MBA in Australia: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

You’ve probably heard that Australia is a top destination for international students, but why is an MBA in Australia a smart choice? With over 20 high-ranked business schools and a strong job market, top MBA universities in Australia attract thousands of international students every year. 

Most MBA programs in Australia take 12-18 months, which helps you save time and tuition costs. Graduates from the best MBA colleges in Australia like Melbourne Business School and UNSW earn an average salary of AUD 98,000 (₹53 lakh) per year (Payscale). Plus, the post-study work visa lets you stay and work for up to four years. 

If you want real-world experience, an MBA in Australia for Indian students delivers just that. They focus on industry projects, networking, and internships with global companies.  

Highlights: Studying MBA in Australia

Australia is one of the top destinations for an MBA. The country attracts over 20,000 international MBA students annually (Source: Australian Department of Education), with top business schools ranked among the best in the world.

Key Factor	Details
Program Duration	1-year fast-track or 2-year full-time programs available
Top Business Schools	Melbourne Business School, AGSM at UNSW, Monash Business School, UQ Business School
Tuition Fees	AUD 40,000 – AUD 90,000 (₹22 – ₹50 lakh) per year
Living Costs	AUD 1,400 – AUD 2,500 (₹75,000 – ₹1.3 lakh) per month, depending on city
Post-MBA Salaries	AUD 98,000 – AUD 120,000 (₹53 – ₹65 lakh) per year (Source: Payscale)
Work Visa & PR Pathways	Graduate Route Visa (Subclass 485), Employer-Sponsored PR options
Popular MBA Specializations	Finance, Marketing, Business Analytics, Supply Chain, Entrepreneurship

 

Types of MBA in Australia

Australia offers multiple MBA formats as per different career goals, work experience levels, and study preferences. Whether you're a fresh graduate, a mid-career professional, or an entrepreneur, there's an MBA in Australia program designed for you. 

Type of MBA	Duration	Best For
Full-Time MBA	1-2 years	Career switchers, international students
Executive MBA (EMBA)	1-2 years (part-time)	Mid-career professionals (8-15 years of experience)
Part-Time MBA	2-4 years	Working professionals
Online MBA	Flexible (1-4 years)	Remote learners, professionals needing flexibility
Dual Degree MBA	2-3 years	Students combining business with specialized fields

Which MBA Format is Right for You?

• Looking for a fast-track career switch? – Full-Time MBA (1-year programs available at Melbourne Business School & AGSM). 

• Already working and want to upskill? – Part-Time or Executive MBA (offered at Monash, UQ Business School). 

• Need maximum flexibility? – Online MBA (provided by Deakin, Macquarie, and UNSW). 

• Interested in specialized fields? – Dual Degree MBA (combined with Finance, IT, or Healthcare at Sydney Business School). 

Industry Demand for MBA Graduates in Australia

• 80% of Australian MBA graduates receive job offers within three months of graduation (Source: QS World University Rankings). 

• Top recruiters include Deloitte, PwC, Amazon, Google, and HSBC, actively hiring across finance, consulting, and tech. 

• The median salary for MBA graduates in Australia is AUD 98,000 – AUD 120,000 (₹53 – ₹65 lakh) per year (Source: Payscale). 

Best Specializations for MBA in Australia: Which One is Right for You?

Your MBA specialization determines your career path, earning potential, and job opportunities. In Australia, top industries like finance, technology, and supply chain management offer strong career prospects for Australian MBA graduates. 

Top MBA Specializations & Career Prospects

Specialization	Who It’s For	Job Roles
Finance	Those interested in banking, investment, and corporate finance	Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Risk Manager
Marketing	Creative thinkers who enjoy branding, digital marketing, and sales	Marketing Manager, Brand Strategist, PR Executive
Business Analytics	Data-driven professionals focused on AI, big data, and forecasting	Business Analyst, Data Strategist, Operations Manager
Entrepreneurship	Aspiring business owners and startup founders	Business Owner, Venture Capitalist, Startup Consultant
Supply Chain Management	Those interested in logistics, procurement, and global trade	Supply Chain Manager, Operations Director, Logistics Specialist

Which Specialization Should You Choose?

• Finance: If you want high-paying jobs in banking, investment, or corporate finance. 

• Marketing: If you're interested in branding, digital strategy, and advertising. 

• Business Analytics: If you love working with data and making strategic decisions. 

• Entrepreneurship: If you want to start your own business or join a startup. 

• Supply Chain Management: If you’re interested in operations, logistics, and global trade. 

Industry Insights & Job Market Growth

• Finance MBAs are in high demand, with a 22% growth in Australia’s financial sector over the past five years (Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics). 

• Marketing MBA grads earn 35% more than those with a standard business degree (Source: Payscale Australia). 

• Data analytics and business intelligence roles are expected to increase by 25% by 2026 (Source: Australian Government Job Outlook). 

