Q: Can I visit the Graduate School of Business (GSB)? A: Yes you can but we suggest that you ring the Graduate School of Business on (03) 9925 0100. They can arrange a suitable time for you to be shown around the school and meet our academic staff. MBA Information Evenings are also run throughout the year.
Q: What are the English language requirements for studying? A: All applicants must possess good communication skills in both written and spoken English. Further information can be found at the International Students current entry requirements site.
Q: What are the eligibility requirements for international students? A: If you are an international student and want to know about the eligibility requirements for international students, please visit RMIT International.
Q: Who can I contact if I have a question about my application for GSB? A: Contact the Graduate School of Business on (03) 9925 0100.
Q: How do I apply once I have decided on a program? A: For an application form and other information on any of our programs, please visit the How to Apply page.
Q: How long does it take for an application to be processed? A: Decision times can vary depending on when your application was lodged and whether you included all the required information and documents. The GSB will normally endeavour to advise you within 3 weeks about whether your application meets our admission criteria. However, official notification by RMIT University will take a little longer.
Q: What are the entrance requirements for the programs offered by the GSB? A: These vary depending on the program. Our Future Students page provides links to each program and its entry requirements.
Q: Where do I pay my fees? A: Payment options are listed on the reverse of your invoice. You can also pay your fees at the RMIT Business Helpdesk on Level 4, Building 108, 239 Bourke St, Melbourne. It is open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
Information about our Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs
Q: How many MBA programs do you offer? A: We offer 2 MBA programs: MBA and the MBA (Executive). To identify the right program for you go to Which MBA for me?
Q: Can I use credits gained from a previous study within the MBA program? A: In the MBA program, to be eligible for credit under the RMIT Credit Transfer Policy, you must have completed postgraduate study that is deemed by the GSB to be at very similar in course content to a course in the MBA.
Q: Can I use credits gained from previous study within the MBA (Executive) program? A: In the MBA (Executive), you can apply for credit under the RMIT Credit Transfer Policy if you have completed or partially completed postgraduate business or related studies at another institution, within the last five years. In addition, if you have Australian-based qualifications from the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia, the CPA or the Chartered Secretaries, you are eligible for 3 course credits. Any credits claimed on the basis of other postgraduate programs or professional qualifications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the MBA Program Manager. However, you should note that only postgraduate qualifications in business are normally considered for credit transfer and these must be equivalent to the course content, structure and credit point value of the relevant program. If you are an international students seeking credit, you will need to contact our International Office.
Q: How long will it take to complete an MBA or MBA (Executive) program? A: The MBA full time program completed over 12 months (over three trimesters). This program can also be taken part time over 6 trimesters (2 years). The MBA (Executive) is undertaken either full time or part-time and it can be completed in a maximum of 2 years as a Full Time student and up to 5 years as a Part Time student. Full Time students can utilise trimester offerings to complete in three trimesters, over 12 months.
Q: Does GSB offer any study tours for its MBA students? A: Within the MBA (Executive) program, you will have the opportunity to plan your program and participate in Study Tours to Europe or Asia. These tours are credited towards the MBA (Executive) program but you will need to obtain the approval of the Head of the GSB to participation in any tour. Study Tours are not currently available within the MBA program.
Q: Is an MBA a sound investment in my future? A: Industry feedback on the ROI value of an MBA program is very positive. In 2005, BOSS Magazine indicated that 97% of respondents felt that MBA was worthwhile. Measured by subsequent income, obtaining an MBA seems to be well worth the effort. The BOSS survey asked Alumni to specify their original salaries in $15,000 increments from less than $50,000 to more than $140,000 and repeat the exercise after one and two three years. It found the average salary range for students starting their MBA programs was between $65,000 and $80,000. Three years later it was between $95,000 and $110,000.
Q: What are the deadlines for applying for the MBA program? A: The closing dates for applications in 2008 are end of May (mid year intake) and mid November (February intake). However, for postgraduate programs, we will accept applications past these dates whilst places remain.
