Study business in Australia

Looking to study business in Australia? Explore top courses, fees and career pathways in our comprehensive guide.

Why study business in Australia?

Driven by a wide range of globally recognised business courses, studying business in Australia has surged in popularity among international students. These courses seamlessly integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications, offering a sturdy foundation in essential principles, instilling practical skills and fostering real-world experiences.

From business administration to accounting and commerce, Australian business courses are well-known for comprehensive curriculums across a wide range of courses that are designed to prepare students for practical challenges in the real world. A wide range of majors and minors is typically available, offering students opportunities to personalise their learning journey and career pathway, tailored to their industry of choosing.

The emphasis on industry relevance in these courses ensures graduates are well-prepared to navigate the global business landscape. The open and stable business environment in Australia also presents opportunities for networking, internships and placements. Beyond professional prospects, Australia’s multicultural society provides an inclusive backdrop, cultivating cross-cultural understanding and collaboration – an invaluable experience in today’s interconnected and globalised business landscape.

To assist in making a well-informed decision about studying business in Australia, we will explore the following topics on this page:

Top business courses in Australia

Outlined below are the top business courses that can be undertaken across Australia, with a spotlight on the offerings at RMIT University. Learn everything you need to know about the courses, admission requirements and associated costs.

1. Bachelor of Business

The Bachelor of Business (BBus) is a three-year undergraduate degree that provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the business landscape, helping you develop essential skills for future careers in business or related industries. At RMIT, the Bachelor of Business is a flexible cross-disciplinary business degree, featuring 14 majors to choose from and industry partnerships with key organisations to provide you with hands-on and immersive learning experiences.  

2. Diploma of Business

The Diploma of Business is a one-year vocational course designed to foster a broad understanding of business, building on existing skills with learning tailored to the needs of various work environments. This course is instrumental in harnessing business communication and professional development skills that provide a solid foundation for pursuing further studies or immediate employment opportunities. 

3. Master of Business Administration

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a prestigious postgraduate degree that offers an in-depth understanding of business management and leadership. Tailored for students aiming to advance their careers or take on senior management roles, the MBA is highly regarded across various industries for its ability to equip graduates with the expertise to solve complex problems. RMIT University's MBA degree is ranked #10 in Oceania (QS MBA Rankings 2023), highlighting its commitment to authentic industry engagement, sustainability focus and a curriculum that encourages you to consider challenges from multiple stakeholder perspectives. The course typically takes two years to complete, with an option for an accelerated course of 1.5 years.

4. Master of Analytics

The Master of Analytics (or Master of Business Analytics) course is a comprehensive two-year postgraduate course designed to enable students to specialise in the field of analytics and build on skills further in computer science, engineering and business. At RMIT, students enrolled in the Master of Analytics have the flexibility to specialise in specific areas such as computer science, economics, logistics and marketing, or gain a broader understanding across all fields. This course provides a strong foundation for graduates to become great problem-solvers with the ability to apply analytics in various business contexts.  

5. Master of International Business

The Master of International Business is two-year postgraduate course that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of conducting business in a global context. Graduates of this course are highly sought after in the global job market, as they become valuable assets to multinational corporations, joint ventures, financial institutions, law firms and other international organisations. The RMIT Master of International Business course takes it a step further by incorporating the insights of an Industry Advisory Board, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to succeed in both domestic and international business environments. The course typically takes two years to complete, with an option for an accelerated course of 1.5 years.  

6. Master of Business Information Technology

The Master of Business Information Technology is a two-year postgraduate course that empowers professionals to take on leadership roles in a changing business IT landscape. This course is specifically designed to prepare graduates for positions such as business analysts, project managers or IT consultants, where they will serve as a crucial link between information technology and business, delivering effective solutions to stakeholders. At RMIT, students have the opportunity to tailor their studies by choosing electives in management, information systems, logistics or computer science, aligning their education with their career goals. The course typically takes two years to complete, with an option for an accelerated course of 1.5 years.   

English language requirements

To study the courses listed above at RMIT, you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests.

Vocational study (diploma, certificate, and advanced diploma):

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 162 with no less than 154 in any component.

Undergraduate and postgraduate study (bachelor’s and master’s degree):

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PT)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

*Please use this as a guide only. You are strongly advised to check the minimum English requirements required for your preferred course.

Career pathways

Studying business opens up a wide range of career opportunities in management, entrepreneurship and related industries. Depending on your area of specialisation, you can pursue roles such as:

  • entrepreneur
  • business owner
  • project manager
  • business analyst
  • product manager
  • sales/marketing/public relations manager
  • human resources manager
  • operations manager
  • general manager/managing director
  • accountant
  • business development manager
  • data analyst
  • market research analyst
  • ecommerce manager
  • international business consultant.

These examples are just a few of the many career paths available to business graduates. Studying business equips graduates with transferable skills that make them highly employable across various industries. The skills gained, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication and strategic decision-making, provide a strong foundation for success in dynamic work environments. Business graduates are sought-after candidates in today's competitive job market due to their versatility and ability to adapt to different roles and industries.

Other factors to consider before studying abroad

Location

The choice of location is crucial as it will be your home for the next few years. Consider evaluating liveability factors such as safety, culture, infrastructure and more. Think about how far away from home you want to live and whether you have a dream university in mind. Additionally, consider the reputation of the city among future employers. For example, Melbourne is widely recognised as Australia's best city for students and consistently ranks among the Most Liveable Cities in the World.

Course academic requirements

Academic requirements can vary between different business courses, so it’s important to review the specific details of your preferred course before applying. For instance, The Bachelor of Business degree will have different academic requirements to an MBA or a Master of Analytics, due to the variations in the level of study or equivalent experience required for certain postgraduate courses. 

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are also course-specific, so make sure to check the annual fees listed on your preferred course’s page. Most universities display these fees on their course pages, providing the most accurate and up-to-date information. The range of tuition fees can significantly change based on the level of study, making the course pages the most reliable source for tuition fee details.

Cost of living

A city’s cost of living is another vital factor to consider. Manage your costs by considering factors such as accommodation options (on-campus vs off-campus), transportation expenses and potential work options while studying.  

In addition to everyday living expenses, it’s also important to consider study-related costs beyond course fees. This may include expenses such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and other fees associated with your course. Conducting thorough research will help you create a realistic budget and make informed financial decisions. 

University academic rankings

When shortlisting universities, take the time to research academic rankings to gain a comprehensive view of a university’s strengths. Influential rankings such as QS World University Rankings, Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) and Times Higher Education (THE) World Rankings evaluate universities based on criteria like teaching, academic reputation, research impact, student satisfaction and employability. While rankings provide insights, they should be considered alongside other factors such as course offerings, faculty expertise, and location.

Why study business at RMIT?

Global rankings

We’re ranked in the top 10 in Australia for accounting and finance, as well as business management studies.

Industry-partnered learning and co-curricular career support

Engage in real-world projects, connecting with industry professionals and organisations both here and overseas.

Flexible options

At RMIT, we cover 14 different key areas in business, so you can master the specialisations that truly excite you.

Book a session

Book a session

You can also book an 1-on-1 online or phone consultations with our team about your study options, entry requirements, eligibility, scholarships and much more. 

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.