Best Universities for MBA in Australia (2026)

An MBA in Australia is one of the top choices for students with globally recognized programs, high post-MBA salaries, and strong industry connections.  

Here’s a look at the top MBA universities in Australia (2026): 

University & Location	Fees (Per Year)	Course Highlights
Melbourne Business School (University of Melbourne) – Melbourne	AUD $90,000 – $100,000 (₹48–₹53 lakh)	Ranked #1 in Australia, strong corporate ties, high ROI
Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) – UNSW Sydney	AUD $85,000 – $95,000 (₹45–₹50 lakh)	Specializations in strategy, finance, and digital transformation
Monash Business School (Monash University) – Melbourne	AUD $60,000 – $75,000 (₹32–₹40 lakh)	Strong focus on consulting, healthcare, and leadership
Macquarie Business School (Macquarie University) – Sydney	AUD $50,000 – $65,000 (₹27–₹35 lakh)	Industry-integrated curriculum, ties with multinational firms
University of Queensland (UQ) Business School – Brisbane	AUD $60,000 – $70,000 (₹32–₹38 lakh)	Sustainability and corporate leadership focus
University of Sydney Business School – Sydney	AUD $70,000 – $85,000 (₹37–₹45 lakh)	High post-MBA salaries, strong connections with finance & consulting firms
RMIT University – Melbourne	AUD $40,000 – $55,000 (₹21–₹29 lakh)	Best for entrepreneurship & innovation, startup-friendly environment
Curtin University – Perth	AUD $35,000 – $50,000 (₹18–₹27 lakh)	Affordable MBA with strong industry collaboration

 

Eligibility Criteria for MBA in Australia

To pursue an MBA in Australia, you must meet specific academic, professional, and language requirements. While top universities in Australia for MBA have strict admission criteria, many programs offer flexibility in GMAT/GRE and work experience requirements. 

Who Can Apply? 

• Bachelor’s Degree: A recognized undergraduate degree (minimum 3 or 4 years). 

• GMAT/GRE: Some universities require GMAT/GRE scores, but many waive this for students with strong academic records or work experience.  

• Work Experience: 

  • Regular MBA: Not mandatory, but preferred (1-3 years). 

  • Executive MBA: 2-5 years of managerial experience required. 

• English Language Proficiency: 

  • IELTS: 6.5 – 7.0 overall score  

  • TOEFL: 79+ iBT  

  • PTE: 58+  

Tip: Some universities accept a strong SOP & professional experience in place of GMAT/GRE scores. 

Application Process for MBA in Australia 

Applying for an MBA in Australia involves multiple steps, from shortlisting universities to visa applications. Here’s a breakdown of the process: 

Step 1: Check Admission Deadlines

• Most universities have two major intakes – February & July. 

• Deadlines typically fall 4-6 months before the intake date. 

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Required Document	Details
Statement of Purpose (SOP)	Explain career goals, leadership experience & why Australia
Letters of Recommendation (LORs)	2–3 from professors or employers
Resume (CV)	List of academic achievements, projects & work experience
Transcripts & Degree Certificates	Required from all previous universities
GMAT/GRE Scores	Only if required by the university (Check if you need GMAT or GRE)
English Test Scores	IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE
Scholarship Application	If applying for funding

Step 3: Apply via University Portals or Centralized Systems

• Direct Applications: Most universities have their own online portals.
• Centralized Systems: Some applications go through:
  • UAC (Universities Admissions Centre) – For NSW & ACT universities
  • VTAC (Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre) – For Victoria-based universities

Step 4: Receive an Admission Offer & Apply for a Visa

• Universities take 4-8 weeks to process applications.
• Once accepted, apply for an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500). 

Cost of Studying MBA in Australia

Studying an MBA in Australia is a significant investment, but the country attracts students seeking globally recognized degrees and high post-MBA salaries.  

The total MBA in Australia cost includes MBA fees in Australia, living expenses, visa fees, and health insurance, which vary depending on the university and city. 

Tuition Fees: Public vs. Private Universities

University Type	Estimated Cost (Per Year)	Notes
Public Universities	AUD 40,000 – AUD 65,000 (₹22 – ₹36 lakh)	More affordable, strong industry ties
Private Universities	AUD 60,000 – AUD 90,000 (₹33 – ₹50 lakh)	Higher fees, global rankings, executive MBA options

 

Living Costs in Major Australian Cities

Apart from tuition, living costs depend on your city of study.  

The Australian Government estimates that international students need at least AUD 21,000 per year for living expenses (Source: Australian Government Study Guide). 

