Affordable MBA programs in Australia

MBA degrees are one of the most popular degrees in the international job market and since it is a professional degree, most aspirants wish to study the degree abroad. While planning to study abroad, the factors that students consider include the quality of education offered by the institution, the specializations offered, and most importantly, the fee structure of the program. Australia mainly offers students the option of a general MBA, a specialized MBA, and a professional MBA from which students can choose what suits their interests best.

One of the best places students can get an MBA degree is Australia considering the credibility of the degree everywhere in the world and the laid-back environment the country offers to international students. The programs offered in Australia generally tend to be on the expensive side even though the duration of the program often does not exceed 1.5 years. Students who complete the MBA program in Australia will sometimes be allowed to stay for 2 more years in the country as part of a work arrangement. The best affordable MBA programs that international students can do in Australia have been listed below.

Cost of Pursuing an MBA Degree in Australia

MBA programs in Australia are highly in demand among international students due to the quality of education and experience that students stand to gain by studying in the country. But at the same time, the MBA programs offered in Australia are not relatively cheaper when compared to countries like the US. Since the degree is expensive, students often have to keep an eye out for affordable programs if they wish to take an MBA degree from Australia. While the average annual cost for international students to study for an MBA range from AUD 45,000 to AUD 822,000, students will be able to study for a cost as low as AUD 25,000 depending on the business school they choose.

The tuition fee for the best affordable MBA programs in Australia is-

University	Duration	Tuition Fee
		Domestic students	International students
Holmes Institute	1.5 years	AUD 30,000	AUD 30,000
Central Queensland University	1.5 years	AUD 31,000	AUD 35,000
Charles Darwin University	1.5 years	Varies	AUD 35,000
University of New England	1-2 years	AUD 30,000	AUD 34,000
James Cook University	1.5 years	AUD 31,000	AUD 31,000
Victoria University	2 years	AUD 32,000	AUD 19,000 per sem
Southern Cross University	2 years	AUD 3,200 per 12 CP	AUD 36,000
University of the Sunshine Coast	1.5 years	AUD 28,000	AUD 28,000
Edith Cowan University	2 years	AUD 29,000	AUD 37,000
Western Sydney University	2 years	AUD 33,000	AUD 35,000

Top Affordable MBA Programs in Australia

The best affordable MBA programs in Australia are as follows-

1

Holmes Institute

• The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Holmes Institute is a comprehensive and prestigious program designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to excel in the dynamic and competitive business world.
• The Institute provides a 1.5-year Master of Business Administration program and a 2-year Master of Business Administration (Professional) program.
• In order to qualify for the program, students must meet one of the following criteria: they must have completed an Australian bachelor's degree or its equivalent, or an Australian Graduate Diploma, or an Australian Graduate Certificate or its equivalent, along with evidence of at least two years of demonstrable relevant industry experience. Alternatively, they can have an Advanced Diploma/associate degree or its equivalent, along with evidence of at least five years of demonstrable relevant industry experience. International students must also meet the English Language Requirements, which include a TOEFL score between 60-78, an IELTS band of 6.0 overall, or a PTE score of 46.
• The tuition fee for the Regular MBA program and MBA (Professional) program is AUD 10,000 per trimester and the total tuition fee is AUD 30,000 and AUD 40,000 respectively.

2

Central Queensland University

• The Master of Business Administration program from Central Queensland University is a highly regarded and comprehensive program that prepares students for leadership roles in the business world. With its practical approach, experienced faculty, and strong industry connections, the MBA program at CQU offers students a valuable and rewarding educational experience.
• The university provides various MBA programs to cater to different needs and preferences. These include a 1.5-year full-time MBA, a 3-year part-time MBA, and a 2-year MBA (Global) that can be pursued either on-campus or online. Additionally, there is an online MBA (Leadership) option available. For those who prefer an on-campus experience, the university offers a 1.5-year full-time MBA (International) as well as a 3-year part-time on-campus MBA (International).
• In order to qualify for admission to the MBA program, applicants must possess a Bachelor's degree or a higher qualification that is equivalent to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), along with three years of full-time relevant business experience; OR five years of relevant business experience. International students must meet English Proficiency Requirements, which include achieving a minimum TOEFL score of 79 overall, an IELTS band score of 6.5 overall, or a PTE score of 62 overall.
• The tuition fee for the program is as follows:
  • Domestic students- AUD 31,000 first-year fee
  • International students- AUD 35,000 first-year fee

