The Master of Pacific Studies is a postgraduate degree designed to provide graduates and working professionals with advanced knowledge of the Pacific region — spanning the cultures, histories, politics, languages, security dynamics, and development challenges of Oceania. The program is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing on perspectives from political science, anthropology, history, international relations, cultural studies, environmental management, and linguistics to build a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the Pacific world. Students typically begin with foundational core courses in Pacific societies, histories, and research methodologies before tailoring their study through electives in areas such as diplomacy, gender and development, climate change, security, or Pacific languages. The degree is available both as a coursework program and, in some cases, with a thesis research pathway for students wishing to pursue independent scholarly work.

The qualification is aimed at two key audiences: first, graduates from cognate disciplines such as political science, international relations, anthropology, history, or cultural studies who want to deepen their specialisation in the Pacific; and second, professionals already working in public service, international development, non-governmental organisations, or community sectors who wish to formalise and elevate their expertise. Employers of graduates span a wide range of sectors, including federal and state government departments (especially those focused on foreign affairs, international development, and Indigenous and Pacific affairs), the United Nations and other multilateral agencies, international NGOs and aid organisations, Pacific-focused think tanks and research centres, universities, and the growing body of Australian-based businesses engaged in regional trade and diplomacy.

Entry to a Master of Pacific Studies in Australia typically requires a completed bachelor's degree from a recognised university, ideally in a cognate discipline such as political science, international relations, diplomacy, anthropology, cultural studies, history, or a related social science field. Most providers require a minimum GPA of around 4.0–5.0 on a 7-point scale (Credit average or above). Applicants who hold a bachelor's degree in a cognate discipline and have also completed a relevant Graduate Certificate may also qualify. Alternatively, many programs accept applicants with a bachelor's degree and at least 3 years of full-time equivalent work experience at a professional skill level (ANZSCO Skill Level 1) in a field directly related to the program, such as public policy, international development, or Pacific community work. Some programs also accept applicants with 10 or more years of senior professional experience in place of formal academic prerequisites.

Applicants whose previous degree is not in a cognate discipline may still be considered with appropriate professional experience, and some providers allow RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) credit for relevant postgraduate coursework already completed. Students may also enter the master's program via a Graduate Certificate pathway — completing the graduate certificate first before applying for advanced standing into the full master's program. Admission to these programs is competitive, and meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee a place.

International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements. A minimum IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 overall (with no band below 6.0) is typically required, though some programs specify higher sub-band requirements. Equivalent scores in TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English Advanced are generally accepted. Prior to enrolment, applicants' qualifications are reassessed to confirm minimum academic standards have been satisfied.