For many professionals, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious postgraduate business qualifications in Australia. Earning this degree can help enhance your leadership and management skills, expand your professional network and accelerate your career growth. However, the financial cost of pursuing an MBA can be significant. To make these programs more accessible, there is a wide range of postgraduate scholarships that are designed to support diverse MBA students.
Read further to gain insights into MBA scholarships, including their benefits, common requirements and alternative ways to lower your educational costs. You’ll also find strategies for preparing a strong application with our ready‑to‑use template, along with a selection of notable scholarships you can explore in 2026 to fund your MBA journey.
What is an MBA scholarship?
An MBA scholarship is a financial award meant to support eligible students pursuing an MBA course. These scholarships often cover partial or full tuition fees, provide stipends or give one-off cash payments to help students with their living and study expenses.
Universities highly value diverse cohorts in their MBA programs, bringing together professionals from various industries, backgrounds and perspectives. As a result, universities and organisations offering MBA scholarships may consider factors like gender balance and underrepresented backgrounds, rather than being based purely on merit. You can find scholarships dedicated to supporting women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, students facing financial challenges and more.
What are the benefits of MBA scholarships?
While MBA scholarships primarily help reduce financial pressure, they also offer other benefits, such as providing access to top MBA courses, increasing the return on investment (ROI) of your MBA, offering valuable networking opportunities and boosting your professional reputation. Securing a scholarship for MBA studies can support both your education and your overall growth as a business professional. Learn more below:
Reduces financial pressure
As MBA courses may be costly for some individuals, a scholarship offers an accessible pathway for business professionals to obtain one of the most respected business degrees. By securing a scholarship, you can also avoid taking on a loan to fund your studies, enabling you to graduate with greater financial freedom. If you’re considering pausing your career to pursue a full-time MBA, some scholarships offer living stipends that can help cover both your living and study costs, allowing you to advance your qualification with less financial burden.
Provides access to top MBA programs
Many prestigious MBA programs come with expensive price tags, which may be financially unattainable for talented individuals. MBA scholarships can help bridge this gap by providing financial support that enables deserving students to enrol. Not only can these scholarships make MBA programs more accessible, but they can also help business schools attract a wider pool of diverse and high‑potential learners, regardless of their economic backgrounds.
Increases the ROI of your MBA
Calculating the ROI of your MBA typically involves comparing the total cost of your program against your projected post-MBA salary. An MBA scholarship may improve this financial ROI equation by reducing your upfront investment. The less you spend on your MBA, the faster you can recover your costs and begin reaping the benefits of your enhanced earning potential as you progress in your career.
Offers valuable networking opportunities
MBA scholarships may offer you opportunities to connect with other high-achieving peers, alumni, industry professionals and corporate partners involved in the scholarship program. Scholarships that are awarded to specific groups, such as women or those in marginalised communities, may provide access to dedicated networks that allow scholarship recipients to make connections with like-minded professionals. Alongside financial support, MBA scholarships may include access to exclusive events and mentorship programs designed to help you build a stronger network. These connections may lead to valuable opportunities like internships, job offers and collaborations that support your professional development.
Strengthens your professional reputation
Securing an MBA scholarship may boost your professional reputation as the financial award may serve as recognition of your academic excellence and leadership potential. Scholarships are typically highly competitive and limited, so earning one enables you to distinguish yourself from others in the job market. It also highlights your determination and commitment to pursuing advanced study as part of your professional growth. This can help you position yourself as a high-achieving professional to employers, which can boost your personal brand and credibility in the market.
MBA scholarships to explore in 2026
You can find diverse MBA scholarships for Australians and international students provided by leading universities, offering full or partial tuition fee waivers or cash grants to support your educational journey. Some scholarships are designed exclusively for MBA students, while others are broader awards that MBA candidates may also qualify for.
Below, you’ll find a selection of notable MBA scholarships, organised into categories for general MBA students, women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, students experiencing financial hardship and more.
Please note that this section provides general information about the scholarships. Scholarship details, including eligibility criteria, funding amounts and deadlines, may change throughout the year. To confirm your eligibility and understand the specific requirements for the scholarship you’re interested in, it’s best to check the university’s official scholarship page or contact the institution directly for detailed information.
