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 very different.
The fee, in some colleges of this country, is undoubtedly lower, and some colleges also offer scholarships. Other than scholarships, part-time work can provide some relief. International students on a subclass 500 visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled study breaks, which helps offset living costs.
- International MBA tuition in Australia starts at about AUD 33,600 per year at the most affordable universities, such as the University of Southern Queensland, and rises beyond AUD 40,000 per year at metropolitan business schools
- Student visa (subclass 500) holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying
- Three intakes run each year in February, July and November.
Which Are the Top Affordable MBA Colleges in Australia?
Australia offers many affordable MBA programs with three intakes each year in February, July and November, though November is limited to select colleges. Among the most affordable 2026 options for international students are the University of Southern Queensland, CQUniversity, Victoria University and Kaplan Business School, with annual tuition starting near AUD 33,600.
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 affordable universities with their verified 2026 international MBA fees taken from each institution's own official fee pages. You may also find a few colleges that do not ask for a GMAT score, so explore those as well. Make sure that you do your research well, as this makes up your future.
| University / College (2026) | International MBA Fee (AUD) | Fee Basis |
|---|---|---|
| University of Southern Queensland | AUD 33,600 / year | Indicative annual, official page |
| CQUniversity (Global) | AUD 38,640 / year | First-year, official page |
| Victoria University (Global) | AUD 40,800 / year | AUD 20,400 / semester, official page |
| Kaplan Business School | AUD 58,920 total | AUD 4,910 / subject, official page |
What Online MBA Options Are Available in Australia?
Apart from full-time on-campus study, online MBA classes are offered at several Australian universities. Online courses are typically offered on a part-time basis and usually take longer to complete than full-time programs. RMIT University and James Cook University are among the popular options for online MBA study in Australia, offering flexible fee structures charged per unit of credit.
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 around two years. Several universities, including RMIT and James Cook University, charge online MBA tuition per unit of credit, so confirm the current per-unit rate on the university's own fee page before applying.
Australia student visa guide for Indian students 2026Read →What Scholarships Are Available for MBA in Australia?
To study an MBA in Australia at lower cost, applying for scholarships is essential. Most universities offer merit or international scholarships that reduce tuition, though few cover full fees. Popular options include the Deakin India Bursary, Macquarie University tuition grants and Australian government schemes. Check eligibility criteria and deadlines carefully before applying through each college.
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, and search for 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.
Scholarships for MBA in Australia 2026Read →Which Are the Top Ranked MBA Colleges in Australia?
Australia's top-ranked MBA programs sit at higher fee scales but often provide generous scholarships. Leading business schools include Melbourne Business School at the University of Melbourne, AGSM at UNSW Sydney, Monash Business School, and UQ Business School at the University of Queensland. Strong GMAT scores and academic grades strengthen applications to these competitive programs.
There are colleges that rank higher in the chart for an MBA and 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
How Long Does an MBA Take in Australia?
For some students, the duration of an MBA program matters as much as the cost. MBA duration in Australia varies by institution and format. Melbourne Business School offers a 16-month intensive program, while Macquarie University completes in one year. Other universities such as the University of Sydney and La Trobe offer programs ranging from one to two years in duration.
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.
| MBA Programme 2026 | Typical 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 ask you to meet specific requirements. You may find colleges which do not need a GMAT score, but do your research thoroughly. Always confirm fees on the university's own official page, and remember that a good guide can be your best partner. Studying in Australia can be heavy on your wallet, but the burden decreases as you proceed.