The Master of Tax (MTax) is a specialist postgraduate qualification in taxation law and practice, designed to provide an advanced, comprehensive understanding of the Australian and international tax system. Typically housed within a university's law school or business school, the degree is tailored for lawyers, accountants, and other professionals seeking to develop specialist expertise in taxation law and policy. The program covers a wide range of taxation topics including income tax, capital gains tax, goods and services tax (GST), corporate tax, international taxation, transfer pricing, superannuation, estate planning, and indirect taxes, with many programs offering elective streams that allow students to specialise in areas aligned with their career goals.

The course is designed to build on existing knowledge gained through an undergraduate degree in law, accounting, commerce, economics, or a related field. Students engage with complex tax legislation, case law, ATO rulings, and tax policy, developing the analytical and research skills needed to interpret and apply the law in real-world business and legal contexts. Many programs offer a minor thesis option for those interested in independent research and a potential pathway into academia.

Graduates are employed across a broad range of sectors including Big Four and mid-tier accounting and professional services firms (such as Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC), national and boutique law firms, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), ASX-listed corporations, financial institutions, superannuation funds, state revenue offices, and treasury departments at both the state and federal government level. The Master of Tax is widely recognised by professional bodies including CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), and the Tax Institute of Australia.

Most Australian Master of Tax programs require applicants to hold a recognised bachelor degree or equivalent, typically in a cognate discipline such as accounting, law, business, commerce, or economics. Some programs accept applicants from other disciplines provided they have sufficient relevant professional experience. A minimum academic standard — often a weighted average mark (WAM) of 65% or above — is commonly required. Many programs also accept applicants who have completed a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Taxation or Accounting as a pathway into the Master's degree, with credit recognition available for prior study through professional bodies such as CPA Australia, CAANZ, or the Tax Institute.

Relevant work experience is a key entry requirement for many programs. Typically, a minimum of one to two years of full-time professional experience in a tax-related or legal role is required. Relevant experience can include roles such as an accountant, tax adviser, lawyer, solicitor, barrister, or government revenue officer with Australian-based work experience. Some providers allow part-time equivalent experience to count towards this requirement, and a small number of programs accept applicants without formal work experience if they hold a strong academic background in a closely related field.

For international applicants, English language proficiency is required. The typical minimum standard is an IELTS Academic overall score of 6.5, with no individual band below 6.0, though some institutions accept a minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band below 5.5. Alternative English language tests such as TOEFL, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English are also accepted by most providers. International students may also be required to complete a Foundations of Australian Tax Law subject to ensure grounding in the local legal and statutory context.