Australia is always in demand when it comes to education. Australia makes sure that the education that it provides is of high quality, and hence, it attracts even more students. Students automatically favor Australia, as they promise to give the best. As is the case with almost all countries, some courses are preferred over the other. In Australia, Management comes in the first five PG courses. Management receives at most attention in Australia, and this is internationally known. The popularity of management is global, and even the industries accept it.
But all international students have one problem in common. "The budget." It encloses all things, including the cost of living and tuition fees. The cost of living is low in Australia, as compared to other English speaking countries, but the fee is not different.
The fee, in some colleges of this country, is undoubtedly lower, and some colleges also offer a scholarship. Other than scholarship, the colleges also expect you to take up some part-time job, so in that manner, there will be some relief. International students can work for around 48 hours per fortnight per week, and the average pay is around 18-19 AUD per hour.
Which Are the Cheapest Universities for MBA in Australia?
The cheapest MBA programs in Australia in 2026 are offered by Kaplan Business School, Holmes Institute, Victoria University, Charles Darwin University and Federation University, with annual fees ranging from approximately AUD 20,000 to AUD 35,000 for international students. These universities offer TEQSA-accredited MBA programs through on-campus and online modes of study.
Australia is a multicultural country and therefore has seen a lot of international students. The country takes in students in three different times of the year:
- February
- July
- November
The slot for admission in November is only applicable for a few colleges. Below is a list of colleges that you can opt for. if you wish to pursue an MBA in a reputed, yet affordable university. You can explore these colleges, and find out which is the best fit for you. You may also find a few colleges that do not ask for any GMAT score, so venture those as well. Make sure that you do your research well, as this makes up your future.
| University/College | Annual Fee (AUD, 2026, International) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Kaplan Business School | AUD 20,000 – 25,000 | 2 years |
| Holmes Institute | AUD 18,000 – 22,000 | 17 months |
| Victoria University | AUD 20,940 – 24,000 | 1.5 – 2 years |
| Charles Darwin University | AUD 20,560 – 25,000 | 2 years |
| University of Southern Queensland | AUD 22,500 – 24,300 | 1.5 – 2 years |
| Federation University Australia | AUD 20,000 – 26,000 | 1.5 – 2 years |
| Central Queensland University | AUD 18,000 – 24,000 | 1.5 – 2 years |
| Edith Cowan University | AUD 22,500 – 27,000 | 2 years |
| University of the Sunshine Coast | AUD 22,000 – 28,000 | 2 years |
| Southern Cross University | AUD 24,000 – 28,000 | 2 years |
| James Cook University | AUD 26,000 – 32,000 | 1.5 – 2 years |
| Torrens University Australia | AUD 30,000 – 40,000 | 1 – 2 years |
| Charles Sturt University | AUD 24,000 – 30,000 | 2 years |
Which Universities Offer Affordable Online MBA Courses in Australia?
Several Australian universities offer affordable online MBA courses in 2026. RMIT University and James Cook University are popular online options. Online MBA programs are usually offered on a part-time basis over one to two years, with fees charged per unit or credit point. Total program costs typically range from AUD 30,000 to AUD 55,000 for international students.
Apart from that, you can also go for online classes. Online classes are offered on a part-time basis, and usually, have a duration of 2 years. The list below shows the Universities which offer such online MBA courses.
| University/College | Online MBA Fee (2026) |
|---|---|
| RMIT University | AUD 4,500–5,000 per unit × 12 units (approx. AUD 55,000 total) |
| James Cook University | AUD 3,500–4,000 per unit × 12 units (approx. AUD 45,000 total) |
| Charles Sturt University | AUD 1,800–2,500 per subject × 12 (approx. AUD 29,000 total) |
| University of New England | AUD 2,100–2,800 per unit × 12 (approx. AUD 30,000 total) |
What Scholarships Are Available for MBA Students in Australia?
Multiple scholarships are available for MBA students in Australia in 2026, including the Australia Awards Scholarship (government-funded, fully funded), the Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship, Deakin India Bursary (10 percent off MBA fees), and numerous university-specific merit scholarships covering 20-50 percent of tuition fees for eligible international students.
If you are interested to study MBA in Australia at a lower cost, you must apply for scholarships. Almost all colleges in Australia offer scholarship plans. Not all colleges give a full scholarship, but they certainly have scholarship deals. You can also check for scholarships in your own country. You can also search for some organizations that offer a scholarship in Australia.
Some of the popular scholarships that are available for students who desire to study MBA in Australia are:
- Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship for SC
- Dr. Abdul Kalam International Undergraduate Scholarship- Engineering Honors & Information Technology
- Deakin India 10 percent Bursary- MBA, Sports Management, International Finance & Commerce
- Macquarie University Tuition Fee Grants for Indian Students- MBA
All of these scholarships are really useful, though they have some criteria that must be fulfilled.
Which Are the Top Ranked MBA Colleges in Australia?
The top ranked MBA colleges in Australia in 2026 include Melbourne Business School (University of Melbourne), AGSM MBA at UNSW Sydney, Monash Business School, Macquarie Business School and UQ Business School at the University of Queensland. These schools appear in QS Global MBA Rankings and offer global industry networks, though their fees are higher than affordable options.
There are colleges that rank higher in the chart for an MBA, also have a slightly higher fee scale. But a lot of these offer scholarships. If you have a good test score, and your grades are also up to the mark, then you must apply to the colleges listed below.
Among these colleges, there are a few which also offer a full scholarship, which might help a lot in your case.
- Melbourne Business School, The University of Melbourne
- AGSM MBA, University of New South Wales
- College of Business and Economics, Australian National University ANU
- La Trobe Business School, La Trobe University
- Monash Business School, Monash University
- UQ Business School, University of Queensland
- Sydney Business School, University of Wollongong
- Macquarie Graduate School of Management, Macquarie University
- Graduate School of Business and Law, RMIT University
- UWA Business School, University of Western Australia
What Are the MBA Program Durations at Australian Universities?
MBA program durations in Australia in 2026 range from 12 months to 24 months for full-time study. Melbourne Business School offers a 16-month program, Macquarie University offers a 1-year option, and most other universities run 18-24 months full-time or 2-4 years part-time. Choosing a shorter program can significantly reduce total living costs in Australia.
For some candidates, time also matters. The cost of living can be a great factor for your study in some foreign land. If such is your case, the table below should help you.
| College/University | Program Duration (2026) |
|---|---|
| College/University | Time Duration |
| Melbourne Business School | 16 months |
| Macquarie University | 1 Year |
| University of Tasmania | 1.7 years |
| University of Canberra | 2 years |
| Australian National University | 1.5 years |
| Monash University | 2 years |
| Bond University | 1 year |
| University of Western Australia | 16 months |
| University of Technology, Sydney | 2 years |
| Central Queensland University | 1-2 years |
You must remember to compare all the colleges before applying. There are a few colleges that may offer education at a lower cost but the cost of living there may be high. The colleges which offer scholarships also offer them under strict conditions and at all places, your grades matter.
Few colleges in Australia also look for work experience and may also ask you to have some specifics. You may find Colleges which do not need any GMAT score but do your research thoroughly. Search for ways in which you can broaden your sources, and always remember that a guide would be your best partner in such a case. Studying in Australia can be heavy on your wallet, but it will decrease as you proceed.