What does it actually cost to study MBA in Australia as an overseas student? For many aspiring managers and entrepreneurs, understanding the cost of MBA in Australia is the first step toward planning this life-changing journey. The cost of MBA in Australia depends much on the ranking of the university, and the best universities are between AUD 48,000 and AUD 112,500 ( 01 lakh and 50 lakh). However, the total cost of MBA in Australia goes beyond tuition alone. Students must also factor in pre-arrival expenses such as GMAT/GRE exam costs, English proficiency tests, and the student visa application fee, along with post-arrival living expenses that differ across cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide. From affordable MBA options in Australia to premium programs at globally ranked business schools, each path comes with unique opportunities and challenges. Balancing tuition fees, international student costs, scholarships, and future salaries is key to evaluating the true ROI of MBA in Australia.
Snapshot: MBA in Australia at a Glance (2025)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Average MBA Tuition Fees in Australia | AUD 48,000 – 112,500 (₹28L – ₹66L) |
| Total Cost of MBA in Australia (Including Living Expenses) | ₹60L – ₹90L (approx.) |
| Course Duration | 1 year (accelerated) or 2 years (standard) |
| Types of MBA Programs | Full-Time, Part-Time, Executive MBA, Online MBA |
| Living Expenses in Australia for International Students | AUD 20,000 – 27,000 annually (₹11.7L – ₹15.8L), varying by city |
| Top Australian Universities MBA Fees | Melbourne Business School, UNSW AGSM, University of Sydney – ₹30L–50L annually |
| Scholarships for International Students in Australia | Covers partial/full tuition, stipends, and living costs |
| Average Post-MBA Salary in Australia | AUD 100,000 – 150,000 (₹58L – 88L) |
| ROI of MBA in Australia | 2–3 years for tuition recovery through salaries |
Why Study MBA in Australia?
Australia is now a favorite place to pursue management studies, particularly among Indian students seeking to have a global exposure at a friendly cost. While the cost of MBA in Australia can range between ₹27–64 lakh for tuition, students find value in the quality of education, international recognition, and career outcomes.
Global Rankings & Reputation
The best Australian universities, such as Melbourne Business School, UNSW AGSM, and the University of Sydney, are among the best globally, and therefore their degrees are highly regarded all over the world.
Career Opportunities and High ROI.
The payback of an MBA in Australia is high, and the income of a post-MBA graduate is around AUD 100,000-150,000 (57-86 lakhs in INR). Many students recover their MBA tuition fees in Australia within 2–3 years.
Diverse MBA Options
Students have the choice of full-time and executive programs, an online MBA, depending on their financial status and career objectives. The low-cost MBA programs in Australia also enable Indian students to pursue their MBA at reduced costs without compromising the quality.
Student-Friendly Environment
The infrastructure is superb, cities are safe, and there is multicultural exposure that makes Australia a complete experience, besides the academics.
In short, the total cost of MBA in Australia is not just an expense but a long-term investment, offering global recognition, strong ROI, and rewarding career prospects.
MBA Tuition Fees in Australia – An Overview
The cost of an MBA in Australia varies depending on program type, university ranking, and duration. Tuition fees charged to international students range between AUD 48000 -112500 (₹27-64 lakhs). In addition to tuition, students are supposed to think of the living expenses as well as pre-arrival costs in an effort to estimate the total investment. The breakdown of the fees of international students in both AUD and INR is presented below.
| MBA Program Type | Tuition Fees (AUD) | Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time MBA | 48,000 – 112,500 | ₹28,00,000 – ₹66,00,000 |
| Part-Time MBA | 55,000 – 113,500 | ₹32,00,000 – ₹66,30,000 |
| Executive MBA (EMBA) | 50,000 – 108,500 | ₹29,20,000 – ₹63,40,000 |
| Online MBA | 68,000 – 85,000 | ₹39,70,000 – ₹49,70,000 |
Total Cost of MBA in Australia for International Students
The total cost of MBA in Australia goes beyond tuition fees. International students must also account for living expenses, pre-arrival costs, and mandatory student fees such as the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and student visa application charges. The average cost of two years of MBA study is 60-90 lakh, as the amount of investment varies with the university and the city you are residing in.
