AU · Master's
University of Melbourne
MA Creative Writing
University of Melbourne
Course Overview
The University of Melbourne is Australia's #1 university (QS top 15 globally) and Melbourne is a UNESCO City of Literature with a thriving publishing and literary-festival culture. The MA Creative Writing, run through the School of Culture and Communication, develops students' craft across fiction, poetry, life-writing and screen / digital forms, combining workshops with critical study and a substantial creative thesis. For Sri Lankan writers and English / arts graduates, Melbourne offers a globally prestigious base in one of the English-speaking world's most literary cities.
The programme pairs intensive writing workshops with editing, publishing and critical-theory components, culminating in a portfolio or manuscript developed under supervision. Melbourne's links to publishers, literary magazines and the Wheeler Centre give students real industry exposure. Australia's post-study Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) provides 2-3 years of work rights, useful for breaking into publishing, editing and arts roles before returning home.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Bachelor's degree (credit average / 65%+ or above) in a relevant field — Sri Lankan bachelor's degrees from Colombo, Peradeniya and Kelaniya accepted.
- check_circle A creative writing sample / portfolio is required.
- check_circle Personal statement on your writing practice and goals.
- check_circle Certified transcripts and degree documents.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall (min 6.0 in each band).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 79 Overall.
- check_circle PTE Academic: 58 Overall.
- check_circle Waived if your bachelor's degree was taught and assessed entirely in English (most Sri Lankan English-medium graduates qualify with an MOI letter).
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (AUD) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | AUD 43,000 | Rs. 9,030,000 |
| Living Expenses in Melbourne (per year) | AUD 27,000 | Rs. 5,670,000 |
| Student Visa & OSHC Health Cover | AUD 3,000 | Rs. 630,000 |
| Books, Materials & Travel | AUD 2,000 | Rs. 420,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | AUD 75,000 | Rs. 15,750,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Melbourne graduates are eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), giving 2-3 years of post-study work rights. Creative-writing graduates move into publishing, editing, copywriting and content roles, arts administration, festivals and media, with some progressing to a PhD or professional writing careers. Sri Lankan returnees route into publishing, journalism, advertising / content, communications and university teaching.
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ඔබට සුදුසු විශ්වවිද්යාලයක් තේරීම, අයදුම්පත් යොමු කිරීම, SOP සකස් කිරීම සහ වීසා ලබා ගැනීම ඇතුළු සෑම පියවරකදීම, ඔබ වෙනුවෙන් සියලුම වගකීම් විශ්වාසවන්තව අප භාර ගනිමු.