Pursuing an MBA in Australia is a significant decision that opens the door to immense opportunities and global perspectives. Australia is home to some of the reputed B-schools across the globe and 40% of Australian universities feature in the Top 200 latest QS World Ranking. An MBA (Masters in Business Administration) in Australia is a 1 to 2.5-year program offered across 50+ universities. The master's degree in business administration outlines the process of working as business professionals and senior executives. MBA colleges in Australia provide a solid foundation for career development, high-quality education, and a thriving ecosystem for future professionals. This article will explore the best universities for international students to pursue an MBA.
MBA in Australia Highlights
- The Australian MBA market is worth about $500 million per year.
- More than 30 universities in Australia offer MBAs in different specializations.
- 40% of Australian Universities feature in the Top 200 latest QS Worldwide Rankings.
- Up to 80% of international students are pursuing MBA in Australia.
- 75 MBA programs are internationally acclaimed and globally renowned, most affiliated and accredited by AACSB and EQUIS.
- The cost of MBA education in Australia is highly competitive, with a price range between $AUD15000 to $AUD90000.
Why study for an MBA in Australia?
- The MBA program in Australia is a blend of practical and theoretical knowledge that polishes the basic skills and tools necessary for problem-solving in the business world.
- Australia offers quality education by promoting the all-round development of a student, focusing on developing communication, personal, and leadership skills to encourage creativity amongst students.
- The MBA cost in Australia is inexpensive and provides many scholarships and financial aids to support the economic stats of students.
- Courses prepare students for senior management positions and provide an intensive understanding of global business and practices.
- Lastly, Australia has an incredible lifestyle and friendly atmosphere that attracts a diverse range of local and international students.
MBA in Australia Facts
| Total Number of MBA Universities in Australia | 50+ |
| Course duration | 1 to 2.5 years |
| MBA specializations available | Marketing, finance, accounting, human resource management, economics, healthcare management, international business, supply chain management, etc. |
| Admission requirements | GPA- 50 to 70% | GMAT 550+| IELTS/PTE/TOEFL | Work experience - 2 to 3 years in the relevant industry |
| Average tuition fees | $AUD15000 to $AUD90000 |
| Internship and Placement opportunities | Offered by Australian Universities |
| Mode of MBA available | Full-time| Part-time| Online MBA |
| Types of MBA in Australia | General MBA, Executive MBA, and MBA with specialization |
| Average Salary Pay Scale | $AUD 85000 - 305000 |
| Top Recruiters | Barclays, Woolworths, HSBC Global Asset Management, JP Morgan, etc. |
The Best Universities in Australia for MBA
Here is the list of the best MBA universities in Australia according to the QS World University Rankings 2023.
1. The University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is a public research university established in 1853 in Melbourne, Australia. It is one of Australia’s second-oldest universities and the oldest in Victoria. The university is affiliated with Universitas 21, Go8, APRU, ACU, and Washington University in St.
Talking about the MBA program at the University of Melbourne offers full-time, part-time, and online MBAs in different specializations. According to QS World Ranking 2023, Melbourne Business School ranks 1st for MBA in Australia with an acceptance rate of 70%. In addition, according to the QS Graduate Employability Ranking 2022, the university secured the 8th position in the world, thus making it one of the best MBA colleges in Australia.
The Melbourne Business School’s MBA program is designed to focus on practical skills for any business application. The curriculum is curated for maximum career impact and practical business experience. While enhancing business knowledge, students can also gain an adaptive mindset, leadership skills, and the ability to absorb and apply learning quickly. Through the Personal Effectiveness Program offered by the university, international students can get regular exposure to CEOs and leaders via immersive business experience and other opportunities to work on real-world business problems.
- Popular course - Full-time MBA
- Entry requirements - Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least two years of work experience; GMAT-560 | GRE - 310
- International fees - $AUD 51000
- Top recruiters - Boston Consulting Groups, KPMG, EY, Microsoft, etc.
