Study your MBA in Australia

Looking to study your Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Australia? Explore top courses, fees and career pathways in our comprehensive guide.

Why study your MBA in Australia?

Australia has a global reputation for world-class education, particularly when it comes to MBA courses. With prestigious universities that consistently score highly in global rankings, it’s the ideal place to undertake an MBA or related qualification that you can use locally or internationally. RMIT’s Executive MBA has been awarded accreditation with the EFMD Program Accreditation System, designed to evaluate business and management programs with an international perspective. Only three other MBA programs in Australia have been given this global endorsement.

When you study an MBA in Australia, you’re setting yourself up for the ability to command a higher salary, build network connections and develop additional skills that are invaluable in business environments, such as project management and design thinking. You can keep your MBA general, and also have the option of choosing a specialisation that suits your goals – for example sport management, entertainment or health care.

You’ll also have the opportunity to grow a strong network of industry connections, forging links with fellow students and active professionals from around the world.

To assist you in making a well-informed decision about studying your MBA in Australia, we will explore the following topics on this page:  

Top MBA courses in Australia

The top MBA courses in Australia cover a range of areas that can help you find business jobs across different industry sectors, or pursue more long-term business careers.

1. Master of Business Administration (MBA)

A Master of Business Administration is designed to equip you with an understanding of business fundamentals, a new perspective on problem solving and a set of business skills that you can immediately apply in professional situations. At RMIT, you can work directly with leading Australian brands on projects that make a real difference in people’s lives.

2. Executive Master of Business Administration (Executive MBA)

Designed for ambitious executives, an Executive Master of Business Administration can help you accelerate your career, advance into a more senior role or develop your own business venture. RMIT’s Executive MBA course emphasises design thinking, innovation and technology as strategic tools that give you a sustainable advantage.

Other masters courses to consider

Beyond the MBA offerings, there are plenty of other master-level courses in the business space – and beyond –  that will help you achieve your career and personal goals. Consider the following options.

1. Master of Finance

A Master of Finance is built to equip you with the practical skills and knowledge to excel in corporate roles in the finance sector, banking and fund management as well as within the public sector. The purpose-built RMIT Trading Facility replicates a large bank or corporate treasury, using real-time market data from Refinitiv Eikon, a subsidiary of the London Stock Exchange, for simulation-style teaching and learning.

2. Master of Marketing

A Master of Marketing builds your creative and strategic skills in marketing, equipping you to deliver plans and solutions for a range of organisations. At RMIT, industry connections are built into your study from the beginning, so you’ll expand your professional network while upskilling with a combination of theory and practice. Options here include working in a team as part of the Fastrack Innovation Program, interning 1-2 days a week and learning about starting up your own business.

3. Master of Commerce

A Master of Commerce helps you develop a range of advanced business skills within the context of understanding the roles and uses of commerce in different global environments.  At RMIT, we partner with key organisations such as ride-sharing service DiDi to help build on what you learn in class with practical, real-world projects.

4. Master of International Business

A Master of International Business helps you develop research skills as well as industry-relevant abilities in operational leadership; cross-cultural, analytical and technical competency; problem-solving, and effective communication. At RMIT, these leadership skills are built and enhanced through case studies and interactive and experiential learning activities.

English language requirements

To study these masters courses, you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test – IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

*Please use this as a guide only. You are strongly advised to check the minimum English requirements required for your preferred course.

Career pathways

Studying an MBA opens up a wide range of career opportunities in management, entrepreneurship and related industries. Depending on your area of specialisation, you can pursue roles such as:  

  • business administrator
  • change champion
  • marketing manager
  • operations manager
  • international business developer
  • start-up leader
  • entrepreneur.

Other factors to consider before studying abroad

Location

The choice of location is crucial as it will be your home for the next few years. Consider evaluating liveability factors such as safety, culture, infrastructure and more. Think about how far away from home you want to live and whether you have a dream university in mind. Additionally, consider the reputation of the city among future employers. For example, Melbourne is widely recognised as Australia's best city for students and consistently ranks among the Most Liveable Cities in the World.

Course academic requirements

Academic requirements can vary between different business courses, so it’s important to review the specific details of your preferred course before applying. For instance, an MBA will have different academic requirements to an EMBA or a Master of Commerce, due to the variations in the level of study or equivalent experience required for certain postgraduate courses.  

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are also course-specific, so make sure to check the annual fees listed on your preferred course’s page. Most universities display these fees on their course pages, providing the most accurate and up-to-date information. The range of tuition fees can significantly change based on the level of study, making the course pages the most reliable source for tuition fee details.  

Cost of living

A city’s cost of living is another vital factor to consider. Manage your costs by considering factors such as accommodation options (on-campus vs off-campus), transportation expenses and potential work options while studying. In addition to everyday living expenses, consider study-related costs beyond course fees. This may include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and other fees associated with your course. Conducting thorough research will help you create a realistic budget and make informed financial decisions.

University academic rankings

When shortlisting universities, take the time to research academic rankings to gain a comprehensive view of a university’s strengths. Influential rankings such as QS World University Rankings, Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) and Times Higher Education (THE) World Rankings evaluate universities based on criteria like teaching, academic reputation, research impact, student satisfaction and employability. While rankings provide insights, they should be considered alongside other factors such as course offerings, faculty expertise, and location. 

Why study your MBA at RMIT?

Design thinking

View challenges through the lens of stakeholders. Master exploration and ideation, and hone skills embraced by industry and government.

Authentic industry engagement

Solve real-world problems in a collaborative classroom environment, applying multidisciplinary theory and practice.

Sustainability focus

Discover bold solutions for the most critical challenges of our times, and learn how to build a fairer and more inclusive society.

Book a session

Book a session

You can also book an 1-on-1 online or phone consultations with our team about your study options, entry requirements, eligibility, scholarships and much more. 

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.