Master of Business Administration

Master of Business Administration

POSTGRADUATE

Transform yourself and join the global business world.

Student type:
Learning mode:
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Reduced duration available
Fees:

AU$38,400 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years or 1.5 years accelerated
Fees:

AU$48,000 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) develops tomorrow’s leaders. One of the most practical MBAs available today, this degree will challenge you, inspire you, and hone your real-world business skills.

Business leaders today seek out MBA graduates who have deep experience in solving industry problems. The RMIT Master of Business Administration gives you this, and more. You’ll have the opportunity to work directly with leading Australian brands on projects that make a real difference in people’s lives. 

Join the ranks of MBA students who have worked on projects with AGL managing issues like customer bill shock and the transition to green energy, or those who collaborated with the National Gallery of Victoria to reinvigorate Federation Square and positively impact the visitor experience.  

Master of Business Administration students talking, one, a man with brown hair, facing towards the camera using his hand to gesture and the other, a woman wearing an aqua green long sleeved top, looking at him, away from the camera.

Push your boundaries

This degree is one of the most practical MBAs in Australia and beyond. Through this course, you will develop the capabilities, knowledge and tools to be successful in any industry or entrepreneurial venture around the world.

With a strong focus on sustainability, social impact and ethical practice, this MBA will equip you with a strong understanding of business fundamentals, a new perspective on problem solving and a set of business skills that you can immediately apply in professional situations. 

You will study in the heart of Melbourne, surrounded by ambitious and likeminded peers, experienced academics and industry leaders, so you’re building your professional network from day one.

This course is suited to those launching their careers, while established professionals will thrive in the Executive MBA.

Choose your MBA

Why get your MBA at RMIT?

RMIT's MBA is ranked #10 in Oceania. [QS MBA rankings 2023]

A design thinking lens

View challenges through the lens of stakeholders. Master exploration and ideation, and hone the skills being embraced by industry and government.

Authentic industry engagement

Solve real-world problems in a collaborative classroom environment, applying multidisciplinary theory and practice.

Sustainability focus

Discover bold solutions for the most critical challenges of our times, and learn how to build a fairer and more inclusive society.

– Charlie Robinson, RMIT Master of Business Administration graduate
I saw the MBA as a chance to gain a greater understanding of business capabilities, and also to pivot my career to enable new opportunities and drive change as I continued to develop.

– Charlie Robinson, RMIT MBA graduate


Join the ranks

When you study with us, you have opportunities to engage with some of the largest  organisations in the world.

The following are just some of the organisations that engage with RMIT's Master of Business Administration:

  • Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
  • KPMG
  • PwC
  • National Australia Bank (NAB)
  • Australia Post 
  • Medibank
  • Capgemini
Digital Transformation provides numerous opportunities for anyone interested in working in this field because these are multi-billion dollar problems and there aren’t enough talented or skilled people to solve them. This industry will absolutely thrive in the next couple of years

– Duncan Cameron, Emerging Technology Lead, Capgemini

Capgemini logo (with a spade shape to the right)
Glasses and laptop on a desk

Study entirely online

The Master of Business Administration is also available via online delivery through RMIT Online.

*Please note: RMIT's online degrees are only available to students based outside Australia as they do not meet Australian student visa requirements. For study on an Australian student visa, you must have an on-campus place in a degree.

Details

Learning and teaching

An authentic, active approach to learning gives you the opportunity to hone the key skills you’ll rely on in your future careers. It’s about preparing you for leadership positions either in your current discipline or a growth industry. 

To help build your open and inquisitive mindset, this degree provides a variety of teaching and learning approaches, including lectures, tutorials, working collaboratively and independently. Using the latest technologies, like AI and gaming, to simulate real-life scenarios, you’ll quickly learn how to think on your feet.

The capstone subject — business consulting — hones your consulting mindset. You’ll learn how to pitch to high-level leadership, and successfully manage projects end-to-end.  

Lectures deliver comprehensive reviews of the world’s best practice, while tutorials offer facilitated discussion. In face-to-face learning, you’ll be taught in small groups and surrounded by peers from various educational backgrounds, including architecture, engineering, science, business and arts. 

Peer-to-peer mentoring, a certified program, helps you build your network among the student population, while our popular peer-driven study groups also foster invaluable networking and student connections.

Your fellow Master of Business Administration students will come from a range of cultural backgrounds as well, with many students from Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, North America and Africa.

This degree is also offered at RMIT's Vietnam campus.

Assessment methods

Assessment is ongoing throughout the semester and includes examinations, essays, reports, presentations, group projects, research projects and practical assignments. While group assignments are an important component of every subject, the focus of the assessment is weighted towards individual performance.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

Work-connected and industry-relevant opportunities available include:

Postgraduate Business Internship Elective

Take up a position in a partner organisation for one or two days a week over a semester. This position is normally unpaid, and is designed to develop your soft skills and increase your overall employability.

