MBA and management education

What an MBA offers you

Business and management students in Australia learn in an environment uniquely placed between Eastern and Western cultures and economies. They develop a cultural understanding that is quickly becoming an important element of business success in the era of globalisation.

The Australian master of business administration (MBA) is an internationally recognised degree that provides students with practical and theoretical knowledge of how people and processes work within the business world and in the wider community.

Australia’s universities and private higher education providers offer around 75 internationally recognised MBA programs. Most courses are delivered over a period of one to two years of full-time study.

An Australian MBA offers worldwide networking opportunities, expanded personal skills and career enhancement. It will also improve your skills by promoting your ability to work as an effective team member, lead others and develop strong interpersonal relationships through increased self-confidence, communication, presentation and negotiation skills.

Basic subject areas of an MBA

The Australian MBA introduces students to the various business disciplines and prepares them for general management roles. Generally MBA and business schools in Australia generally offer units in:

Specialisations within the MBA

There are many specialisations offered within the MBA, ranging from international management and Chinese language to health services management. Specialist programs allow students to focus on their professional area while learning the fundamentals of business and management. Check with your preferred higher education institution to see which specialisations are on offer. Some institutions also give students the option of studying an MBA in combination with another masters program.

MBA workload

MBA programs typically have an extremely heavy workload due to the amount of subject matter covered and to simulate the demanding workload of a senior executive. The heavy workload is designed to give students the opportunity to develop good time management skills, which will be essential during their careers.

Average tuition costs

MBA program fees range from AUD$20,000 to over $100,000 in total for international students. These figures were sourced from The Good Universities Guide 2013. Fees range widely due to differing course lengths and provider requirements, so it’s important to check fees with individual providers.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements vary considerably. Institutions generally require a bachelor degree from a recognised tertiary institution and/or several years of management experience, plus good communication skills in written and spoken English.

Business schools may also require personal references, evidence of career progression and a personal statement.

The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is an aptitude test for applicants to gain entry to business schools. While some Australian institutions require candidates to complete the GMAT for entry, most use it as an optional extra or as an alternative entry scheme for those who do not meet other entry requirements. For more details, go to the Graduate Management Admission Council website or mba.com.

Application dates

Application dates vary between Australian MBA providers. Some institutions offer two intakes a year, with programs generally starting in January and July, while others offer a three-semester year with intakes generally in February, July and November. A few institutions also offer four intakes per year.

Alternatives to the MBA

The traditional MBA has given rise to a range of other programs. The ‘executive MBA’ (EMBA), for example, is typically a shorter, more intensive advancement course designed for senior managers who may lack the tertiary academic qualifications required for entry into other MBA programs.

There are also a number of other programs masters-level programs for managers, such as the master of management (MMgt) and the master of technology (MTech). These courses are aimed at people currently employed in or seeking careers in specific industries. Other courses such as the master of entrepreneurship and innovation (MEI) are designed for people intending to start innovative new businesses or play a leading role in an innovative unit of an established organisation.

Beyond the MBA

Another development for professionals who have completed an MBA or equivalent is the doctor of business administration (DBA). The DBA gives students the opportunity to further their knowledge and understanding in an area of interest through applied research and some coursework study.