MBA in Australia: Top Colleges, Cost & Job Opportunities

MBA in Australia: Top Colleges, Cost & Job Opportunities

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Jasmine Grover

Content Strategy Manager | Updated On - Apr 30, 2024

Highlights:

  • MBA in Australia is offered across 50 universities like Macquarie University, University of Melbourne, and Monash University.
  • MBA course in Australia is offered with finance, marketing, IT, International Business, and Supply Chain Management specializations.
  • The annual cost of pursuing an MBA in Australia for an Indian student ranges from AUD 21,800 to 106,650, making it a cost-effective option than the USA.
  • MBA graduates in Australia can earn an average annual salary of AUD 106,000, with experienced professionals earning up to AUD 180,000.
  • Australia offers a Post-Study Work visa for MBA graduates allowing you to work in Australia for up to 4 years after your studies.
  • According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Management Consulting (25%), Finance & Banking (20%), and Technology (15%) are the top industries employing MBA graduates in Australia.

MBA in Australia is a 1 to 2.5-year postgraduate program, offered in both full-time and part-time mode. To get admission to the MBA in Australia program, you need an undergraduate degree with 60 to 70% and a 600+ GMAT score. The top MBA colleges in Australia also require a minimum work experience of 2-3 years from international applicants. However, some universities like RMIT University and University of New Castle offer MBA in Australia without GMAT and work experience requirements.

According to the Australian High Commission in New Delhi, 1 out of 5 Indian students choosing Australia for higher education opt for an MBA program due to Australia’s globally recognised business schools. There is a rising demand for MBA graduates in the Australian economy with 91% of MBA graduates securing jobs within 4 months of their graduation with high return on investment. By investing in an average tuition fee of AUD 75,000 annually, you can earn a starting salary of AUD 106,000 after your MBA in Australia.

Take Macquarie University as an example. Their MBA program has a 10-year ROI of AUD 380,950. This means, their graduates observe a significant jump in salary post-MBA.

Top MBA Colleges in Australia

Australian Business Schools are known for their high-quality business education with 14 Australian universities offering QS-recognized MBA programs. Melbourne Business School ranks 24 worldwide and 1 in Australia with its quality program and available research opportunities.

QS University Rankings 2024 University and Program Tuition Fees in AUD Application Deadlines
#24 University of Melbourne MBA 106,650 May 20, 2024
#=19 University of Sydney MBA 55,000 June 2, 2024
#=19 University of New South Wales Sydney MBA 81,720 February 1, 2024 (Closed)
#=34 Australian National University MBA 48,035 January 31, 2024 (Closed)
#42 Monash University MBA 73,000 August 31, 2024
#43 University of Queensland MBA 91,421 April 30, 2024
#72 University of Western Australia MBA 47,600 December 8, 2024
#89 University of Adelaide MBA 49,900 August 12, 2024
#130 Macquarie University MBA 21,800 June 10, 2024
#140 RMIT University MBA 48,000 July 29, 2024
#162 University of Wollongong MBA 61,416 August 13, 2024
#183 Curtin University MBA 41,420 July 22, 2024
#242 La Trobe University MBA 60,300 July 2024
#326 University of South Australia MBA 43,800 April 15, 2024
#711-720 Victoria University MBA 35,200 June 9, 2024

Check More: Top MBA Colleges in Australia

Top MBA Courses in Australia - Popular Specializations

Some of the most popular and sought-after MBA courses in Australia, along with trending specializations are:

Specializations Potential Career Paths Average Starting Salary (AUD)
Master of Business Administration (MBA) General Management, Business Analyst, Consultant 105,000
MBA in Finance Investment Banker, Financial Analyst, Corporate Finance Manager 110,000
MBA in Marketing Marketing Manager, Brand Manager, Product Marketing Manager, Digital Marketing Specialist 95,000
MBA in Human Resource Management HR Manager, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Employee Engagement Specialist 90,000
MBA in Information Technology (IT) IT Consultant, Business Systems Analyst, IT Project Manager 100,000
MBA in International Business International Business Development Manager, Export Manager, Global Supply Chain Manager 115,000
MBA in Entrepreneurship Entrepreneur Venture Capitalist, Startup Incubator Manager 85,000
MBA in Supply Chain Management Supply Chain Manager Logistics, Planner Procurement Specialist 100,000

MBA in Finance in Australia is the most sought-after specialization for MBA aspirants in Australia. The average base salary for finance professionals with an MBA is AUD 110,000.

