Master of Engineering Science (Food Process Engineering)
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 1 - 2 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 8338
- CRICOS code 084282A
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Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this program2026 Indicative CSP first year fee
- $9,500*
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2026 Indicative CSP fee to complete degree
- $19,000*
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2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $61,000*
-
2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $127,000*
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
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Upskill or retrain
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Specialised degree
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Hands-on learning
Admissions update for international students
Some programs are at capacity for 2026 intakes and new applications are closed to New Overseas Student Commencement (NOSC). Applications to all 2027 intakes are open.
Click to find our latest updates for international student admissions.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The Master of Engineering Science in Food Process Engineering is a two-year postgraduate degree offered by Australia’s leading engineering faculty. This allows you to specialise in food processing and food manufacturing.
Designed for students with a four-year accredited engineering degree, this program broadens your career opportunities through cross-training, re-training, or specialisation. You will learn the latest processing technologies and the core principles of food engineering. 
Your studies will cover essential areas, such as:
- Food engineering
- Product quality
- Food safety and quality assurance
- Food packaging
- Industry best practices in food technology
Our flexible study options in Food Process Engineering provide a deeper understanding of the food manufacturing industry. Learn from experts in food process engineering and food scientists who will equip you with strategies and tools to enhance efficiency and performance in food production.
The Master of Engineering Science program emphasises flexible learning as a keystone of the program. In this postgraduate degree, you will dive deeper into processing technology, the rheological properties and engineering of different foods, shelf-life, thermal and nonthermal processing and the life cycle of plants.
Why study at 91É«ÇéƬ?
91É«ÇéƬ has been a pioneer in Food Science, Technology, and Nutrition for over 65 years and has a strong focus on developing sustainable solutions in the energy, resources, health and food sectors both nationally and internationally.
We're rankedÌý#1 in Australia andÌý#33 globally for Engineering and Technology.ÌýAs well as this, 8 of 91É«ÇéƬ's Engineering schools are ranked in the global topÌý50 withÌýone school ranked in the global topÌý10 for Engineering subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026).
You will study in world-class facilities alongside leading experts who are also dedicated teachers and mentors. In 2019, the ERA Research Excellence ranked us five-stars in Food Sciences, the highest possible rating. For over 65 years, the school has been at the forefront of research and teaching excellence.ÌýÌý
Benefits of studying with us:  
- Strong partnerships with industry in education, research, training, and employment.
- Learn in new facilities with purpose-built modern laboratories and collaborative learning spaces.
- Work-integrated learning elective allows you to apply what you learn in industry placements as part of your degree.
- 91É«ÇéƬ is known for its graduate employability, with 91É«ÇéƬ awarded the Most Employable students forÌýseven years in a row (Australian Financial Review (AFR) Top100 Future Leaders & Graduate Employers Awards, 2020–2026).
Want to see more from 91É«ÇéƬ Engineering?
Entry requirements
There are two entry points into this Master of Engineering Science specialisation depending on your cognate background. This provides a structured and supportive option for students with a non-cognate background, while enabling students with cognate backgrounds earlier flexibility in their course selection. Both entry points equate to the same duration of 2 years (96 UOC), and differ only in the order and structure of core foundation courses.
Students with a cognate background:
Entry into the Master’s program requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in a cognate discipline. A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor’s degree is mandatory.*
Students with a non-cognate background:
Students with a non-cognate background can enter the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway.
Entry into the pathway requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in any engineering discipline.
A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor’s degree is mandatory.*
Successful applicants will be offered entry to the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway. Students can transition to the Master of Engineering Science after passing 18 UOC of foundational courses. The total study duration is the same as the entry point for students with a cognate background (2 years/ 96 UOC). There is no separate application required for this pathway. Applicants with non-cognate backgrounds must apply for the Master of Engineering Science to be considered for this entry.
