If you’re looking to move into senior leadership roles, lead strategic initiatives, manage a major division or run a business, pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) could be the next step in your career.
While an MBA course can offer significant professional and personal benefits, it’s also an important commitment that should be considered carefully.
This MBA guide will help you understand what is involved in an MBA, and decide whether the AIB MBA could be a good fit for you.
MBA guide contents
In this guide to MBAs you will learn more about:
General MBA questions
What is an MBA?
An MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a postgraduate degree designed for experienced professionals who want to broaden their business expertise and strengthen their leadership capability.
An MBA provides a comprehensive understanding of how organisations operate, with study across key business disciplines such as finance, marketing, human resources and management. MBA students learn how to apply leading business theories to real-world business challenges and make informed decisions to support the growth of their team and organisation.
What is the AIB MBA?
From Australia’s largest online MBA provider*, the AIB MBA is designed for modern working professionals. The program is delivered 100% online, giving you the freedom to study around work and life commitments while staying on track through consistent assessment deadlines. You can learn anytime and anywhere, supported by experienced faculty and guest lecturers from world-leading organisations.
Rather than traditional exams, the AIB MBA focuses on the practical application of business theory to real-world challenges – often drawn directly from your own organisation or industry. This approach is designed to deliver immediate workplace impact.
Designed for efficiency as well as flexibility, the AIB MBA helps you to graduate and achieve your career goals faster. You can accelerate your studies by completing subjects concurrently to finish the degree in as little as 12 months.^
*20 Biggest Online MBA Providers, MBA News (July 2024)
^Course duration is determined by entry pathway and study load.
Learn more: What is the AIB MBA?
Why should you get an MBA?
The MBA is a globally recognised and highly-regarded qualification that can open doors to senior roles, career transitions, higher salaries, new ventures and more.
As businesses face increasing complexity, an MBA helps professionals build the skills needed to navigate uncertainty and lead through change. It develops a broad understanding of how businesses operate, equipping graduates to solve problems across functions rather than in isolation.
Many professionals also pursue an MBA for its long-term return on investment. Alongside salary growth and more senior opportunities, an MBA can deliver lasting value through career resilience and adaptability.
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Study options and duration
What are the MBA study options?
Full-time MBA vs part-time MBA
A full-time MBA is an intensive program typically completed over one to two years. It’s best suited to early-career professionals or those able to step away from work to fully commit to study. Part-time MBAs generally run for two to five years, and are a popular choice for professionals looking to build advanced business skills while maintaining income and career momentum.
The AIB MBA is available in full-time, part-time and accelerated formats. More information on the duration of the AIB MBA can be found below.
General MBA vs specialised MBA
A general MBA is designed to develop broad business knowledge and leadership capability, making it a strong choice for professionals who want flexibility across roles, industries or career paths.
A specialised MBA builds on these core fundamentals while allowing deeper focus in a specific area. This option is ideal for professionals wanting to sharpen their focus, whether that means advancing in a current role or shifting into a new industry. According to a 2024 article by MBA News, specialised master’s enrolment has grown by 19% over the past six years highlighting the strong demand for these programs.
The AIB MBA can be completed as a general program or tailored with one of five specialisations to suit your career goals: Finance, Entrepreneurial Management, Marketing Management, Human Resource Management or Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
Online vs on campus
An online MBA offers the flexibility to study from anywhere, making it easier to balance learning with work, family and other commitments. You can often connect with peers and faculty from around the world, gaining insights and perspectives beyond your local context. Campus MBAs offer the benefits of in-person interaction and a structured learning environment, but attendance requirements and the costs of commuting or relocating can make them less accessible.
The AIB MBA is delivered 100% online.
How long does it take to get an MBA?
Course duration is determined by entry pathway and study load. The AIB MBA can be completed in as little as 12 months with an approved accelerated study load, or over 2 years through part-time study.
In the accelerated format, students may be approved to study 2 subjects concurrently, completing all 12 subjects in just 12 months. Concurrent study eligibility criteria includes not working full time and successfully maintaining academic progress.
AIB’s part-time study load is 1 subject per 8-week term with 6 terms per calendar year. This option takes 24 months, keeping the workload manageable alongside full-time employment.
If you need extra flexibility, you can extend your studies by taking breaks throughout your journey.
Learn more: How long does it take to get an MBA?
How many hours per week should you expect?
On average, each subject will require about 150 hours of study time to master the material. This works out to just over 20 hours of study per week per subject for most students.
The actual time may vary week-to-week depending on the work assigned, and some subjects may require more or less study than others depending on your experience.
As the AIB MBA is delivered 100% online with 24/7 access to learning materials, there are many ways learning can easily be integrated into your daily routine.
Try our MBA Time-to-Study Calculator to estimate whether you can fit an MBA into your weekly schedule.
MBA costs and finance options
How much does an MBA cost in Australia?
The cost of undertaking an MBA in Australia can vary widely. According to MBA News, the average cost of an Australian MBA in 2025 is $64,211. This is an increase of 5.8% from 2024.
How much does the AIB MBA cost?
Our 100% online delivery also removes the need for commuting to classes or student accommodation, and allows you to continue earning your full income, avoiding the financial strain that often comes with traditional on-campus programs.
Your AIB MBA fees are dependent on:
- Your location
- Whether you are undertaking the course in stages
- Whether you are entitled to exemptions
- When you are planning to commence studies.
To view the fees relevant to you, visit Finance and Payment Options.
AIB is able to offer a number of payment and financing options including FEE-HELP, Study Loans and Monthly Payment Plans, depending on where you are based during your studies, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.
Learn more:
Is an MBA fee tax-deductible?
