What Are The Best Business Schools in Australia?
The best business schools in Australia are:
- AGSM UNSW Business School
- Melbourne Business School
- University of Sydney Business School
- Monash University
- RMIT University
Although Australia doesn’t have the same reputation for business schools as the USA, France, and the UK, these institutions are all competitive in terms of rankings and career outcomes.
Rankings, Programs, and Career Prospects
In the 2025 QS Global MBA Rankings, four Australian universities are featured in the world’s top 100. These rankings consider employability, entrepreneurship, return on investment, thought leadership, and diversity, key metrics for any ambitious international student.
The Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) ranks seventh worldwide in the diversity category. With over 120 nationalities and programs for inclusion, Indigenous education, and student wellbeing, AGSM UNSW is incredibly welcoming for international students.
Although some of the institutions on our list only offer a full-time MBA, schools like The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University offer a full-time MBA, a part-time MBA, an executive MBA, and an online MBA.
Australian graduates benefit from a thriving job market and competitive post-MBA salaries. Although working visas are quite stringent, the government offers a Post-Higher Education Work stream for graduates to work in the country.
Australia is a Top Destination For Business Professionals
Australia is an English-speaking, globally connected country with a stable economy and pro-business policies. It’s one of the best places in the world to do business, offering international students a safe and supportive environment to grow professionally.
The climate and lifestyle are also major perks. With year-round sunshine, stunning beaches, and vibrant cities, Australia offers a healthy work-life balance. It’s the perfect place for students who value both ambition and adventure.
Australia’s business hubs of Sydney and Melbourne are innovation hotspots. Students gain access to top employers and career opportunities, plus a fast track into Asia-Pacific markets.
Australia’s Business School Landscape
Most of Australia’s top business schools are based in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. These urban hubs offer strong industry connections, diverse student communities, and access to a wide range of employers.
Australian business schools encourage students to lead initiatives, collaborate with peers, and interact with business leaders. Networking plays a key role in the student experience, with regular industry events, guest lectures, and alumni panels that help students build professional relationships lasting well beyond graduation.
Top 5 Business Schools in Australia
Here is a closer look at the five best business schools in Australia.
1. AGSM UNSW Business School
Based in Sydney, AGSM at UNSW Business School is one of Australia’s longest-running and most respected MBA providers. Its full-time, executive, and dual-degree MBAs are designed for professionals ready to lead in today’s fast-changing global economy. All programs are backed by AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, placing AGSM among the world’s elite business schools.
Located in vibrant, multicultural Sydney, AGSM offers students access to world-class facilities and an active career accelerator program. This unique support system connects students with top employers and alumni networks while helping refine resumes, career goals, and interview strategies. Graduates can apply for the Yale SOM Master of Advanced Management, earning a prestigious double degree.
2. Melbourne Business School
Melbourne Business School launched Australia’s first MBA and continues to lead with innovative, globally recognized programs. From full-time and part-time options to executive formats, the school offers pathways tailored to every career stage. It holds both AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, and students benefit from a strong career network with top employers like McKinsey, Bain, and Uber.
The campus is just minutes from one of the world’s most liveable cities, Melbourne, known for its arts, food, and sports. Students can take part in global exchange programs across 23 countries and engage in real-world projects, including partnerships with not-for-profits. Many graduates, like Uber’s Jodie Auster, say the MBA was a career—and life—transformer.
3. University of Sydney Business School
The University of Sydney Business School holds triple crown accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS), placing it in the top 1% of business schools worldwide. Its MBA, Executive MBA, and Master of Management programs are consistently ranked #1 in Australia, blending leadership development with innovation and global engagement.
Students study across two high-tech campuses in Sydney, including the Central Business District (CBD) and the innovative Abercrombie Building. The school offers diverse MBA formats, from full-time to online and executive programs, plus access to unique student-run clubs in tech, consulting, and inclusion. With global partnerships, a strong alumni network, and cutting-edge digital strategy programs, Sydney is a great option for international minds.
4. Monash University
Monash Business School is a trusted partner to industry, working at the intersection of education, research, and real-world impact. Its programs are designed to tackle global business challenges, empower communities, and shape strategic leaders through practical, experience-driven learning.
The school offers a range of flexible MBA pathways, including the Global Executive MBA, a leadership-focused program featuring international modules, and the MBA (Digital), a fully online course for self-directed professionals. Through initiatives like the Creative Destruction Lab partnership, Monash also fosters deep-tech innovation across Australia and the Asia-Pacific.
