What WAM / GPA Do I Need for Postgraduate Study?
Thinking about a Masters or a PhD? Here's the reality of what grades you actually need to get accepted into Australian postgraduate programs.
Masters by Coursework
Coursework Masters (like an MBA, Master of IT, or Master of Public Health) are generally the most accessible postgraduate degrees. They are usually full-fee paying (unless you secure a Commonwealth Supported Place), which means universities have a financial incentive to accept students.
Standard Cutoff
A solid Pass to low Credit average is usually enough for most coursework Masters.
Competitive Cutoff
Required for highly competitive degrees (like Clinical Psychology) or top-tier unis (Group of Eight).
Pro Tip: Many coursework programs will accept relevant industry experience in lieu of a strong undergraduate WAM. If your WAM is below 60, working in the field for 2-3 years can often secure you a place.
Masters by Research (MPhil)
A Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Masters by Research is heavily thesis-based. Because you are consuming academic resources and supervisor time, the entry requirements are significantly higher.
The Standard Requirement
You usually need an Upper Second Class Honours (H2A) equivalent or a solid Distinction average. Crucially, you must have strong grades in your 3rd-year research methods or capstone subjects.
Beyond your WAM, entry into a research degree almost always requires you to find a supervisor willing to take you on before you apply. A WAM of 80 won't help you if no professor has the capacity to supervise your specific research topic.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
A PhD is the highest academic degree available. In Australia, you generally do not enter a PhD directly from a 3-year Bachelor's degree (unlike in the US). You must first complete an Honours year or a Masters by Research.
The Golden Ticket
Graduating with First Class Honours (H1) is the standard pathway to a PhD. It guarantees you meet the academic criteria for entry at virtually any Australian university.
If you graduate with H2A (75-79 WAM), you can still get into a PhD, but you may need to demonstrate exceptional research potential, such as having a peer-reviewed publication or extensive research assistant experience.
If you are aiming for a PhD, use our Honours WAM Calculator to ensure your thesis mark is high enough to secure that H1 classification.