Scholarships for all MBA students
| University | Scholarship name | Scholarship amount | What can the scholarship cover? | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of New South Wales | AGSM Leadership Excellence Scholarship | Up to 100% discount | Tuition fees (international students) or equivalent to fortnightly stipends (domestic students) for the full-time MBA |
|
No fixed close date |
| University of Sydney | Future Leaders MBA Scholarship | $70,000 | Tuition fees |
|
Currently closed |
| University of Melbourne | Clemenger BBDO Scholarship | $50,000 | Partial tuition fees for the part-time MBA or full-time MBA |
|
29 June 2026 |
| Swinburne University of Technology | Centre for Social Impact Scholarship 2026 | Up to $10,000 | Tuition fees for the MBA with a Social Impact specialisation |
|
1 February 2026 |
| Macquarie University | The Sir Theo Kelly Sustainable Leadership Scholarship | 25% discount | Tuition fees for students enrolled in the MBA, Graduate Certificate of Business Administration or the Graduate Diploma of Business Administration |
|
Currently open |
| University of Queensland | MBA Student Scholarship – Full-time or part-time | 25% discount | Tuition fees |
|
November 2025 |
| La Trobe University | The La Trobe MBA Excellence Scholarships | Up to 25% discount | Tuition fees |
|
No fixed close date |
| Torrens University Australia | Emerging Leaders (MBA) | 15% discount | Tuition fees |
|
Rolling per intake |
| Charles Darwin University | Master of Business Administration (Executive) Scholarship | 10% discount | Tuition fees |
|
No fixed close date |
| Griffith University | MBA Scholarship for Values-Driven Leadership | $5,000 | Tuition fees |
|
16 February 2026 |
| University of Technology Sydney | MBA Scholarship for Outstanding Students (Commencing) | $5,000 | Tuition fees |
|
25 August 2025 |
MBA scholarships for women
| University | Scholarship name | Scholarship amount | What can the scholarship cover? | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | Dean’s Scholarship for Women and Management | $50,000 | Partial tuition fees for the Senior Executive MBA |
|
2 February 2026 |
| University of New South Wales | AGSM Women In Leadership Scholarship | Up to 75% discount | Tuition fees (international students) or equivalent to fortnightly stipends (domestic students) for the full-time MBA program |
|
No fixed close date |
| Queensland University of Technology | MBA Scholarship: Women in leadership excellence | 50% discount | Tuition fees for the Executive MBA |
|
10 November 2025 |
| University of Wollongong | Women in MBA Scholarship | Up to 50% discount | Tuition fees |
|
No fixed close date |
| University of Notre Dame Australia | The Hilda Jury Scholarship | $15,000 per year | Living and study expenses |
|
25 February 2026 |
| Swinburne University of Technology | Kath Watson Scholarship for Women 2026 | $7,500 per year | Living and study expenses for up to 3 years |
|
15 March 2026 |
| Griffith University | MBA Sustainable Leadership Scholarship for Women | $5,000 | Tuition fees |
|
|
| University of Queensland | MBA Student Scholarship – Women | 25% discount | Tuition fees |
|
November 2025 |
MBA scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
| University | Scholarship name | Scholarship amount | What can the scholarship cover? | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of the Sunshine Coast | UniSC Indigenous Scholarship - Honours and Postgraduate | 100% discount + $4,000 | Tuition fees and the Student Services and Amenities fees + living expenses |
|
Open year-round |
| University of Melbourne | MBS Foundation Indigenous Leadership Scholarship | 100% discount | Tuition fees |
|
No fixed close date |
| Monash University | Monash Business School Indigenous Scholarship | 100% discount | Tuition fees, up to a maximum of 5 years |
|
No fixed close date |
| University of Sydney | Indigenous Australians Leading in Business MBA Scholarships | $70,000 | Tuition fees for the part-time MBA, Master of Business Administration (Technology and Digital Strategy) or Executive MBA |
|
Currently closed |
| University of Western Australia | UWA Indigenous MBA Scholarship | $59,700 | Full tuition fees |
|
31 October 2025 |
| University of New South Wales | AGSM Indigenous Leaders Scholarship | 50% discount | Tuition fees for the full-time AGSM MBA, AGSM MBA (Executive) and AGSM MBAX |
|
No fixed close date |
| University of Queensland | MBA Student Scholarship – Indigenous | 25% discount | Tuition fees |
|
November 2025 |
| Griffith University | Australian Indigenous Leaders of Tomorrow MBA Scholarship | $5,000 | Tuition fees |
|
16 February 2026 |
| Charles Sturt University | CSU Foundation Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Achievement Scholarship | $5,000 | Living and study expenses |
