which will include your tuition, living expenses and other miscellaneous costs.

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Total Estimated Cost

An Indian student pursuing an MS in Finance in Australia can expect their total estimated cost to be in the range of: 

The exact cost will depend on the university you choose, the city of your residence, program duration and the choice of lifestyle.

Thinking long-term? Learn what living and working in Australia is like for Indian students. Read our Detailed Guide on how your Study Life in Australia can be.

Scholarships for MS in Finance in Australia

Australia offers many scholarship options for MS in Finance programs, and these are primarily based on academic merit, leadership potential, involvement in the community, or financial need of the applicant. Opting for these can significantly reduce your cost of studying abroad. Some of the top scholarships are listed below.

University Scholarships

Many universities have their own scholarships for international students awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Find below some of them:

Name of the scholarship

Benefits of the scholarship

Ormond College Scholarships (University of Melbourne) 

Offers financial assistance to support students who face economic barriers impacting their ability to study


Amount: $5,000 - $36,000

Queen's College Scholarship

Awarded based on various criteria, including financial need, academic performance, and contribution to the College community.


Amount: Up to $38,000

Rao Family Bursary 

(University of Melbourne) 

Offered to students in financial need


Amount- $1,000 - $3,000

UNSW Scholarships for International Students

Applicants will be assessed based on:

  • Academic merit
  • Leadership skills (school, workplace or community)
  • Extra-curricular activities (sporting, cultural activities, volunteer/work experience)
  • Reasons for undertaking studies at UNSW

Amount- $5,000 (available for 1 year)

Sydney International Student Award

Awarded based on the academic achievements of applicants


Amount- 20% contribution to your tuition fees

Sydney Scholars India Equity Scholarship

Awarded to Indian citizens and current residents of slum communities in Delhi, India, where ASHA Society works


Amount: Up to $100,000

Sydney Scholars India Scholarship Program

Awarded to Indian students with exceptional merit


Amount- Up to $40,000

ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship

Awarded based on academic merit


Amount- 25% or 50% fee waiver of tuition for the entire study period

Most of the scholarships are usually considered at the time of admission, but others will require you to fill out a separate application.

Study Abroad advisors at Career Launcher recommend applying early to finance programs due to limited seats.

Government and External Scholarships

Many scholarships are offered by the government and external scholarships to support students in their study abroad journey in Australia. Find some of those listed below:

Name of the scholarship

Benefits of the scholarship

Australia Awards Scholarship

Provided by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and available to students from developing countries


Benefits include: 

  • Full tuition fee sponsorship
  • Return air travel
  • A one-off establishment allowance and a fortnightly living stipend
  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Single Membership for the duration of the award
  • Access to the Introductory Academic Program (IAP) and further supplementary academic support throughout the course

The Inlaks Scholarship

Amount: up to USD 120,000


Covers:


  • tuition fees, living expenses, one-way travel, visa costs and health allowance, up to USD 120,000

The J. N. Tata Endowment Scholarship

Merit-based scholarship awarded for full-time Postgraduate / PhD. / Postdoctoral studies overseas, across all disciplines, driven by defined eligibility criteria.

Need help with funding your education? Our experts are here to assist you in securing the necessary financial support for your educational pursuits abroad.

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Jobs & Salary After MS in Finance in Australia

After completing an MS in Finance, students can pursue a wide range of roles depending on their specialisation and interests.

Job Role

Average Annual Salary 

Financial Analyst

AU$105,000 to AU$125,000


INR 62 lacs-75 lacs (approx.)

Investment Banking Analyst

AU$120,000 to AU$180,000


INR 72 lacs-1 crore  (approx.)

Risk Analyst / Financial Risk Manager

AU$110,000 to AU$130,000


INR 66 lacs-78 lacs

Management / Finance Consultant

AU$80,000 to AU$100,000


INR 48 lacs-60 lacs (approx.)

Asset / Portfolio Manager

AU$145,000 to AU$165,000


INR 87 lacs-99 lacs (approx.)

Corporate Finance Associate

AU$79,992


INR 48 lacs (approx.)

FinTech Analyst / Associate

AU$110,000


INR 66 lacs (approx.)

*Figures above are indicative and subject to change.

According to Career Launcher counsellors, finance students targeting PR should prioritise cities with stronger employer demand.

Ready to Begin Your Journey in an MS in Finance in Australia?

For over two decades, Career Launcher has supported Indian students with personalised counselling, university admissions, and career guidance for study abroad destinations like the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia, among others.

Our best-fit approach ensures students apply only to programs aligned with their strengths, and this is one reason 99% of students guided by our team receive at least one admit from their shortlisted universities.

Hear from one of your students:

"I wish to express my deepest gratitude to CL for their unwavering support and invaluable assistance during my application process to study in Australia. I was guided through every hurdle with patience and expertise. The dedication of my counsellors was evident every step of the way, providing me with particular comfort during the challenges I faced. Beyond handling the paperwork, my counsellors offered emotional support and encouragement when I needed it most, which meant the world to me. I am thankful for their hard work and commitment. As I embark on the journey to pursue my dreams, I cannot thank CL enough for everything they have done for me. Their kindness and guidance have made all the difference, and I am incredibly grateful for their support throughout this journey."

- Archit Chandna, Deakin University
Get Expert Guidance for MS in Finance

This guide is curated with insights from Career Launcher's Study Abroad team, which has over 29+ years of experience guiding Indian students to leading global universities. Our Australia Admissions Counsellors and Finance Education Experts regularly mentor students applying to competitive finance programmes across Australia.

FAQ's

Yes, an MS in Finance in Australia is worth it for students seeking strong career outcomes and global exposure. Australia has a well-developed finance and professional services sector, competitive graduate salaries, and internationally ranked universities.

Australia is considered a good destination for finance studies due to its stable economy, global business links, and employer-friendly post-study work policies. International students gain access to high-quality education, multicultural workplaces, and real-world exposure through internships and industry projects.

No, work experience is not mandatory for most MS in Finance programs in Australia. These courses are designed primarily for fresh graduates and early-career professionals. However, if you have relevant internship experience or part-time roles, they can improve your profile and help during job applications after graduation.

The duration of an MS or Master of Finance in Australia is typically 1.5 to 2 years for full-time study. Some universities also offer accelerated options (1 year) for students with relevant academic backgrounds, as well as part-time options that can take up to 3 years.

Some of the top universities offering MS in Finance or related programs in Australia include UNSW Sydney, the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, Monash University, Australian National University (ANU), the University of Queensland, RMIT University, Griffith University, and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). These universities are known for strong academic reputation, industry connections, and graduate employability.

The tuition fees for an MS in Finance in Australia generally range between AUD 38,000 and AUD 86,000 for the full program, depending on the university. In addition, students should budget around AUD 29,000-30,000 per year for living expenses as per Australian visa requirements. Overall, the total annual cost usually falls between AUD 50,000 and AUD 80,000, including tuition and living expenses.

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