MBA in Australia salaries

Why Choose Australia for MBA?

India is the second highest contributor of international students (9.78%) in Australia after China. An MBA from Australia is valued across the globe, attracting over 80% of international applicants. You should choose Australia for your MBA degree as -

  • High Employability for Graduates: Earning an Australian MBA leads to strong employment prospects.
    • Over 91% of MBA graduates in Australia secure full-time jobs with a median starting salary of AUD 95,000.
  • Strong Employer Demand: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10% job growth for general business occupations between 2023 and 2033.
    • Specialized MBA fields like IT are expected to see over 13% growth rates.
  • Top-Ranked Business Schools: According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, 14 Australian universities offer QS-recognized MBA.
    • The University of Melbourne ranks an impressive #24 globally for its MBA program.
  • Post-Study Work Visa Opportunities: The Australian government offers the Subclass 485 Visa, which allows MBA graduates to work in the country for 4 years.
    • This post-study work can lead to permanent residency in Australia.
  • GMAT Flexibility: Australian universities offer MBA courses with flexible GMAT requirements.
    • Some universities such as the University of Adelaide and RMIT University waive off GMAT scores for admission to MBA in Australia.
  • Affordability: The MBA courses in Australia are more reasonable than the degrees in US universities, attracting more international students.
    • MBA in USA can cost you around INR 41 Lakhs to 1 crore.
    • The cost of pursuing MBA in Australia ranges from INR 11 Lakhs to 54 Lakhs.

MBA in Australia vs USA expenses

Check Out: Australia or USA: Which is the Better Country to Study?

Admission Process for MBA in Australia

The admission process for an MBA program in Australia can be competitive. With over 80% of international students applying for the program, are you wondering how to make your application stand out? Let us have a look at the eligibility criteria and application timeline for admission to MBA in Australia.

When to Apply?

Admissions to Australian universities take place in generally two main intakes

  • February Intake
  • July Intake

Eligibility Criteria for Admission to MBA in Australia

The eligibility criteria for admission to MBA in Australia vary as per the university. The minimum eligibility requirements are as follows -

Parameter Minimum Admission Requirement
Academic Requirement 3 or 4-year bachelor’s degree, with a minimum score of 60%
GMAT Score 600 +
IELTS Score 6.5 - 7.0
PTE Score 65 - 75
TOEFL Score 95 to 102
Work Experience 2 to 3 years
Additional Documents Required 2 LORs, SOP, Official Transcripts, Admission Essays

*Note: Some colleges in Australia offer admission to MBA programs without GMAT scores and work experience.

Once you have applied with all the above documents and received an offer from the university, you need to apply for an Australian student visa to study in the country.

Australian Student Visa

To pursue an MBA in Australia, you'll need to secure a subclass 500 visa. This visa is granted to individuals enrolled in a full-time registered course. The Australian visa application fee is around AUD 650.

MBA in Australia: University Admission Requirements

The eligibility criteria to apply across some of the best MBA colleges in Australia are provided in the following table:

University GPA GMAT Score Work Experience
Australian National University 5.0 on a 7.0 scale (60-69%) 600 5 years
University of Melbourne 65% 695 or higher 2 years
University of Sydney 65% 600 3 years
University of New South Wales Sydney An undergraduate degree (no minimum GPA) 650+ 2 years
University of Queensland 4.5 on a 7.0 scale (60-65%) 550 4 years
Monash University Australian bachelor’s degree or equivalent Not required 3 years
University of Western Australia Business School 50% 650 3 years
University of Adelaide Bachelor’s degree (no minimum GPA) 650 2 years

MBA in Australia: Admission Scenario

The admission to MBA in Australia can be highly competitive. Data on MBA application trends reveals that around 30-40 Indian applicants apply to each MBA program at Australian universities.