|
20 January 2026 |
MBA scholarships for students with financial hardship
| University | Scholarship name | Scholarship amount | What can the scholarship cover? | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macquarie University | Macquarie University Higher Study Scholarship - Full time rate | $12,000 per year | Living and study expenses |
|
8 January 2026 |
| Curtin University | Elizabeth Margaret Bolton Postgraduate Scholarship | Up to $6,000 | Living and study expenses |
|
25 February 2026 |
| CQUniversity | CQUniCares Student Success (New South Wales) Scholarship | Up to $5,000 | Living and study expenses |
|
27 January 2026 |
| Torrens University Australia | My Torrens Equity Access Scholarship | 20% discount | Tuition fees |
|
Rolling per intake |
MBA scholarships for international students
| University | Scholarship name | Scholarship amount | What can the scholarship cover? | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | Ian Harper AO Scholarship for Excellence | 100% discount | Tuition fees |
|
11 May 2026 |
| University of Wollongong | UOW Future Leaders Scholarship | 100% discount | Tuition fees for up to 2 years |
|
Currently closed |
| Curtin University | Curtin Global Future Leaders Scholarship | $10,000 | Tuition fees |
|
1 September 2026 |
| Macquarie University | Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship | Up to $10,000 | Living and study expenses |
|
Open year round |
| Charles Darwin University | Vice-Chancellor's International High Achievers Scholarships | 50% discount | Tuition fees |
|
12 January 2026 |
| James Cook University | International Excellence Scholarship | 25% discount | Tuition fees |
|
No fixed close date |
| Deakin University | Deakin International Scholarship | 25% discount | Tuition fees |
|
No fixed close date |
| CQUniversity | International Merit Scholarship | Up to 25% discount | Tuition fees |
|
30 December 2030 |
| La Trobe University | La Trobe High Achiever Scholarship | Up to 25% discount | Tuition fees |
|
31 December 2026 |
| Edith Cowan University | 2026 International Masters Scholarship | 20% discount | Tuition fees |
|
8 August 2026 |
MBA scholarships for alumni
| University | Scholarship name | Scholarship amount | What can the scholarship cover? | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Torrens University Australia | Alumni Scholarships | 25% discount | Tuition fees |
|
Rolling per intake |
| Flinders University | MBA Alumni & Staff Tuition Fee Discount | 20% discount | Tuition fees |
|
Currently open for commencement in 2026 |
| Deakin University | Deakin Alumni Discount | 10% discount | Tuition fees |
|
No fixed close date |
| Charles Darwin University | CDU Alumni Postgraduate Discount | 10% discount | Tuition fees |
|
No fixed close date |
| Charles Sturt University | Study Discounts | 10% discount | Tuition fees |
|
Discount is automatically applied when course offer is accepted(exclusions apply) |
| Macquarie University | Macquarie University Postgraduate Loyalty Scheme | 10% discount | Tuition fees |
|
No fixed close date |
| University of Wollongong | Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship | 10% discount | Tuition fees |
|
Discount is automatically applied when course offer is accepted |
MBA scholarships for students from other groups
| University | Scholarship name | Scholarship amount | What can the scholarship cover? | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of New South Wales | AGSM Military Scholarship | 100% discount | Tuition fees |
|
No fixed close date |
| University of Western Australia | Viburnum Funds MBA Career Acceleration Scholarship | $15,000 | Living and study expenses |
|
12 January 2026 |
| Torrens University Australia | Sole Parent/Carer Scholarship | 20% discount | Tuition fees |
|
Rolling per intake |
| Swinburne University of Technology | Joan McPherson Welcome Scholarship 2026 | $7,000 | Living and study expenses |
|
15 March 2026 |
| University of Newcastle | Helen Maslen Scholarship | $5,000 | Living and study expenses |
|
08 February 2026 |
| Charles Sturt University | The Honourable Michael Kirby Empowerment Scholarship | $3,000 | Living and study expenses |
|
4 February 2026 |
| Monash University | Monash Hardship Scholarship | $3,000 | Living and study expenses |
|
No fixed close date |
Common MBA scholarship requirements
While the specific criteria of MBA scholarships may vary depending on the focus and the university or organisation offering the scholarship, scholarships often share several core requirements, such as proof of admission into the MBA program, strong academic and professional achievements or evidence of personal circumstances that align with the scholarship’s objectives. Understanding these common expectations can help you prepare better for your application.
