Key facts
Duration
1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Locations
OnlineCourse overview
Study Deakin's Master of Business Administration (MBA) at a top 3 business school in Victoria and prepare to become a business leader of tomorrow. Develop strategic, enterprise level thinking while building strengths in core areas such as strategy and value creation, financial decision-making, marketing, the economic environment, business processes and technology, and leading people in organisations.
Designed for busy professionals, the MBA offers flexible online and on campus study options, supported by intensives, study tours and consulting projects that connect you with industry experts and real business challenges. You will apply your learning through a Master Mind Alliance based capstone and practical experiences, graduating ready to step into senior roles, lead complex change and create value across sectors.
Key dates
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
2027 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 your first study period
- 8 credit points of core units
- 4 credit points which may comprise of:
- 4 credit points of open electives
- 4 credit point specialisation
- 4 credit points of Deakin stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials) and open electives.
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.
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 specialisationor 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
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for informal learning is capped at a maximum of two credit points.
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 estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan to defer all or part of your tuition fees.
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.
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.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| 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 |
| Demonstrate high level written, oral and interpersonal communication skills required to provide clear, well-reasoned advice to organisations and lead and influence others |
| Select and use digital technologies that support the research and analysis of complex business issues and enhances effective dissemination of proposals and recommendations |
| Apply critical thinking and analysis skills to evaluate complex data, relationships and projects in an organisational environment |
| 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 |
| Developed an enhanced insight into leadership style and reflect on own ability to take personal accountability and act as a confident leader |
| Demonstrate the ability to develop networks and business relationships and leverage these to achieve collaborative and mutually beneficial outcomes |
| Demonstrate an understanding of the impact entrepreneurial approaches to business issues has on social, sustainability and cultural challenges in the global business environment |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
