Study in Australia
Study Computer Science in Australia
- Programs
- 163
- Universities
- 36
- Tuition from
- A$20,000
Computer science and computing degrees are among the most popular choices for international students in Australia, partly because the field maps cleanly onto the skilled-migration occupation lists. Most universities offer a two-year Master of Computer Science or Master of Information Technology that accepts graduates from any discipline, alongside three-year bachelor degrees.
Tuition for a master's runs from the low AUD 30,000s at regional and newer universities to the high AUD 40,000s at the Group of Eight. Entry usually needs a credit average (around 65 percent) in your previous degree and IELTS 6.5, though conversion master's for non-computing graduates have gentler academic bars.
Migration angle. Software engineer, data engineer, and cybersecurity roles are on the skilled occupation lists, so a computing degree plus a year of work on a 485 graduate visa is a common route toward the 189, 190, or 491.
Compare Computer Science programs
The 60 lowest-tuition Computer Science degrees for international students, of 163 in our dataset. Tuition is the indicative annual international fee; IELTS is the program’s own overall minimum where it sets one, otherwise the university’s institutional minimum. Confirm both on the course page before you apply.
Figures are approximate, drawn from this site’s database and each program’s official course page, and change annually. A dash means the figure is not published at program level.
Universities known for Computer Science
There is no official field-level ranking of Australian universities. These are the ones with a recognised reputation in Computer Science, strongest first.
- 1UNSW SydneyAustralia's largest computer science and engineering faculty, with co-op programs and a big research output.
- 2University of MelbourneStrong across AI, machine learning, and distributed systems; the Melbourne Model routes CS through a Science or Design bachelor.
- 3University of SydneyDeep strength in AI, robotics, and human-centred computing.
- 4Australian National UniversitySmall, research-heavy school with close ties to national research institutes.
- 5Monash UniversityLarge, well-resourced, with data science and cybersecurity specialisations and overseas campus options.
- 6University of QueenslandResearch-intensive with strong industry links in Brisbane's growing tech sector.
Typical entry requirements
Entry to a bachelor degree needs a completed senior secondary qualification (or a recognised foundation year) that meets the university's minimum, plus an English test, usually IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 (PTE Academic 50 to 58). Entry to a postgraduate coursework degree needs a relevant bachelor degree, often with a credit average, and IELTS 6.5 (PTE 58). Registration-based fields (nursing, teaching, psychology, architecture) set higher English bars and additional requirements. Always confirm the exact requirements for the specific program.
Computer Science in Australia: common questions
Can I do a master's in computer science in Australia without a computing background?
Yes. Many universities run a Master of Information Technology or a conversion Master of Computer Science designed for graduates of other fields. These are usually two years and cover programming fundamentals in the first semester.
Do Australian universities require GRE or GMAT for computer science?
No. No Australian university requires the GRE or GMAT for a computer science or IT master's. Admission is based on your prior academic record and an English test.
Which is cheaper, Computer Science or Information Technology?
They overlap heavily and cost about the same at most universities. IT programs are slightly more applied; computer science is more theoretical. Check the specific program's fee rather than assuming one field is cheaper.
Related
Program counts and tuition figures are drawn from this site’s database and are approximate. This is general information, not admissions or migration advice.