3

Charles Darwin University

• The MBA program at Charles Darwin University is a valuable investment in the future, providing students with the tools they need to advance their careers and achieve their professional goals. The program at Charles Darwin University also offers flexible study options, allowing students to balance their studies with work and other commitments.
• The university offers a 1.5-year full-time and a 3-year part-time MBA in Sustainable Enterprise and a 2-year full-time and a 4-year part-time MBA in Sustainable Leadership. These programs are offered both online and on campus.
• In order to qualify for the MBA program, students must have finished a recognized bachelor's degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, or master's degree in a business-related field. Candidates with one of these qualifications in a non-business-related discipline, along with a minimum of six months of business experience, will also be taken into consideration. International students must meet English Proficiency Requirements, which include a minimum IELTS band of 6.5 overall, a TOEFL score of 79 overall, or a PTE score of 58 overall.
• The tuition fee for the program is as follows:
  • Domestic students- Varies
  • International students- AUD 35,000 per year

4

University of New England

• As a publicly funded institution, the University of New England is able to provide affordable education to a diverse range of students. This includes offering scholarships and financial aid programs to help students cover the costs of tuition and living expenses.
• The university provides a full-time Online MBA program lasting 1 to 2 years, as well as a part-time option that can be completed in up to 6 years. Additionally, there is a full-time MBA (International) program that can be completed in 1 to 2 years, with a part-time option available for up to 6 years, offered both online and on campus. Lastly, there is an Online MBA program specializing in Data and Cyber Management.
• In order to qualify for the MBA program, students must satisfy the criteria outlined in one of the following rules: A, B, C, E, or F. The specific requirements for each rule are as follows:
  • RULE A- Students must have completed one of the following qualifications or its equivalent in any relevant discipline:
    1. Bachelor (AQF Level 7)
    2. Bachelor with Honours (AQF Level 8)
    3. Graduate Certificate (AQF Level 8)
    4. Graduate Diploma (AQF Level 8)
    5. Masters (AQF Level 9)
    6. Diploma (AQF Level 10)
  • RULE B- Students must have completed a Bachelor's qualification (AQF Level 7 or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
  • RULE C- Students must have completed a Graduate Certificate (AQF Level 8 or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
  • RULE E- Students must have completed a Graduate Diploma (AQF Level 8 or equivalent) or Masters (AQF Level 9 or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
  • RULE F- Students must have completed a Graduate Diploma in Agribusiness (AQF Level 8 or equivalent) at the Ironwood Institute.
• International students must meet certain English proficiency requirements in order to be admitted. These requirements include achieving a minimum IELTS band score of 6.0, a TOEFL score of 79 overall, or a PTE score of 57 overall.
• The tuition fee for the program is as follows:
  • Domestic students- AUD 30,000 full fee
  • International students0 AUD 34,000 full fee

5

James Cook University

• The Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from James Cook University in Australia is a prestigious and highly sought-after qualification that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of business principles and practices. This degree program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the dynamic and competitive global business environment.
• The university provides various MBA programs to cater to different needs and preferences. These include a 1.5-year full-time MBA program conducted on campus, as well as a full-time 2-year MBA program that is available both online and on-campus. Additionally, the university offers combined MBA programs such as Master of Education - Master of Business Administration, Master of Public Health - Master of Business Administration, Master of Information Technology - Master of Business Administration, Master of Professional Accounting - Master of Business Administration, and Master of International Tourism and Hospitality Management - Master of Business Administration.
• In order to meet the requirements for admission into the MBA program, students must possess a bachelor's degree in a related field at AQF level 7, or a degree at AQF level 8, or have accumulated four years of managerial experience that meets the criteria set by the course coordinator. Additionally, international students must also fulfill the English proficiency requirements.
• The tuition fee for the MBA program is identical for domestic and international students, totaling AUD 31,000 per year.

