Last Updated on August 29, 2024
MBA in Australia is a respected degree and a trendy field for students from other countries. More than 20,000 international students are now studying MBA programs in Australia, and more than 80% of MBA students in any Australian school are international. One big question about MBA programs is whether you can study for a degree without having work experience first. It is possible to apply for MBA admission in Australia without work experience. However, the process can be pretty competitive.Â
To stand out among other applicants, you’ll need a solid undergraduate performance with competitive scores on standardised tests required for Australian study. Generally, a bachelor’s degree with 55% and 65% marks is expected. A GMAT score of 700 or higher is highly regarded. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is necessary for English proficiency, though scoring 7.5 or above can significantly strengthen your application.
Australian institutions offering MBA programs without work experience requirements are limited in number. Therefore, international students are advised to submit their applications well in advance. Some universities provide non-executive programs for those with little to no work experience, while Executive MBA programs are typically reserved for candidates with substantial professional backgrounds.
MBA without Work Experience in Australia: Top Universities
While applicants generally need 2-3 years of related professional experience for admission to an MBA in Australia, some top business schools understand that students without work experience can also be strong candidates for the MBA program. The table below shows information about several leading universities offering MBAs in Australia that do not require prior work experience:
| University | Program | Application Deadline | MBA Tuition |
| James Cook University | Master of Business Administration | Trimester 1 [Dec 8, 2023] | Trimester 2 [Apr 8, 2024] | Trimester 3 [Jul 24, 2024] | 32,720 AUD/ year |
| University of Tasmania | Master of Business Administration (International) | 3 months before program commencement | 33,240 AUD/ year |
| RMIT University | Master of Business Administration | October Intake [Oct 18, 2023] | Semester 1 [Mar 6, 2024] | 48,000 AUD/ year |
| Southern Cross University | Master of Business Administration | Closed | 35,440 AUD/ year |
| Mendoza College of Business (University of Notre Dam) | Master of Business Administration | January 10, 2024 | 39,330 AUD/ year |
| University of Newcastle | Master of Business Administration | N.A | 40,990 AUD/ year |
| Charles Darwin University | Master of Business Administration Sustainable Enterprise | Master of Business Administration Sustainable Leadership | October 13, 2023 | 34,728 AUD/ year |
| Victoria University | Master of Business Administration (Global) | November 19, 2023 | 37,000 AUD/ year |
| Charles Sturt University | Master of Business Administration | Session 1 [Jan 25, 2024] | Session 2 [Jun 7, 2024] | 32,992 AUD/ year |
How can you get admission into an MBA program without work experience in Australia?
As the MBA is a top-rated program in Australia, getting admission usually depends on evaluating everything about a person. This means not just their studies but also other things like activities outside of school or work.
Admission to an MBA program in Australia without work experience is available for students who have a bachelor’s degree with an excellent GPA from a recognised university.
The institution requires competitive scores on the GMAT or GRE. Generally, a GMAT score between 550 and 590 is seen as competitive for admission.
Institutions also pay close attention to the statement of purpose, so it is important that you present yourself fully in this document.
Eligibility for MBA without Work Experience in Australia
Students wondering about the eligibility criteria for an MBA without work experience in Australia can refer to the following details about the same:
- MBA at James Cook University
James Cook University has a two years full-time MBA program, and they use a trimester system. You can start the course in February, May or September. To apply for JCU MBA, you must submit your application through their online application portal. The program results in outstanding success in finding jobs after finishing studies. Almost 89% of students get employed within 4 months following their graduation, and their average pay is about 97,000 AUD.
| Academic or Professional Qualification | Requirements |
| Bachelor’s Degree (Related Field) | AQF level 7 (3-4 years) from a recognised university |
| Bachelor’s Degree (Any Field) | AQF level 7 from a recognised university + 2 years of managerial work experience |
| Honours Degree | AQF level 8 (1-year bachelor honours degree) in any discipline |
| Graduate Certificate | Graduate Certificate in Business Administration at AQF level 8 (0.5 to 1 year) from a recognised institution |
| Managerial Experience | Minimum 4 years of work experience in a managerial position as specified by the course coordinator |
| Practical Experience | Relevant practical experience recognised by the Dean of the College of Business Law and Governance |
| English Language Proficiency | Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 or TOEFL score of 86 |
- MBA at Southern Cross University
MBA at Southern Cross University is a two-year full-time course that starts in February, June, or October. If you prefer part-time study, the program can be finished in four years, too. MBA at SCU can be taken at any of its four campuses, which are located in Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. There are three different intake times for this program.
