Computer science emerged as a distinct field in the early 1960s, despite the fact that the electronic digital computer, the subject of its study, was conceived roughly a decade earlier. Today, computer science is a rapidly expanding discipline, which bodes well for its future and profitability. It offers careers in software engineering, cybersecurity, and data analysis, all of which are in high demand and offer excellent growth prospects. As technology advances, it is anticipated that the need for computer science professionals will continue to expand. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, the Internet, Blockchain Technology, Cloud Computing, and software engineering are among the trends shaping computer science. The pursuit of higher education in such a field can open numerous doors of opportunities for students. A Master's degree from abroad can be one of the most exciting personal and professional experiences for a student. From discovering new interests to gaining independence, studying abroad has many advantages. A master's degree in computer science is one of the most prominent programs that can expose students to numerous technological advancements.
Australia is home to some of the world's most prestigious universities, making it one of the most popular study abroad locations for international students. In Australia, students interested in Computer Science have access to an abundance of courses. Obtaining a Master of Science in Computer Science in Australia can be a life-altering decision for a student due to the academic excellence of the education provided there.
Eligibility criteria for pursuing MS Computer Science from Australia
Completing an MS in Computer Science from a recognized Australian university can be beneficial for many reasons. But there are certain criteria that you need to follow to be considered eligible for the course. Here are some factors that you must remember before applying.
1. It is necessary to have an undergraduate degree in Computer science or a related domain with a minimum GPA of 5.0 out of 7.0 or 65% aggregate. Some universities may also demand for specialized credit scores in specific computer science related subjects.
2. Language proficiency is fundamental in Australian universities. As a student applying for higher education, you will be required to show the scores of English Language Proficiency exams like IELTS and TOEFL. It is necessary to have a good band score of more than 60%.
3. You will have to submit letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees. Reference letters, also known as letters of recommendation, are one of the most essential application components. It summarizes your skills, accomplishments, and the reasons why your previous academic and professional pursuits indicate that you will add value to your next educational endeavour.
4. An important requirement of Australian Universities is submitting a statement of purpose (SOP). A Statement of Purpose (SOP), also known as a research statement or letter of intent, is written to the admissions committee and discusses the applicant's career path, interests, professional contributions, objectives, and motivation for pursuing a specific program. The Australian SOP places greater emphasis on presenting evidence and data, whereas other countries expect you to emphasize narrative or storytelling. Australia's universities anticipate students' zeal to bring about a revolutionary change in their discipline.
5. Some universities may also ask for GRE or GMAT scores. Numerous graduate programs in disciplines such as business, engineering, and the sciences accept the GRE, a general test. It encompasses verbal and quantitative reasoning, as well as analytical writing. The GMAT, however, is designed specifically for business school programs. This is an optional and a university-specific requirement in the case of Computer science domain.
6. Keep your official transcripts from your undergraduate college ready while beginning your application process. These transcripts should show your GPA and the courses you have taken.
Top 10 global Australian Universities that provide MS in Computer Science
Below is a list of the top Australian universities for computer science based on their standing in the discipline. The table shows the ranking of universities based on their global standing and excellence in Computer Science based on the recent report published by U.S. News and World Report.
S. No |
Name of the University |
World Ranking |
Subject Ranking – Computer Science |
Location in Australia |
1. |
University of Technology Sydney |
112 |
15 |
Ultimo |
2. |
University of Sydney |
28 |
29 |
Sydney |
3. |
University of Adelaide |
74 |
41 |
Adelaide |
4. |
University of New South Wales Sydney |
37 (tie) |
48 |
Kensington |
5. |
Monash University |
37 (tie) |
60 |
Clayton |
6. |
Australian National University |
62 |
64 |
Canberra |
7. |
University of Melbourne |
27 |
66 |
Parkville |
8. |
University of Queensland |
36 |
76 |
Brisbane |
9. |
Swinburne University of Technology |
199 |
83 |
Hawthorn |
10. |
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology |
209 |
108 |
Melbourne |
Cost of pursuing an MS Computer Science for Indian Students
Australia has numerous public and private universities with international recognition, with public universities being relatively affordable. The cost of a Master of Science in Computer Science (MS) degree in Australia varies by institution, location, and program type. If you are interested in pursuing a Master of Science in Computer Science, you should consider the total cost of the program and make a decision based on that information.
The average monthly cost of living in Australia is approximately 2,326 Australian dollars (1.28 lakhs Indian rupees), with housing costs constituting the majority of expenses. The annual estimate for a full-time student with no financial aid from the university is approximately INR 25 Lacs. The annual cost of living can be approximately 10 Lacs INR. Options for scholarships and financial assistance are also available for students with good academic backgrounds. More details on the process of bagging a scholarship are explained in the following section.