*Qualifications from non-211 Chinese Universities will require a 70% average
Ìý
| Cognate Discipline | |
|
|
Ìý
Recognition of Prior Learning (Credit Transfer)
Recognition of Prior Learning is the transfer of credit towards your program from previous study. If you have relevant previous study experience, you may be eligible for credit points that would enable you to complete your Master of Engineering Science in as little as one year, or another accelerated option listed below dependent on your previous study.
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ÌýA 4 year Bachelor Degree with honours (Ìýequivalent)Ìýfrom any institution in a cognate discipline.
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A 3 year Bachelor Degree (Ìýequivalent)Ìýfrom any institution in a cognate discipline.
English language requirements
Ìý
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at 91É«ÇéƬ depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why 91É«ÇéƬ requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.Ìý
There are two entry points into this Master of Engineering Science specialisation depending on your cognate background. This provides a structured and supportive option for students with a non-cognate background, while enabling students with cognate backgrounds earlier flexibility in their course selection. Both entry points equate to the same duration of 2 years (96 UOC), and differ only in the order and structure of core foundation courses.
Students with a cognate background:
Entry into the Master’s program requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in a cognate discipline. A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor’s degree is mandatory.*
Students with a non-cognate background:
Students with a non-cognate background can enter the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway.
Entry into the pathway requires completion of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering degree (or equivalent) or 3-year Engineering Science degree in any engineering discipline.
A minimum 65% average, or its equivalent, throughout the qualifying bachelor’s degree is mandatory.*
Successful applicants will be offered entry to the Master of Engineering Science via the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Science/Master of Engineering Science pathway. Students can transition to the Master of Engineering Science after passing 18 UOC of foundational courses. The total study duration is the same as the entry point for students with a cognate background (2 years/ 96 UOC). There is no separate application required for this pathway. Applicants with non-cognate backgrounds must apply for the Master of Engineering Science to be considered for this entry.
*Qualifications from non-211 Chinese Universities will require a 70% average
Ìý
| Cognate Discipline | |
|
|
Ìý
Recognition of Prior Learning (Credit Transfer)
Recognition of Prior Learning is the transfer of credit towards your program from previous study. If you have relevant previous study experience, you may be eligible for credit points that would enable you to complete your Master of Engineering Science in as little as one year, or another accelerated option listed below dependent on your previous study.
-
ÌýA 4 year Bachelor Degree with honours (Ìýequivalent) from any institution in a cognate discipline.
-
A 3 year Bachelor Degree (Ìýequivalent) from any institution in a cognate discipline.
Admission pathways
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with . 91É«ÇéƬ College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your 91É«ÇéƬ journey with confidence. 
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at 91É«ÇéƬ depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why 91É«ÇéƬ requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at 91É«ÇéƬ. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit theÌýEnglish Language RequirementsÌýpage.Ìý
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Program structure
When you study a Master of Engineering Science, you will choose from one of 26 specialisations which will help you make your next career move.
Within these specialisations your study will include:
- Foundational courses
- Disciplinary courses
- Advanced disciplinary courses
- Engineering and Technical Management Courses
- Enquiry-based courses (Product development or research thesis)
You will be able to tailor your degree to your interests by combining courses in your chosen specialisation with elective courses.
You will also have the chance to work on a complex, open-ended enquiry-based research project.
Full program structure
Degree structures can vary depending on your specialisation of choice, the number of courses you choose and timetabling, to give you an indication you can consider the below.
Depending on your specialisation and your previous studies/professional experience you may study:
- 2 Foundational courses
- 7 Disciplinary Courses (4 core and 3 electives)
- 3 Advanced Disciplinary Courses (1 core and 2 electives
- 1 Engineering and Technical Management Course
- 3 Enquiry-based courses (which include a research project or product development courses)
You will acquire the technical knowledge and skills needed for your chosen specialisation through the Disciplinary and Advanced Disciplinary Knowledge courses. You will also stay updated on cutting-edge developments in your area of interest.