Many MBA scholarships require you to have secured admission or received an offer to enrol in the MBA program at the awarding institution. Some institutions don’t require you to submit a formal MBA scholarship application, as you would be considered automatically during your course application stage and offered to you if you're eligible. For example, if you’re interested in La Trobe University’s MBA Excellence Scholarship and you meet the course and scholarship criteria, you’re only required to complete the course application. Your eligibility will then be automatically examined, and if successful, you’ll be notified via email.
For MBA scholarships that focus on merit-based criteria, you’re typically required to have strong academic performance and professional accomplishments. Scholarship providers often review undergraduate academic results and professional work experience that show leadership potential. Demonstrating excellence in both academics and professional experience can help show scholarship committees that you’re intellectually equipped to pursue an MBA and have the capabilities needed to guide teams, drive innovation and make an impact within your industry. Some scholarships also target specific career stages, such as The University of Melbourne's Dean's Scholarship for Women and Management scholarship, which specifically supports top female leaders enrolling in the university’s Senior Executive Master of Business Administration program.
If you’re applying for an MBA scholarship that considers non‑merit criteria, you’re often required to demonstrate evidence of your lived experiences. This may involve submitting a written letter or personal statement that shows your financial hardship, highlights your contributions to underrepresented communities or other circumstances, depending on the scholarship’s theme. Scholarship providers may evaluate your application based on your resilience and commitment to creating social impact. For example, the University of Sydney’s Indigenous Australians Leading in Business MBA Scholarship requires you to submit a personal statement highlighting your leadership experience and potential within your field, a commitment to improving the wellbeing and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and a clear vision of how completing your MBA will enable you to help drive positive change for this community.
When applying for an MBA scholarship, you may be required to submit a list of supporting documents along with your application form, which may include the following:
- A personal statement or essay explaining your career goals, leadership experience and why you should be a recipient of the scholarship
- Academic transcripts from post-secondary institutions
- Latest CV or resume highlighting your professional achievements
- Letters of recommendation from referees, such as supervisors, employers or lecturers, who can attest to your capabilities and potential
- Proof of citizenship or residency status
- Evidence of admission into your MBA program or an offer letter from the university
Tips for writing an MBA scholarship application
There are many strategies to produce a strong MBA scholarship application, including planning your content, using clear language, highlighting relevant achievements, sharing long-term goals and reviewing your application thoroughly before submitting it.
While some MBA scholarships in Australian universities automatically assess applicants during the MBA admission process, some may require you to submit a separate application to be considered. These scholarships often involve submitting a written component, such as a formal application letter or a personal statement. This written application allows scholarship providers to better understand your motivations and the value you can contribute as a recipient.
Below are the steps you should keep in mind to develop a strong application:
Plan your content ahead: Go through the scholarship’s application requirements to outline the key information you’ll need to include, such as your academic background, skills and professional experience. This ensures your letter or statement is comprehensive and well‑structured.
Use concise and clear language: The written component usually comes with a word limit, so it’s important to deliver your message clearly and directly while ensuring all key information is included. Since selection panels often review many applications, your written piece should be concise and easy to follow, allowing them to grasp your strengths quickly.