5. RMIT University
RMIT University focuses heavily on applied research, vocational education, and industry engagement. From the heart of Melbourne, RMIT gives MBA students hands-on opportunities to lead community projects, organize events, and connect with top employers like BMW, Deloitte, and L’Oréal.
RMIT offers flexible MBA options, including full-time, part-time, online, and executive formats, all designed for early- to mid-career professionals. RMIT’s real-world focus is evident in its research priorities, from emerging technologies to the future of work and global business strategy.
Types of Business Degrees in Australia
Australian MBAs are similar in format to those from North American and European countries. They include full-time, immersive experiences to part-time, fully online, and executive programs.
Across the board, these degrees equip students with management, strategy, and analytical skills to lead in the modern business world.
Many Australian business schools offer specialized MBA pathways tailored to key industries. At AGSM at UNSW Business School, students can pursue an Executive MBA or a dual LLM-MBA for careers at the intersection of law and business. Melbourne Business School includes electives in fintech, mergers and acquisitions, and managing workplace diversity. Meanwhile, the University of Sydney Business School offers a new online MBA in Technology and Digital Strategy, focusing on innovation and product development.
Cost of Studying in Australia
Financing an MBA for international students is slightly more expensive than for Australian students but it varies from institution to institution. The average fee is currently AU $71,345 (US $46,542). However, prestigious schools like Melbourne Business School charge around AU $112,500.
[H3] Scholarships, Bursaries, and Grants
Prestigious government-backed programs include the Australia Awards Scholarships, Australia for ASEAN Scholarships, and the Research Training Program (RTP), which support students from developing countries or those pursuing research degrees. Students from the Quad Countries (Australia, India, Japan, U.S.) can also apply for the Quad Fellowship in STEM fields.
In addition, most Australian universities offer their own scholarships based on merit, need, or background. If you’re applying to schools in regional areas, such as Adelaide, Tasmania, or Canberra, there are also regional incentive programs. Specialized scholarships are also available for students from the UK and the U.S., including the Northcote Postgraduate Scholarship and the Fulbright Program.
Living Costs for International Students in Australia
At the time of writing, Australia ranks fifteenth in the world for cost of living. However, high salaries mean it places ninth globally for purchasing power, meaning a job can significantly help your living expenses.
You should expect to spend around AU $45,000 (US $30,000) per year on living costs on top of your MBA fees. The Australian government provides a handy calculator where you can predict your cost of living based on location, accommodation type, dining habits, and more.
Student Life in Australia
Australia has a famously welcoming culture, a laid-back lifestyle, and safe cities, making it an ideal place to live and study. Students enjoy vibrant city life paired with easy access to nature, from beaches to national parks. Melbourne and Sydney, in particular, are hotbeds of exciting food, festivals, and international communities.
MBA students in Australia benefit from dynamic, multicultural campuses with plenty of opportunities to join clubs, take part in case competitions, and build lifelong friendships. This emphasis on teamwork and communication supports both academic and personal growth.
Career Opportunities & Job Prospects
Australian business schools consistently rank highly for employability, with top institutions like Melbourne Business School and AGSM UNSW placing in the top 50 globally in the QS Employability indicator. Graduates find roles across consulting, finance, tech, and entrepreneurship, both locally and internationally.
Career services are a core part of every top MBA program. From resume workshops to company visits, students are supported in building their personal brand and accessing competitive job markets. Many also benefit from internships or industry consulting projects during their degree.
How to Apply to an Australian Business School
Applying for an MBA in Australia involves submitting an undergraduate transcript, resume, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Many schools also require a GMAT or GRE score, although some offer waivers based on work experience. Proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL, is also required for non-native speakers.
Each school sets its own admission criteria, so it’s best to check directly with your preferred institution. Some programs have rolling admissions, while others follow a round-based schedule. Be sure to prepare early and tailor your application to reflect your leadership potential and career ambition.
Using Australian Business Schools as a Career Springboard
Whether you’re pivoting industries, accelerating your leadership journey, or launching your own venture, there’s an Australian MBA program for you.
Schools like Melbourne Business School and AGSM UNSW are ideal for students targeting global consulting and tech roles, while programs at Monash and RMIT offer flexible formats and real-world learning for those balancing work and study.
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