Understanding what it may cost to study an online MBA in Australia is important when deciding to pursue this advanced degree. An MBA can significantly enhance your career prospects and earning potential, but it’s essential to know the financial commitment involved.
This article will guide you through the expenses of online MBAs in Australia, helping you determine if the investment aligns with your professional goals. From tuition fees to hidden costs, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how much an online MBA costs to make an informed decision.
How much do online MBAs cost in Australia in 2025?
MBA fees in Australia can vary significantly depending on the institution and the specifics of the program. Here is a detailed comparison of the costs for various online MBA programs across Australian universities.
| University | State | Course name | Tuition fees (total) | Cost per unit | Units in the MBA | FEE-HELP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne Business School | Victoria | Master of Business Administration | $90,125 | $5,150 | 17.5 | FEE-HELP |
| University of New South Wales | New South Wales | AGSM Master of Business Administration | $68,500 | $5,670 | 12 | FEE-HELP |
| Griffith University | Queensland | Master of Business Administration | $67,500 | $5,625 | 12 | FEE-HELP |
| Edith Cowan University | Western Australia | Master of Business Administration | $65,840 | $5,486 | 12 | FEE-HELP |
| Monash University | Victoria | Master of Business Administration (Digital) | $64,800 | $5,400 | 12 | FEE-HELP |
| University of Wollongong | New South Wales | Master of Business Administration | $60,264 | $5,022 | 12 | FEE-HELP |
| University of Adelaide | South Australia | Master of Business Administration | $59,832 | $4,986 | 12 | FEE-HELP |
| Australian Institute of Business | South Australia | Master of Business Administration | $58,664 | $4,821 | 12 | FEE-HELP |
| La Trobe University | Victoria | Master of Business Administration | $59,100 | $4,925 | 12 | FEE-HELP |
| Deakin University | Victoria | Master of Business Administration | $58,588 | $4,850 | 12 | FEE-HELP |
| University of Technology Sydney | New South Wales | Master of Business Administration | $54,684 | $4,557 | 12 | FEE-HELP |
| Swinburne University | Victoria | Master of Business Administration | $54,480 | $4,540 | 12 | FEE-HELP |
| Southern Cross University | Across Australia | Master of Business Administration | $50,000 | $3,125 | 16 | FEE-HELP |
| Victoria University | Victoria | Master of Business Administration | $47,940 | $3,995 | 12 | FEE-HELP |
| Kaplan Business School | Across Australia | Master of Business Administration | $47,880 | $3,990 | 12 | FEE-HELP |
| University of Southern Queensland | Queensland | Master of Business Administration | $47,640 | $3,970 | 12 | FEE-HELP |
| Charles Sturt University | New South Wales | Master of Business Administration | $47,600 | $4,050 | 12 | FEE-HELP |
| Murdoch University | Western Australia | Master of Business Administration | $44,100 | $3,675 | 12 | FEE-HELP |
| Australian Catholic University | Canberra | Master of Business Administration | $34,440 | $2,870 | 12 | FEE-HELP |
| CQ University | Across Australia | Master of Business Administration | $31,980 (indicative first year fee) | $3,997.50 | 12 | FEE-HELP |
| University of Sunshine Coast | Queensland | Master of Business Administration | $28,968 (indicative first year fee) | $3,621 | 12 | FEE-HELP |
| Torrens University | Across Australia | Master of Business Administration (On Demand) | $28,500 | $2,375 | 12 | FEE-HELP |
| University of New England | New South Wales | Master of Business Administration | $28,472 (indicative first year fee) | $2,124 | 12 | FEE-HELP |
| Victorian Institute of Technology | Victoria | Master of Business Administration | $16,000 | $1,000 | 16 | FEE-HELP |
The Victorian Institute of Technology offers the cheapest online MBA in Australia, at $16,000, while the most expensive is from the Melbourne Business School, at $90,125.
Understanding online MBA costs
The cost of an online MBA in Australia is generally calculated based on the price per unit rather than the total degree cost. This structure allows for flexibility, as students can spread the cost over several years by taking fewer units each semester or increasing the number of units when their schedule allows.
Many students apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to help reduce the total cost of an MBA. RPL is an acknowledgement of the skills, knowledge and experience gained through previous work, education or training. This recognition can then be used to exempt you from certain units, potentially reducing the duration of your MBA study.
Students can also apply for FEE-HELP, an Australian Government loan program that helps cover tuition fees.
