Program Overview

Overview

The Master of Governance and Public Policy is a postgraduate program designed to equip students with advanced skills in policy analysis, governance, and public sector leadership. The program offers a mix of theoretical study and practical projects, preparing students for leadership roles in government, NGOs, and international organizations.

Program Structure

The program is available in multiple durations, including 1 year, 1.5 years, and 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent). Students can choose from over 40 subjects and projects, including policy design and implementation, economic analysis, dynamics of governance, globalization, and international crisis management.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the program, students must meet the following requirements:

• A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, or
• A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, with a GPA of 5.0, or
• A bachelor's degree in any discipline with a GPA of 5.0, plus 3 years full-time equivalent, relevant work experience in a public policy organization.

Relevant Disciplines

Relevant disciplines include:

• Political sciences
• Social sciences
• Governance
• Public policy
• Public administration
• Public management
• Political science
• Organizational studies
• History
• Law

English Language Requirements

International students must meet the English language requirements, which include:

• IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6
• TOEFL iBT (including Paper Edition) - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21, and speaking 19
• PTE Academic - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub-bands
• BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills
• CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub-bands

Fees and Scholarships

The indicative annual fee for the program is $31,200 (2026). International students can expect to pay approximately $45,792 (2026). Scholarships are available, and students may be eligible for financial aid or government assistance.

Career Possibilities

Graduates of the Master of Governance and Public Policy program can pursue careers in:

• Economic policy
• Diplomacy
• International relations
• Social enterprises
• Not-for-profits
• State and federal government departments

Program Highlights

The program offers:

• Interaction with world-class scholars and policy practitioners
• Participation in the Graduate Centre Mentorship program
• Optional internship or research project with industry leaders in a workplace setting

How to Apply

Students can apply online, and the program code for the Master of Governance and Public Policy is 5607. The closing date for the program is:

• To commence study in semester 2 - May 31 of the year of commencement
• To commence study in semester 1 - November 30 of the previous year

Related Programs

Depending on previous qualifications and current goals, students may also consider:

• Graduate Diploma in Governance and Public Policy
• Graduate Certificate in Governance and Public Policy

Student Visas

International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Master of Governance and Public Policy are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500). There are a number of requirements that must be satisfied before a visa is granted, including the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.