Business Consulting

Working in teams, you will choose from a list of exciting business briefs, and undertake a piece of professional business consultancy for a live client. This capstone subject is your chance to apply everything you’ve learned from your MBA journey and prove you have the skills, knowledge and mindset to perform in a demanding and challenging business problem. 

Industry partners

The RMIT MBA has industry partnerships with several global organisations, ensuring our students graduate with industry-informed knowledge and important professional connections.

MBA Advisory Board

This degree is supported by an advisory board that helps steer curriculum development to ensure that graduates are work-ready and prepared to take up challenging positions within the rapidly changing landscape of business management.

The Program Advisory Board is made up of members from Capgemini Australia, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, KPMG, Australian Super, The Lens Group, National Australian Bank (NAB), Medibank Private, Banksia Foundation, Bank of America, Vollie, and Oxfam Australia.

We encourage students to undertake international study tours that are offered by other schools in the College of Business & Law in a variety of locations, including Spain, the US and China, where students can combine travel and cultural experiences with intensive coursework, and for which you can earn course credit.

Every year, we offer a study tour elective in Vietnam focusing on the Asian management issues. This seeks to help you develop a range of perspectives and skills to improve your understanding of the complexities of managing a business in a developing economy in Asia. 

Students also have the opportunity to participate in virtual international experiences delivered online through central university international activities.

Other global mobility options available include:

  • 1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent (with advanced standing)
  • 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent (without advanced standing)

Students undertaking subjects in all scheduled teaching periods may be able to complete the degree in 12-16 months.

Depending on your previous studies and experience, you could also be eligible for credit towards your degree, reducing the amount of study you need to complete.

For more information please see RMIT’s credit transfer and recognition of prior learning policy.

  • 1.5 years full-time (with advanced standing)
  • 2 years full-time (without advanced standing)

For further information about advanced standing see credits and masters exemptions.

The MBA is delivered across two study periods.

  • Full-time students complete four subjects per study period, with classes typically held during the day.
  • Part-time students complete two or more subjects per study period with classes usually held in the evening.

You may also be interested in studying some or all of your subjects online.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

View the learning outcomes for each stream:

The MBA comprises of 16 subjects (or 12 with advanced standing).

Your journey begins with core subjects in design thinking, leadership and management, marketing for managers, and financial analytics. You will then be immersed into management of technology and innovation, strategy, and business data analytics.

After completing your core subjects, you can tailor your MBA by selecting one of the two discipline minors (Technology and Innovation or Leadership). These aim to sharpen your capabilities, expose you to new perspectives, and help you navigate the challenges that modern businesses face. Alternatively, you can choose any four postgraduate business elective subjects offered by the College of Business and Law to tailor your learning around your future career aspirations, in areas including marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, human resources and law. 

The final stage of your journey is the Business Consulting subject, in which you will learn how to effectively design, research, and manage a business-consulting project that meets a real client’s needs. 

You may also undertake and receive course credit for a business internship or a study tour.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Business Administration
Program code: MC199

Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Business Administration
City Campus
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent (or 1.5 years FT or PT equivalent with advanced standing)
MC199EXE15
077514D
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent (or 1.5 years FT or PT equivalent with advanced standing)
Plan code
MC199EXE15
CRICOS
077514D
Master of Business Administration
City Campus
2 years full-time
MC199EXE15
077514D
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MC199EXE15
CRICOS
077514D
Master of Business Administration
City Campus
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent (or 1.5 years FT or PT equivalent with advanced standing)
MC199P15
077514D
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent (or 1.5 years FT or PT equivalent with advanced standing)
Plan code
MC199P15
CRICOS
077514D
Master of Business Administration
City Campus
2 years full-time
MC199P15
077514D
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MC199P15
CRICOS
077514D

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Tina Dochana

Tina Dochana - MBA

Meet Tina Dochana and discover how studying the RMIT MBA changed her outlook on design thinking, marketing, and leadership.

An MBA with RMIT will prepare you to lead change in whatever discipline or industry you want. Having experienced extraordinary personal growth during the course, you’ll be ready for continuous advancement and successful, ethical leadership — opportunities will open up for you around the world. 

While the MBA is in Melbourne, graduates work and lead professional, commercial, industrial, not-for-profit, NGO public administration and start-up organisations across the globe. They perform a wide range of roles, including organisational strategy, management consultancy, operations management, marketing managers, international business development and coordination, and as innovation champions.

Course accreditation or membership offered by professional bodies signals to employers the quality and relevance of RMIT's courses and opens up career pathways and networks.

Professional bodies accredit or recognise courses as meeting professional and academic standards deemed to be essential for a new graduate entering into that profession. An accredited course will either enable the graduate to enter directly into a professional qualifications program or provide the graduate with exemptions or credit towards a post university professional qualification.

