There are a wide variety of options for international students wishing to get an MBA in Australia.
Australia is the 3rd most popular destination in the world for international students, particularly students from India and China looking to do an MBA in Australia.
There are more than 30 different universities and private providers offering MBA degrees, including a range of specialist, online and Executive MBA (EMBA) courses. There are currently more than 100 different options for completing an MBA in Australia.
Australia is a leading global education powerhouse with some of the world’s best facilities and educators, providing local and international students with a range of quality study options.
Fast Facts – MBA in Australia
- The Australian MBA market is worth about $500 million per year
- More than 30 different universities offer an MBA degree
- More than 20,000 students are currently completing an MBA in Australia.
- There are more than 100 different MBA courses available in Australia (not all available to international students)
- The cost of an MBA in Australia is highly competitive with European and US schools, and range in price from $AUD16,000 to $AUD126,000
- Up to 80% of students in some MBA courses are international students.
- The top 5 countries for international students studying in Australia are China, India, South Korea, Vietnam and Malaysia
For international students there are more than 22,000 different courses available at 1,100 different institutions, including universities.
MBA Fees in Australia
Average MBA fees in Australia recorded a slight increase in 2021 with the average MBA costing more than $57,300.
COMPARE ALL MBA COURSES AND FEES
MBA News has identified more than 100 MBA courses across the country ranging from Melbourne University’s Senior Executive MBA (SEMBA) at $126,000 (2020:$126,000) down to the Victorian Institute of Technology’s MBA at $16,000.
Average standard MBA Fees in Australia increased slightly from 2021, with the average program now costing about $57,353, up from $57,306 last year.
MBA in Australia Rankings
Australia has some of the highest ranked MBAs in the world with leading schools ranked along side some of the oldest and most respected business schools in the world.
MBA rankings are an important factor in deciding to do an MBA in Australia with business and management schools assessed on factors like imparting academic skills, salary outcomes, research excellence, and employability.
The Financial Review Boss MBA ranking has been published biennially since 2007.
Taking the tops spot on the most recent list in 2017 was the University of Sydney Business School’s MBA, which was ranked as the nation’s number one program of its kind, followed by the University of Queensland Business School and Melbourne Business School.
Schools that participate can earn a maximum of 100 points: 55 points based on the responses of recent alumni who have graduated in the past three years, and 35 points based on data provided by the schools.
Ten points are allocated to research output by business school faculty based on Excellence in Research Australia reports submitted by universities for books, book chapters, peer-reviewed journals and conference papers.
BOSS Survey – 2017 MBA Rankings
| Rank | Business School |
|---|---|
| 1 | The University of Sydney Business School |
| 2 | UQ Business School, University of Queensland |
| 3 | Melbourne Business School |
| 4 | Griffith Business School, Griffith University |
| 5 | Adelaide Business School, University of Adelaide |
| 6 | QUT Graduate School of Business |
| 7 | University of South Australia Business School |
| 8 | Curtin Graduate School of Business |
| 9 | School of Business & Law, Central Queensland University |
| 10 | Bond Business School |
| 11 | Deakin Business School, Deakin University |
| 12 | La Trobe Business School, La Trobe University |
| 13 | Sydney Business School, University of Wollongong |
| 14 | School of Management & Enterprise, University of Southern Queensland |
| 15 | Victoria Graduate School of Business, Victoria University |
International Student Visas
As an international student on a student visa, you must study with an institution and in a course that is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
CRICOS registration guarantees that the course and the institution at which you study meet the high standards expected by international students. You can search for courses and institutions here on the Study in Australia website.
Along with the ESOS Act and National Code, there are also regulatory and quality assurance organisations for higher education and VET institutions. These government organisations are responsible for registration/re-registration of institutions and accreditation/re-accreditation of courses. These organisations are:
- Higher education – Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)(opens in a new window)
- VET – Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)(opens in a new window)
So no matter the type of course you want to study, how long you want to study for or where you want to study, you can be assured that in Australia you will have a high quality and rewarding study experience.
