GIS/Geospatial Master Programs in Australia
In today’s fast-paced world, the value of postgraduate education continues to rise. For many, it’s not just about gaining deeper knowledge in a field, but also about expanding personal experiences and understanding diverse perspectives. With the world coming closer together and technology playing a bigger role, higher education is becoming more essential than ever.
Australia, known for its rich landscapes and technological advancements, has also seen a surge in the development and application of Geographic Information Science (GIS) and Geospatial technologies. If you’re keen on diving deeper into the GIS realm and see Australia as your next educational destination, this article is tailor-made for you.
Below, I’ve listed the 8 universities in Australia that offer master programs in GIS or Geospatial studies. These institutions are renowned for their dedicated faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and hands-on learning experiences. They provide students with a robust learning environment, ensuring they’re equipped with the skills needed for the future.
To help you make an informed decision, I’ve also included the 2024 tuition fee details from each university’s official website. And for the map enthusiasts out there (I’m sure you’re one of them!), I’ve pinned each university on Google My Maps for a quick and easy reference.
Dive in, and discover the best of what Australia has to offer in GIS and Geospatial education!
The University of Queensland (UQ)
Master of Geographic Information Science
- Course Title: Master of Geographic Information Science
- Location: Brisbane, Queensland
- Indicative Annual Tuition (2024):
- Domestic: AU$8,820 (approx. US$5,700)
- International: AU$44,960 (approx. US$29,000) - University World Rank:
- Overall: 43
- Environmental Sciences: 20
- Geography: 51–100
- Engineering and Technology: 100 - International Students’ English Proficiency Requirement:
IELTS overall minimum — 6.5, IELTS section minimum — 6.0 - Website: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/programs/master-geographic-information-science-5610
RMIT University (RMIT)
Master of Geospatial Science
- Course Title: Master of Geospatial Science
- Location: Melbourne, Victoria
- Indicative Annual Tuition (2024):
- Domestic: AU$31,680 (approx. US$20,400)
- International: AU$39,360 (approx. US$25,400) - University World Rank:
- Overall: 140
- Environmental Sciences: 151–200
- Geography: 51–100
- Engineering and Technology: 163 - International Students’ English Proficiency Requirement:
IELTS overall minimum — 6.5, IELTS section minimum — 6.0 - Website: https://www.rmit.edu.au/study-with-us/levels-of-study/postgraduate-study/masters-by-coursework/master-of-geospatial-science-mc265
The University of Newcastle (UoN)
Master of Professional Engineering (Geospatial Engineering and Surveying)
- Course Title: Master of Professional Engineering (Geospatial Engineering and Surveying)
- Location: Newcastle, New South Wales
- Indicative Annual Tuition (2024):
- Domestic: AU$30,690 (approx. US$19,800)
- International: AU$43,150 (approx. US$27,800) - University World Rank:
- Overall: 173
- Environmental Sciences: 151–200
- Geography: 151–200
- Engineering and Technology: 258 - International Students’ English Proficiency Requirement:
IELTS overall minimum — 6.5, IELTS section minimum — 6.0 - Website: https://www.newcastle.edu.au/degrees/master-professional-engineering-geospatial-surveying
Curtin University (CU)
Master of Geospatial Intelligence
Master of Philosophy (Geographic Information Science)
- Course Title: Master of Geospatial Intelligence / Master of Philosophy (Geographic Information Science)
- Location: Perth, Western Australia
- Indicative Annual Tuition (2024) (Master of Geospatial Intelligence):
- Domestic: AU$29,578 (approx. US$19,100)
- International: AU$39,924 (approx. US$25,700) - Indicative Annual Tuition (2024) (Master of Philosophy):
- Domestic: N/A
- International: AU$38,800 (approx. US$25,000) - University World Rank:
- Overall: 183
- Environmental Sciences: 151–200
- Geography: 201–210
- Engineering and Technology: 200 - International Students’ English Proficiency Requirement:
IELTS overall minimum — 6.0, IELTS section minimum — 6.0 - Website (Master of Geospatial Intelligence): https://www.curtin.edu.au/study/offering/course-pg-master-of-geospatial-intelligence--mc-geospi/
- Website (Master of Philosophy): https://www.curtin.edu.au/study/offering/course-research-master-of-philosophy-geographic-information-science--mr-gisc/
The University of Tasmania (UTAS)
Master of Environmental Geospatial Science
- Course Title: Master of Environmental Geospatial Science
- Location: Hobart, Tamania
- Indicative Annual Tuition (2024):
- Domestic: N/A
- International: AU$37,250 (approx. US$24,000) - University World Rank:
- Overall: 307
- Environmental Sciences: 201–250
- Geography: N/A
- Engineering and Technology: N/A - International Students’ English Proficiency Requirement:
IELTS overall minimum — 6.5, IELTS section minimum — 6.0 - Website: https://www.utas.edu.au/courses/cse/courses/p7b-master-of-environmental-geospatial-science
Flinders University (FU)
Master of Geospatial Information Systems
- Course Title: Master of Geospatial Information Systems
- Location: Adelaide, South Australia
- Indicative Annual Tuition (2024):
- Domestic: AU$35,100 (approx. US$22,600)
- International: AU$37,200 (approx. US$24,000) - University World Rank:
- Overall: 380
- Environmental Sciences: 351–400
- Geography: N/A
- Engineering and Technology: N/A - International Students’ English Proficiency Requirement:
IELTS overall minimum — 6.0, IELTS Speaking & Writing minimum — 6.0 - Website: https://www.flinders.edu.au/study/courses/postgraduate-geospatial-information-systems
The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ)
Master of Spatial Science Technology
- Course Title: Master of Spatial Science Technology
- Location: Toowoomba, Queensland
- Indicative Annual Tuition (2024):
- Domestic: AU$29,200 (approx. US$18,800)
- International: AU$35,200 (approx. US$22,700) - University World Rank:
- Overall: 410
- Environmental Sciences: 351–400
- Geography: N/A
- Engineering and Technology: N/A - International Students’ English Proficiency Requirement:
IELTS overall minimum — 6.5, IELTS section minimum — 6.0 - Website: https://www.unisq.edu.au/study/degrees/master-of-spatial-science-technology
Charles Sturt University (CSU)
Master of GIS and Remote Sensing
- Course Title: Master of GIS and Remote Sensing
- Study Mode: Online Part-time (3 years)
- Indicative Full Tuition (2024):
- Domestic: AU$32,400 (approx. US$20,900)
- International: AU$34,192 (approx. US$22,000) - University World Rank:
- Overall: 801–850
- Environmental Sciences: N/A
- Geography: N/A
- Engineering and Technology: N/A - International Students’ English Proficiency Requirement:
IELTS overall minimum — 6.0, IELTS section minimum — 6.0 - Website: https://study.csu.edu.au/international/courses/master-gis-remote-sensing
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Each of the 8 Australian universities listed above brings its own set of unique offerings and experiences, ensuring students have a broad spectrum of choices when it comes to their GIS and Geospatial studies. Australia, with its diverse landscapes and technological advancements, presents a fertile ground for immersive learning and hands-on experiences in this dynamic field.
Opting for a master program, especially in a specialised field like GIS, demands thought and diligence. From deciding upon the specific university to understanding the unique offerings of the Australian educational landscape, every step needs careful reflection. Our hope is that this article serves as a guiding light in your journey, aiding you in making the most informed choice.
For everyone reading this, may your academic and professional endeavors be filled with growth, discovery, and success in the world of GIS and beyond! (Last Updated on Sep 25, 2023)
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My name is Glenn Kong. You can find me on Medium or LinkedIn.
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