Online vs on-campus MBAs: Comparing the costs
Online MBA costs tend to be lower than those of their on-campus counterparts due to reduced overhead costs for universities. The cost savings of online MBAs also extend beyond tuition fees. Online students can avoid expenses related to commuting, accommodation and potential income loss from reduced work hours.
While online and on-campus students incur costs for course materials, online learners might save on purchasing physical materials. These financial benefits, coupled with the flexibility to study from any location, make online MBAs in Australia a more economical and practical choice for many prospective students.
MBA cost considerations
When considering an MBA, looking beyond tuition fees to understand the full financial picture is essential. While both online and on-campus programs come with their own set of costs, on-campus MBA fees in Australia are usually higher. From commuting and accommodation to the impact on your income and additional material costs, these less obvious expenditures can add up.
Some of the hidden and often unconsidered costs associated with studying an MBA include:
- Loss of income: On-campus students may need to take time off work to attend unpaid internships, on-campus classes and other mandatory study requirements, leading to potential income loss. Online students can often study while continuing to work.
- Living costs: On-campus students may decide to relocate to be closer to the university’s location, incurring additional costs for accommodation and living expenses.
- Travel and transportation: Commuting to campus can add significant costs over time, especially when an on-campus student may be required to physically attend the university for a full-time study load.
- Course and study materials: Both online and on-campus students need to budget for physical textbooks (or eTextbooks), software, and technology like laptops and headphones. With the exception of textbooks, study materials like software and laptops are often a one-off cost.
- Other unexpected costs: Printing of ad-hoc course materials, graduation fees and potential impacts on borrowing capacity due to having a HECS-HELP debt should also be considered.
Jess Gleeson is a business owner who studied a Master of Business Administration at RMIT University. She found studying online to be more cost-effective.
“The course I did was online, meaning I didn’t have to incur travel and accommodation costs to attend classes. I didn’t have to give up paid work to attend or use annual leave days to do exams, as the assessments were also 100 per cent assignment-based. Being online meant I had access to online databases and didn’t need to incur costs for textbooks or printed materials.”
Is the cost of an MBA worth it?
Determining whether MBA costs are worth it is largely a personal decision. However, it’s wise to consider several key aspects to determine if pursuing an MBA aligns with your professional goals and personal circumstances.
Return on investment (ROI)
MBA graduates may enjoy attractive salaries. According to the 2022 QS Global Employer Survey, Australia offers the fourth highest pay for MBA graduates in the world.
Career prospects
An MBA can open doors to higher-level positions and increase job opportunities. Many graduates move into leadership roles or new industries, which can justify the investment.
Personal and professional growth
Beyond financial and career benefits, an MBA fosters personal and professional growth by enhancing strategic thinking, leadership skills and global business understanding.
Networking opportunities
A strong alumni network can provide valuable connections and opportunities in your industry. Programs that offer internships, industry projects and networking events can also provide you access to a valuable network of peers, mentors and industry experts.
Personal commitment
An MBA requires significant time and dedication, which could impact personal life and existing responsibilities. Balancing study with family commitments can be challenging, so choosing an MBA that can be flexible to your needs could be worth pursuing.
When is the best time to study an MBA?
Making the decision to study an MBA involves a lot of research, time and thought. For many reasons, such as cost and level of commitment, prospective MBA students may doubt whether it is the right time or if they are ready to commit to studying an MBA. While there may never be a perfect time, certain indicators can suggest it could be the right time to enrol:
- Feeling stagnant in your career: If you’re not progressing but wish to do so in your career, an MBA could provide new opportunities.
- Having five years of professional experience: This experience can enhance your MBA application and help you meet entry requirements.
- Looking to move into a new role: An MBA can facilitate a career change or transition to a different industry.
- Wanting to take on a leadership position: The skills gained from an MBA are essential for leadership roles and help you stand out on your CV.
- Looking to increase your salary: The potential salary boost from an MBA can make it a worthwhile investment.
Given her career aspirations, Jess knew it was the right time to pursue an MBA. “I am an HR consultant and work as a generalist, so the skills gained from an MBA vs a specific Master of Human Resources was more enticing as it gave me greater insight into every component of business. I am a founder of a business, so the skills complemented my need for self-education."
Although there is unlikely to be a “perfect” time to study an MBA, as life and work commitments will always be prevalent, the above factors can help determine the timing for you.
Making an informed decision
While the investment in an MBA can be substantial, the potential returns in terms of career advancement and salary increase often justify the expense for many students.
There are plenty of general and specialised programs that can complement your professional journey. Online MBA courses offer great flexibility for working professionals to focus on their career while furthering their studies. Discover various MBA programs available in Australia and kickstart your journey today.