FAQs
Postgraduate study FAQs
Study options, flexibility and course duration
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Monash offers postgraduate studies ranging from graduate certificates (4 units); graduate diplomas (8 units); master’s by coursework (12 units); and master’s or PhD by research.
Browse all the graduate courses Monash has to offer.
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Monash offers a wide range of study options designed to fit your lifestyle. Depending on your course, you may be able to study part-time, online or in intensive mode (where entire units are completed over short periods of time, such as over the course of a week or weekend). Study modes are listed on individual course entries on our Find a course page.
Watch our explainer video on flexible study options.
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There are many benefits of completing graduate study, including:
- Higher earning potential*
- Invaluable network development
- Expanded career prospects: Whether you’re taking the next step in your career or changing your path entirely, upgrading your qualification will open up new opportunities.
- Lifelong skill sets that employers value: The nature of graduate study means that students learn transferable skills including adaptability, creative problem solving and collaboration. These skills can be applied to your career no matter what industry you’re in.
* 2025 QILT Graduate Outcome Survey
Watch our explainer video to discover where a Monash graduate degree can take you.
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A master’s degree by coursework typically takes two years of full-time study.
Depending on your prior qualifications and relevant work experience, you may be eligible to fast track your master's degree through credit (advanced standing) or accelerated pathways, reducing the duration to 1.5 years or, for some courses, one year. Some extended master’s programs may take up to three years of full-time study.
Many courses also offer part-time study options, which generally take longer to complete than full-time study. For example, a two-year full-time degree may take up to four years part-time. Study mode options vary by course, with some programs available exclusively on a full-time or part-time basis.
Course durations, study modes and credit eligibility vary by program. Check the entry requirements and course structure for your chosen program for specific details.
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Full-time study load
As a full-time coursework student (e.g. studying four six-credit-point-units in a standard semester), you'll need to commit to around 48 hours of study each week.Part-time study load
As a part-time student, the amount of study will depend on how many units you're doing. The study hours will generally be the same for all coursework units. They could be spent in class, outside class as independent study or by doing prescribed activities. For more information on the workload of each unit, have a look at the Monash Handbook. -
For some courses, depending on your educational background and work experience, you might be eligible to fast track your masters and graduate within a year.
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Although some courses may require a specific undergraduate degree or prerequisites for entry, there are many courses that do not require an undergraduate level qualification from the same discipline. For more information on this, please visit our Find a course page and refer to the entry requirements tab on the individual course pages.
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You can apply to study at Monash after studying at another university. We’ll take your academic results from your university studies into consideration when assessing your application for Monash. If you have partially completed a graduate qualification, you can even apply for credit for prior studies, which where eligible, could reduce the number of units required to complete your course of study at Monash.
For domestic applicants:
If you’re wanting to apply for credit for prior studies, you can inform us in your application to study at Monash. Just make sure you upload supporting documents as evidence of your studies (e.g. a handbook or syllabus) – we might also ask you for more documents after you’ve submitted your application.If you’d like credit for previous study or experience, you can apply for a credit assessment.
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If you have completed any previous study, experience or other learning, you can be assessed for credit towards a course at Monash. For full details including how to make an application, visit our How to apply for credit page.
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Course maps help you to select units by providing a visual outline of the course structure with units and electives. See course maps.
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As unit timetables vary each semester, you will only be able to access the relevant timetable once you enrol via Allocate+.
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Every unit has a census date and as long as you withdraw by the date, there is no academic or financial penalty.
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Depending on the course, Monash students may be able to transition from fully online study to on-campus study during their course. This is subject to course structure, availability, and eligibility requirements.
Students should check the specific course details and speak with their Faculty via Monash Connect for guidance on available study-mode options.
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Yes, there are pathways to transition from a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma into a Master's degree, though the process depends on the specific program.
- Credit Pathways: In many cases, completing a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in a related discipline may earn you credit (advanced standing) towards a Master's degree, potentially shortening the overall duration of your studies.
- Entry Pathways: For some Master’s degrees, completing a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma serves primarily as a pathway for entry to satisfy academic or entry requirements—meaning it opens the door to admission, but may not grant credit towards reducing the duration of the Master's units.
- Course Transfers: Depending on your academic standing, you may also be eligible to apply for a transfer into a Master's degree during or after your studies from one Masters to another, subject to academic performance and availability.
As entry requirements and credit policies vary across faculties and disciplines, it is always recommended to check the specific entry and credit requirements for your intended Master's program.
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Depending on your course, you may be able to tailor your electives to develop expertise in a specific field or area of interest. Elective options and specialisation pathways vary by course, so check your course structure for available options.
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Yes, some faculties do offer units outside the standard semesters during Summer, Winter and November teaching periods. These alternative teaching periods can help you progress through your degree more flexibly. However, availability varies by faculty, so you'll want to check with your specific faculty to see which units they offer in these periods and whether they align with your degree requirements.
Applying to Monash
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If you’re looking to apply for a master's degree by coursework, you need to submit a direct application to Monash. For more information, visit our How to apply page.
