Which is better, a Master’s in applied finance at the Monash University, or a Master’s in finance at the University of Melbourne?

Question

Preet J · Accepted Answer

Depends what you're really after, brand or hands-on exposure.
&bull; Monash&rsquo;s Master of Applied Finance is more skills-focused. You&rsquo;ll do real-world case studies, industry-relevant tools, and applied financial modeling. It&rsquo;s great if you&rsquo;re aiming for roles in corporate banking, treasury, or financial operations. Salaries average around AUD 65,000&ndash;80,000. &bull; Melbourne&rsquo;s Master of Finance leans academic but opens doors to investment banking, asset management, and Big 4 advisory roles. Its alumni network and CFA linkage help with long-term global mobility. &bull; Monash is slightly more affordable and flexible with intakes. Plus, it&rsquo;s easier to balance part-time work during the course. &bull; Melbourne gives more of a &ldquo;target school&rdquo; vibe. Recruiters know the name and often shortlist based on it&mdash;especially for internships and analyst roles in Sydney.
If you&rsquo;re career-switching and want a practical, job-ready degree, Monash works. But if you want brand + upward mobility in finance, Melbourne&rsquo;s the safer bet.
For more details you can read these  blogs on "Melbourne Mfin "  and "Monash University MIM"

Jayant M · Answer

The University of Melbourne&rsquo;s Master of Finance is generally considered better than Monash&rsquo;s Master of Applied Finance if you're aiming for top-tier finance roles in Australia or abroad. Melbourne ranks higher globally (Top 30 in QS for Finance) and the program is CFA-aligned, which is a big plus if you're targeting investment roles.
Melbourne&rsquo;s curriculum is more theory-heavy with a strong focus on corporate finance, asset pricing, and derivatives. Most grads land roles in investment analysis, credit risk, and consulting, with salaries ranging from AUD 80,000 to 95,000. The alumni network is stronger in Melbourne and Sydney, and the university&rsquo;s name carries more weight with multinational firms.
Monash is still a solid option, especially for students interested in more practical finance applications or who want to stay in Melbourne. But if you're aiming for long-term ROI, higher brand value, and more global recognition, Melbourne has the edge.