Top 20 online MBA globally
#2 business school in Victoria for career impact
#3 in Australia for business administration
Why choose business administration at Deakin
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.
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Top-ranked MBA
Study a Master of Business Administration ranked #3 in Australia and in the global top 20 for online MBA, recognised for its quality and career impact.
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Flexible study for professionals
Balance work and study with a flexible MBA offered online and supported by intensives and study tours that deepen your learning.
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Industry-informed learning
Learn through an MBA shaped by business experts and aligned with contemporary challenges and leadership expectations across industries.
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Global perspective and networks
Build international experience through study tours and consulting projects while connecting with a diverse cohort of professionals.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Build advanced strategic and leadership capability, preparing you to take on senior roles across business, government and not-for-profits as you shape organisational direction.
General manager
Take responsibility for an organisation's overall performance across global operations, leading strategy, teams and decision-making to drive growth and results.
- $180k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 9.6%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 4.1/5
Job satisfaction
Chief executive officer
Lead an organisation's overall direction, working with the board to set strategy, manage risk and guide performance, culture and growth at the highest level.
- $230k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 4.6%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 4.2/5
Job satisfaction
Other jobs
- Chief operating officer
- Chief financial officer
- Managing director
- Entrepreneur
- Board director
- Business owner
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
Download a course guide
Study at Deakin and be rewarded with new skills that will give you an edge in the job market
FAQs
A Deakin postgraduate degree can help you advance your career, deepen your expertise in a specialist field, pivot into a new industry and stand out in a competitive job market. Every course is built with industry input and taught by academics who are active practitioners, so the skills you gain are immediately applicable. Postgraduate study at Deakin is also your chance to connect with leaders in your field and build a network of industry contacts who become valuable professional connections, giving you an advantage that goes well beyond the qualification itself.
Most Deakin postgraduate courses are fee-paying, but there are practical ways to manage the cost of study. You can defer fees with a FEE-HELP loan, repaid through the ATO once you earn above the income threshold. A number of courses have Commonwealth Supported Places where the government covers part of your tuition. Deakin scholarships recognise academic achievement, professional experience and financial need. If you've studied at Deakin before, you may be eligible for a 10% alumni discount. Recognition of prior learning can also reduce costs by crediting past study so you finish sooner.
Yes to all three. Most Deakin postgraduate degrees can be studied online, on campus or a blend of both, and you may be able to switch between full and part time at the start of each trimester to suit your life. If you want to move faster, select courses offer a one-year masters degree designed for working professionals. With three start dates each year for most courses – March, July and November – you don't have to wait long to begin.
The main differences are depth, duration and career outcomes. A graduate certificate is a short, focused qualification, typically six months full time, ideal for upskilling quickly in a specific area. A graduate diploma offers broader knowledge or supports a career change, usually one-year full time. A masters degree delivers advanced expertise and professional recognition, typically one to two years full time. You can also stack qualifications – complete a graduate certificate and use the credit towards a masters.
Each Deakin postgraduate course has a unique structure, check the course stucture section of the course page to see compulsory units, electives and any specialisation streams available. All courses are shaped by industry, so content reflects real challenges in your field. Many courses let you tailor your studies through elective units or specialisations, and some include a capstone project where you apply your learning to a genuine workplace problem.
Entry requirements vary by course, so check this tab on the course page for specific criteria. Most Deakin postgraduate courses require a relevant bachelor degree, though some may accept significant demonstrable work experience as an alternative. You may also be able to build eligibility through a graduate certificate or graduate diploma, which in many cases could count towards a masters degree.
Deakin postgraduate courses are built with industry input, so you're learning skills employers are actively looking for. Depending on your course, you may access work-integrated learning through placements, internships or industry projects with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, National Australia Bank and the Geelong Cats Football Club. DeakinTALENT, Deakin's career service, supports you throughout your studies and for life, helping you grow your network and connect with opportunities in your field.
Yes. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may turn your previous study or work experience into course credit, reducing both your study time and tuition costs. For some masters degrees, you may be able to receive credit for up to two-thirds of the course, if eligible. Use the RPL calculator to get an indication of what you might receive, and note that prior learning must generally be within the last 10 years, although some courses have a shorter time limit. You can apply for RPL as part of your course application.
*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.
What will I study in the Master of Business Administration?
Deakin’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) develops your leadership capability and strategic business thinking. You will build strong foundations across core business functions before progressing to advanced leadership and applied strategy.
Build strategic business foundations
Understand core business functions
Explore strategy, finance, marketing and economic environments to build integrated business knowledge.
Develop leadership capability
Strengthen your ability to lead people, manage teams and drive organisational performance.
Strengthen decision‑making capability
Evaluate complex business challenges and make informed strategic decisions.
Apply strategic thinking and lead
Advance strategic and enterprise thinking
Examine transformation, innovation and value creation in dynamic business environments.
Tailor your MBA experience
Choose electives or specialisations that align your learning with your professional goals.
Apply your learning through a capstone
Participate in a peer-supported Master Mind Alliance, applying your MBA knowledge to workplace and organisational challenges.
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.
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.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
#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:-
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
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.
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.
What to expect while studying
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.
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.
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.
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.This course provides students the opportunity to complete one or more elective work integrated learning units.
Explore Business and Law WIL opportunities.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
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.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| 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 |
- 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
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$40,000
for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
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.
Save 10% as a Deakin alumni
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.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
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.