City	Estimated Monthly Cost	Why Study Here?
Sydney	AUD 2,000 – AUD 2,800 (₹1.1 – ₹1.5 lakh)	Finance & tech hub, high salaries
Melbourne	AUD 1,800 – AUD 2,500 (₹1 – ₹1.4 lakh)	Business & creative industries
Brisbane	AUD 1,400 – AUD 2,000 (₹75,000 – ₹1.1 lakh)	Affordable rent, strong student community
Adelaide	AUD 1,200 – AUD 1,800 (₹65,000 – ₹1 lakh)	Lowest living costs among major cities
Perth	AUD 1,300 – AUD 1,900 (₹70,000 – ₹1 lakh)	Growing finance & mining sector

Additional Expenses for MBA Students

Expense Type	Estimated Cost (Per Year)	Notes
Student Visa (Subclass 500)	AUD 710 (₹39,000)	Required for international students
Health Insurance (OSHC)	AUD 600 – AUD 800 (₹33,000 – ₹45,000)	Mandatory for visa approval
Books & Study Materials	AUD 500 – AUD 1,200 (₹27,000 – ₹65,000)	Varies by university
Transport	AUD 100 – AUD 150 per month (₹5,500 – ₹8,000)	Public transport in major cities

How to Reduce Costs

Studying an MBA in Australia can be expensive, but there are smart ways to manage your expenses. Whether it’s applying for scholarships, working part-time, or choosing affordable housing, students can significantly reduce their overall MBA in Australia cost, along with MBA fees in Australia. 

• Apply for Scholarships: Australia offers fully funded and merit-based scholarships for MBA students. 

• Work Part-Time: International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying, earning AUD 22 – AUD 30 per hour. 

• Live in Shared Accommodation: Renting in university dorms or shared apartments can save up to AUD 500 per month. 

Scholarships for MBA in Australia

The Australian government, universities, and corporations provide scholarships to international students to ease the financial burden. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, or both.

1. Government-Funded Scholarships

Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Funding Amount
Australia Awards Scholarship	Open to students from eligible countries	Full tuition + living stipend
Destination Australia Scholarship	Based on academic merit	AUD 15,000 – AUD 25,000 (₹8 – ₹14 lakh)
Research Training Program (RTP)	For research-based MBA students	Partial to full tuition coverage

Explore fully funded scholarships here. 

2. University-Specific MBA Scholarships

University	Scholarship Name	Funding
University of Melbourne	Melbourne Business School Scholarship	AUD 25,000 (₹14 lakh)
University of Sydney	Sydney Scholars India Equity Scholarship	Up to AUD 40,000 (₹22 lakh)
Monash University	Monash International Merit Scholarship	50% – 100% tuition waiver
University of Queensland	UQ Business School MBA Scholarship	AUD 10,000 – AUD 30,000 (₹5 – ₹16 lakh)

 

3. Private & Corporate Sponsorships

Scholarship Name	Offered By	Funding
AMP Business Leadership Scholarship	AMP Australia	Partial tuition funding
Commonwealth Bank Future Leaders Scholarship	Commonwealth Bank of Australia	Covers tuition + stipend
PwC Future Business Leaders Grant	PwC Australia	Partial funding + internship

Career Opportunities After MBA in Australia

Graduates from top universities in Australia for MBA enjoy excellent job prospects, with 85% securing jobs within three months (Source: QS Global Employer Survey). The country's diverse economy offers roles across finance, consulting, technology, and entrepreneurship, with top recruiters including Deloitte, PwC, Commonwealth Bank, and Amazon. Salaries vary based on specialization and experience. 

Top Post-MBA Careers in Australia

Job Role	Average Salary (AUD per year)	Top Employers
Investment Banker	110,000 – 180,000 (₹60 – ₹98 lakh)	Macquarie Group, Commonwealth Bank, Westpac
Management Consultant	100,000 – 150,000 (₹55 – ₹82 lakh)	Deloitte, PwC, McKinsey, KPMG
Marketing Manager	95,000 – 140,000 (₹52 – ₹76 lakh)	Unilever, Procter & Gamble, Nestlé
Data Analytics Manager	105,000 – 160,000 (₹58 – ₹88 lakh)	Google, Amazon, Accenture
HR Director	120,000 – 170,000 (₹65 – ₹93 lakh)	EY, IBM, Australian Government

 

Work Permit After MBA in Australia

International MBA graduates in Australia have several visa pathways to gain work experience and eventually apply for PR. 

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) – Post-Study Work Stream

• Allows international students to stay and work for 2-4 years after graduation. 

• Requires an Australian qualification from a CRICOS-registered institution. 

• No sponsorship needed—students can work in any field. 

Skilled Migration & PR Pathway

• Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 482) – Work visa for skilled professionals with job offers.
• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – PR for highly skilled workers (points-based system).
• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – PR with state nomination.

 

Is an MBA in Australia Worth It?

Pros	Cons
High salaries and job prospects in finance, consulting, and tech.	Cost of living in cities like Sydney and Melbourne is high.
Pathways to PR through work visas.	Job market can be competitive for fresh graduates.
Globally recognized MBA programs.	Tuition fees can be expensive.
Business schools have strong industry connections.	Limited post-study work visa duration compared to Canada.