Master of Arts (Thesis only)
Course code: MR-ARTSTHS
2 years full time / 4 years part time
Expected candidature is 1.5 years full time (or part time equivalent)
March
Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) places available
March
AUD $50,976 (2026 indicative first year fee)
Fees & scholarships
Fees
Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) places available
If eligible, you are exempt from paying tuition fees for your course. This exemption is valid for up to four years if you're enrolled in a doctoral program and up to two years if you're enrolled in a masters degree. Fees information
International full fee (IFP) places are available for this course
2026 fees
- Indicative first year fee AUD$50,976
- Indicative total course fee AUD$107,050
2027 fees
- Indicative first year fee AUD$54,016
- Indicative total course fee AUD$113,434
The indicative total course fee is based on the maximum candidature period of 2 years. Expected candidature is 1.5 years, with extensions beyond this requiring approval. If you complete within the expected period, your total course fee would be proportionally lower.
Unless otherwise noted, the indicative total course fee shown above assumes a study load of 1 EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load) commencing semester one of the listed year, except for courses with a duration of less than 1 EFTSL.
Fees are subject to annual review by the University, with any new rates effective from the beginning of each calendar year.
If you have relevant prior studies or work experience, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit), which could allow you to complete your course faster and subsequently reduce your fees. Learn more about advanced standing.
The indicative total course fee shown above includes an estimate of annual fee increases over the duration of the course based on the maximum annual course tuition increase specified in the Student Loans, Fees and Charges Policy (MPF 1325).
Your fees explained
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Fees for domestic students
This course is supported by the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP). Under the RTP, domestic students are exempt from tuition fees for the normal duration of the course. This exemption is valid for up to four years for students enrolled in a doctoral program and up to two years for a research master’s degree.
More details on RTP and other fees you may need to pay
Research Training Program (RTP) only. Australian fee-paying places not available.
As a domestic student, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the Australian Government under either the FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP loan schemes. They are a loan from the government which cover the payment of your tuition fees. You don’t have to pay anything back until you start paid work, and earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
Fees for international students
Course fees are calculated as if a student undertakes one year of full-time study. This is called 1 x EFTSL (Equivalent Full Time Study Load). If course duration is less than one year, or the student studies less than a full-time study load, fees are adjusted accordingly.
The indicative total course fee is based on typical subject enrolments and does not take into account any advanced standing for prior studies. Fees are reviewed annually by the University and vary depending on subjects within the course.
More information about fees for international graduate students
Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset Scholarship
The University of Melbourne offers a range of scholarship for students undertaking graduate research training. These scholarships are funded by the University, philanthropic gifts or Government grants.
All domestic students who are admitted to a Master by research or Doctoral degree at the University of Melbourne will receive a Research Training Program Fee Offset Scholarship to acknowledge the contribution from the Australian Government towards the cost of their tuition.
Other scholarships may provide a stipend towards the cost of living and a relocation allowance. International students may also receive Overseas Student Health Cover and a tuition fee offset.
Learn more about the RTP Fee Offset Scholarship and Graduate Research Scholarships
Want more information about fees and payments?
Fees for domestic students
This course is supported by the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP). Under the RTP, domestic students are exempt from tuition fees for the normal duration of the course. This exemption is valid for up to four years for students enrolled in a doctoral program and up to two years for a research master’s degree.
More details on RTP and other fees you may need to pay
Research Training Program (RTP) only. Australian fee-paying places not available.
As a domestic student, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the Australian Government under either the FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP loan schemes. They are a loan from the government which cover the payment of your tuition fees. You don’t have to pay anything back until you start paid work, and earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
Fees for international students
Course fees are calculated as if a student undertakes one year of full-time study. This is called 1 x EFTSL (Equivalent Full Time Study Load). If course duration is less than one year, or the student studies less than a full-time study load, fees are adjusted accordingly.
The indicative total course fee is based on typical subject enrolments and does not take into account any advanced standing for prior studies. Fees are reviewed annually by the University and vary depending on subjects within the course.
More information about fees for international graduate students
International student fees
Tuition fees are charged for each year you are enrolled. You will pay tuition fees according to your specific enrolment in any given semester.
Your tuition fees are subject-based. The amount charged is determined by a subject's discipline fee band and its study load (credit points). Fee bands are determined by the content of the subject, not the course. Fees will be calculated after you have enrolled and selected your subjects and may differ from the fee estimate provided above.
Fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted each year.
Visa requirements
With an Australian student visa, you can only take full-time study in a CRICOS-registered course. You also need to have met character and any additional health tests, as well as have acceptable Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
See Visa information (external link)
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
International students on a student visa must arrange visa-length Overseas Student Health Cover while studying in Australia.
OSHC covers the cost of out-of-hospital medical treatment, pharmaceuticals, and emergency ambulance services while you are in Australia.
You are usually required to arrange and purchase this at the same time as accepting your course offer. For further information on choosing and arranging your OSHC visit our student services webpage.
Other financial assistance
The University's Student Financial Aid Service can provide you with advice and information on student loans and bursaries/grants, and can connect you to other student support services.
Scholarships
Find a scholarship that's right for you
Graduate Research Scholarships
Scholarship benefits may include living, relocation, or thesis allowances, and/or tuition fee waivers. There is significantly high demand for research scholarships, making the application field highly competitive.
- Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship is usually only offered to domestic students, but in very rare circumstances, can be offered to international students as well
- Melbourne Research Scholarships are available to both domestic and international students
- Domestic students experiencing compassionate or compelling circumstances (including illness, disability, care responsibilities or personal hardship), may be eligible to apply for the Fay Marles Scholarship or the Frederick Blake Shepherd Scholarship. Applications close on 31 October.
- PhD Scholarships are also available for specific projects from time to time. Please check the Faculty of Arts future graduate research students web page for updates.
- As an enrolled research student, you will have the opportunity to apply for further grants and prizes that assist students to undertake their research, as outlined on the Faculty of Arts Scholarships web page.
Scholarship application deadlines are the most important dates to consider when timing your application.