Why it’s time to invest in postgraduate study
Discover why postgraduate study is worth the investment in your future.
As industries evolve, postgraduatecourses are a great way toexpand youroptions –think of it as an investment in your future.
The worldcan beunpredictable, and it’s understandablethat many of us are wondering whatlies ahead for our careers. Here’swhynowisthe perfect time totake the next step in your career path with further study.
Your dream job won’t wait
The turbulenceof the pandemichas left usreassessing ourgoals, soit’s a good time to ask yourself whatyou want to achievein your career.Are you looking to upskillor move into a new career or industry?Do you want tofocus on an area you really care about?Or are you looking to increase your earning potential and job prospects by standing out in the job market with expertise that set you apart from your peers?There areto enhance your skills and knowledge.
It’s important to understand whatyour goals arebefore youpick the degree that’s right for you. In an ever-changing world,standing stillmeans you may be falling behind.Jobswillshapeshiftasindustriesevolve,andpostgraduate study will equip you with the skills and expertisetoadapt tothesechanges better than work experience alone.Yourdream jobwon’t always wait for you, so move forwardasthe worlddoesto ensure you’re ready when an opportunity comesknocking.
Changeisthe onlycertainty
Postgraduatestudyis alsoaboutexpandingyourthinking,openingyourselfup todiverse perspectivesanduncoveringnew passions– which are all great ways to prepare yourself to adapt to change.You couldsayhigher education has always been set up for achanging world, as every student is looking to changethe course oftheir future.
We’re here to empower you with the knowledge and expertise to thriveand grow, no matterthe challenges you face.Ourresearchers set theagendafor thefuture ofwork,ensuringourdegreeshaveversatile specialisationsbuilt into the course structure.Thisallowsyou to exploreyour optionsbyproviding the know-howto change your career, industryand pathinan ever-changingworld.
You’llgainthehands-on experienceyou need to build a career throughUNSW’s(±)Ի.
Ontop ofthis,you’llbegivenaccess toa career coach withan industrynetworkand real-worldexperience to guideyoutohelp yourtransition fromuniinto yourfirst post-study job.Findoutmore aboutour.
“I was able to apply my existing knowledge and experience to my master’s degree and my new career. In fact, it’s these unique experiences that help differentiate a person in a competitive job market.”
Tracy Wilcox
Associate Professor and Academic Director, UNSW Business School
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UNSW allows you to build a schedule that fits your life with the support of academic, lecturers, your student circle and the wider UNSW community. We're here to guide you through this changing world by offering a flexible environment and all the support services you may need.
Many of UNSW’s postgraduate programsare, and unlike most undergraduate degrees, others balance intensive blocksǰeveningclasseswith online delivery.It also pays totalk to youremployer aboutwork arrangements,as mostcompaniesarehappy to arrangeflexible hours toincorporatefurther study into your full-time job.
As a postgraduate student, youcan choose full-time or part-time study andhave the option of deferringprogramsfor upto two years. Our trimester model breaks the mould of traditional uni calendars, allowing you to complete more courses in the sametimeframe or the flexibility to study fewer courses each term if you’re balancing full-time work.
If a master’s course seems like too much of a commitment for your circumstances, enrolling in a graduate diploma or graduate certificate offers shorter study options. These shorter coursework options often accept lower entry requirements and allow you to progress into a master’s degree later and receive credit for the time you’ve studied if you want to further your postgraduate qualification.
And thecosts?We’rehere tohelp
UNSW graduates are ranked #1 in Australia for employment outcomes* and in 2023, our postgraduate alumni earned the highest median salaries three years after graduating in Australia.** While postgraduate study is aninvestment, it’s important to be financially prepared in the short term.We may not be able to provideyou withpersonalisedfinancial advice, butwecanpoint you in the rightdirection toseveralservices thatmay be able tohelp.Here are a few options:
Government support: Domestic postgraduate students may be eligible for support with their tuition fees and expenses throughǰloans, or.could also be agood option for you, offering subsidised placements through this government programs. You can learn more aboutCSPs here.
Employer support: Ask your current job about whether they offer sponsorship, study leave, or flexible working arrangements.
Claim on your tax return: If you’re undertaking study for professional development, you may be able to claim some expenses in your tax return. Find out more through theAustralian Taxation Office.
: UNSW offers several scholarships and awards to postgraduate students.
*QS World University Rankings, 2025
**QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2023
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Want to find out more about postgraduate study?
If you have any questions about studying at UNSW or how you can make your studies work for you, contact us below. We’re here to help.