  • Offers: Approximately 39% of Indian applicants with a competitive profile and strong application receive offers of admission.
  • Waitlisted: Around 19% of applications with strong credentials are placed on the waitlist. Their admission decision depends on the availability of seats.
  • Rejected: 42% of the applications are ultimately rejected due to high competition.

Let us look at 10 students, out of which 4 got admission to the universities, 2 were waitlisted and 3 were rejected. Based on the scatter plot of 10 applicants' GPA, GMAT scores, and application statuses, here's what we can understand –

MBA in Australia: Admission Scenario

Admitted Students

  • Out of 10 applicants, only 4 were admitted (represented by green circles) to the universities of their choice.
  • GMAT Scores: Admitted students had GMAT scores ranging from 600 to 680.
  • GPA Range: Their GPAs fell within the range of 4.0 to 4.8.

Waitlisted and Rejected

Three applicants were waitlisted (yellow circles) and the remaining 3 were rejected (red circles).

  • Waitlisted students had GPAs between 4.1 and 4.2 and GMAT scores from 620 to 630.
  • Rejected students' scores varied more widely, with GPAs from 3.5 to 5.2 and GMAT scores of 500 to 580.

Possible Reasons for Rejection:

  • Lower GPAs or GMAT scores: The rejected applicants have had GPAs or GMAT scores below the average of admitted students.
  • The application process also considers factors beyond GPA and GMAT scores, such as work experience, essays, letters of recommendation, and fit with the program. Weaker applications in these areas could lead to rejections.

MBA programs in Australia are competitive. Even with good scores, some applicants might be rejected due to a high volume of qualified candidates.

Read More: MBA in Australia Admissions

Cost of Studying MBA in Australia

The cost of studying MBA in Australia can be divided into 3 categories - pre-arrival cost, tuition fees and cost of living in the country.

Pre-Arrival Costs

Before starting your studies, you need to budget your expenses for exam registrations and applications. The common pre-arrival costs to study MBA in Australia are -

Category Cost (AUD)
Application Fee 110
Australian Student Visa 650
IELTS 220 - 250
TOEFL 165 - 255
GMAT 250

MBA in Australia Tuition Fees

The tuition fees to pursue MBA in Australia widely vary between AUD 21,800 to 106,650 per annum (INR 11.8 to 57.8 Lakhs). Let us look at the tuition fees across some of the top universities –

MBA in Australia Tuition Fees

University Annual Tuition Fees in AUD Annual Tuition Fees in INR
University of Melbourne 106,650 57.8 Lakhs
University of Sydney 55,000 29.8 Lakhs
University of New South Wales Sydney 81,720 44.2 Lakhs
Australian National University 48,035 26.2 Lakhs
Monash University 73,000 39.5 Lakhs
University of Queensland 91,421 49.5 Lakhs
University of Western Australia 47,600 25.7 Lakhs
University of Adelaide 49,900 27.1 Lakhs
RMIT University 48,000 26.1 Lakhs
University of Wollongong 61,416 33.2 Lakhs
La Trobe University 60,300 32.6 Lakhs

Affordable Universities for MBA in Australia

Although pursuing MBA in Australia is a significant investment, some universities offer the cheapest MBA in Australia. You can pursue the degree at these universities at less than INR 25 Lakhs annually.

University Annual Tuition Fees in AUD Annual Tuition Fees in INR
Macquarie University 21,800 11.8 Lakhs
Victoria University 35,200 19.1 Lakhs
Curtin University 41,420 22.4 Lakhs
University of South Australia 43,800 23.7 Lakhs

Read More: Cheapest MBA in Australia for Indian Students

Cost of Living in Australia

The cost of living in Australia ranges from AUD 18,000 to 46,080 (INR 9.87 to 25.28 lakhs) based on the accommodation type, location, and personal lifestyle. A breakdown of the cost of living in Australia is provided in the following table:

Expense Type Average Annual Expense (AUD) Cost Equivalent (INR)
On Campus Accommodation 5,280 to 13,440 2.86 to 7.28 lakhs
Off Campus Accommodation 8,880 to 21,120 4.86 to 11.57 lakhs
Phone and Internet 720 to 1,440 39,455 to 78,915
Groceries 6,720 to 13,440 3.68 to 7.36 lakhs
Public Transport 1,440 to 2,880 78,927 to 1.57 lakhs
Miscellaneous 3,840 to 7,200 2.10 to 3.94 lakhs
Total 18,000 to 46,080 9.86 to 25.24 lakhs (approx.)