When completing your application on my.app, you'll be able to indicate up to five course preferences.
If you’re eligible, you’ll receive one offer for your highest eligible preference.
If you wish to change the order of your preferences after submitting your application, email mu.documents@monash.edu and include your application number.
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Check the ‘Application and Fees’ section for application dates on our individual course pages. You can find a full list of courses on the Find a course page. Some Monash graduate study courses don’t list specific opening and closing dates. If there are no published dates, we recommend you submit your application as soon as possible for classes starting in the following semester. As a guide, applications will open on my.app for semester one in early August and for semester two in early January each year.
You can also view our Resources and support page for more information about key dates and timelines.
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When you receive a postgraduate coursework offer, you have three options: accept, defer or decline.
Accept your offer
Complete all enrolment steps outlined in your offer letter before the offer lapse date. This secures your place and allows you to start your studies.Defer your offer
If you need to delay starting your course, domestic students should apply to defer before the offer lapse date. You can usually defer for up to 12 months, or up to 24 months in certain circumstances.Decline your offer
Domestic students don't need to do anything to decline their offer.If you've accepted your offer and changed your mind
It’s okay to be unsure about continuing your course – we’re here to help you make the decision that’s right for you. If you decide that discontinuing your course is the best option, you have until the census date to submit the Course Discontinuation request to avoid any financial or academic penalties. -
Yes, you can apply even if you haven’t completed your undergraduate degree yet. You’ll need to provide your most recent academic transcript, and any offer may be conditional upon the successful completion of your degree.
If further documents are required, we will let you know via email.
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To pursue a postgraduate degree (by coursework), you’ll generally need to have successfully completed an Australian bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with the required score and meet the minimum English requirements.
If you haven’t met the required score or completed a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), entry into postgraduate study at Monash can be achieved through several pathways:
- Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma: Complete a shorter postgraduate course to build your academic standing and progress directly into a Master’s degree.
- Relevant Work Experience: Select programs accept substantial professional or industry experience (typically 3+ years), in place of a tertiary qualification.
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Generally, letters of recommendation or professional references are not required for most postgraduate coursework applications at Monash University, unless specifically requested by your chosen course or faculty.
Please check the entry requirements for your chosen course before applying.
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Professional experience alone doesn't typically qualify for course credit points or exemptions. However, relevant professional experience combined with recognised prior qualificationsmay make you eligible for credit or advanced standing, potentially reducing the duration of your studies in specific programs.
To be assessed for credit or a reduced course duration based on your work experience and prior study:
- Upload a detailed CV or resume and any supporting professional documents with your application.
- Select the "Credit for Prior Learning" option in the online application portal when submitting your documents.
Our admissions team will assess your qualifications and relevant industry experience to determine your eligibility for credit or advanced standing.
Eligibility and credit arrangements vary by course, so check the requirements for your chosen program before applying.
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Domestic students applying for graduate coursework programs do not need to pay an application fee. International applicants are required to pay a $125 application fee unless they have a fee waiver code.
Please check the application requirements before applying, as fees and waivers may vary.
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Once your postgraduate coursework application is submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Your application assessment may take up to approximately three weeks. You will receive the outcome, whether successful or unsuccessful, via email.
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If you’re looking to apply for a research degree such as a doctoral degree (PhD) or a Master’s by Research, there are a few steps you need to follow: check your eligibility, find a potential supervisor, prepare your research proposal and gather all the required documentation in order to submit your application.
Find out more on how to apply for a graduate research degree.
Entry requirements
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Generally, the minimum requirement is the completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) with the required score. See our Find a course page for a full list of Monash graduate courses and specific entry requirements.
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Every course has different entry requirements. Please visit our Find a course page and refer to the entry requirements tab on the individual course pages.
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Yes. All students must meet the minimum English requirements for all courses at Monash University. In my.app, you should confirm “Yes” under English proficiency if you completed at least six years of schooling in an English-speaking country before the age of 19, to ensure we can accept the appropriate measure of English proficiency.
I completed my secondary and tertiary studies in a non-English-speaking country and have been living and working in Australia for 10 years, but have not completed any other study in an English-speaking country. Do I need to provide proof of English proficiency?
Yes. You must provide evidence of English proficiency. The most common option is an academic English test (such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL) with the required score for your course.I completed my secondary studies in a non-English-speaking country, but completed my Bachelor’s degree in Australia six years ago and have been living and working here since. Do I need to provide proof of English proficiency?
Yes. There is a time limit for meeting the English requirement through prior studies completed in an English-speaking country. Since you completed your tertiary studies more than five years ago, you will need to provide evidence that you have been residing in Australia for the past three years. This can be a work reference letter or a statement from someone of standing in the community, such as a school principal, doctor, or lawyer, who can confirm this.
I completed my secondary studies in a non-English-speaking country, but completed my Master’s in New Zealand last year. Do I need to provide proof of English proficiency?
Upon submission of your academic documents and verifying your Masters qualification completed in New Zealand, English will have been met if completed in the last 5 years. Once your Masters is verified, no further evidence is needed.