Work Visa after completing MBA in Australia
Following the completion of your MBA in Australia you may be eligible for a visa that allows you to stay, work and complete further study in Australia . Students can get Temporary Graduate visa (SUBCLASS 485) once as a primary applicant.
This Temporary Graduate visa has two streams:
- The Graduate Work stream – This visa is for international students who have recently graduated with skills and qualifications that are relevant to specific occupations in Australia needs. It lets you live, study and work in Australia temporarily.
- The Post-Study Work stream – This visa is for international students who have recently graduated with a degree from an Australian institution. It lets you live, work and study in Australia, temporarily.
The main applicant covered by the application needs to be present in Australia at the time of applying for a visa and also when his/her visa is decided.
For more information on these visas you can visit Australia’s Office of Home Affairs.
Living in Australia
For many international students, living in Australia will be a new experience and you may need to make some adjustments. Australia is among the happiest countries in the world (World Happiness Report 2017) and is this is the main reason five out of the top 30 best students cities in the world are in Australia
No matter what type of study you are doing in Australia, whether you are here for a few months or a few years, some research and planning will help you have a safe and rewarding study experience. Once you have been accepted to study your MBA in Australia and received confirmation of your visa you need to start planning your stay. Here are some of the most important things to consider:
What to expect
Getting an MBA in Australia offers:
- A blend of practical and theoretical knowledge providing the basic skills and tools necessary for problem solving in the business environment.
- A wide range of quality theoretical approaches including economics, measurement, governance, psychology, human behaviour, and leadership.
- Opportunities to engage with the Australian business community as a setting to develop your learning in a variety of disciplines.
- Opportunities to study subjects outside the main business programs such as microeconomics, competitive dynamics, and statistics.
How to apply
Education is an important sector of the Australian economy and the country and its universities are extremely welcoming of international students.
The process for applying to be an international student is relatively simple, as long as you adhere to a few simple processes.
Step 1 – Find a course
Not all courses are available for international students. A full list of courses is available here.
Step 2 – Check the course is suitable
Before you lodge an application ensure that you meet all of the requirements for entry.
- Have you met the deadline the for application of your specific course?
- Have you met the entry requirements of your specific course?
- Have you met the English proficiency requirements?
- Have you checked the costs (including any living expenses) for your course?
- Have you investigated the cost of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?
- Are you eligible for credit? Some courses may provide credit towards your course based on your previous academic studies.
- Have you got all your documents? Australian universities love paperwork. Make sure you have all the appropriate documentation related to your past studies (award certificates, academic transcripts etc). In some cases you may need to provide a certified English translation.
Step 3 – Confirm you English proficiency
Australian MBA courses are taught in English. Many courses require confirmation of a medium to high level of English proficiency before accepting an application.
Step 4 – Submit your application
There are two options for submitting your application:
- Apply directly to the university/course provider
- Apply through an agent
Step 5 – Accept your offer
If your application is successful your university will notify you. As part of this process ensure you receive Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) or electronic confirmation of enrolment (eCoE).
This confirmation of enrolment is critical to your application for a student visa.
Step 6 – Apply for a visa
International students require a student visa in order to study in Australia.
A detailed overview of the student vis requirements and process is available here. The process of applying for a student visa depends on which country you apply from and the type of study you’re applying for.
The student visa application process can be involved and for this reason, students in some countries apply for their student visa using the help of a registered Australian education agent.
Step 7 – Prepare to move
Moving country can be a difficult process so allow up to two weeks before your MBA commences to get settled in to your new city. Make sure you have organised visas, accommodation, transportation to your accommodation, appropriate clothing.
It is important familiarise yourself with your new city. Most State governments have built comprehensive websites to make the transition to studying in Australia easier.
Study in Queensland (Brisbane)
Study in New South Wales (Sydney)
Study in South Australia (Adelaide)
Study in Western Australia (Perth)
Study in the Northern Territory (Darwin)
Study in the ACT (Canberra)
Step 8 – Get studying!
The standard of MBAs in Australia is high. You will need to study hard and commit many hours to studying and lectures. But don’t forget to enjoy all the great things Australia has to offer.