Check in Detail: Cost of Living in Australia

Scholarships for Indian Students Pursuing MBA in Australia

International students pursuing an MBA in Australia can fund their expenses with numerous scholarships for international students in Australia. Some of the most popular MBA scholarships in Australia are listed in the table below:

University Scholarship Eligibility Award Value
Melbourne Business School Kraft Heinz Scholarship Full time and part time MBA applicants 5 awards, 12,000 AUD each
Melbourne Business School MBS Scholarships Students pursuing Full-time MBA, Executive MBA, Senior Executive MBA Variable
Melbourne Business School Diversity Excellence Scholarships Full time MBA students 50,000 AUD
Adelaide Business School Adelaide MBA Scholarships Formal application for entry into the full time Adelaide MBA program Tuition fees
University of Sydney UOW Postgraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship International student with at least 75% overall score 30% tuition fee
University of Sydney UN Women NC MBA Scholarships in Australia Students eligible for admission to the part time MBA 60,000+ AUD

Check Out: Scholarships to Study in Australia

Job Scope and Opportunities after MBA in Australia

Australia opens up more than 45,500 job vacancies annually for MBA degree holders, offering significant employment opportunities. To work in Australia, you need to apply for an Australian work permit.

Australian Work Permit - Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485)

Australian Post Study Work Visa is the most common option for recent Australian MBA graduates seeking work experience. It allows you to stay and work in Australia for 18 months after completing your studies.

Eligibility:

  • You must have completed a full-time MBA program.
  • You must have completed at least 92 weeks (or 2 academic years) of your program in Australia.

Additional Options to Consider:

  • Skilled Visa (Subclass 189): This visa targets skilled professionals with occupations listed on Australia's Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
  • Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482): If your skills align with occupations experiencing a shortage in Australia, you might be eligible for this visa sponsored by an employer.

Jobs after MBA in Australia

Some of the common jobs in Australia for international students completing an MBA and their respective salaries according to Payscale are as follows:

Profession Average Salary in AUD Salary Equivalent INR
Accountant 65,000 35.26 lakhs
Business Development Manager 90,000 48.82 lakhs
Marketing Manager 91,000 49.37 lakhs
Operations Manager 104,000 56.42 lakhs
Project Manager 109,000 59.13 lakhs
Finance Manager 102,000 55.33 lakhs
Senior Business Analyst 111,000 60.20 lakhs
Human Resource Manager 104,146 56.48 lakhs
Regional Sales Manager 114,000 61.84 lakhs

Jobs after MBA in Australia

Check Out: MBA Jobs in Australia for International Students

The top employers of MBA graduates in Australia are JP Morgan, Telstra, Barclays, Allianz, Westpac Banking Corp, Woolworths, and HSBC Global Asset Management among others.

MBA in Australia - Student’s Experience

Rohit Lingenini, who pursued an MBA from the University of Melbourne (ranked #1 in Australia by QS World University Rankings 2024), shared his experience:

"Coming to Australia for my MBA was a transformative decision. The program at Melbourne Business School was practical, with a strong focus on innovation and emerging Asian markets. After graduation, I landed a position as a Management Consultant at McKinsey & Company with a starting salary of AUD 160,000. The Australian MBA experience has helped me gain skills contributing to my career growth."