| Cost Component | Estimated Cost (AUD) | Estimated Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| MBA Tuition Fees | 48,000 – 112,500 | ₹27,34,000 – ₹64,17,000 |
| Living Expenses (Annual) | 20,000 – 27,000 | ₹11,39,000 – ₹15,39,000 |
| Pre-Arrival Expenses | 1,500 – 3,000 | ₹85,000 – ₹1,71,000 |
| International Student Fees (Visa + OSHC) | 2,000 – 3,500 | ₹1,14,000 – ₹2,00,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost (2 Years) | 60,000 – 150,000 | ₹34,19,000 – ₹85,47,000 |
Living Expenses in Australia for International Students
Australia has a very high standard of living, yet the cost of living is also on a high scale compared to other study locations. The following is a monthly cost breakdown of MBA students:
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (AUD) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (Shared/Student Housing) | 600 – 800 | ₹34,000 – ₹45,600 |
| Food & Groceries | 200 – 400 | ₹11,400 – ₹22,800 |
| Transport (Public) | 100 – 200 | ₹5,700 – ₹11,400 |
| Miscellaneous (Entertainment, Internet, Utilities) | 100 – 300 | ₹5,700 – ₹17,100 |
| Total Monthly Living Cost | 1,000 – 1,700 | ₹57,000 – ₹96,900 |
MBA in Australia for Indian Students – Tuition Fee Breakdown
The expenses of an MBA in Australia are a significant consideration for Indian students in the process of shortlisting universities. Tuition fees change depending on ranking, location, and program type, so it is important to compare the Top business schools with others. Below is a breakdown of the top Australian universities’ MBA fees in both AUD and INR for 2025.
| MBA Program Type | Tuition Fees (AUD) | Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time MBA | 48,000 – 112,500 | ₹27,35,000 – ₹64,01,000 |
| Part-Time MBA | 55,000 – 113,500 | ₹31,34,000 – ₹64,65,000 |
| Executive MBA (EMBA) | 50,000 – 108,500 | ₹28,49,000 – ₹61,82,000 |
| Online MBA | 68,000 – 85,000 | ₹38,74,000 – ₹48,43,000 |
From RMIT’s relatively affordable MBA fees in Australia to the globally ranked programs at Melbourne, Sydney, and UNSW, Indian students can find options across every budget range. It only takes going to find a balance between tuition and location, career opportunities, and available tuition grants.
Affordable MBA in Australia – Universities with Lower Tuition
Not all MBA programs in Australia are that expensive. Several universities offer affordable MBA programs in Australia for international students, making it possible to pursue world-class business education without overspending. Indian students are particularly interested in these programs because they desire to have quality education and affordable tuition.
Snapshot: Top MBA Colleges in Australia with Fees
| University | Duration | Tuition Fees (AUD) | Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RMIT University | 2 Years | 38,400 | ₹21,87,000 |
| University of Adelaide | 2 Years | 49,900 | ₹28,43,000 |
| University of Melbourne | 2 Years | 53,300 | ₹30,37,000 |
| University of Sydney | 1.5 Years | 57,200 | ₹32,63,000 |
| University of Queensland | 1.5 Years | 69,112 | ₹39,39,000 |
| Monash University | 1.5 Years | 74,000 | ₹42,16,000 |
| Macquarie University | 2 Years | 80,000 | ₹45,58,000 |
| UNSW (AGSM) | 1 Year | 81,700 | ₹46,53,000 |
| Australian National University (ANU) | 1.5 Years | 83,584 | ₹47,63,000 |
Although it has a relatively low cost, these Australian MBA universities offer great value for money, especially when paired with scholarships and work opportunities during the semesters. To ensure the overall price of an MBA in Australia does not go out of control among Indian students, these universities are good options, though they will not compromise on career results.
Living Expenses in Australia for International Students
While tuition fees form the biggest share of the cost of MBA in Australia, living expenses can also add up significantly. The foreign students must know how to budget their accommodation, food, travel, and personal costs.
Cost of living in Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane may vary, and Adelaide offers more affordable options. Below is a summary of what the Indian students have to expect in 2025.
Snapshot: Annual Living Expenses in Australia (2025)
| Expense Category | Annual Cost (AUD) | Annual Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (Shared/On-campus) | 7,200 – 9,600 | ₹4,10,000 – ₹5,47,000 |
| Food & Groceries | 2,400 – 4,800 | ₹1,37,000 – ₹2,74,000 |
| Transport (Public) | 1,200 – 2,400 | ₹68,000 – ₹1,37,000 |
| Miscellaneous (Utilities, Internet, Entertainment) | 1,200 – 3,600 | ₹68,000 – ₹2,05,000 |
| Total Living Expenses per Year | 12,000 – 20,400 | ₹6,83,000 – ₹11,63,000 |
Factoring in living costs is crucial when calculating the total cost of an MBA in Australia for Indian students. The decision to use cities such as Adelaide or Brisbane may save you a lot of money in comparison to Sydney or Melbourne, and so you can use your MBA more cheaply without having to sacrifice on the quality of life.
