University of Canberra
Master of Business Administration (Government)
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Become an influential public sector leader.
Course overview
- Gain advanced public sector management, leadership and professional skills.
- Analyse, synthesise and integrate the latest theory and developments.
- Apply innovation and emerging technologies to solve government challenges.
- Build connections with like‑minded professionals.
- Learn from leaders across business, government, policy and more.
- Study online with flexible, supported and accelerated learning.
UC’s online Master of Business Administration (Government) is designed for ambitious public sector professionals.
Grounded in Canberra’s unique position as the seat of government and a hub for professional services, policy and advocacy, this is the ultimate postgraduate degree designed to prepare government leaders to navigate complex challenges in dynamic environments.
This flexible MBA is designed to build on existing expertise as individuals work towards their career goals. Choosing UC’s government specialisation will see them explore 12 units focused on public sector management, policy development, modern workforces, innovation and more.
Key facts
July, 2026
September, 2026
October, 2026
What you will study
The Master of Business Administration (Government) comprises 12 units. Each unit duration is seven weeks.
- Contemporary Legal Frameworks
- Foundations of Public Policy
- Strategic Influence and Advocacy
- Public Sector Budgets and Procurement
- Data-Driven Decision Making and Analytics
- Applied Industry Project
- Financial Management and Sustainable Finance
- Leading Modern Workforces
- Marketing Engagement and Behavioural Insights
- Managerial Economics and Policy Analysis
- Organisational Talent Management
- Strategic Management and Innovation
Entry requirements
To be eligible for the Master of Business Administration, applicants must have one of the following:
- A recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- A higher‑level qualification, in any discipline, from a recognised tertiary institution, and three years of work experience.
- Completion of an accepted Graduate Certificate option through UC.
English language requirements
There are non‑standard English requirements for this course. To be eligible, applicants must have an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 6.5, with no band below 6.0.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Master of Business Administration (Government) students may receive a maximum of four units of RPL (12 credit points). Assessments for credit are processed by the faculty education team and approved by the Program Director of the University of Canberra.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Solve complex organisational problems: Learn to analyse and apply discipline-relevant theory, information and developments as you solve issues in diverse and dynamic operational environments.
- Become an effective leader: Take the initiative to apply advanced leadership, business and professional skills to creatively manage diverse groups of people, processes and organisations.
- Leverage the latest innovations: Plan for and effectively communicate business innovations, new technologies, latest developments and organisational change in a range of contexts.
- Make informed critical decisions: Demonstrate high-level judgement and problem-solving skills in complex and uncertain environments, applying research and analytical methods alongside data and evidence-based insights.
Career outcomes
Possible careers include:
- Policy Director
- Specialist Coordinator
- Government Leader
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative cost per unit in 2026: $4,062.50 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Indicative total cost in 2026: $48,750 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 12 units.
Student annual fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.

