I completed my qualification overseas, however, I hold a valid professional registration with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency). Do I need to provide proof of English proficiency?
Provided you hold current valid professional registration with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) and are applying for a Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences or Faculty of Education course you will be considered to have met minimum English requirements.
Scholarships, fees and assistance
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There are limited Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) for graduate courses at Monash. This is usually indicated on the individual course pages under the ‘Application and Fees’ section. You can browse a full list of graduate courses via our Find a course page.
If the CSP option is not available on my.app (when it's indicated that it's offered on the course page), we recommend that you apply for the full-fee option and a CSP may be allocated at a later date.
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Monash has over 50 scholarships for domestic postgraduate students . Browse our full range of scholarships for graduate students.
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As a domestic student, when you study at a university in Australia you may be eligible for government-funded loans and assistance.
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Check the Find a course page for your course entry. You’ll find whether or not the course offers CSPs under the 'Applications and Fees' section on the individual course pages. Find out more about CSPs.FEE-HELP loans
If you’re not offered a CSP, you’ll pay the full fee for your course to Monash. Many students are eligible for FEE-HELP from the government to help cover the costs of their full fee-paying graduate (non-research) award courses. Find out more about FEE-HELP loans.Income support for master's programs
If you're enrolled in an approved master's by coursework program you may be eligible to receive income support, such as Youth Allowance, Austudy, or a Pensioner Education Supplement. Find out more about income support for master's courses. -
Join us at one of our upcoming graduate events. This is the perfect opportunity to hear from faculty representatives, academics or current graduate students.
If you’re unable to attend, you can watch our on-demand webinars or book a 1:1 appointment with a course adviser.
Eligible alumni who have completed their undergraduate degree at Monash will receive a 10% discount on a wide range of graduate courses in 2027.
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Alumni who have completed their undergraduate degree at Monash may be eligible for a 10% discount on a wide range of graduate courses in 2027.*
If you’re interested in finding out your graduate study options, join us at one of our upcoming graduate events. This is the perfect opportunity to hear from faculty representatives, academics or current graduate students.
You can also watch our on-demand webinars or book a 1:1 appointment with a course adviser.
*Alumni discount is not offered for all courses
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Yes, eligible students may be able to defer their tuition fees through a government loan scheme.
- FEE-HELP: Eligible full-fee-paying students can use this loan to cover some or all of their tuition fees.
- HECS-HELP: Eligible Commonwealth supported students can use this loan to defer their student contribution amount instead of paying it upfront.
Eligibility requirements and loan limits apply. Check your eligibility and the relevant government guidelines before applying.
Industry experience and student opportunities
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Monash University leverages strong industry connections and corporate partnerships by offering industry placements, capstone projects, and graduate internships as part of postgraduate study units.
These opportunities give students valuable real-world experience, allowing them to apply academic knowledge in professional settings, develop practical skills, and build meaningful networks alongside their studies.
Internship and project pathways include Monash-sourced placements, student-sourced placements, and embedded course projects and capstones.
To explore available units, application processes, and entry requirements, visit the central Monash Industry Placement Units pag or check your specific program structure and unit options via the Monash Course Handbook or your faculty page, as some degree-specific project units are listed directly within individual course entries.
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Monash offers postgraduate coursework students a range of global study and exchange opportunities, including Global Work Integrated Learning, Independent Study Abroad, Semester exchange, among others.
Availability can vary depending on the course and program, so students should check the specific program details and eligibility requirements on the Study Abroad page.
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Postgraduate students at Monash can connect with other students, build their professional network and get involved in the student community through the Monash Graduate Association (MGA). Opportunities include graduate-focused communities, student clubs, social events, volunteering activities and access to exclusive campus lounges.
Students can also take part in alumni-to-student mentoring, connecting with Monash alumni to gain career insights, develop professional connections and learn from their experiences.
Monash also provides a range of volunteering opportunities with approved community partners and within the University. These opportunities allow students to contribute to the community, develop skills, meet new people and build their networks. Volunteering opportunities include community programs, student mentoring, event volunteering, ambassador programs and volunteering through the MGA
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Postgraduate coursework students at Monash can access a range of academic, study and English language support. This includes consultations with Student Academic Success advisers, workshops on study skills, academic writing, assessments and time management, and online resources through Learn HQ.
Student Academic Success Workshops are available throughout the academic year, with real-time and self-paced online workshops designed to help students develop effective learning strategies, master their assessments, and improve their academic English and writing.
Postgraduate coursework students can also access Studiosity for 24/7 online study support and feedback. Monash also offers a Graduate Success at Monash program, with resources designed to help students transition into graduate coursework study from other learning or industry contexts.
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Yes. Monash University offers orientation activities for new postgraduate students to help them prepare for university life, familiarise themselves with campus facilities and support services, and connect with fellow students.
Orientation typically takes place before the semester begins, with activities delivered in person across Monash’s four Australian campuses. Online resources are also available for students who are unable to attend in person.
For the latest information on orientation dates, activities, and schedules, visit the Monash Orientation website.
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