> HIGH SALARY POTENTIAL
> MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS
> CAREER CHANGE
> GAIN ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS TO SRART OR GROW YOUR BUSINESS
> NETWORKING
> PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
> WELL-REGARDED QUALIFICATION ALL AROUND THE WORLD
Your choice to pursue an MBA degree will be determined by various factors including your current position and where you want your career to go in the future, how much time you can apply to study, along with your desired expectations in terms of industry and experience.
The MBA landscape in Australia
How long does it take to get an MBA?
What are the entry requirements?
What are the different types of MBA?
Who can you find in an MBA classroom?
When is the best time to do an MBA?
Business school versus university?
General MBA versus MBA specialisation?
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is widely regarded as the preferred qualification for professionals wanting to pursue a career in strategic management. That is, by undertaking the MBA, you’ll become an expert in terms of understanding the science behind effective leadership and management.
You’ll be able to execute a variety of business management strategies aimed at creating an ideal, incentivised, and productive workplace throughout a variety of roles and sectors (dependant on your personal preferences and educational background, of course).
An MBA is an investment in the next step of your career progression. It can add value in terms of employability, earning potential and the practical and theoretical insights you gain into what it takes to make small and large business environments flourish.
Although it can vary from institution to institution, a full-time MBA degree will generally span over six trimesters, or (on average) two years. Within this same time framework, you can choose to complete a general MBA, an MBA specialisation or an MBA dual specialisation. An accelerated study option is sometimes available depending on subject offerings.
This will vary from institution to institution. At Kaplan Business School, an Australian bachelor’s degree is required for admission into an MBA, although school results, TAFE or VET qualifications, work experience and informal study will also be taken into consideration.
For international students, an Australian bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required. Students will need to have their overseas qualification assessed by the Department of Education and Training and considered equal to the postgraduate entry requirements.
International students will also have to meet English language requirements. You can read more about the specifics here. For students who don’t quite meet the level of English proficiency required, there is an option to study an English for Academic Purposescourse.
The cost of undertaking an MBA will, of course, vary based on your chosen institution. According to MBA News, the average cost of an MBA in Australia (based on 110 MBA courses across the country) is just above $52,000.
As such, it’s always best to consult with a facilitator to find the course best suited to where you want to study in Australia, what you’re looking for in a business school or university, and your desired learning outcomes.
For more information about the costs of studying an MBA at Kaplan Business School, please refer to our Fees & Entry Requirements.
MBA type |
What you’ll learn |
Best suited for |
---|---|---|
Master of Business Administration (General) |
During the general MBA program, you will receive a broad education in business management and leadership, and learn foundational skills across all specialties including communication, problem-solving, as well as creative and critical thinking. Industry and academic professionals will provide valuable insights into what it takes to essentially run a business effectively. This includes how to increase productivity and sales, solve problems, nurture clients and stakeholders, along with applying theoretical and practical approaches to build strategies and minimise risks. General MBA skills can be applied to a range of different fields, making you a flexible professional. |
Those seeking to become business owners, budding entrepreneurs, or those with a desire to upskill and climb the career ladder within small and large corporations and businesses. A general MBA is useful for professionals who want the ability to change careers down the track. It’s also suitable for those seeking a career as a business consultant, working with a variety of clients to implement business management strategy across several sectors. |
MBA (Specialisation) |
Undertaking a specialisation assists you with honing precise, industry-specific skills, while still offering the foundational skills acquired throughout the MBA. A specialisation helps you become the expert’s expert and provides you with the skills and contacts to further your career opportunities within your chosen field. |
Those seeking to advance career opportunities within their chosen sector, manage facets of specific industries, engage with dynamic atmospheres and work environments, or start their own business venture. Additionally, specialisations can broaden your horizon in terms of consultancy opportunities, executive and board opportunities, or managing small-medium, and large-scale enterprises. |