MBA in Australia Return on Investment

Universities in Australia provide excellent return on investment to MBA graduates. A comparison of the annual tuition fees and average annual salary after graduation across the top universities in Australia is provided in the following table:

University Annual Tuition Cost in AUD Average MBA Graduate Salary in AUD
Australian National University 48,035 128,000
University of Melbourne 106,650 174,000
University of Sydney 55,000 150,000
University of New South Wales Sydney 81,720 146,000
University of Queensland 91,421 130,000
University of Western Australia 47,600 180,000
RMIT University 48,000 106,000
University of Newcastle 27,600 136,000
Deakin University 31,600 180,000
Victoria University 35,200 150,000

MBA in Australia Return on Investment

Australia is a top choice for international students seeking MBA abroad. Australian universities are known for their globally recognized degrees, and the program's focus on practical skills prepares MBA graduates for management roles. Over 90% of MBA graduates in Australia secure full-time employment within three months of graduation. Top recruiters like McKinsey & Company and BHP actively seek MBA graduates in Australia, offering an average salary of AUD 115,000 annually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques. How much does an MBA cost in Australia?

Ans. The cost of an MBA in Australia can vary widely, ranging from approximately AUD 21,800 to AUD 106,650 per year. Top universities like Melbourne Business School or AGSM typically have higher tuition fees.

Universities with relatively Lower Tuition Fees are:

  • University of Southern Queensland (USQ)
  • Griffith University
  • La Trobe University

Universities with higher tuition fees for MBA in Australia are:

  • Melbourne Business School (University of Melbourne)
  • Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) - University of New South Wales
  • Macquarie Graduate School of Management

Ques. What are the admission requirements for MBA in Australia for international students?

Ans. The admission requirements for MBA programs in Australia for international students vary depending on the university, but some common requirements include:

  • A bachelor's degree or equivalent
  • Average IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent | PTE score: 65-75
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume/CV
  • Work experience (usually 2-5 years)

Ques. Is MBA in Australia in demand?

Ans. The strong demand for MBA graduates from Australian universities across top employers makes it an in-demand program. Currently, MBA graduates in Australia typically earn an average salary of 114,000 AUD (62.46 lakhs INR).

Ques. Can I get PR after MBA in Australia?

Ans. As an Indian student, you might be eligible to work, stay and pursue higher education after an MBA with a PR. You need to satisfy the General Skilled Migration rules to avail the Australian PR.

Australia uses a points-based system for skilled migration. An MBA can contribute points towards your application.

Ques. Are there any scholarships available for international students pursuing MBA programs in Australia?

Ans. Yes, there are several scholarships available for international students pursuing MBA programs in Australia. These scholarships in Australia can cover up to the full tuition fees of the student. Some of the popular scholarships are as follows:

  • Australia Awards Scholarships
  • Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarships
  • MBA scholarships offered by individual universities

Ques. What are the top universities in Australia offering MBA for international students?

Ans. Some top universities in Australia offering MBA programs for international students are:

  • University of Melbourne
  • Australian National University
  • University of Queensland
  • University of Sydney
  • Monash University

Ques. Which MBA course is in demand in Australia?

Ans. MBA in International Business is one of the most popular MBA specializations in Australia. MBA in Marketing, Finance, Human resources, entrepreneurship, and Economics are some of the equally important MBA specializations in Australia.

Ques. Can I apply for an MBA in Australia without a GMAT?

Ans. Some popular Australian universities offering MBA programs that don't require GMAT scores are -

  • Monash University
  • Macquarie University
  • Deakin University
  • Griffith University

Ques. After an MBA in Australia, which job offers the highest salary?

Ans. Some industries tend to offer high salaries for MBAs in Australia such as:

  • Management Consulting: AUD 150,000
  • Investment Banking: AUD 200,000

Leadership positions in various industries make use of the MBA skills of individuals and can offer profitable salaries.

Ques. Which country is best for MBA?

Ans. Australia is a strong choice for an MBA as -

  • Australia has several world-class business schools like Melbourne Business School and the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) at the University of New South Wales.
  • Australian MBA programs often have a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, which are valuable skills in today's business world.
  • Compared to the US, Australian MBA programs are typically shorter, lasting 1.5 to 2 years.

Australia is a highly multicultural country, which can be a valuable asset for developing your business skills.

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