Pre-Arrival Expenses for MBA Students in Australia
Before even starting classes, Indian students must plan for pre-arrival expenses in Australia, which add to the total cost of MBA in Australia. These are entry tests, such as GMAT/GRE, English proficiency tests, visa fees, health cover (OSHC), and airfare. Most of these costs are usually ignored; hence, it is important to plan on how to incur such costs so that one is not stressed about financial issues at the last hour.
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (AUD) | Estimated Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| GMAT Exam | 372 | ₹21,200 |
| GRE General Test | 395 | ₹22,500 |
| GRE Subject Test | 255 | ₹14,500 |
| IELTS/TOEFL/PTE (English Proficiency Test) | 298 | ₹17,000 |
| Student Visa Application Fee | 1,600 | ₹91,000 |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC – 1 year) | 1,000 – 1,200 | ₹57,000 – ₹68,000 |
| Average One-way Airfare (India → Australia) | 350 – 1,500 | ₹20,000 – ₹85,000 |
On average, pre-arrival expenses for MBA in Australia add up to ₹1.5–2.5 lakh per student. The inclusion of these one-time expenses in addition to tuition fees and cost of living makes these estimates realistic in the total cost of MBA in Australia for international students.
Scholarships for International Students in Australia – How to Cut MBA Costs
One of the best ways to reduce the cost of MBA in Australia for Indian students is through scholarships. The Australian government, universities, and even individual organizations are providing these financial aids to assist international students with their tuition fees and cost of living. MBA tuition fees in Australia, pre-arrival expenses, and, in some cases, even living allowances can be financed by scholarships. Scholarships are also a consideration that should be undertaken by students seeking a low-cost MBA in Australia.
Snapshot: Why Scholarships Matter for MBA Students
| Benefit | Impact on International Students |
|---|---|
| Reduced Tuition Fees | Covers 20% to 100% of tuition, lowering the total cost of MBA in Australia |
| Living Expense Support | Some scholarships provide stipends for accommodation, food, and transport |
| Prestige & Career Boost | Being awarded a scholarship adds value to your MBA profile and opens networking opportunities |
| Diverse Eligibility | Based on academic merit, professional achievements, leadership potential, or financial need |
Major Scholarships for International MBA Students in Australia (2025)
| Scholarship Name | Offered By | Coverage/Value |
|---|---|---|
| Australia Awards Scholarship | Australian Government | Full tuition fees, return airfare, establishment allowance, living stipend (~AUD 34,500/year), OSHC, and academic support |
| AGSM Excellence Scholarship | UNSW Sydney (AGSM) | Up to full tuition fee coverage for MBA; awarded based on academic and professional excellence |
| MBA Director’s Scholarship | University of Sydney Business School | AUD 10,000 – AUD 40,000 (₹5.7L – ₹22.7L) towards tuition; awarded for merit, leadership, and career potential |
| Monash International Merit Scholarship | Monash University | AUD 10,000 per year for the duration of the degree; based on academic excellence |
| RMIT Academic Excellence Scholarship | RMIT University | Covers up to 20% of tuition fees; awarded to top-performing international students |
| Dean’s International Management Scholarship | University of Melbourne | 25%–100% tuition fee remission; highly competitive |
| QUT MBA and EMBA Scholarships | Queensland University of Technology | Covers partial tuition; designed for professionals with leadership and career achievements |
By securing the right scholarship, students can cut down the total cost of MBA in Australia by lakhs of rupees, making even top-ranked programs more affordable. Indian students are recommended to research scholarship deadlines early, make good applications that will make them stand out as leaders and academics, and combine scholarships with part-time work to make an MBA in Australia for Indian students affordable and worthwhile.
ROI of MBA in Australia – Salary vs. Investment
When considering the cost of MBA in Australia, Indian students also want to know whether the investment pays off in the long run. The positive fact is that Australia not only provides world-class education, but also high post-graduation career opportunities. In Australia, average post-MBA salaries of AUD 100,000-150,000 (57-86 lakh) result in most graduates paying off their tuition in less than 2-3 years. The real ROI of MBA in Australia is relative to the type of program, the specialization, and the city that you reside in.
Why the ROI of MBA in Australia is Strong
1. Attractive Post-graduation Salaries.
- Melbourne Business School or AGSM at UNSW graduates will receive a salary of over AUD 150,000 a year.
- EMBA alumni experienced some of the largest increases, with the mean package touching AUD 244,900 (1.39 crore).
2. Shorter Payback Period
- Compared to the US or UK, the total cost of MBA in Australia is lower, which means students break even faster.
- The ROI in the case of full-time MBA students usually takes a period of 2-3 years after graduating.