Here’s the information tabulated:
| Category | Details |
| Academic Requirement | Completed a 3-year bachelor’s degree from any Australian university or equivalent qualification |
| English Proficiency | Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent |
| Application Status | Three Intakes: February, June, and October |
| Specializations by Campus | Sydney, Perth, Melbourne: Accounting, Managing and Leading PeopleGold Coast: Accounting, Managing and Leading People, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Research |
| Annual Fees | Gold Coast: 30,400 AUDSydney, Perth, Melbourne: 35,440 AUD |
- MBA at RMIT University
RMIT University has one of the biggest business schools in Australia. The MBA at RMIT can be taken as a two-year full-time or 1.5-year fast-track program. The program is available in Melbourne City, starting in February and July. It works well for people who are just beginning their career journey or have no professional experience. Candidates with professional experience should explore the Executive MBA program at RMIT University.
| Admission Criteria | Description |
| Academic Requirements | |
| Academics | Completed Australian bachelor’s degree or equivalent international qualification in any discipline |
| GPA | Minimum GPA: 1.0 on 4.0 (approx. 65%) |
| Academic Background | Completed Australian bachelor’s degree or equivalent international qualification in any discipline |
| Standardised Scores | Minimum GMAT score: 550 |
| Additional Requirements | |
| Updated CV | Required |
| English Proficiency Test | One of the following tests is required: IELTS: an overall band of 6.5 (no band below 6.0) TOEFL (IBT): overall score of 79 (Reading 13, Listening 12, Speaking 18, Writing 21) PTE: minimum score of 58 (no communication band less than 50) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 (no component less than 169) |
- MBA at the University of Newcastle
The University of Newcastle has 2 year full-time global MBA program. This program can start at two different times during the year: first trimester beginning on January 25, and second trimester starting on August 23. Newcastle Business School is connected with Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, which ranks it among the top 5% of business schools globally.
| Admission Criteria | Description |
| Academic Requirements | |
| Completed Bachelor’s Degree | Completed bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in any discipline. |
| English Proficiency | Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 with no score less than 6.0. |
| Specialisations | In addition to the core courses, international students can specialise in: – Marketing – Human Resource Management – Health Services Management – Applied Finance – International Business |
| Combined Degree Options | Students can opt for six combined degree options: – Master of Applied Finance – Master of Health Economics Management and Policy – Master of Human Resources Management – Master of International Business – MBA with Master of Marketing – Master of Professional Accounting |
MBA in Australia without Work Experience: Cost of MBA
MBA in Australia is undoubtedly a costly degree for Indian students. The tuition fee for getting an MBA in Australia without having work experience can go up to 50 lakhs at some of the top institutions. Here is a table showing the cost of MBA in Australia for Indian students at some top universities which give admission without work experience:
| Institution | Annual Tuition Fee (AUD) | Yearly Tuition Fee (INR) |
| James Cook University | 32,720 | 17,18 lakhs |
| RMIT University | 48,000 | 25.20 lakhs |
| University of Tasmania | 33,240 | 17.45 lakhs |
| Southern Cross University | 35,440 | 18.61 lakhs |
| Mendoza College of Business | 39,330 | 20.65 lakhs |
| University of Newcastle | 40,990 | 21.52 lakhs |
| Charles Darwin University | 34,728 | 18.23 lakhs |
| Victoria University | 37,000 | 19.43 lakhs |
| Charles Sturt University | 32,992 | 17.32 lakhs |
Conclusion
People who want to join an MBA program in Australia without having work experience should carefully look at the structure and subjects of the course offered by their chosen school. Now that we have explored the best universities for an MBA without work experience in Australia, it is time to start your application with team Admissify’s comprehensive study abroad counselling. Contact us now!Â
FAQs
What is the duration of an MBA in Australia?
Australia offers comprehensive MBA programs that last for two years.
Is it possible to get a job after MBA in Australia?
An MBA program prepares candidates for managerial jobs and helps them aim for senior or executive roles in a company. The career opportunities given by the university, along with their professional connections, can benefit graduates. MBA graduates often pick their usual career paths, such as account executive, business consultant, entrepreneur, business development manager, financial advisor, marketing manager, operations manager, or industry specialist manager.
What is the average cost for an MBA in Australia?
The cost of pursuing an MBA in Australia is between 65,000 AUD and 89,000 AUD.
Are there any scholarships for pursuing an MBA in Australia?
Absolutely. There are numerous government and private scholarships to study in Australia for Indian students.
Manan is a graduate of the esteemed University of Delhi where he cultivated a taste for writing and research. His degree in Bachelor of Management Studies helps him guide students in their academic endeavours. Manan strives to spread excellent study abroad tips that can prove to be helpful.
