AU · Master's
University of Sydney
Master of International Relations
University of Sydney
Course Overview
The University of Sydney is one of Australia's Group of Eight research universities and ranks among the world's top 20 (QS). Its Master of International Relations is a flagship postgraduate programme covering global security, foreign policy, the Indo-Pacific and international political economy — a field of obvious relevance to Sri Lanka given its strategic position in the Indian Ocean. For Sri Lankan graduates eyeing diplomacy, development and policy careers, Sydney combines genuine global prestige with Australia's strong post-study work and migration pathways.
The 1.5-year programme blends core international-relations theory and methods with electives spanning Asian regional politics, global governance and conflict, plus a capstone or research component. Sydney's depth in Indo-Pacific studies and links to think tanks (the Lowy Institute, USSC) give students strong policy exposure. Australia's post-study Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) lets graduates work for 2-3 years, with skilled-migration pathways beyond.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Bachelor's degree (credit average / 65%+ or above) in any discipline — Sri Lankan bachelor's degrees from Colombo, Peradeniya, Kelaniya, SLIIT and NSBM accepted.
- check_circle A relevant background or work experience strengthens the application.
- check_circle Personal statement on your international-affairs interests.
- check_circle Certified transcripts and degree documents.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 7.0 Overall (min 6.0 in each band).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 96 Overall.
- check_circle PTE Academic: 64 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 52,000 | Rs. 10,920,000 |
| Living Expenses in Sydney (per year) | AUD 29,000 | Rs. 6,090,000 |
| Student Visa & OSHC Health Cover | AUD 3,500 | Rs. 735,000 |
| Books, Materials & Travel | AUD 2,000 | Rs. 420,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | AUD 86,500 | Rs. 18,165,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Sydney graduates are eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), giving 2-3 years of post-study work rights, with skilled-migration pathways beyond. Graduates move into roles at DFAT-equivalent foreign-affairs bodies, the UN, think tanks (Lowy Institute, USSC), development agencies (DFAT / aid programmes), and multinationals' government-affairs teams. Sri Lankan returnees route into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, multilateral organisations, development agencies and international NGOs.
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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.