Master in International Development

Tuition comes to 34,600 AUD per year.

La Trobe University operates at the forefront of development studies, serving as the intellectual home to the Centre for Human Security and Social Change and the La Trobe Refugee Research Centre. This environment provides students with a unique blend of rigorous academic inquiry and practical field engagement, supported by a faculty of distinguished researchers who possess deep, country-specific expertise across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific.

Direct Practitioner Engagement

What sets this programme apart is the opportunity to learn directly from active field practitioners. The curriculum is enriched by contributions from experts associated with the Humanitarian Advisory Group and various non-government organisations, ensuring students gain insights into the complexities of implementing and evaluating development interventions. Beyond the classroom, students are encouraged to pursue international study opportunities in regions such as India, Indonesia, and Peru, frequently pairing their coursework with professional placements in development agencies to bridge the gap between theory and real-world impact.

La Trobe University in Melbourne, founded in 1964, is a research-led institution serving around 22,000 students with a broad portfolio of academic offerings across approximately 40 program areas. La Trobe combines academic rigor with strong industry ties to deliver degrees that emphasize employability, research experience and global perspectives. The university is recognized for strengths across health, science, education and the creative and social sciences.

Students benefit from integrated practical learning opportunities, including internships, community-engaged projects and industry placements embedded within many courses. La Trobe’s international student services offer language assistance, career counseling and wellbeing programs that support academic adjustment and life in Australia. Collaborative teaching formats and research-informed coursework encourage critical thinking and cross-cultural exchange among diverse cohorts.

Melbourne’s dynamic cultural scene, startup ecosystem and professional networks make it an attractive backdrop for study and work opportunities. La Trobe supports students with accommodation guidance, scholarship pathways and practical advice on living in the city. Prospective international applicants should consult program pages and the international office for entry requirements, intake dates and tailored guidance to plan a successful study experience in Melbourne.