Statutory accreditation

This type of accreditation is where a statutory body must approve a course of study in order for a graduate to practise in that profession.

Membership

Professional bodies or associations are representative organisations of professions that provide membership and other career development support to its members. Many professional bodies offer membership opportunities for students and new graduates with benefits such as career advice, networking within the profession and access to resources not available through the university. The aim of these benefits is to assist with your transition from university into the profession.

Master of Business Administration

Current course accreditations and information about membership and development opportunities for students and graduates.

Institute of Managers and Leaders (IML)

Membership and opportunities
  • Students may be eligible for membership category: Affiliate, Member or Associate Fellow (depending on experience)
  • Graduates may be eligible for membership category: Affiliate, Member or Associate Fellow (depending on experience)

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

1.5 year duration (with advanced standing)

  •  An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent), or higher-level qualification, in a business or related discipline from a recognised tertiary institution with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 1.0 (out of 4.0)*

    OR

  • An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent), or higher level qualification in a business or related discipline from a recognised tertiary institution and a GMAT overall minimum score of 550*.

    OR

  • An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent), or higher-level qualification, from a recognised tertiary institution in any discipline with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 1.0 (out of 4.0)* plus a minimum of two years relevant work experience. 

    OR

  • The RMIT Graduate Certificate in Business Administration^.

We offer Recognition of Prior Learning, or the recognition of previous study or learning. This means you can apply for credit and reduce the number of courses you need to complete. Your application will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

If you do not meet the entry requirements for the 1.5-year duration masters, you may be considered for the 2-year duration masters.

2 year duration (without advanced standing)

  • An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent), or higher level qualification in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 1.0 (out of 4.0).

    OR

  • An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent), or higher level qualification in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution and a GMAT overall minimum score of 550.

^Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate you will have the opportunity to progress to the Master degree.

*If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry to be granted advanced standing.

RMIT aims to grant as much credit as possible at the time of offer so it’s important to provide as much evidence of prior study or work experience as possible with your application.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

2 year duration

You must have successfully completed:

An Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) or higher level qualification in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution with a minimum GPA of 1.0 (out of 4.0)

OR

An Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) or higher level qualification in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution and a GMAT overall minimum score of 550.

1.5 year duration

You must have successfully completed:

An Australian Bachelor degree, (or equivalent overseas qualification) or higher level qualification in a business (or related) discipline from a recognised tertiary institution with a minimum GPA of 1.0 (out of 4.0)*

OR

An Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) or higher level qualification in a business (or related) discipline from a recognised tertiary institution and a GMAT overall minimum score of 550*.

OR

The RMIT Graduate Certificate in Business Administration^.

*^Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate you will have the opportunity to progress to the Master degree.

*If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry to be granted advanced standing.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

The Graduate Certificate in Business Administration is a pathway to the Master of Business Administration.

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration you can continue your studies in the Master of Business Administration and receive 48 credit points worth of credit (equivalent to one semester of full-time study) for courses completed in the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration.

Masters advanced standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications* with a major in a business or related discipline, or an unrelated discipline with two years relevant work experience, you may be eligible for advanced standing as follows: 

Qualification level

Masters exemptions offered

Remaining program duration*
Bachelor degree (AQF level 7)   48 credit points (equivalent to one semester of full-time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters of full-time study)
Bachelor degree (Honours) (AQF level 8) Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study)
Graduate Certificate (AQF level 8) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester of full-time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters of full-time study)
Graduate Diploma (AQF level 8) Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study)
Master degree (AQF level 9) Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

*If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry to be granted advanced standing.

Credit and recognition of prior learning (RPL)

Applicants with relevant work experience in management and leadership may also be eligible for a further reduced duration in the form of RPL of up to 48 credit points at the time of offer (equivalent to one semester full time study).

This may enable you to complete your program in one year or less.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this program, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to program entry requirements.

When you successfully complete the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration you are guaranteed entry into the Master of Business Administration with 1 semester of advanced standing (equivalent to 48 credit points).

Alternatively, you can gain entry from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Master Advanced Standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications within the last 10 years with a major in a business or related discipline, you may be eligible for advanced standing as follows: 

Qualification level Advanced standing Remaining program duration
Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Bachelor honours degree (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)
Graduate certificate (AQF level 8) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Graduate diploma (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit.

Credits

Applicants with a bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and weightings, and reference to the learning resources.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

2024 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$38,400 (2024 annual)*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$351 maximum fee for 2024*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2024 is $351.  

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

2024 commencement

The annual tuition fee for 2024 is AU$48,000.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$96,960 (full 2 year program plan MC199P15).

For students who meet the entry requirements for the 1.5 years program (program plan MC199EXE15), the total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$72,480.

If you do not meet the entry requirements, you will be offered a place in the full two year program.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.