Key facts
Duration
1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Locations
OnlineCourse overview
Study the Deakin MBA, ranked in the top 20 online MBA’s globally^, at a top 3 business school in Victoria*.
Join a diverse, inclusive, and purpose-driven community of experienced professionals, including senior leaders, technical experts, career switchers, and those looking to drive change.
The Deakin MBA builds the mindset, values and capabilities you need to lead with clarity, courage, and strategic vision in a rapidly changing world. Grounded in practical learning and deep industry connection, our MBA enables you to lead high-performing teams, champion meaningful transformation, and work with purpose across sectors and systems.
Are you ready to step beyond technical expertise and lead confidently across teams, systems, and sectors?
Our MBA embraces complexity and equips you to navigate uncertainty, competing priorities and constant change. You will be challenged to engage with the real messiness of business, from balancing financial goals with ethical leadership, to making strategic decisions in unpredictable contexts, and managing teams in ways that are both socially responsible and financially viable.
From your very first unit, you will be encouraged to think differently, tackle complex problems, and sharpen your strategic judgement. Whether stepping into new leadership responsibilities or seeking to expand your influence, the Deakin MBA prepares you to lead with purpose and impact.
Curate your experience with flexible study options designed to fit your career and lifestyle. Tailor your MBA through a wide range of electives, leadership-focused residentials, global study tours, intensive programs, and online learning opportunities. Build practical expertise through live industry challenges, global business insights, and leadership masterclasses.
You will learn from a mix of PhD-qualified academics and industry-based professors who bring decades of experience. Our curriculum is co-designed with industry to reflect contemporary business challenges, from sustainability and innovation to social impact, technology and security.
Your experience and perspective matter. You will join a cohort of experienced professionals, senior leaders, technical specialists and change-makers, each bringing expertise and a drive to lead with purpose. This rich mix of perspectives creates a dynamic learning environment where you will expand your thinking, challenge assumptions and refine your leadership presence.
While all of the Deakin MBA core units are offered online, you can also connect in person through immersive learning experiences, including intensives, networking events, residential programs, and international study opportunities. The program’s flexible structure gives you the freedom to build an MBA that works for you, while gaining future-ready leadership tools.
This is more than a qualification. It’s a transformational experience that shifts your mindset from specialist to strategic leader. Whether you are looking to expand your influence, lead across systems, or drive change in your sector, the Deakin MBA helps you lead with purpose, clarity and impact.
* AFR BOSS Best Business Schools 2025
^ CEO Magazine 2026 Global MBA Rankings – Deakin Online MBA ranked #17 worldwide
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2026 close 21 June 2026
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2026 close 18 October 2026
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Master of Business Administration
- Year
2026 course information
- Deakin code
- M701
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Discover the Deakin MBA
Watch our MBA webinar to discover what makes Deakin’s program unique. Course director Dr Paul Harrison and graduate Alyssa Poyner explain how the MBA challenges perspectives and develops new ways of leading through complexity. You’ll also hear about immersive study experiences, networking opportunities and the value of learning alongside a diverse professional cohort.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Business Administration, you must pass 8 or 12 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
A 12-credit point Master of Business Administration includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
- 8 credit points of core units
- 4 credit points which may comprise of:
- 4 credit points of open elective units
- 4 credit point specialisation
- 4 credit points of Deakin stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials) and open elective units.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
#MBR code denotes optional MBA residential intensive version of the unit
^MBT code denotes optional MBA study tour version of the unit
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
The remaining 4 credit points may be selected from:
a postgraduate business specialisation or any business units not previously studied,
a wide range of level 7 study areas across the University, subject to availability and meeting any pre-requisites. Choose open electives to suit your interests, career aspirations or to broaden your academic experience beyond your discipline study area.
Deakin stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials) to earn credit towards your degree, subject to eligibility. Any stacking must add up to a whole number to be used for credit. See more information on Stackable short course options.
Refer to the details of each specialisation for availability.
