Masters in Artificial Intelligence in Australia: Top Colleges, Placements, Cost of living, Scholarships and Salary

Australia ranks among the world’s top destinations for studying for a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in 2025, and the numbers back it up. According to QS and Times Higher Education, the University of Melbourne (13th globally), the University of Sydney (18th), and UNSW Sydney (19th) lead the way in AI education. The Australian AI job market is booming: in a recent PwC report, job ads for AI roles jumped from 2,000 in 2022 to 23,000 in 2024, growing 10 percent per year. AI professionals earn, on average, 56 percent more than their peers, with entry-level salaries ranging from AUD 105,000 to AUD 161,500. Research hubs, like the Australian Institute of Machine Learning in Adelaide, offer over A$1 million in scholarships and industry partnerships with global tech giants.

Tuition costs are usually between AUD 36,000 and AUD 54,000 per year, with living expenses estimating between AUD 29,700 and AUD 40,000 annually. On top of that, Australia’s supportive policies, including post-study work visas and clear pathways to permanent residency, make it even more attractive.

Australia is a top choice for students who want to study AI at an advanced level and land great jobs afterward. The country offers great scholarships that help cut study costs and connect students with leading companies in tech and other fields. These strong links to industry mean that learners get hands-on experience through internships, research projects, and networking events right from the classroom.

Masters in Artificial Intelligence in Australia: Program Highlights

In Australia, there is extensive coverage of master programs in AI with a good variety of wished-out programs like MSc, MEng, or Master of Artificial Intelligence. Programs are usually 1.5 to 2 years long.

Masters in Artificial Intelligence in Australia – Important Dates and Events

Application Start & End Dates for Top Universities

Visa Application Timeline

• You should apply as soon as offer letter is accepted (Visa processing: average 4-6 weeks)
• The earliest recommended date: 3-4 months before the program start date

Masters in Artificial Intelligence in Australia: Fees

Tuition and Living Costs Table

Financial Aid and Scholarships

• Ordinary Scholarships: RTP, La Trobe AI Scholarship (50 percent fee cut), Deakin Vice-Chancellor Scholarship, AIML Research Scholarship (AUD5,000/year, application deadline 4 July 2025)
• Other Aids: Part time employment (up to 48 hours/fortnight)

Why Choose a Masters in AI in Australia?

• Leading Universities In The World: Universities in Australia have some of the leading AI research colleges with the top ones ranking in the top 20-40 in computer science and AI in the world.
• Top Graduate Wages: AI graduates have an average annual starting wage of between AUD120,000 to AUD170,000, which is one of the highest on the planet in the industry.
• Career Demand: Demand of a career in Australia in AI is creating explosions as there is 10 percent yearly increase in number of jobs announced as AI specialists and companies are actively looking to hire skilled graduates in finance, healthcare, retail and IT sectors.
• Rich Scholarships: There are many scholarships and some offer 50 to 100 percent scholarship on the tuition fee as well as the scholarships offered by the government such as the Research Training Program (RTP) making high-achieving international students not worry about finances.
• Industry integration and employment: There are paid internships and industry placements with courses on an industry-based project learning with close university connections with leading employers like Google, Atlassian and Amazon.
• Post-Study Work Visa: Under the Australian Skilled Migration Program there is an easy entry into permanent residency through the provision of up to 4 years of post-study work rights and being on the national skills shortage list means that AI is eligible.
• Multicultural, Diversity Student Life: By engaging new encounters in diversity and multicultural campuses and student life, international students develop their personal and professional networks.
• Value mobility: The students could enroll themselves in a full-time, part-time, or even an online AI program, and have ample opportunities to live a high quality life and remain safe in the leading student cities of Australia

Also Read :

Other Popular Countries for Studying Masters in Artificial Intelligence

Entry Qualifications

• Undergraduate Degree: 3-4 years in Computer Science, IT, Engineering, Mathematics or related.
• Academic Score: At least 60–65% aggregate (or GPA >4.5/7.0 scale) required.
• English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 79–93+, PTE 58+.
• Experience: Preferred, not always mandatory (advantageous for project-based or research programs).

Eligibility Criteria – Category-Wise

Application Process

1. Direct University Admission/Portal
2. Upload SOP, transcript, resume, LOR, test score, passport copy
3. Office relevant application fees (AUD50–100).
4. Wait for conditional/unconditional offer, follow up by-accept/finalise- medical, insurance & Visa

GMAT/GRE and English Tests

• GMAT/GRE: Mostly NOT required, unless specifically for a technical-research program.
• IELTS/TOEFL/PTE: Compulsory unless exempted for medium of instruction English UG.

