Master of Biostatistics
Overview
The Master of Biostatistics will teach you the specialised application of statistics to the field of health that will enable you to make important contributions to research and evidence-based practice.
Biostatistics uses data to measure, understand and solve medical problems. This exciting and versatile discipline contributes to all fields of medical research and evidence-based healthcare. In this program, you'll develop critical analysis expertise, interpretation skills and the ability to apply relevant research findings.
This program is ideal if you're interested in advancing knowledge in biomedicine, public health, or the life sciences. You'll learn how to develop and apply statistical methods to different sets of health data, to make important contributions to research and evidence-based practice.
The program is designed for applicants who have completed an approved degree in areas such as mathematics, economics, or health.
Courses are designed to build and extend your knowledge of the theory and application of biostatistics. You'll learn how to undertake complex statistical analyses and have the option of undertaking a research project.
The program is part of the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia (BCA) which offers students the opportunity to learn from experts in the field of biostatistics across the participating universities.
The program is enriched by the School of Public Health’s strong links with leading international agencies including Australian Aid, the World Bank and the World Health Organization.
Program highlights
- Study a program developed by Australia’s foremost biostatisticians at one of the leading schools of public health in the Asia-Pacific.
- Benefit from a program enriched by the School of Public Health’s strong links with leading international agencies.
- Graduate with in-demand skills applicable to all fields of medical research and healthcare.
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Online study
What you'll study
At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:
- Introduction to Epidemiology
- Principles of Statistical Inference
- Health Indicators & Health Surveys
- Data Management & Statistical Computing
Career possibilities
Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Biostatistician
- Epidemiologist
- Bioinformatician
- Data technician
The biostatistics program will provide the advanced skills necessary to analyse health-related data. My favourite part of teaching these students is the interactive nature of the tutorial video sessions, and the active message board discussions, as we work through our understanding of the subjects
The biostatistics program will provide the advanced skills necessary to analyse health-related data. My favourite part of teaching these students is the interactive nature of the tutorial video sessions, and the active message board discussions, as we work through our understanding of the subjects
Events
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6 November
Postgraduate Clinical Informatics and Digital Health info webinar
25 November
Postgraduate Magnetic Resonance Technology Information Webinar
Stories
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UQ people
Chiemeka’s PhD story: cost-effective treatment for brain disorders
4-minute read
UQ people
Beatris’ PhD story: mapping epidemics to protect public health
5-minute read
Stories
See all storiesUQ people
Chiemeka’s PhD story: cost-effective treatment for brain disorders
4-minute read
UQ people
Beatris’ PhD story: mapping epidemics to protect public health
5-minute read
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
It's possible to complete this degree in 3 years or 2 years depending on your qualifications and experience.
You can apply for any duration as long as you meet the entry requirements. You may also be eligible to apply for credit or exemptions to shorten your degree further. You'll graduate with the same qualification no matter how long you take to complete the degree.
3-year degree (24 units of study)
To be eligible to complete the degree in 3 years part-time (only available as part-time study)part-time (only available as part-time study), you'll need:
- a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (see below), or
- the Graduate Diploma of Biostatistics from this University.
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.
2-year degree (16 units of study)
If you have relevant prior learning or experience, you can reduce the number of courses you need to complete and graduate in less time.
To be eligible to complete the degree in 2 years part-time (only available as part-time study)part-time (only available as part-time study), you'll need:
- a bachelor honours degree in the field of statistical sciences.
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.
Relevant disciplines for previous qualifications
Relevant disciplines include allied health, applied science, behavioural and social sciences (Sociology, Psychology, Counselling), biomedical sciences, biostatistics, dentistry, development studies, education, engineering, environmental health, exercise and sport science, food science, health economics, health management, mathematics, medical sciences, medicine, nursing, nutrition, occupational health and safety, oral health, pharmacy, psychology, public health or health sciences, science, speech therapy, veterinary sciences, arts (depending on the major studied).
Related programs
Depending on your previous qualifications and current goals, you might want to consider
one of these related programs:
English language requirements
IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ
TOEFL iBT (including Paper Edition) - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.
PTE Academic - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands.
BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.
CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands.
OET is not accepted.
There are other ways to meet the English language requirements. For some programs, additional conditions apply.
Student visas
This program does not meet the eligibility requirements for an Australian Student visa (subclass 500).
To study this program in Australia you will need a temporary visa or residency status with study entitlement. Some programs can also be studied from outside Australia.
Fees and Scholarships
Indicative annual fee
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (8 units). Your fees will vary according to your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
$16,280
2025
Fee information for 2026 is not yet available. Fee information displayed is for 2025.
$16,280
2026
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (8 units). Your fees will vary according to your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
AUD $25,016
2025
Fee information for 2026 is not yet available. Fee information displayed is for 2025.
AUD $25,016
2026
Government assistance
Financial aid
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
FEE-HELP
Domestic students who are accepted into the Master of Biostatistics pay tuition fees.
FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their tuition fees.
Centrelink support
The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.
Scholarships
You may be eligible for more than 100 scholarships, including:
How to apply
Applying online
All international applications should be submitted to UQ. The program code for the Master of Biostatistics is 5500.
International students who want to study this program will not be eligible for a Student Visa (subclass 500).
To study this program in Australia, you will need an Australian visa or residency status with sufficient study entitlement. Some programs can also be studied from outside Australia.
This program is available in multiple durations. You can apply for any duration as long as you meet the entry requirements.
When you apply, select your preferred duration. If you don't meet the requirements for your first preference, we'll automatically consider you for entry into a longer duration.
Applying online
All domestic applications should be submitted to UQ.
The program code for the Master of Biostatistics is 5500.
This program is available in multiple durations. You can apply for any duration as long as you meet the entry requirements.
When you apply, select your preferred duration. You can also ask us to consider you for a longer duration if you don't meet the entry requirements for your first preference.
Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in semester 2 - May 31 of the year of commencement.
- To commence study in semester 1 - November 30 of the previous year.
Visa processing times vary. Apply and accept your offer as early as you can.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in Semester 1 - January 31 of the year of commencement.
- To commence study in Semester 2 - June 30 of the year of commencement.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
For support with applying – or if you have any questions about university life – get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.
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