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Masters in Biotechnology in Australia – A Perfect Guide

Updated on 10 October, 2023

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

A student can pursue Masters in Biotechnology in Australia for its excellent prospects and overall scope. This course is available at more than 40 leading Australian universities, and the tenure of this course varies between 1.5 and 2 years. 

 

The average MS in biotechnology in Australia costs roughly between AUD 55,000 and 90,000 (INR 49,16,513 approx). Students with undergraduate degrees in related subjects like life sciences can apply for these courses. 

Why study masters in biotechnology in Australia? 

Pursuing a biotechnology masters in Australia can be a rewarding opportunity for various reasons, including the following: 

  • Australia is one of the top countries to study biotechnology, home to some of the best global educational institutions in this field. 
  • Melbourne is home to more than 25 acclaimed research institutions famous worldwide. 
  • Studying an MS in biotechnology in Australia can be your gateway to pursuing a Ph.D. and advanced research programs in the future. 
  • As per several studies and reports, the biotechnology sector may generate roughly $1 Trillion in turnover by 2025. 
  • Various funds such as the Medical Research Future Fund offer approximately AUD 20,000 billion while the Biomedical Translation Fund contributes AUD 500 million for Australian biotech companies. 
  • Jobs for skilled graduates are expected to increase in the years to come. 

Top universities for pursuing MS in biotechnology in Australia

Pursuing masters in biotechnology in Australia can be a good decision if you apply to some of the top universities in the country, as listed below: 

Name of Institution

Name of the CourseTotal Cost of the Program
University of MelbourneMaster of BiotechnologyAUD 90,725 (INR 49,65,708 )
Australian National UniversityMaster of BiotechnologyAUD 91,278 (INR 49,97,875)
University of New South WalesMRes BiotechnologyAUD 89,856 (INR 49,20,014)
University of Technology, SydneyMaster of Medical BiotechnologyAUD 60,480 (INR 33,12,070)
University of QueenslandMasters in Biotechnology AUD 85,376 (INR 46,74,087)
Monash UniversityMaster of BiotechnologyAUD 83,800 (INR 45,88,316)
University of AdelaideMaster of Biotechnology (Biomedical)AUD 81,000 (INR 44,35,007)
Griffith UniversityMaster of BiotechnologyAUD 66,000 (INR 36,13,709)

Highlights of the Program

Here are some of the course highlights that you should note, while pursuing masters in biotechnology in Australia for international students. 

Name of the Course

Masters (MS) in Biotechnology
Eligibility CriteriaProficiency in English language + Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
Cost of StudyApproximately AUD 40,000 (INR 21,91,889)
Average Salaries for ProfessionalsApproximately AUD 95,000 (INR 52,06,107)
Leading recruiters Biotech companies, pharmaceutical companies, R&D centres, laboratories, government organizations, etc. 
Alternative Options Medical writing, scientific reporting, health informatics, etc. 

Cost of studying MS in Biotechnology in Australia

Students should cautiously check the cost of overseas education before applying. The key heads include the following: 

  • INR 12,750 in TOEFL costs. 
  • AUD 575 (INR 31,509.68) in visa registration charges. 
  • INR 14,700 in IELTS costs. 
  • AUD 50-150 (INR 8,216) in average costs of applications. 
  • Tuition costs are roughly AUD 40,000-90,000 (INR 49,29,575 approx) on average. 
  • AUD 80-280 (INR 15,339 approx) per week in groceries and eating out. 
  • AUD 35-140 (INR 7,666 approx) per week for electricity and gas costs. 
  • AUD 15-55 (INR 3,012 approx) per week for public transportation. 
  • AUD 20-55 (INR 3,012 approx) for phone and internet costs. 
  • AUD 1,439 (INR 78,823) (approx) for renting a 480 sq ft apartment. 
  • AUD 2,204 (INR 1,20,744) (approx) for renting a 900 sq ft apartment. 
  • On average, medications and utility products will require AUD 6-9 (INR 493). 

The average cost of living is higher in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Students may also opt for homestays and other facilities along with shared and rental accommodation. 

Also Read
Study in AustraliaWhy Study in Australia?IELTS Score for Australia
491 Visa AustraliaMBA fees in AustraliaEducation System in Australia
Job Opportunities in AustraliaPart time Jobs in AustraliaTop Cities in Australia

Admission Procedure for Masters in Biotechnology in Australia

International aspirants can submit their applications in two intake seasons, namely February and July. The eligibility criteria include the following: 

  • The applicant should be a bachelor’s degree holder in a relevant discipline. 
  • Minimum marks should be 50-70%, depending upon the institution. 
  • Many institutions insist on undergraduate majors in subjects relevant to applied or biomedical sciences along with life sciences or chemistry
  • Many universities insist on a GPA of 5.0 or 4.5. 
  • IELTS scores should ideally be around 6.5, while recommended TOEFL scores are between 79-93. 