2. AGSM at the University of New South Wales (AGSM@UNSW Business School)
The Australian Graduate School of Management is a postgraduate management and business school established in 1977 at the University of New South Wales. According to QS Global MBA rankings 2023, the business school ranked 31st. It is also ranked #74 in QS International Trade Ranking 2023. The acceptance and employability rate is 42% and 89%, respectively.
The AGSM full-time MBA program is in the top 10% of the world’s best management schools. The course structure of AGSM@UNSW Business School offers peer-to-peer learning to nurture critical thinking, exceptional knowledge, communication skills, and cultural awareness. It aims to equip a new generation of leaders to make an impact on the accelerating world.
The business school partners with over 100 elite business schools across Asia, Europe, the UK, and the USA to provide exchange opportunities for MBA students. Some of them are - London Business School, Kellogg School of Management, The National University of Singapore, The Wharton School, etc.
- Popular course - Full-time MBA
- Entry requirements - Bachelor’s degree with good GMAT score
- International fees - $AUD 58763
- Top recruiters - Salesforce, PWC, EY, and Infosys
3. Monash University
Monash is a public research university established in 1958 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is the second oldest university in the state. Monash University ranks in the world’s top 100 universities and is a member of the prestigious Group of Eight.
The Monash Business School ranks 42nd in the 2023 QS World University Rankings, with an acceptance rate of 40%. In addition, it has been awarded “Triple Accreditation” by three bodies: AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA. The university secured 2nd in Australia and 39th in the world by the Times Higher Education Education Rankings 2023. Monash's QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022 is #54, scoring 70.4.
Monash Business School offers Global Executive MBA, Global Executive MBA/ Master of Business, and Online MBA. The Master of Business program is a two-year on-campus course with an international study module, with applied teaching and engagement with business leaders. Part-time study options are also available for working professionals.
The curriculum is divided into parts, where Part I involves understanding the challenges and strategic decision-making. It covers essential topics such as leadership, corporate finance, economic-decision making, and international business. In Part II, students can opt for various electives, such as design thinking, global trade, leadership in business transformation, and more.
- Popular course - Global Executive MBA
- Entry Requirements - Bachelor’s degree with TOEFL/PTE/GMAT/IELTS qualifications
- International fees - $AUD 42000
- Top recruiters - Boston Consulting Group, Bain & Company, McKinsey & Company, etc.
4. The University of Sydney (USYD)
The University of Sydney, also known as Sydney University, is a public research university established in 1850. It is one of the country’s six sandstone universities. It also ranks 4th in Australia in the latest Academic Ranking of World Universities 2023 and is in the top 100. According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, the university is ranked 19th globally. The acceptance rate of USYD is 30%, thus making it one of the top MBA universities in Australia. Some notable alumni are Phillip K. Chapman, Charlie Perkins, and John Bell.
The University of Business Schools ranks #26th in Masters in Management. In addition, it has been awarded “Triple Accreditation” by three bodies: AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA. The business school ranks 15th in the top 20 Business Schools in Asia Pacific. MBA and Master of Management Programs rank 1st in Australia, with an employability rate of 80%.
The MBA program of USYD offers more than the business fundamentals. It aims to nurture and create future leaders who can succeed globally. The curriculum is designed with topics that cover a deep understanding of finance, marketing, strategy, etc. Students will also have the option to undertake an internship.
- Popular Program - Full-time MBA
- Entry requirements - Bachelor's degree with at least three years of experience and English language proficiency test.
- International fees - $AUD 55000
- Top recruiters - Accenture, Telstra, DXC Technology, Qantas, etc.
5. Australian National University (ANU)
Australian National University is a public research university established in 1946. It is a member of the Group of Eight and other organizations like UNESCO Chairs, IARU, APRU, etc. The university ranks 1st in Australia and 30th worldwide by the QS World Rankings 2023, with an acceptance rate of 35%.
According to QS Graduate Employability Ranking 2023, ANU secured a position of #73, with an overall employment rate of 70%, slightly higher than the national average of 69.5%.
