The Ultimate MBA Guide

Before Your Start

If you are considering studying you MBA, there is a lot you need to do before you send off your application. We answer your top MBA questions, including tuition fees, the application process, comparisons and student reviews. 

If you have the resources to study your MBA, take the time to review our guide before you make a decision on where you want to study.

Your MBA questions answered

The Master of Business Administration (MBA or M.B.A.) is an internationally recognised degree focused on developing and increasing your skills required to excel in business and management. It is thought of as one of the top tiers of general business education. Explore more about what an MBA is.

Common reasons to study your MBA include advancing your career, to earn more, start your own business, learn from the best, gain transferable skills and to grow your network. Read more why you should study your MBA in depth.

Committing to 12, 18 or even 36 months of study isn’t something you should do without figuring out if it is right for your current stage of your career, whether or not afford it and if you are going to be supported at work.  Find out if you are MBA ready or not with our quick guide.

Not many people have the luxury of unlimited time and money resources to study their MBA. The cheapest MBA in Australia is under $15,000, however the most expensive soar over 6 figures. Explore your MBA finance options before you commit to studying.

There are four requirements when you study. Prior qualification, work experience, English proficiency and the right to study. Explore these in detail on our MBA prequisites guide.

Globally, there are a high proportion of business schools who require a GMAT. In Australia there is a higher focus on work experience.  Find out more about the GMAT exam and what business schools require you to have one before you apply.

MBA Reviews is a 100% free to use, Australian-owned service designed to help you find the right MBA for your needs.

3 reasons to study your MBA

Network with experience professionals

Develop business critical skills

Advance your career and salary

How much does an MBA cost

The cost of your MBA depends on a number of factors. What you choose to study, whether it be a standard, specialisation or executive MBA plays a large part. The biggest decider in the cost of your MBA is where you chose to study. Smaller business schools, non-university affiliated, tend to charge $18-,000-$30,000 tuition, while universities and those with high global ranking tend to charge $55,000 or above

Funding Your MBA

With such a high price tag, how to fund your MBA is one of the most important considerations. With price tags exceeding $100,000 there are a number of options potentially open to you. 

The good thing is you are paying per unit, not all upfront, so you are able to pace out payments as you study. 

If you are asking ‘can I afford an MBA‘ read through our quick guide or explore your options below.

One of the most common ways to fund your MBA is through the government FEE-HELP Loan. You will need to ensure your Business School is an eligible provider,  you are enrolled before the census date, haven’t exceeded the maximum FEE-HELP Loans cap of $104,440 (2019).

In addition you will also need to be an Australian citizen, a NZ Special Category Visa holder, on a permanent humanitarian visa holder or a 
permanent visa holder undertaking bridging studies.

Confirm with your business school if you will be eligible during the application process.

Nothing will show the Business School you have the support needed to succeed than your work co-sponsoring your MBA studies. Whether this is partial or full sponsorship, every little bit counts. Find out how to ask your company to pay for your MBA.

If you believe you have significant formal or informal learning in an area relevant to any of the MBA course units, you could be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Also known as Credit for Prior Learning, this credit reduces the units you need to complete, as it acknowledges your expertise.

If you are a Chartered Accountant, for example, the likelihood of you needing to complete finance frameworks is low.

You are not automatically entitled to RPL, so make sure you ask and apply for this during your application.

Most business schools offer some form of scholarship, particularly if they are associated with any University. These could include scholarships for women in business, future leaders, indigenous Australians, sporting excellence and any number of other reasons.

Obtaining a scholarship is competitive and there are normally a number of requirements on your study and academic results.

Some business schools to investigate

Business Schools in Australia

Planning on studying in your city? The volume of business schools that operate in your CBD may surprise you. Browse through the business schools that meet your needs or view the online MBA providers.

Business School MBA MBA Specialisation Executive MBA
Asia Pacific International College (APIC)
Australian Catholic University (ACU)
Australian Institute of Business (AIB)
Australian Institute of Management (AIM)
Australian National University
Bond Business School, Bond University
Central Queensland University
Charles Darwin University
Charles Sturt University
Christian Heritage College
Curtin University
Deakin University
Ducere
Edith Cowan University (ECU)
Federation University
Flinders University
Griffith University
Holmes Institute
Kaplan Business School
La Trobe University
Macquarie Graduate School of Management (MGSM)
Melbourne Business School, The University of Melbourne
Monash University
Murdoch University
Queensland University of Technology Business School
RMIT University
Southern Cross University
Swinburne University of Technology
Torrens University Australia
Universal Business School Sydney
University of Adelaide
University of Canberra
University of New England
University of New South Wales (AGSM)
University of Newcastle
University of South Australia
University of Southern Queensland
University of Sydney Business School
University of Tasmania
University of the Sunshine Coast, School of Business
University of Western Australia
University of Western Sydney
University of Wollongong
UQ Business School, University of Queensland (UQ)
University of Technology (UTS) Business School
Victoria University
Victorian Institute of Technology
Business School MBA MBA Specialisation Executive MBA
Australian Institute of Management (AIM)
Flinders University
Kaplan Business School
Torrens University Australia
University of Adelaide
University of South Australia
Business School MBA MBA Specialisation Executive MBA
Edith Cowan University (ECU)
Murdoch University
Southern Cross University
Business School MBA MBA Specialisation Executive MBA
Australian National University
University of Canberra
Queensland University of Technology Business School
Business School MBA MBA Specialisation Executive MBA
University of Tasmania
Business School MBA MBA Specialisation Executive MBA
Charles Darwin University
Business School MBA MBA Specialisation Executive MBA
Australian Institute of Business (AIB)

Types of MBAs

Generalist MBA
General MBAs are focused on broad business needs; strategic frameworks, organisational behaviour, marketing and financial management. The main difference between a general and specialised MBA is your choice of electives.
Learn More
Specialist MBA
Specialist MBAs focus on specific needs. If you are planning on staying in your industry, this could be the qualification for you e.g. MBA (Human Resource Management).
Learn More
Executive MBA
The executive MBA (EMBA) is built for senior managers and to enable a supreme balance of work and study. Entry requirements for the EMBA are typically significantly higher than the general or specialised MBA.
Learn More
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MBA Prerequisites

Every Business School in Australia will require you to have some form of prerequisite before you apply for your MBA. There are two primary prerequisites, academic acumen and work experience.

Students will typically be required to have completed a recognised undergraduate degree as well as at least 3 years professional or managerial experience.

In some cases, if you have sufficient work and managerial experience you could still apply for an MBA without an bachelors degree.

Applying for your MBA

Now comes the daunting part, applying for your MBA. 

The MBA application process isn’t simply stating your intention to the business school and handing over some cash. Getting prepared for your application takes time, make sure you have everything sorted as soon as possible means a faster process and a better chance at succeeding. 

Typically the application is broken down in three steps. Firstly, you will need to complete an application form, with information including personal information, education and qualifications, residency status, funding method and contact for references. You will also be required to submit academic transripts certified by a Justice of Peace, referre reports and a personal statement about your aims and aspirations.

Secondly you will need to include any recognition of prior learning you wish to apply for. For formal training you will need to provide evidence. For informal training obtained through employment, you will be required to include a self-assessment up to 2,000 words for each unit.

The third step in your MBA application may involve interviewing and fact checking.

Once you get approved you will have the option of enrolling in units for the upcoming semester or deferring your study. 

One small piece of wisdom: do not enrol in a subject if you won’t be available for the duration. Some units require exams and obtaining special consideration isn’t easy. 

MBAs for International Students

International education exceeded $32b in 2017, so it is no wonder you are considering coming to Australia to complete your Master of Business Administration.