The table below shows the average cost of studying MS Computer Science in some top-ranked Australian Universities.
Name of the University |
The average cost of studying MS Computer Science in INR |
University of Technology Sydney |
18 LPA |
University of Sydney |
27 LPA |
University of Adelaide |
27 LPA |
University of New South Wales Sydney |
24 LPA |
Monash University |
26 LPA |
Australian National University |
27 LPA |
University of Melbourne |
22 LPA |
University of Queensland |
26 LPA |
Scholarship Assistance
Scholarships and Financial Aid are available for Indian Students to complete an MS in Computer Science from Australia. Scholarships can help mitigate the cost of tuition, allowing more students to pursue their aspirations of pursuing higher education. Universities in Australia provide financial assistance through scholarships, loans, bursaries, and grants. In addition to merit-based financial aid, universities offer department-based support to deserving international students. Following are some of the popular scholarships that have been helping students in their various pursuits.
- International Fee Offset Scholarship for the Australian Government Research Training Program
The Australian National University awards this scholarship to international students at the Master's and Doctoral levels, partially covering living expenses and health benefits. To be eligible for the Australian National University AGRTP stipend scholarships, applicants must meet the criteria specified in the 2017 Commonwealth Scholarship Guidelines (Research), which stipulate the conditions of the award. The ANU AGRTP stipend scholarships are awarded to applicants with the highest rankings. Ensure that you satisfy the requirements based on merit.
- UTS President's Scholars
The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) offers this scholarship to exceptional international students pursuing postgraduate studies at UTS. Master's degrees with full-time enrolment are eligible for financial aid. The value of the UTSP honorarium is equivalent to the value of an Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) offered by the Australian Department of Innovation, Industry, Science, and Research (DIISR). To be eligible for a UTSP, a student must be an overseas student as defined by the Higher Education Support Act of 2003 and possess an international student visa that satisfies the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) requirements. Additionally, you must fulfill the merit requirements to qualify for this scholarship.
- India Bursary
The University of Wollongong (UOW) offers this scholarship to outstanding Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies at UOW. Master's degrees with full-time enrollment are eligible for financial aid.
- Sydney Scholars India Scholarship Program
The University of Sydney (USYD) offers the Sydney Scholars India Scholarship Program to exceptional Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies at USYD. Master's degrees with full-time enrolment are eligible for financial aid.
- AGSM Global Reach Scholarship –
This award is made available by the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) to exceptional international students pursuing postgraduate studies at AGSM. Master's degrees with full-time enrolment are eligible for financial aid.
Career Opportunities after completing MS in Computer Science
If you are considering pursuing MS in Computer science from Australia, manifold opportunities will be available for you after completing your course. Some job roles that computer science graduates popularly seek are mentioned below.
- Software Engineer
Software engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and testing software applications. They are in high demand in Australia and India, and salaries for software engineers are very competitive.
- Data Scientist
The task of a data scientist is to collect vast amounts of data, analyse it, separate the essential information, and then use tools such as SAS, R programming, Python, etc., to extract insights that can be used to increase the business's productivity and efficiency. Various levels of data science have been integrated into national and international business operations.
- Web Developer
The task of a web developer is to create websites. Many web developers are responsible for the performance and capacity of the website, despite the fact that their primary responsibility is to ensure that the site is visually appealing and simple to navigate. One of the highest-paying web development positions in India is reserved for full-stack developers due to the escalating demand.
- IT Executive
IT (information technology) executives manage the information technology requirements and systems of their organizations, such as implementing database and network designs, installing and upgrading software, ensuring system security, and troubleshooting computer issues. In India, the outlook for a career in information technology engineering is favorable, with improved career growth.
Computer Science is a rich domain that educates its pursuers with many transferable skills. The knowledge you will gain as part of your course curriculum will prepare you for various industries because technology has become an inherent part of growing enterprises. However, the above-mentioned job roles are the most in-demand considering the IT advancements of recent times, but there are various options available for students with MS in Computer science from globally recognized universities in Australia.
Conclusion
Computer Science is an expanding domain that has opened doors of opportunity for various enterprises. In the late 1960s, ARPANET, the first computer network, was developed. Computer networks have significantly impacted society, as evidenced by their eventual transformation into the internet. The internet has grown into a vast network of resources and information, emphasizing the web's immense size. Specializing in this field will make you eligible for numerous industries and career paths. These include not only evident occupations such as those in information technology and software development but also creative endeavors such as movie animation, cyber-security, and artificial intelligence.
Australia is one of the most popular study destinations among Indian students. It has been widely known for its high-quality education, multicultural environment, industrial connections, and welcoming setting that serve as a motivating factor for international students. An MS in Computer science in Australia for Indian students can be a life-changing experience. Our counselors here at Career Brick aim to guide the students in the right way toward achieving their goals.