6

Victoria University

• The MBA program offered by Victoria University is an excellent choice that provides great value for money. With its comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, experiential learning opportunities, specialized electives, industry partnerships, and affordability, the program equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the business world while ensuring a worthwhile return on investment.
• The university offers a 2-year full-time MBA (Global) program. This program is also offered on a part-time basis.
• In order to qualify for this program, students must guarantee the fulfillment of an Australian bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) in any field OR the fulfillment of an Australian Graduate Diploma (or its equivalent) in a related field OR Applicants who do not possess an undergraduate qualification may be accepted into the Graduate Diploma program based on approved work experience. After successfully completing the Graduate Diploma, graduates will be eligible for enrollment in this course with credit given for completed units. International students must meet the English Language Requirements, which include a minimum overall IELTS band score of 6.5 with no individual band score lower than 6.0.
• The tuition fee for the program is as follows:
  • Domestic students- AUD 32,000 per year
  • International students- AUD 19,000 per semester

7

Southern Cross University

• Pursuing an MBA program at Southern Cross University not only provides a high-quality education but also offers excellent value for money in terms of tuition fees and potential return on investment in the form of career advancement and salary increases.
• The university offers a 2 year full-time and 4-year part-time MBA offered on campus, a 2-year part-time online MBA, Combined Master of Engineering and MBA.
• In order to qualify for the MBA program, students must possess a 3-year Bachelor's degree from a recognized Australian university, or its equivalent. International students must also meet English Proficiency standards, with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall.
• The tuition fee for the program is as follows:
  • Domestic students- AUD 3,200 per 12 CP units
  • International students- AUD 36,000 annual fee

8

University of the Sunshine Coast

• The MBA program offered by the University of Sunshine Coast is highly regarded for its quality curriculum, experienced faculty, and practical learning opportunities. One of the standout features of the MBA program at the University of Sunshine Coast is its affordability. Compared to many other top MBA programs, the tuition fees at this university are quite reasonable, making it an attractive option for students looking to further their education without breaking the bank.
• The university offers a 1.5-year full-time MBA available on campus and online, a 2-year full-time Executive MBA available on campus, a 2-year full-time Extended MBA available both online and on-campus, and a Combined MBA and Master of International Business. These programs are also offered on a part-time basis.
• In order to qualify for the MBA program, candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education or its equivalent and have a minimum of two years of relevant full-time equivalent work experience. Those without a bachelor's degree but with at least three years of relevant full-time equivalent work experience may be considered for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration. International students must meet English Language Requirements by obtaining a minimum IELTS band score of 6.0, a TOEFL score of 76, or a PTE score of 50.
• The tuition fee for the MBA program is identical for domestic and international students, totaling AUD 28,000 per year.

9

Edith Cowan University

• The MBA program offered by Edith Cowan University is highly regarded for its rigorous curriculum, experienced faculty, and practical approach to business education. The university offers competitive tuition rates and a range of financial aid options to help students finance their education. Additionally, the program's flexible scheduling options, including part-time and online study options, make it accessible to working professionals who may not be able to commit to a full-time program.
• The university offers a 2-year full-time MBA available on campus, and an 18 to 24-month Accelerated Online MBA. Both these options are also offered on a part-time basis.
• In order to qualify for admission into the MBA program, students must possess a bachelor's degree and have a minimum of three years of relevant supervisory or management experience. Alternatively, they can demonstrate equivalent prior learning, which entails at least five years of relevant professional experience, with a minimum of three years at a supervisory or management level. International students are also required to meet the English Proficiency Requirements, which entail obtaining a minimum IELTS band score of 6.5 overall, a PTE score of 58 overall, or a TOEFL score of 84 overall.
• The tuition fee for the program is as follows:
  • Domestic students- AUD 29,000 for the first indicative year
  • International students- AUD 37,000 for the first indicative year

10

Western Sydney University

• The MBA program offered by Western Sydney University is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a combination of high-quality education and affordability. With its reputation for academic excellence and its commitment to providing accessible education, the university offers a program that is both rigorous and affordable.
• The university offers a 2-year full-time MBA program and a Combined MBA and Master of Finance program. Both programs are also offered on a part-time basis.
• In order to qualify for MBA programs, students must have satisfactorily fulfilled the requirements of an undergraduate degree, or a higher level of education, in any field of study. International students are also required to meet specific English language criteria, which include achieving a minimum overall IELTS band score of 6.5, a TOEFL score of 82 overall, or a PTE score of 58 overall.
• The tuition fee for the program is as follows:
  • Domestic students- AUD 33,000 for indicative first year
  • International students- AUD 35,000 indicative first year