The Australian National University, College of Business and Economics offers an Evidence-Based Management Program, considered the best MBA program for international students. The program is available for full-time (1.5 years) and six years (part-time).
The ANU’s Evidence-Based MBA program is designed to equip students with the skills to identify, evaluate, and apply the best evidence to inform more effective decision-making. The MBA is suited to students with maturity and background that come from extensive experience in the workplace, covering all essential business fundamentals, such as operational management, strategy, project management, innovation, entrepreneurship, etc.
- Popular course - Master of Business Administration
- Entry requirements - Minimum GPA of 5.0 with GMAT/ English Language Proficiency Test and at least three years of work experience.
- International fees - $AUD 48035
- Top Recruiters - ACT Health, EY, CSIRO, PwC, etc.
6. RMIT University
RMIT University, also known as the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, was established in 1992 in Melbourne, Australia. The university is affiliated with ATN, ASAIHL, and OUA and is accredited by TEQSA. According to QS World University Rankings 2024, the university ranks #140 and 43rd globally in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022. In addition, the acceptance rate of the university is 22%. Some notable alumni include Travis Fimmel, Jim Stynes, and Andrew Stockdale.
The MBA program is designed to challenge, teach, and build real-world business skills and creative problem-solving techniques. RMIT’s MBA is ranked 10th in Oceania. Students can develop a sound understanding of business fundamentals, industry connections, fact-based studies, and much more. The course duration is available for 1.5 and 2 years.
- Popular course - Full-time MBA
- Entry requirements - Bachelor's degree with at least three years of experience and English language proficiency test.
- International fees - $AUD 48, 000
- Top Recruiters - BMW, The United Nations, Adidas, etc.
7. The University of Queensland (UQ)
The University of Queensland (UQ) is a public research university established in 1909 in Brisbane. It is affiliated with Group of Eight, Universitas 21, ASAIHL, and EdX. According to QS World Rankings 2024, the university ranks 50 worldwide, with an acceptance rate of 40%. The Times Higher Education World University ranks the university in 53rd position. Sir Harry Gibbs, Dimity Dornan, and Kate Morton are notable alumni of the university.
UQ’s MBA is ranked 1st in Australia and 49th worldwide by the Economist MBA Ranking 2022. The course curriculum prepares students to become the leaders of tomorrow by understanding the techniques of business principles. In addition, students can receive personalized support from a team of experts, industry mentoring, exclusive career events, and much more. The University of Queensland also offers an Online MBA for working professionals.
- Popular Course - Online MBA Australia
- Entry requirements - Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a GMAT score of 550.
- International fees - $AUD 91 421
- Top recruiters - Deloitte, Peanut Company of Australia, Westpac Banking Corporation, etc.
8. University of Western Australia (UWA)
The University of Western Australia was established in 1911 in Western Australia. It is accredited with TEQSA and is a member of the international Matariki Network of Universities. The university is consistently ranked in the top 100 universities. According to the QS World Rankings 2024, the university ranks #72 globally. Some notable alumni are - Carmen Lawrence, Geoff Gallop, Barry Marshall, etc.
The UWA is one of the best MBA colleges in Australia. It offers full-time and part-time MBAs in different specializations. The curriculum is well-structured and offers practical business and leadership skills. The University of Western Australia incorporates experiential learning, team learning, and innovative teaching methods that acquire a deep understanding of all business areas.
- Popular course to consider - Master in Business Administration
- Entry requirements - Bachelor's degree with at least three years of experience and English language proficiency test.
- International fees - $AUD 44900
9. University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
University of Technology Sydney was established in 1988 with an accreditation by TEQSA. It is academically affiliated with ATN, UA, and WUN. According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, UTS ranks 9th in Australia and 90th globally. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 ranks the university 133rd worldwide. As of 2022, the acceptance rate is 30%, and the employability rate is 85.7%. David Murray, Lara Pitt, and Emma Watkins are notable university graduates.
The UTS has flexible MBA programs to fit students' interests and needs. The full-time MBA program is available for two years (full-time) and four years (part-time). The curriculum provides a solid foundation for general business skills and practices. Students can accelerate their careers with a sector-leading career development program co-developed by industry experts. They have access to choose from a wide range of disciplines. Students will also learn to work on real-world projects while building their networks.
