Master of Systems Engineering
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
You're viewing degree information for International students
You're considered an International student if you are:
- NOT an Australian or New Zealand citizen
- NOT an Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
LMDI
Fees
AUD$ 27,100 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025
English Language Requirements
- IELTS total [6.0]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements
CRICOS Code
This program is not available to students wishing to study in Australia on a student visa
-
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements
Entry requirements
Applicants will be required to have completed a Bachelor degree, Graduate Certificate, or a Graduate Diploma in a relevant discipline from a recognised higher education institution.
Relevant disciplines for entry typically include engineering (aeronautics, astronautics, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, industrial, mechanical, nuclear, software, systems), chemistry, physics, computer science, or mathematics. Applicants with qualifications in other disciplines are encouraged to apply and will be assessed on a case by case basis.
Applicants who have:
- A relevant four year honours degree, or a three year bachelor degree with a minimum of three years relevant professional work experience in a senior role in STEM related industries, are eligible to enter the program with 18 units advanced standing and complete the program in 1 year of full time study or part-time equivalent.
English language entry requirements
In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:English language testPlease access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements: English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)- IELTS total [6.0]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
For international students, this program can only be studied online from their home country.
Degree overview
- Understand the full systems engineering life cycle, from conceptual design through to delivery into operations.
- Learn to apply interdisciplinary skills associated with engineering management, integrated logistics support, test and evaluation, model based systems engineering and project management.
- Endorsed by the Naval Shipbuilding College (NSC) as part of the College Endorsement Process.
- Draw on expertise from industry to underpin the focus on real-world defence sector requirements.
- Develop high level engineering skills relevant to Australia's National Defence Interest.
- UniSA is rated well above world-class for research in engineering1.
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities2, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
2UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
This program provides recent graduates from a wide range of disciplines such as engineering, finance, business, and management with opportunity to kick start their career as systems engineers in Defence industries or other industries such as telecommunication, transportation, and rail.
The program is also ideal career step for a range of engineers and professionals in defence or non-defence industries: mid-career professionals with three or more years’ of experience from graduation, working within a defence or non-defence company who are looking to further their formal qualifications in engineering and prepare for a role as a senior engineer or a systems engineer; engineers from small to medium enterprises where the company is seeking to be part of a supply chain for a defence prime, and needs to increase the level of defence engineering knowledge in the company.
This postgraduate degree is offered as part of a suite of two programs (graduate diploma and master). The Graduate Diploma qualification easily transitions to a master level qualification.
There are also opportunities available to upskill with a Defence Professional Certificate, you may also receive credit for the Master of Systems Engineering. For more information about the new Defence short courses please visit our defence short course website.
What you'll learn
You'll draw on your foundation of engineering knowledge to develop further skills in systems engineering, particularly tailored to the defence sector, and encompassing other sectors such as telecommunication, rail, mining, healthcare etc.
Courses taught in the program will align with the University's research strengths including: systems engineering and systems architecting, autonomous and unmanned systems, information technology, project management and engineering management, and the execution of large scale projects. Students will focus on a systems engineering approach to full life cycle development, from systems design and implementation, to test and evaluation and integration. The program will also develop skills in engineering management and integrated logistics support. Students will have the opportunity to study elective courses of their choice to broaden their knowledge and skills in specific areas and domains.
Through in-class exercises, coursework assignments, and the completion of a research project, you will develop an advanced knowledge of, and learn to implement, systems engineering tools and problem-solving methodologies in a complex systems environment.
In the final semester, students have the option of completing a minor thesis in a topic relevant to their workplace, or a group project where they will apply the theory and techniques to realistic problems in a professional development context.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- reports and project documentation
- essays
- group projects and presentations
- reflective journals
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Master of Systems Engineering
Major projects in defence, telecommunication and rail industries are inherently complex systems, which draw on many disciplines; including hardware, software, power electrical, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, and engineering management. The integration of these disciplines in a systematic way requires the coordination of many and diverse resources over an extended period.
This program enables you to develop an advanced understanding of the principle and practice of systems engineering in the development of complex systems through a combination of practical case studies and in-class exercises based on real-world scenarios.
This program is studied online.
Your career
Graduates of the program will be able to further their careers in various roles within the defence industry and government departments.
Potential employers include:
- Department of Defence
- Lockheed Martin
- Naval Group
- Nova Systems
- SAAB Australia
- Thales
- ASC
- BAE Systems
- Boeing
- Telstra
- Optus
- Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship
Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.
International Merit Scholarship
Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.
Your study experience and support
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
- career advice and mentoring
- help with student visas and health cover
- personal counselling
- academic counselling
- fees and finance help
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- accommodation services
- as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your program director
Dr Mahmoud Efatmaneshnik is a senior Lecturer at UniSA, where he teaches Model Based Systems Engineering and Integrated Logistics Support, among other courses. He has a PhD in Complexity Management for Systems Engineering from University of New South Wales. He has valuable Systems Engineering experience with the $200M Systems F6 DARPA (Defence Advanced Research Project Agency) project in the US as well as with an ARC-Linkage project on Automated Agriculture System. He has thought Systems Engineering and related topics in UNSW-ADFA and ANU. He is the editor in chief of Australian Journal of Multidisciplinary Engineering. He has served on the board of Systems Engineering Society of Australia (SESA) for any years and works closely with that of INCOSE.
Ask UniSA
-
How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
-
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
-
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.