3. Employment Demand of MBA Professionals in the industry.
- The emerging industries in Australia, such as finance, consulting, IT, and entrepreneurship, create a continuous need for skilled graduates of MBA programs.
- The Indian students will be able to acquire invaluable international exposure with work policies that are friendly to international students.
4. Flexible Program Choices
- Students can choose between affordable MBA programs in Australia (like RMIT or Deakin) or premium options (like Melbourne or UNSW), both of which deliver strong ROI relative to their costs.
Comparison: ROI of MBA in Australia vs. Other Countries
| Country | Average MBA Tuition Fees (INR) | Average Post-MBA Salary (INR) | ROI Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | ₹27–64 lakh | ₹57–86 lakh annually | 2–3 years |
| USA | ₹60–1.2 crore | ₹80 lakh – ₹1.2 crore annually | 3–5 years |
| UK | ₹40–70 lakh | ₹60–90 lakh annually | 2–4 years |
| Canada | ₹30–60 lakh | ₹50–80 lakh annually | 3–4 years |
The ROI of MBA in Australia makes it one of the most attractive destinations for Indian students. An MBA in Australia is a smart investment in your career by offering lower tuition fees than in the US, good remuneration, and a reduced payback period. Considering the tuition, cost of living, and scholarships, Indian students will be able to make a wise decision that will optimize the returns on their MBA life.
Hidden Costs That Add to the Total Cost of MBA in Australia
In determining the cost of MBA in Australia among Indian students, the tuition fees and cost of living are normally the priority. Nevertheless, not all students clearly realize the additional expenses that can make the overall budget considerably higher. These are not always advertised by universities, but are essential for international students to factor in when calculating the total cost of MBA in Australia.
Overseas Student Health Insurance (OSHC).
Compulsory for all international students; it provides a basic medical cover in Australia.
Books & Learning Materials
Case studies, journals, and online subscriptions may increase by hundreds of AUD annually.
Technology Costs
Laptops with high specifications and licensed programs (MS Office, statistical, and financial applications) are often mandated in many MBA programs.
Student Services Fees
In many universities, libraries, sports facilities, and counseling services are funded by a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Networking & Events
It is highly recommended that MBA networking events, seminars, and conferences be attended to aid career development, and in my case, they come at a high cost.
Factoring in these hidden costs ensures a more accurate picture of the total cost of MBA in Australia for Indian students. With a trip to plan, you can get out of a tight spot and out of sudden financial constraint, and get the best out of your MBA experience at school, and be career-wise.
Is MBA in Australia Worth the Cost?
The short answer: Yes. Irrespective of the high expense of MBA in Australia, the course provides extensive value to the Indian population who desire international exposure, good ROI, and a way to global careers. Here’s why it’s worth it:
High ROI and Fast Payback
Average post-MBA salaries in Australia range from AUD 100,000–150,000 (₹57–86 lakh).
Most of the graduates pay back their tuition in 2-3 years, which makes it a good financial investment.
International Promotion and Employment.
Melbourne Business School and UNSW AGSM are among the top Australian universities that are ranked globally.
MBA graduates are sought after in the fields of finance, consulting, IT, and entrepreneurship.
Living Standards and Cultural Diversity.
Australia boasts of some of the most liveable cities in the world (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane).
International students acquire a global atmosphere and industrial networking.
Scholarships & Affordable Pathways.
A wide range of scholarships for international students in Australia can cut tuition by 20–100%.
The cheaper MBA programs (RMIT, Deakin, Adelaide) give Indian students an opportunity to compromise prices with quality.
Final Word
Studying MBA in Australia is not only about the cost, but it is an investment in your future. With the right program, prudent financial planning, and exploiting scholarships, students can be assured of great payoffs at work and in life overall.
At WalkInternational, we assist Indian students in getting the most rewarding and cheapest MBA programs in Australia. Schedule a free counselling appointment and receive individualised advice on admissions, scholarships, and financial planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an Australian MBA worth it?
Yes, it is right to say that an Australian MBA is worth it since it is a mix of the mentioned: globally ranked university, well-paying post-MBA salary, and short ROI, with most students recovering their investment in 23 years.
Which country has the cheapest MBA?
In countries such as Germany, Canada, and France, MBA programs are usually cheaper than those found in Australia; however, Australia has managed to strike a balance between affordability and international recognition as well as career prospects.
Is there a 1-year MBA in Australia?
Indeed, a number of universities, including UNSW AGSM and ANU, have 1-year MBA programs, which enable students to graduate sooner and pay less in living costs.
Is an MBA in demand in Australia?
Absolutely. The graduates of the MBA have high demand in finance, consulting, management, and technology, with good employment rates and competitive wages.