Highlight relevant achievements and experience: Include accomplishments that align with the scholarship’s focus and selection criteria. Highlight past experiences that demonstrate your leadership abilities or contributions to your community, especially when applying for scholarships that prioritise community impact. It’s also important to use specific examples to make your application more compelling.
Share your long-term visions: Scholarship committees want to understand why your MBA journey is worth supporting. Provide a thoughtful explanation of how you intend to apply the knowledge and skills gained from your MBA to benefit your organisation, industry or community. Your long-term goals should be both inspiring and realistic to give the panel confidence that your vision can be successfully put into practice.
Review your application carefully: Check your written application thoroughly to make sure it’s free from spelling and grammatical errors. Proofreading can also help you strengthen your argument or include additional details. You can consider asking trusted colleagues, mentors or friends to read your letter or statement and provide constructive feedback to refine it further.
MBA scholarship application template
The MBA scholarship application template below can serve as a guide for your application. You can customise it according to your long-term visions, professional experience, achievements and any specific scholarship criteria.
Alternative funding options for your MBA
You can explore various ways to reduce the financial pressure of your MBA studies besides scholarships offered by your institution and external organisations, such as applying for government subsidies and loans, utilising recognition of prior learning, exploring global scholarship programs and requesting employer assistance. Discover what each of these methods entails below:
Government subsidies and loans
The Australian Government offers various financial schemes to help eligible students manage their study costs. One of the schemes is a subsidy known as Commonwealth supported place (CSP), where the government covers a significant portion of your tuition fees, leaving you responsible only for the student contribution amount. CSPs are very limited for postgraduate courses and are highly competitive, but securing one can provide substantial savings. For example, the University of Sunshine Coast’s Master of Business Administration (Extended) offers savings of $28,960 to successful domestic applicants, reducing program costs by more than 40 per cent.
If your MBA course doesn’t offer a CSP, you can consider getting a FEE-HELP loan, which allows you to defer your tuition fees at approved institutions. You’ll only need to begin your repayments through the tax system once you’ve started earning above the minimum threshold of $67,000 for the 2025-2026 income year. This enables you to focus on your studies without having to worry about making an upfront payment.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
While RPL isn’t a funding program, it can help you reduce the overall cost of your MBA studies. RPL is a formal process that takes your current and relevant experience and knowledge, gained through professional work or prior academic study, into consideration when applying for a course. If your experience aligns with the learning outcomes of certain course units, you may be eligible for credit transfer. This enables you to reduce the number of units you need to complete and finish your MBA sooner. Since tuition costs are often based on how many units you take, this can reduce the amount of tuition fees you have to pay.
Scholarships from global organisations
If you’re not eligible for scholarships at your chosen university, you can still explore external opportunities offered by international organisations. For example, the ROMBA LGBTQ+ Fellowship is a joint collaboration between business school programs and the global non-profit Reaching Out, designed to support the development of LGBTQ+ business leaders. At partner institutions such as the University of New South Wales in Australia, successful applicants may receive a scholarship of at least $20,000 to support their MBA studies. Many of these external opportunities can also connect you with global networks that can further enrich your MBA experience.
Employer support
Many organisations invest in their employees by offering financial support for further study, allowing them to upskill with competencies that can ultimately benefit the organisation. For example, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia offers up to 100 per cent financial assistance along with study leave for employees completing tertiary degrees that can enhance their professional growth within the multinational bank. If you’re currently employed, check with your manager or HR team to see if your company offers any form of financial support before applying for your MBA. In return for covering a portion or all of your educational expenses, your employer may require you to remain with the company for a set period after completing your degree.
Secure funding for your MBA and your future
Since MBA programs often demand a substantial financial commitment, you can find postgraduate business scholarships that can help ease this burden. Securing one enables you to focus on strengthening your business expertise and leadership skills. With this support, you’ll also have the freedom to explore a variety of top MBA courses and pursue one that aligns with your long‑term career goals. Get started today and discover diverse MBA programs offered by leading institutions in Australia.


















