Join the next generation of health leaders. A flexible, globally focused MPH at Australia's most internationally recognised university — with specialisations in epidemiology, health policy, infectious diseases, and global health.
1.5 years
Full-time duration
A$49,000
Tuition / year (intl.)
Feb / Aug
Two intakes
IELTS 6.5
English requirement
Overview
✓ Study at a QS top-20 university — Australia's oldest and most globally recognised (QS #18)
✓No medical degree required — open to graduates from any discipline
✓ Health is in critical demand globally — strong career prospects
This MPH covers epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, disease prevention, and global health systems. You'll learn from leading researchers and practitioners, and apply your knowledge through a capstone project or practicum placement with a health organisation.
Public health professionals are in growing demand worldwide — from government health departments and WHO agencies to NGOs and the private sector. The degree opens doors whether you want to stay in Australia or return home to lead health policy.
The MPH is open to graduates from any discipline — business, arts, science, engineering. No medical background needed. Your counsellor assesses your eligibility.
What you'll study
Core modules
01 Epidemiology Methods
02 Biostatistics
03 Health Policy & Economics
04 Disease Prevention & Control
05 Global Health Systems
06 Capstone / Practicum
After you graduate
Career outcomes
A$80,000
Median starting salary for public health professionals
2-year visa
Post-study work visa (subclass 485)
High demand
Health sector is growing worldwide post-pandemic
Top employers
WHO, NSW Health, UNICEF, Deloitte Health
How to apply
Application timeline
Anytime (rolling admissions)
Prepare your application
Gather transcripts, take IELTS/TOEFL, write your personal statement. Your counsellor reviews everything free of charge.
January (Feb intake) / June (Aug intake)
Submit via Sydney portal
Apply directly through the University of Sydney's online portal. Applications are processed on a rolling basis — apply early for best scholarship consideration.
2–4 weeks after submission
Receive your offer
Sydney issues offers quickly. Your counsellor helps compare offers and scholarship packages across universities.
8–12 weeks before semester
Accept & student visa (subclass 500)
Accept your offer, receive your CoE, arrange OSHC, and apply for your student visa with financial proof and GTE statement.
February or August
Orientation & start
Arrive in Sydney for Welcome Week and begin your Master of Public Health programme.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees & costs
Tuition (international)
Per annum
A$49,000
Total programme cost
1.5 years
A$73,500
OSHC (health cover)
Per year
A$600–$700
Student visa fee
Subclass 500
A$710
Scholarships
Funding you may be eligible for
Sydney International Scholarship
University of Sydney · Merit-based
A$5,000–$10,000
Coverage: Tuition fee reduction
Eligibility: International master's students with strong academics
Duration: Full programme
Deadline: Automatic consideration on admission
Source: sydney.edu.au scholarships, 2026
Australia Awards Scholarship
Australian Government · Full award
Full award
Coverage: Full tuition + living allowance + flights + OSHC
Eligibility: Citizens of participating countries (MENA eligible)
Duration: Full programme
Deadline: February each year
Source: australiaawards.gov.au, 2026
Government Scholarships (home country)
Saudi SACM, Kuwaiti MOHE, etc.
Full award
Coverage: Tuition + living expenses + flights
Eligibility: Varies by country — health fields often prioritised
Duration: Full programme
Deadline: Varies — your counsellor checks eligibility
Loans & financing
Alternative funding options
Prodigy Finance
International student loan · No cosigner · Up to A$120,000
Available for international postgraduates at Australian universities. No cosigner or Australian credit history required.
Work during studies
Subclass 500 · Up to 48 hrs/fortnight during term
Student visa holders can work 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during breaks. Australia's minimum wage of A$24.10/hour means part-time work covers significant living costs.
Living costs
Monthly budget in Sydney
Sydney is Australia's most expensive city — but also its most iconic. Sharing accommodation is standard for students, and the beach lifestyle, safety, and world-class food make it worth it.
Rent (shared apartment)A$1,000–$1,500
Food & groceriesA$300–$500
Transport (Opal card)A$100–$180
OSHC (health cover)A$50–$60
Books & suppliesA$50–$100
Personal & leisureA$200–$400
Estimated totalA$1,700–$2,740/month
DHA financial proof: A$24,505/year in living costs (in addition to tuition & OSHC) required for your visa application.
Student visa
Subclass 500 requirements
Visa type
Student Visa (subclass 500)
CoE required
Confirmation of Enrolment from U of Sydney
Visa fee
A$710
OSHC
Overseas Student Health Cover — mandatory
Financial proof
A$24,505/year living + first year tuition
Post-study (subclass 485)
2-year Temporary Graduate visa — unrestricted work
Student stories
Hear from our students
"The University of Sydney MPH gave me the skills to lead health policy — the epidemiology and biostatistics training is world-class. I did my practicum with NSW Health and was offered a position before I even graduated. Sydney is expensive but the career payoff is enormous."
FA
Fatima A.
MPH, University of Sydney — Class of 2026 · 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
"I came from a business background — no science degree — and the MPH welcomed me. The global health specialisation prepared me for exactly the career I wanted. My counsellor found me an A$10,000 scholarship and handled the entire visa process."
KS
Khaled S.
MPH, University of Sydney — Class of 2025 · 🇪🇬 Egypt
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a medical or science background?
No. The MPH at Sydney is open to graduates from any discipline — arts, business, science, engineering, or health sciences. A bachelor's degree with a GPA of 65%+ is the main requirement. The programme teaches all the public health foundations from scratch.
What can I do with an MPH degree?
MPH graduates work in government health departments, WHO and UN agencies, NGOs, hospital management, pharmaceutical companies, health consulting, and health data analytics. The degree is recognised worldwide and especially valued in MENA countries where health system development is a priority.
Can I work in Australia after graduating?
Yes. After completing the 1.5-year MPH, you can apply for a 2-year Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which allows unrestricted work in Australia. Health sector roles are consistently in demand — especially epidemiology, health policy, and data analysis positions.
Is 1.5 years enough for an MPH?
Yes — 1.5 years is the standard length for an MPH internationally. The University of Sydney's programme is intensive and covers all core competencies — epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and a capstone. It's also more affordable than a 2-year programme because you save 6 months of tuition and living costs.
Is Sydney too expensive for students?
Sydney is expensive — but manageable with shared accommodation and part-time work. Rent in a shared apartment runs A$1,000–$1,500/month, and at A$24.10/hour minimum wage, working 20 hours/week earns ~A$2,000/month. Many students live in the inner-west suburbs (Newtown, Marrickville) which are cheaper and well-connected by train.