Students based in Australia may be eligible to leverage their MBA fees as work-related self-education expenses, reducing their taxable income for the year (or years) in which they incur the costs of the MBA. This is true for both self-funding students and students deferring payment through FEE-HELP.
To help you further understand what Australian income tax deductions are legitimately claimable, we’ve put together a guide that provides general answers to some of the most common questions such as:
- Will enrolling in the AIB MBA reduce my taxable income for this year?
- Am I eligible to claim?
- What can I claim a deduction for?
Read more at Your guide to self-education and Australian income tax deductions.
This is general information relating to Australian income tax deductions for self-education expenses. It does not take into account your personal circumstances, does not constitute tax advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent professional advice. AIB recommends that you seek your own independent professional advice based on your personal circumstances.
Potential employment and salary opportunities
What could you do with an MBA?
An MBA supports a range of career ambitions, so what you achieve with an MBA ultimately depends on your goals. Here are some of the opportunities the AIB MBA has created for our graduates:
- High employer demand: GMAC’s 2025 Corporate Recruiters Survey found 90% of global employers plan to hire MBA talent in 2025
- Career progression: 80% of Australian AIB alumni said the MBA has helped them progress their career
- Start or grow a business: 26% of Australian AIB alumni are business owners and 34% of those started a business during or after their MBA.
- Career transition: Many graduates use the MBA to transition into new industries or roles, supported by the broad business foundation the degree provides.
Source: Australian Alumni Insights Report 2024.
Learn more:
What jobs could you get with an MBA in Australia?
An MBA can open pathways to leadership and management roles across a wide range of industries. Common career outcomes in Australia include C-suite and senior leadership positions such as CEO, COO and CFO. These high-level roles value the strategic and organisational capabilities that MBA programs develop.
While job outcomes depend on your background and experience, MBA graduates often move into roles such as:
Consulting
MBA graduates in consulting typically work with organisations to improve performance, strategy and operations.
- Management Consultant
- Strategy Consultant
- Business Analyst
Finance
In finance-related industries, an MBA can support progression into senior commercial and leadership roles.
- Finance Manager
- Corporate Finance Manager
- Commercial Manager
Technology
MBA graduates in technology often bridge the gap between technical teams and business strategy.
- Product Manager
- Technology Manager
- Digital Transformation Lead
Marketing
An MBA can support advancement into senior roles focused on market strategy, growth and customer experience.
- Marketing Manager
- Brand Manager
- Business Development Manager
Operations and Supply Chain Management
Many MBA graduates move into roles responsible for improving efficiency, performance and people leadership.
- Operations Manager
- General Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
How much could an MBA graduate earn in Australia?
For many professionals, an MBA delivers a measurable return on investment through increased earning potential.
According to the 2024 Australian Alumni Insights Report, 72% of AIB MBA graduates reported receiving a salary increase since starting their MBA. On average, Australian AIB alumni experienced a salary increase of $49,000, with the average MBA graduate salary now sitting at $175,000.
By comparison, the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates average weekly full-time adult earnings in 2025 (seasonally adjusted) at $2,010.40, equating to $104,520 per year. This means some AIB MBA graduates can earn approximately 67% more than the Australian average income, highlighting the strong earning potential associated with the qualification.
You can calculate the return on investment for your MBA based on AIB MBA graduate data with the MBA ROI Calculator.
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MBA entry requirements
Do you need a degree to apply for an MBA?
While many institutions require a prior degree for admission, you can apply for the first stage of the MBA, namely the Graduate Certificate in Management, without a degree and continue on the MBA pathway.
Whether you are a seasoned professional, skilled technician or emerging entrepreneur without a formal degree, our programs are designed to be accessible for professionals with diverse backgrounds. If you haven’t studied before, you may qualify through our experience-based entry pathways which recognise the value of your work history. Your degree will complement your existing expertise and support further career progression and opportunities.
MBA entry requirements
Direct MBA applicants must meet one of the following Academic Qualifications criteria:
- A bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) or equivalent plus at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
- AQF Level 8 Qualification (or equivalent) in any discipline plus at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
- A Graduate Certificate in Management (GCM) plus at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
The AIB GCM is the first stage of the AIB MBA. If you don’t meet the direct entry MBA requirements, you may be able to enrol in our GCM pathway through the following Academic Qualifications Criteria:
- A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, which includes at least 3 years of management experience, or significant technical experience.
- An advanced diploma or associate degree (AQF Level 6) or learning equivalent to an AQF Level 6 qualification and at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
- A bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) and at least 2 years of relevant work experience.
- Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) with a minimum score of 550 and at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
The MBA is taught online in English. Additional English and computer requirements apply.
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Your decision
Should you study an MBA?
Earning a Master of Business Administration degree can be a transformative step in your career, providing you with a pathway to career progression, higher compensation, new opportunities and more.
However, studying for an MBA is also a major commitment. When considering whether you should pursue an MBA, there are three main questions that you should ask yourself:
- Am I ready to take the next step in my career?
- Am I able and prepared to meet the commitments of undertaking an MBA?
- Is my expected Return on Investment sufficient?
Continue reading for more information and resources to help you answer these questions.
If you want to know more, book a chat with one of our friendly Course Advisors.
Why study with the Australian Institute of Business?
With 40 years of history, the Australian Institute of Business is a fully accredited and globally recognised higher education institution catering specifically to working professionals. Unlike many institutions that have only recently adapted traditional courses for online delivery, we’ve purposefully built our remote MBA program to be accessible, flexible and supported.
AIB blends strong institutional experience with a modern approach to learning. Our students benefit from fully online study, accessible entry pathways, practical assessment methods, multiple start dates and a supportive community of more than 20,000 students, alumni and industry experts from 100 countries.
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