Key facts
Duration
The time and cost can be reduced based on your previous qualifications and professional experience. This means you can fast track the masters degree from 2 years down to 1.5 years, or even 1 year duration. See entry requirements below for more information.
Locations
Course overview
Study at a top 3 business school in Victoria* and prepare for a career in international business. Deakin’s Master of Business Administration (International) is renowned for its emphasis on practical learning that builds cross-cultural business expertise and leadership capability through real-life contexts and experiences.
Explore international issues through innovative core business units and build the strategic skills to lead across diverse markets.
Ready to learn how to manage and lead an organisation in an international context?
This internationally focused degree will provide you with a business internship experience and opportunities to participate in a global, in-person and virtual work-integrated learning (WIL) project, where you will work on business challenges in other countries.
Learn from international experts in their field and join a community of like-minded professionals from a wide range of sectors and backgrounds.
The course centres around key focus areas such as international leadership, strategy, sustainability and technology. With a focus on people, profit and the planet, you will graduate with the tools to navigate complex business environments across borders. Evidence-based research, scholarship and industry engagement inform course content, ensuring the knowledge you are gaining is always up to date with current and future business trends.
You will also have the option to complement your primary studies in business administration with a specialisation in a wide range of business-related fields. Designed to meet industry demand for skilled professionals with a breadth of transferrable skills, a specialisation can help deepen your knowledge in a particular business field and benefit your future career.
Designed to be a stimulating study experience, our MBA (International) will enable you to develop the analytical, innovative, and interpersonal skills preparing you for leadership success in global business.
*AFR BOSS Best Business Schools 2024
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2026 close 28 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 (International)
- Year
2026 course information
- Deakin code
- M751
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 056889B Burwood (Melbourne)
- 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
Leader in online study
Join more than 78,000 online Deakin students who have successfully graduated from the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment. Discover why we’re a leader in online university courses.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Business Administration (International), you must pass 8, 12 or 16 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 16-credit point Master of Business Administration (International) includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
- 10 credit points of core units
- 2 credit points of course elective units
- 4 credit points of 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.
Business Management Foundations
Global Perspectives
Technology and Strategy
Leadership
Capstone Experience
#MPT code denotes Study Tour version of the unit
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
Business elective
Select one from:
WIL elective
Select one from:
Open electives can be chosen from 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.
Mix and match 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.
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:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
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 work integrated learning units.
Explore Business and Law WIL opportunities.
International Students:
This course includes Work Integrated Learning (WIL) formally registered as part of the course on the CRICOS register. The total work integrated learning hours will differ depending on the WIL unit you choose. For more information about WIL hours, please check the unit information in the handbook or the unit guide.
For information about how WIL units may impact student visa holder work rights, please visit Home Affairs. See 8105 Work limitation.
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 to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Depending on your professional experience and previous qualifications, you may commence this course with admission credit and complete your course in 1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent).
1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 8 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (with 8 credit points of admission credit applied*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree (honours) (AQF 8) in a related discipline, with a minimum weighted average mark of 65
- completion of a bachelor degree in a related discipline, with a minimum weighted average mark of 65, and at least 2 years' of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
- completion of a graduate certificate or graduate diploma or higher in a related discipline.
1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 12 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (with 4 credit points of admission credit applied*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in a related discipline, with a minimum weighted average mark of 65
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline, with a minimum weighted average mark of 65 and at least 2 years' of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent).
2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 16 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (without admission credit applied*) you will need to meet the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline with a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) (or equivalent average grade indicator) of 65.
Examples of a related discipline includes, but not limited to: a bachelor degree in commerce or business in which students have completed studies explicitly in areas covering financial, people, market and economics.
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: business experience either in a broad commerce role or in a managerial position with business oversight responsibilities in any field.
*Recognition of prior learning will still be considered on a case-by-case basis. Learn more below.
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)
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
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning.
You can refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$34,200 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
- Graduate Certificate of Business Administration (International) (M531)
- Graduate Diploma of Business Administration (International) (M631)
Career outcomes
Deakin’s Master of Business Administration (International) prepares graduates for leadership and strategic roles in global business environments.
career outcomes may include:
- global business manager
- international strategy consultant
- senior project manager
- corporate affairs manager
- operations manager
- business development manager
- international marketing director
- financial strategy consultant
- human resources director
- general manager
Professional recognition
Deakin Business School holds both AACSB and EQUIS accreditations. These prestigious accreditations are awarded to business schools that 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 Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Develop an advanced and integrated understanding of fundamental business principles, concepts and knowledge with a focus on innovation and technology, strategy and leadership and internationalisation. Apply research skills, theories and concepts to the evaluation of complex business issues and challenges in a global context. |
| Communication | Develop advanced written and oral communication skills, and intercultural understanding in a diverse range of business and management contexts. |
| Digital literacy | Select and use digital technologies that support the research and analysis of complex business issues, which assist with creating effective dissemination of proposals and recommendations. |
| Critical thinking | Apply and develop critical analysis skills to evaluate complex data, proposals and projects in business and international contexts. |
| Problem solving | Develop and apply problem solving skills and creativity to conceptualise, construct and recommend solutions for complex business issues facing local and international organisations. |
| Self-management | Develop an enhanced insight into learning and working independently and take responsibility for personal and professional actions. |
| Teamwork | Demonstrate the ability to network with peers, and to leverage these relationships to achieve collaborative and mutually beneficial outcomes in a diverse context. |
| Global citizenship | Develop and demonstrate an understanding of the impact that innovative approaches to business issues have 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.