- Advanced Disciplinary and Disciplinary Core Courses such as Unite Operations in Food Engineering, Advanced Food Engineering, Advanced Processing Technologies, Advanced Process Control, and Membrane Processes are designed to sharpen your technical mastery and keep you at the forefront of industry innovation.
- Master the essentials of launching a startup, gain real-world skills to successfully commercialise your ideas through a hands-on course designed for tomorrow’s innovators.
- Science Technical Management electives will help you:
- build your ability to communicate and defend critical decisions with clarity and confidence,
- apply ethical frameworks to solve complex challenges
- developing leadership agility to drive projects, inspire teams, and shape strategy in high-stakes environments.
- You will complete a research project or a product design and development within the enquiry-based courses. You can use this course to refine research capabilities for postgraduate success, build a foundation for a future PhD or step into an industry leadership role to tackle global challenges in sustainability, food security, and R&D.
Future careers
91É«ÇéƬÌýFoodÌýgraduates are in high demandÌýdue to their high skill level, with excellent employment opportunitiesÌýinÌýtheÌýfoodÌýandÌýbeverage industries, university and CSIRO research, and government regulatory bodies such as FSANZ.ÌýGraduates of the Master of Engineering Science in Food Processing Engineering can pursue a range of professional opportunities in roles including:
- Food process engineer
- Automation engineer
- Bioprocessing engineer
- Packaging engineer
- Food waste reduction engineer
- Supply chain engineer
- Food safety systems manager
- Validation engineer
- Cold chain specialist
- 3D food printing specialist
- Digital twin engineer
- Precision fermentation engineer
91É«ÇéƬ Engineering graduates are some of the most sought-after professional engineers in Australia and abroad thanks to the reputation of our research and teaching.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through ourÌýÌýportal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date.ÌýFind out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted viaÌýourÌý service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date.ÌýFor details, visit theÌýinternational admissions information page.
Ìý
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
There are a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available for this degree/program.ÌýYour eligibility to receive a CSP will be automatically assessed when you apply, please ensure you preference the CSP code in UAC to be considered. Start your postgraduate application today with our guide onÌýhow to apply. 
Please note that eligibility for Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) is competitive, with places awarded based on academic merit. To find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.
Commonwealth Study Assistance such as Austudy, and Youth Allowance is available for some master’s degrees. For the most up-to-date information and list of degrees visitÌý91É«ÇéƬ Current Student Financial Support.
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking theÌýdegree/program.ÌýThe indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed whenÌýrequiredÌýand may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at theÌý.
*Fees are subject to annual review (or whenÌýrequired) by the University and may vary accordingly.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated averageÌýusing historical student enrolment patterns for each program, which may change every year. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year you enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at theÌý91É«ÇéƬ fees website.
Indicative first year fees are for tuition only. Indicative fees to complete the degree/programÌýinclude tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year and have been calculated based on percentage increase for every year of the degree/program, noting that actual fee increase may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Other fees and charges are not included. To find out more about other costsÌýfor international students, visitÌý.Ìý
Scholarships
At 91É«ÇéƬ, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Featured scholarship
The 91É«ÇéƬ Women in Engineering Research Scholarship was established to assist women of high academic achievement with an interest in a research and/or an academic career in engineering. 91É«ÇéƬ Engineering offers two Women in Engineering Top-up Scholarships every semester.ÌýÌý
Ìýand search forÌý‘Engineering’ in the keywords.Ìý
Progress starts here – at a world-leading universityÌý
TopÌý20 Worldwide
​91É«ÇéƬ is ranked #20 university in the world
Ìý
QS World University Rankings,Ìý2024–2026
Most Employable Graduates
Winner of the AFR Most Employable University AwardÌýseven years in a row
AFR Top100 Future LeadersÌý& Graduate Employers Awards, 2020–2026
Australia's #1 for Innovation
Highest number of startups and spinouts from university-developed tech
SCOPR report, 2024
I love that everything in the world is being engineered by somebody.