The necessary documents for applying online include LORs (letters of recommendation), official educational transcripts, SOP (Statements of Purpose), and student visa documents. 

Job prospects after doing MS in management in Australia

The scope of biotechnology in Australia is vast. Biotechnology encompasses multiple areas of study and offers employment opportunities in diverse segments such as science, manufacturing, patent law, business development, and policy. Average weekly payouts in the field may touch AUD 1794 (INR 98,334), while research scientists with 1-4 years of professional experience earn up to AUD 80,842 (INR 44,30,408) annually. Those with experience of 5-9 years can earn up to AUD 83,427 (INR 45,72,435). 

Biomedical engineers may earn approximately AUD 80,000 (INR 43,84,609) while pharmacists earn up to AUD 101,000 (INR 55,35,418) . Average salaries often stand at AUD 97,500 (INR 53,43,538) and the highest salary in the sector may touch up to AUD 146,000 (INR 80,01,605). Some of the predominant job roles include bioinformatics technicians, biostatisticians, biological scientists, biomedical engineers, clinical consultants, and many more.

Other careers opportunities include scientific reporting, medical writing, health informatics, etc.

Visa Procedure 

The Australian 500 subclass visa offers five years of education coverage. You may apply for the Australian Student visa while paying AUD 620 as the basic charge. 

Below mentioned documents are required for the process: 

  • Valid visa 
  • Receipt of application fee payments 
  • GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) official statement 
  • Offer letter 
  • Co-curricular and academic transcripts and records
  • Proof of funds 
  • Proof of English language proficiency via test scores
  • SOP (Statement of Purpose)
  • Health insurance proof
  • Photographs (passport-sized)
Further Resources to read
Cost of Study in AustraliaCost of MS in AustraliaSOP for Australia
Requirements for Studying in AustraliaJobs After MBA in AustraliaCost of living in Australia
How to Study in Australia from India?Study in Australia for Indian Students After 12thStudent visa for Australia

Available Scholarships

Many scholarships are available for meritorious international students and the amount is up to AUD 15,000 (INR 8,22,736) annually. Some of the top options include Australia Awards, Endeavour Leadership Program, and Dr. Abdul Kalam International Postgraduate Scholarship. 

Name of Scholarship

Criteria Scholarship Amount (AUD)
School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences Indian Scholarship at the University of QueenslandThe applicant should be an Indian citizen with a 75% GPA in an undergraduate course. 50% of the cost of tuition and 100% SSAF for the minimum program tenure 
Monash International Merit ScholarshipWMA 85, along with submitting a statement of around 500 words. Students should get 70% marks in class. AUD 10,000 (INR 5,48,491) per year
La Trobe Excellence ScholarshipWeighted 65% average

WMA: 65-69.99 will be eligible for the 15% scholarship on the annual fees. 

WMA: 70-74.99 will qualify for the 20% scholarship on the annual fees. 

WMA: 75% and above will have eligibility for a 25% scholarship that applies on annual fees

Postgraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship via UTSApplicants should be international students. AUD 5,000 (INR 2,74,32) for the first UTS session

FAQs

Is Australia good for biotechnology?

Australia is one of the leading global nations for biotechnology, many reports suggest that the country is ahead of its other counterparts like Germany and the United Kingdom (UK). Melbourne is also home to several renowned global biotechnology companies, and the same is being witnessed in several other emerging Australian cities. The Government of Australia is hugely advocating the growth of the industry. The country is strong in pharmaceuticals, medical, agricultural, and other related fields.

What is the scope of biotechnology in Australia after masters?

Biotechnology has vast scope in Australia, especially for those completing their master’s courses in the subject. Australia is strong in biotechnology-driven environmental, agricultural, and medical research. The Government is also supporting the growth of this industry, and there are sufficient employment opportunities generated every year by biotech companies and other research firms in the country.


 

 

 

How many biotech companies are there in Australia?

Australia is known for its flourishing biotechnology sector. The support provided by the Government and the abundance of research opportunities has led to more than 470 biotech companies setting up their offices in the country. As per Scientific American Worldview and other reports, Australia is one of the top-5 globally ranked countries for biotechnology, surpassing other countries like the UK. The Government has already infused billions of dollars in the sector and gave tax breaks to biotech companies investing in research and development.

How much does a biotechnologist make in Australia?

Entry-level biotechnologists with experience of less than a year can earn approximately AUD 55,955 (INR 30,70,117). Those with experience of 1-4 years may earn up to AUD 58,594 (INR 32,14,749) or more.

Can I get a PR in Australia if I complete my master’s in biotechnology?

You should get your qualification or degree assessed by an authorized institution or body in Australia. You should have completed your bachelor’s degree or higher degree with proper eligibility and working in your related or nominated profession over the last three months in the country for 190 eligibility. 491 eligibility does not require work experience. After studying in Australia, permanent residency (PR) is possible if you get a post-study work visa after finishing your course. You can then apply for General Skilled Migration to get PR status.

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

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