Bioinformatics - M6049
Master's degree
The Master of Bioinformatics equips you with the advanced computational, analytical and biological knowledge required to solve complex real‑world problems – ranging from decoding genomes and modelling protein structures to developing tools that drive personalised medicine, crop innovation, and disease surveillance.
As the world becomes increasingly data‑driven, the demand for specialists who can interpret large‑scale biological data has never been greater. Throughout this program, you’ll develop expertise in the latest bioinformatics methodologies, including machine learning, statistical modelling, computational biology, AI-driven analysis, data visualisation and cloud computing. You’ll learn to handle and interrogate large datasets with confidence, translating data into meaningful insights that advance scientific discovery, healthcare and industry innovation.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are limited in this course. To ensure you are considered for a CSP place, please submit your complete application including supporting documentation prior to the timely application deadline. Applicants will be selected based on meeting all the published entry requirements and ranked for offer on academic merit. Meeting the minimum entry requirements and course specific prerequisites, does not guarantee selection. Please refer to the following link for further application guidelines.
Study your way
Bridge Theory and Application
The curriculum is built around real‑world application, ensuring you graduate ready to tackle biological challenges across health, agriculture, biotech, and environmental science. From genomic sequencing pipelines to precision medicine analytics, you’ll learn to apply computational techniques to problems that directly impact society.
Choose Your Learning Path
You can tailor the degree to your professional goals by choosing one of two streams:
- Research Stream
Develop the capability to conduct independent bioinformatics research. You’ll work on a supervised project, applying your computational and analytical expertise to real-world biological questions. - Coursework Stream
Build advanced technical skills to meet the evolving bioinformatics requirements of employers in industry, research and other sectors.
Learn Through Live Case Work
You’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with leading laboratories, research centres and biotechnology organisations, working with real datasets and active research challenges. This hands-on experience ensures you graduate with practical skills sought after across multiple sectors.
Why Study Health Sciences at Monash?
Cross‑Disciplinary Expertise
The Master of Bioinformatics combines world‑class biological, computational and statistical expertise. You’ll be trained in an environment driven by research innovation, industry needs and global trends – building skills that are directly relevant to careers in biotechnology, healthcare, digital health, academia and commercial R&D.
Monash Genomics and Bioinformatics Platform
You’ll have access to the Monash Genomics and Bioinformatics Platform – Bioinformatics Node, a major hub of bioinformatics specialists who support cutting‑edge research across the university and beyond. This network provides:
- Expertise in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and structural biology
- Advanced computational infrastructure and training
- Opportunities to collaborate on high‑impact scientific projects
Learn from experts
This program offers unique opportunities for collaboration with leading researchers at Monash. Engage in hands-on projects and research that reflect the current demands of the field. Working closely with experts allows you to gain insights into industry best practices, making you not only well-versed in theoretical approaches but also in real-world bioinformatics applications.
At a glance
Course Details
Location |
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Duration |
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Start date |
First semester (February) |
Qualification |
Master of Bioinformatics |
Alternative exits |
Career Outcomes
The field of bioinformatics is rapidly expanding, with applications in pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, research institutions, agricultural firms, and biotechnology industries. Graduates can pursue work in a range of areas including:
- Bioinformatician in academia, biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors
- Bioinformatician in healthcare and clinical settings such as hospitals and clinical laboratories
- Technology and software development
- Consulting and entrepreneurship
Multiple pathways
Graduates can enter directly into industry or continue into academic research and pursue a PhD.
Entry Requirements
You need to satisfy the following entrance requirements to be considered for entry to this course.
Minimum Entry Requirements (Domestic students)
Qualifications
An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a cognate discipline* with at least a High Credit of 65%.
*Cognate disciplines include: science, biomedical science, engineering or information technology
English requirements
Applicants must also meet the English language requirements.
University entrance requirements
Minimum entrance requirements for admission to Monash University Australia.
Making the application
Future students
Current Monash students
You may apply to transfer from another Monash course. Transfers are a competitive process. You may apply mid-year for available courses however consideration will be given as to whether you will be able to follow your course progression.
Please note that if you apply for a course transfer, you should still enrol in your current course as if you were continuing so as not to jeopardise your enrolment in the Faculty if your transfer application is unsuccessful. More about Course Transfer.
Self assess for credit eligibility
Check for study credit using the "Credit search" link on the Credit for prior study page.
Fees
Fees are subject to change annually.
Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
The average annual student contribution amount for 2026 is:
A$10,000
Note: see information on how fees are calculated.
Fee assistance
As a Commonwealth supported student, you may be able to either:
- pay all of your student contribution upfront, or
- defer payment through the HECS HELP loan scheme.
Full fee
Fees are per 48 credit points which represents a standard full-time course load for a year. The fees for 2026 are:
A$37,300
Fee assistance
As a full fee-paying student, you may be eligible to apply for the optional FEE-HELP to assist you to pay all or part of your tuition fees.
Scholarships
We offer over 360 types of scholarships, valued at up to $280,000. Some scholarships offer one-off payments while others continue for the length of your course. Learn more about Monash Scholarships.
Other costs and fees
For information on other study costs and fees, see other study costs.