UPDATE: This post was originally published on April 6, 2020. It has been updated with new tips and information below. 

During the MBA application process, one of the first things you will consider in deciding which schools to apply to is location. 

One place you might want to consider is Australia – not only does the country boast some of the world’s most livable cities, but is also a place where Eastern and Western business worlds meet and there are around 75 internationally-recognized MBA programs to help you boost your career anywhere in the world. 

Depending on your interests, background, and goals, Australia might be a great option for your personal and professional growth. This is why the country is considered one of the top study destinations for MBA candidates, especially international students. 

Here are the top three reasons why an Australian MBA is a good option to consider.

 

1. Australian MBAs offer exceptional career boosts

Graduates with Australian MBAs have among the highest salaries in the world, and the highest salaries in the Asia-Pacific region, with average salaries of around $100,000 after graduation. This is largely because of the high and growing demand for MBA holders in the region, especially as multinational companies’ presence becomes increasingly powerful across Asia. 

Strategically, this is a great location to choose for career development as it is a meeting ground between West and East. Not only will you be immersed in business culture that is closely linked to other Anglophone countries like the US and the UK, but you will also have countless opportunities to network with leading and quickly growing businesses and networks in the Asia-Pacific region.

Australian business schools are also known for supporting graduates to find employment post-MBA. Additionally, many courses give international students the opportunity to complete internships with local companies and take part in international exchanges. 

For example, the Australian Graduate School of Management is known to support students and graduates throughout the entire job placement process, which is why over 85% of their graduates are placed in jobs within three months of graduation. 

 

2. Australian MBAs focus on holistic development

Australia’s oldest universities in particular are known for exceptional curricula and research opportunities that develop well-rounded leaders excelling in both quantitative and qualitative skills. 

Universities in Australia emphasize the importance of interdisciplinarity, focusing on communication, personal, and leadership skills to encourage holistic growth and creativity. For example, Monash Business School stresses the importance of interdisciplinary partnerships and offers opportunities for the business school to collaborate with other departments to create innovative solutions to global challenges.

Australian MBA programs incorporate both theoretical and practical learning into their curricula, which is why they are globally renowned by employers for producing prepared, acute candidates.

MBA programs in Australia are particularly international, especially because of the large number of international students present in MBA courses. Australia is a melting pot of cultures, especially given its location between East and West – as a result, their education system blends practices from both perspectives. With an MBA from Australia, you are guaranteed to gain a broad cultural perspective on business and management.

3. Australian MBAs have a world-class reputation

Australian MBAs are among the most prestigious programs available, and are known worldwide for the quality of their education mixed with practical experience in the international business world. 

Australian universities are full of esteemed faculty members, including top business professionals from around the globe. For example, the University of Melbourne Business School, ranking 26th globally according to QS, heavily emphasizes practical opportunities that take advantage of the school’s dynamic location and international student body and is known for its renowned teachers who come from across the globe to share their expertise.

 

Essential information about Australian MBAs

Sessions for Australian MBA programs usually start in February, so be sure to do your research deadlines and plan strategically so that you can complete the application process in time. Check individual universities’ websites for this information.

The duration of most Australian MBA programs is 15 months to 2 years. 

Australian schools’ tuition fees range from around $60,000 to $120,000 depending on the program.

All Australian universities providing education to international students are required by law to provide support services to help them study and adapt to their new home. Many schools in Australia also have an international student support unit which can answer your questions and redirect you to the services you need. From providing advice on pre-departure and arrival, counseling services to guiding on orientation and study preparation programs, you will get all the required help from these support services.

You can get more time to hone your English language skills and also employment experience in Australia after completing your studies. For that, you apply for a temporary work visa which can give you up to three years of work eligibility.

 

What is required to get into an Australian MBA program?

Although a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for most Australian MBA programs, most business schools also demand work experience – usually around 2-5 years. However, this depends on the course, so do your research on each individual school’s website.

Many business schools in Australia consider GMAT scores (the average GMAT score for admission in Australia is 590), but these are not always required for admission into Australian MBA programs. Usually, work experience is preferred over GMAT scores. Australian universities are looking for candidates with consistent academic records and demonstrable professional experience. 

If you are not from a native English-speaking country, you will also need to demonstrate English proficiency. Generally, TOEFL and IELTS scores are accepted. You will need to have a minimum score of 6 in IELTS (or equivalent for other tests).

Most business schools in Australia conduct interviews for shortlisted candidates. During this stage, candidates are asked about their academic and professional backgrounds, and why they intend to join the particular MBA program they’ve applied to.

 

Choosing the right MBA program

Deciding on whether an Australian MBA is right for you, and how to go through the process, can be overwhelming. Having expert help can make the process a lot less daunting and more manageable.

This is where our team comes in – our award-winning team can help you decide on the very best schools for your objectives and interests, and design a successful strategy to get accepted.

Whether you’re struggling to decide which school to attend or are just starting the MBA process, get in touch to learn more about working with us to find out how to put our hands-on approach to work for your maximum success and help you decide which locations and schools are best for you.