- accounting
- artificial intelligence for business
- business analytics
- digital transformation
- digital finance
- event management
- finance
- financial planning
- human resource management
- information systems
- international trade and business
- leadership
- management consulting
- marketing
- marketing technology
- professional practice
- project management
- property and real estate
- supply chain management
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Online
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – Please note that due to Australian Government regulations, student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin online courses.
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Mandatory student checks
Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.
Workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, online interactions, or professional experiences for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Participation requirements
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
This course provides students the opportunity to complete one or more elective work integrated learning units.
Explore Business and Law WIL opportunities.
Take the next step to a brighter future
Kickstart your career growth. We'll prepare you for the career you've always wanted.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline and at least three years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
- completion of a graduate certificate or higher in a related discipline and at least three years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
- completion of a graduate diploma equivalent (professional pathways.
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to:
- three years' relevant work experience, and
- at least two years (full-time equivalent) in a managerial or professional role with responsibilities for decision making in areas including:
- budgetary oversight
- staffing and management
- strategic planning and development
- operational implementation
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
You must provide the following with your application:
- a current CV that clearly demonstrates professional / managerial experience
- current contact details of two referees who can be contacted concerning your work experience
- a one page brief outlining why you believe that your work experience would be valued by your MBA peers
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will contain information about your Recognition of prior learning.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) into the Master of Business Administration may be granted to students who have successfully completed equivalent postgraduate qualifications. RPL cannot be granted for MBA-coded units based on work experience alone. It may be considered in addition to the postgraduate qualifications. Students must complete at least four credit points of the core units at Deakin.
Students who have completed CPA, CA ANZ or IPA professional programs and have a current full CPA, CA ANZ or IPA professional membership may be eligible for UP TO 6 credit points of RPL.
If you have a membership with one of Deakin Business School’s partner organisations, you may be eligible for course credit to put towards your degree. Find out more about RPL with business partners
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$40,000 for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook. Learn more about fees and available payment options.
Higher Education Loan Program
Take the next step towards your ultimate degree with a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan to help pay your tuition fees.
You may be eligible for a HELP loan – including FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP – depending on your course, type of fee place, and your citizenship or residency status. Check your eligibility and learn more about Government HELP loans.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best. Explore the range of opportunities and find the right fit for you.
Postgraduate bursary
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Need more information on how to apply?
For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
Pathways
Alternate exits
Talk to the course director
Make an appointment to get your big questions answered. Want to know how to get the most value from your course? Need help tailoring your units to your goals or fitting study around work and life? It's all on the table.
Career outcomes
Deakin MBA graduates excel in leadership and entrepreneurial roles across all areas of business and industry. As a graduate of Deakin’s MBA, you will have the skills and expertise to pursue executive, C-suite and director roles.
Professional recognition
Deakin Business School holds both AACSB and EQUIS accreditations. These prestigious accreditations are awarded to less than 1 per cent of business schools internationally and meet strict standards of quality, academic and professional excellence, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing improvement and innovation in their courses, ensuring our graduates are employable worldwide.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| Discipline Specific knowledge and capabilities | Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental business principles and concepts and integrate own business expertise to develop insights into complex, contemporary business issues and apply this to address emerging global business trends and challenges |
| Communication | Demonstrate high level written, oral and interpersonal communication skills required to provide clear, well-reasoned advice to organisations and lead and influence others |
| Digital literacy | Select and use digital technologies that support the research and analysis of complex business issues and enhances effective dissemination of proposals and recommendations |
| Critical thinking | Apply critical thinking and analysis skills to evaluate complex data, relationships and projects in an organisational environment |
| Problem solving | Apply problem solving skills and creativity to arrive at evidence-based decisions and imagine strategies and the changes required to implement recommended courses of action |
| Self-management | Developed an enhanced insight into leadership style and reflect on own ability to take personal accountability and act as a confident leader |
| Teamwork | Demonstrate the ability to develop networks and business relationships and leverage these to achieve collaborative and mutually beneficial outcomes |
| Global citizenship | Demonstrate an understanding of the impact entrepreneurial approaches to business issues has on social, sustainability and cultural challenges in the global business environment |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