Q: How much does the MBA (Executive) or the MBA cost? A: The fee for local fee-paying Australian residents studying the MBA (Executive) or MBA in 2008 is AUD $30,240 for the total program. The fee for international fee-paying students studying the MBA (Executive) or MBA in 2007 is AUD $34,920 for the total program.
Q: What kind of financial assistance is available? A: FEE-HELP is an Australian government loan scheme designed to assist Australian citizens and holders of a permanent humanitarian visas undertake tertiary degrees, including the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), MBA (Executive) and MBA programs. If eligible, you are able to borrow the total or just part of the program tuition fee, and repayments are made through the tax system. Voluntary lump sum repayments are also permitted, and may be eligible for a 10% bonus. For information on FEE-HELP visit the government website http://www.goingtouni.gov.au.
Q: When are the fees for the MBA and MBA (Executive) programs due? A: These are payable at the commencement of each trimester and are calculated on a trimester enrolment.
Doctor of Business Administration & other Research programs
Q: Do you have any research programs? A: Yes, we offer the Master of Business, PhD and DBA programs.
Q: How long does it take to complete the DBA? A: The DBA program normally takes between 4 and 5 years of part time study.
Q: What is the DBA and is it different from a PhD? A: Both are research programs but the DBA has a coursework component. The DBA thesis is usually not as long as a PhD thesis and includes a focus on making a contribution to knowledge about professional practice. You can also visit our DBA and PhD information pages.
Q: Will completing the DBA be of benefit to my career? Our DBA graduates indicate that they benefited from their learning experiences in the program. The impact on your career will depend on your reasons for undertaking the program as well as the nature of your research topic.
Q: What type of research project would be suitable for a DBA thesis? A: Many DBA candidates pursue projects that are of interest to other professionals in their industry or organisation. The GSB is an inter-disciplinary business school and DBA thesis topics can be drawn from a range of disciplines and areas relevant to business.
Q: How often do I need to attend DBA classes? A: Candidates attend 80% or more of scheduled classes as well as other formal program activities. However, some classes are scheduled in block mode to cater for people for whom time is a scarce resource.
Q: Can I go to the DBA or PhD program from either the MBA (Executive) or MBA program? A: You may be able to enter the PhD program from either the MBA (Executive) or the MBA program providing you have completed a research program such as an Honours degree or have an approved course in ‘Research Methods'. You can contact Professor Miles Nicholls about the PhD program. Significant work experience at a senior level is required for entry into our DBA program. Please contact Associate Professor Rosalie Hollian to discuss this option.
Career Services, Life Long Learning and Professional Development
Q: Does the GSB have a career advisory service? A: The GSB has a dedicated Career Services area that offers a range of services to help you refine your career goals and plan an effective job search. These include individual coaching sessions, resume reviews, interview practice and much more. The School is also actively involved with recruitment companies and recruiters across a diverse range of industries and businesses.
Q: Does RMIT GSB have active alumni association? A: Yes, we have a very active alumni program for all our graduates both in Australia and overseas. Please visit our Alumni page.
Q: Does the GSB have any international programs? A: Yes, we have strong International affiliations. RMIT University has a campus in Vietnam and offers programs in both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. We also offer programs with partners in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and China. Our MBA programs have operated successfully in the Asia Pacific region since 1987. You may have the opportunity to study in these places in your MBA (Executive) or MBA programs.
Q: What are the international affiliations of the GSB? A: We have International partnerships with Malaysian Institute of Management, Hong Hong Management Association, Singapore Institute of Management and Singapore Manufacturer's Association. RMIT also has a two campuses in Vietnam.
Q: Does the GSB offer any professional development programs? A: Yes, the GSB Corporate and executive education unit provides a range of customised and executive education programs. These can be tailored for a specific industry, business, organization or individual. For more information, please contact our Manager of Business Relationships, Susan Barr.
