A Master of Social Investment and Philanthropy is a postgraduate qualification that sits at the intersection of finance, public policy, business management, and social change. The course prepares professionals to strategically direct funding, manage philanthropic organisations, design social impact investment programs, and lead for-purpose enterprises. Students explore the full landscape of the social economy — from private foundations and charitable trusts to government social procurement, impact bonds, and corporate giving — developing the analytical and leadership capabilities needed to create measurable, sustainable change. Australia's first degree in this field was established in 2008, and since then, study pathways have expanded across several institutions, reflecting the rapid growth of the sector.

The course is designed for experienced professionals who want to deepen their strategic understanding of social investment, philanthropy, and the not-for-profit sector. It draws students from diverse backgrounds including community services management, government policy, corporate social responsibility, health, education, and international development. Core areas of study include social impact measurement and evaluation, philanthropic strategy, grant-making, social enterprise development, impact investing, systems thinking, and ethical leadership. The curriculum blends evidence-based research with practical, applied learning through workshops, case studies, and engagement with real-world industry partners.

Graduates are employed across a wide range of Australian organisations including private and family foundations, community foundations, charitable trusts, large not-for-profit organisations, social finance intermediaries, government departments, impact investment funds, universities, and corporate social responsibility teams. Peak bodies such as Philanthropy Australia, Social Enterprise Australia, and Impact Investing Australia, along with federal and state government agencies and major charities, are among the key employers in this growing field.

Most Australian providers require applicants to hold a recognised bachelor's degree in any discipline, typically with a credit average (65% or above), along with a minimum of two to three years of equivalent full-time relevant professional experience in the not-for-profit, government, corporate, or social enterprise sectors. Some institutions also accept applicants who do not hold a bachelor's degree but can demonstrate at least five years of senior relevant work experience in government, corporate or not-for-profit roles. Applicants are generally required to submit a current curriculum vitae (CV) detailing their professional roles, duration, and achievements, along with a statement of purpose outlining their career goals and motivations for pursuing postgraduate study in social investment and philanthropy. In some cases, an interview or referee reports may also be required.

For international applicants and those whose previous education was not conducted in English, standard English language requirements typically apply. A minimum overall IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with no individual band below 6.0 is a common benchmark, with equivalent scores accepted from TOEFL iBT (overall 79, writing 21), Pearson PTE Academic (overall 58, writing 50), or Cambridge C1/C2 Advanced. Some institutions also offer a postgraduate qualifying or bridging program for international applicants who do not meet direct entry requirements. Credit for prior learning and advanced standing may be available for those who have already completed a related graduate certificate or relevant postgraduate units.