SOP, LOR, Resume

• SOP: Motivational statement on career objectives, fit, and AI experience
• LOR: 2–3 academic/professional references preferred
• Resume: Project, internship or work experience details

AI Masters Cutoff Scores: 2025

GMAT Requirements (Business/Hybrid Programs Only)

IELTS/TOEFL Cutoffs

Masters in Artificial Intelligence Syllabus:

Core Courses

• Machine Learning
• Deep Learning & Neural Networks
• Probability & Statistics for AI
• Data Mining & Big Data Analysis
• Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals
• Research Project/Thesis

Electives & Specializations

• Robotics & Perception
• Natural Language Processing
• Computer Vision
• AI in Business Analytics
• Advanced Algorithms for AI
• AI Ethics & Policy

Best Universities/Colleges for AI in Australia

Public Universities

Private B-Schools

Masters in AI in Australia vs Masters in AI in India

Scholarships for Masters in AI in Australia

• AIML Research Scholarship (Univ. of Adelaide): AUD5,000 per year, application date 16 June 2025, closing date 04 July 2025.
• La Trobe AI Scholarship: It covers 50 per cent tuition fees, and international students are allowed.
• Australia Government RTP: Tuition plus stipend covered; university maker-specific deadlines.
• Deakin Vice-Chancellor Meritorious: Up to 100 % tuition.

Scholarship Application Deadlines for 2025

Career Scope After Masters in AI in Australia

Australia has a lively technology sector, and AI is a strategic priority to the country. The job opportunities are diverse across industries including core technology through consulting, finance and entrepreneurship.

Top Recruiters/Placement Companies

• Google Australia
• Amazon Web Services
• Atlassian
• IBM Australia
• Deloitte
• Accenture
• KPMG
• Telstra
• Canva
• Commonwealth Bank of Australia

AI Masters Salary Packages in Australia

By Nationality

• Average Salary (All students, Australia): AUD121,250 – AUD150,000
• Average Salary (Indian students, Australia): AUD108,000–130,000

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques. What are the best Masters in Artificial Intelligence Universities in Australia?

Ans. The University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, Monash University, the University of Technology Sydney, University of Adelaide are the top-ranked Australian universities to pursue a Master in Artificial Intelligence. These are the world-renowned universities in AI research as well as industry links.

Ques. How much do Masters in AI cost in Australia?

Ans. Tuition fee The median cost of the Master in AI in Australia is about 36,000 AUD to 54,000 AUD per annum. Prices differ across universities and programs of study, and the most prestigious universities tend to be among the most expensive universities.

Ques. What do I need to be able to take Masters in Artificial Intelligence in Australia?

Ans. The candidates must possess a bachelor degree in computer science, IT, or other relevant subjects with an aggregate of at least 60-65 percent and certificates to prove their English competence (IELTS 6.5+ or others). A minimum of pertinent work experience in some universities will be needed.

Ques. Is there any scholarship provided to foreign students to study AI in Australia?

Ans. Yes, there are different scholarships e.g. the Australian Government RTP, Deakin Vice-Chancellor Scholarship and AIML Research Scholarship which may cover the full or partial tuition fees of a qualified International student.

Ques. How do careers look like upon completion of a Masters in AI in Australia?

Ans. The most popular area where graduates of AI are desired is finance, IT, healthcare, robotics and consulting. The workers are called Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist, and AI Solutions Architects. Every year, the need of AI skills increases.

Ques. What is the average salary of Masters in AI graduate in Australia?

Ans. Average entry-level salaries of their graduates have the range of AUD 120,000 to AUD 170,000 annually. The junior positions begin at around the AUD 140,000 and the senior positions are estimated to pay up to AUD 170,000 per annum.

Ques. How many years does it take to do Masters in Artificial Intelligence in Australia?

Ans. In Australia, most master programs in AI are 1.5 and 2 years full-time, based on the previous qualifications and depending on the university. Others are flexible such as part-time or online learning.

Ques. How is Masters in AI applied in Australia?

Ans. The candidate has to deliver academic reports, English language test proficiencies, SOP, LORs, resume, and a passport copy. Applications are normally through the university websites or through the appointed representatives. An offer letter is succeeded by student visa application.

Ques. Do international students work in Australia through the AI masters?

Ans. The answer is Yes, an international student can work with up to 48 hours a fortnight during the semesters and fully in the breaks. In Australia, also there are post-study work-visas and permanent residence options towards the AI graduates.

Ques. Which Masters in Artificial intelligence program with intakes in Australia is offered?

Ans. The major intakes are February and July annually. Additional intakes include September or November in some universities, although February and July are the most typical ones to AI master programs.