- Popular MBA course - Online MBA Australia
- Entry requirements - Bachelor’s degree with GRE/GMAT scores and English Language Proficiency Test. Must have three years of relevant work experience.
- International fees - $AUD 55 000
- Career prospects - marketing manager, accountant, business analyst, etc.
10. Deakin University
Deakin University is a public university established in 1974 Victoria, Australia. It is accredited by TEQSA and is affiliated with ATN and ASAIHL. As of 2021, the university is ranked among the 1% of universities worldwide. According to QS World Rankings 2023, the university ranks #266 with an acceptance rate of 75%. Deakin is one of the best MBAs in Australia for its wide range of specializations available in business management.
The MBA program at Deakin University prepares students for a global career. The curriculum comprises business management foundations, leadership and strategy, international banking and finance, etc. Specializations are available in accounting, business analytics, cyber law, human resource management, property and real estate, and many more. In addition, students will be allowed to participate in collaborative projects; while enhancing business knowledge, students can also gain an adaptive mindset, leadership skills, and the ability to absorb and apply learning quickly.
- Popular course- Full-time MBA (international)
- Entry requirements - Bachelor’s degree with required English Language Proficiency Test
- International fees - $AUD 45 000
- Top recruiters - Rising Tide, NSW Government, Linfox, Westpac Group, etc.
Advantages of pursuing an MBA education
An MBA or Masters in Business Administration is a highly career-oriented program that outlines the process of working as a business professional. It has an extensive curriculum comprises a strong foundation in business fundamentals, finance, management, accounting, marketing, business ethics, managerial skills, human resource management, and many more. Business professionals can get into case studies to analyze their proficiency in handling various business segments. Other than that, it offers the following -
- It opens the door to high-level management positions and leadership roles in various industries.
- MBA graduates tend to command higher salaries than those with a bachelor’s degree.
- The MBA programs provide a comprehensive education in various aspects of business, thus equipping students with a broad skill set.
- The courses often attract diverse professionals, building a solid network that can be invaluable for future career opportunities and collaborations.
- Graduating from the best MBA university can enhance your professional reputation and credibility in the business world.
MBA in Australia FAQ
Is it easy to get PR after an MBA in Australia?
Yes, students who have completed their master's can get PR quickly. However, they must meet specific requirements, such as English language proficiency and educational qualifications.
Is it worth getting an MBA in Australia?
Australia has a strong economy, catering to abundant opportunities for MBA graduates. As of 2022, the overall employability rate for PG international students is 57.9%. MBA in Australia can lead to high-paying jobs in companies like Microsoft, EY, West Corp, etc.
Can I get a job in Australia after my MBA?
The job opportunities in Australia are increasing exponentially. There’s a high demand for MBA graduates in finance, accounting, human resource management, sales and marketing. The average pay for an MBA graduate is $AUD 136913, which can go up to $AUD 305 000.
How long can I stay in Australia after an MBA?
Following up on your MBA graduation, students can apply for a Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 Visa, which allows them to stay for up to 18 months. However, they must study in Australia for at least 16 months to get a work permit.
Which MBA is in high demand in Australia?
MBA in Finance and Human Resource Management are in high demand in Australia. Some popular work profiles are HR Manager, Data Scientist, and Talent Acquisition Manager. Also, an MBA in accounting, leadership, and international business has a great career scope.
How much does it cost to live in Australia for an MBA?
International students' average annual living expenses can range between AUD 30000 to 34000. The average per month expenses for students can go up to $2,000.
Can I do an MBA in Australia without a GMAT?
Yes, many MBA colleges in Australia offer MBA admission without a GMAT. However, they consider work experience, academic qualifications, and professional achievements.
Can I work in Australia after studying in the UK?
By attaining a post-study visa in Australia, students can stay to work in Australia for two to four years after their studies. They must apply for a Visa within six months after completing their course.