MBA (Dual specialisation) |
Undertaking a dual specialisation allows you to gain knowledge and skills in two industry-specific areas of the MBA. This is achieved through your selection of elective subjects as part of your MBA degree. |
Professionals and students who have two clear stand-out areas of interest within the selection of MBA specialisations. For example, if your goal was to start a business in the hospitality sector, an MBA with a dual specialisation in Hospitality and Tourism Leadership and Entrepreneurship would perfectly cover the subject matter and skills you would be looking to gain. |
Delivery mode |
Benefit |
Best suited for |
---|---|---|
MBA (Full-Time) |
Immerse yourself in the learning experience by opting for the full-time MBA. Not only will you achieve your accreditation quicker, you’ll also be sharpening your creative and critical thinking muscles by surrounding yourself with content, theory, professional input and expertise. Studying the MBA full-time can also provide you with the extra time to obtain professional experience while you gain your accreditation. |
While there are opportunities to work flexibly in online learning environments, full-time study is best suited for those who have the capacity to commit to two subjects per trimester, each accumulating to 3 hours of classes plus approximately 14 hours of self-study a week, to achieving their accreditation. |
MBA (Part-Time) |
Keep your career on path and maintain your obligations outside of studying, by undertaking the MBA on a part-time basis. Part-time study can offer full-time professionals flexibility, a better approach to time management, while still achieving your goals and necessary accreditation to progress in your career. |
Students who work full-time, and don’t want to put their career on hold would benefit from the part-time study. Equally, those who have family obligations, or those requiring study with a lot more flexibility would benefit undergoing a part-time MBA. At KBS this would mean committing to one subject a trimester involving 3 hours of classes plus approximately 14 hours of self-study a week. |
Online MBA |
The main benefit on an online MBA is that you can choose to study when it suits you! You can study 100% online or mix face-to-face with online subjects. The flexibility of the online MBA is such that you can attend the weekly live webinars or listen to the recorded versions at a later time. And don’t worry, you’ll still have access to all the same student services as students attending in person. It’s important to note that online study limits do apply for international students. You can find out more here. |
This study mode is perfect for busy professionals and/or a parent keen to re-enter the workforce. It’s also a great option for professionals overseas who want an Australian MBA without having to leave their home country. |
You may be asking yourself: is an MBA degree right for me? What impact will it have on my career? The MBA is an investment in your career and whether it’s right for you will depend on your individual goals. Here are some of the top reasons graduates and working professionals choose to pursue an MBA in Australia:
> HIGH SALARY POTENTIAL
> MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS
> CAREER CHANGE
> GAIN ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS TO SRART OR GROW YOUR BUSINESS
> NETWORKING
> PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
> WELL-REGARDED QUALIFICATION ALL AROUND THE WORLD
Here are some of the main reasons why MBA students choose to study in Australia:
*UN’s Human Development Report, 2018
†For more information please visit Homeaffairs.gov.au.
It’s not just about handing in assessments. You can get the most out of your MBA by:
Maximising support services: It will be important to network with industry professionals that you’ll have access to, staff and faculty, along with your classmates who will become a lifelong support network to tap into. Other services available for MBA students include career hubs (a network of careers advisors who can hook you up with amazing internships, workshops and job opportunities!) and academic learning centres (for support with English, assignments, academic writing, and much more!).
Being proactive: Those that don’t seek, don’t receive! Hone your communication skills by reaching out to the right people at the right opportunity, attending networking events, and liaising with professionals within your field.
Doing your prep work for each subject: The more your read, the stronger your foundational knowledge will be when you step into the next phase of your career. Assuring you complete your prep work will provide you with a deeper understanding of complex issues and allow you to engage much more effectively in class discussions.
An MBA degree is a serious commitment. To get the most out of your experience and maintain a healthy and fulfilled lifestyle, time management will be an essential skill to master.
For a full-time MBA you are looking at a time commitment of around 34 hours a week, including class attendance and self-study. You will need to learn to manage assignment deadlines, full time/part-time work, family and friends, as well as allowing time to relax and recharge.
Some top tips to help manage the study/work/life balance include: