Executive MBA

The Executive MBA is a rich, contemporary, and transformative journey into leadership that will help unlock your potential as a business leader, and prepare you for the challenges of a changing world.

Melanie Cottell, Commercial Capability Manager, BAE Systems

"I chose to study the Executive MBA as it is business-related and diverse in its application and relevant to many roles; particularly at senior level. It gave me the confidence to successfully reapply for executive roles, as well as contributing to board positions after being away from the workforce."

Ranked #1 MBA in South Australia for Career Impact*

*AFR BOSS Magazine Best Business School rankings 2023, Career Impact

5 Star GMAA rating**

*Graduation Management Association of Australia Rating

Gain entry into the Executive MBA Alumni Network, our exclusive community of business leaders

The Executive MBA experience

Our Executive MBA offers a rich learning environment allowing you to formulate innovative approaches to real-world leadership challenges through the exploration of complex issues with your peers.

  • Benefit from our face-to-face delivery style and access purpose-built facilities including our smart classrooms and MBA lounge
  • As one of Australia’s only MBA programs with 100% staff with current business experience, you’ll be learning from people who know what it takes to succeed in the real world
  • Be challenged and solve real-world business problems through our bespoke Social Enterprise Project, supported by industry mentors
  • Connect with peers from a diverse range of industries, and join an enviable global network of Executive MBA alumni
  • Access financial support through our range of specialised scholarships and FEE-HELP options
  • Take a deep dive into the current challenges and opportunities facing strategic business leaders in our 2-day offsite experience Fundamentals of Leadership
  • Entry requirements

    Entry requirements for the Executive MBA can be reviewed on Degree Finder

  • Flexible study mode

    The Executive MBA program is designed to accommodate the needs of busy professionals, providing maximum flexibility to customise your schedule around your needs – whether it’s long work hours or family commitments. Classes include:

    • Weekly evening classes
    • Monthly weekend intensives (Friday/Saturday)
    • Optional MBA summer school for two weeks in January

    You have the option to pause your studies at any time, and can complete the program in as little as 1.5 years, up to five years. 

    Executive MBA Timetable

  • Class profile

    The Executive MBA program fosters a diverse class profile, with a small class delivery model that places significance on active participation and the individual. Our classes provoke intelligent discussion and provide a place for you to network and forge deep connections with other aspiring business leaders. 

    Class profile:

    • Average age of our students is 36
    • 96% of students maintain full time work whilst studying
    • Top 10 industry backgrounds:
      • Health Services
      • Finance & Insurance
      • Government Departments
      • Education
      • Defence
      • Engineering
      • Communications & Technology Services
      • Construction & Architecture
      • Mining
      • Manufacturing
  • What you'll study

    The Executive MBA program consists of nine core courses and two elective options, that will help you develop a well-rounded skill set, and a deep understanding of management principles through our tried and proven curriculum that ensures our graduates are fully equipped to make an impact.

    A shorter 8 course (Graduate Diploma) and 4 course (Graduate Certificate) option is also available to those seeking a shorter qualification.

     
    Courses Executive MBA Graduate Diploma Graduate Certificate
    Fundamentals of Leadership x x x
    Marketing Management x x x
    Accounting for Managers x x x
    Elective 1 x x x
    Managing Contemporary Organisations x x  
    Managerial Finance x x  
    Business Analytics for Managers x x  
    Elective 2 x x  
    Strategic Management x    
    Innovation and Entrepreneurship x    
    Elective 3 x    
    Enterprise Project x    

    A full list of courses for the Executive MBA can be reviewed on Degree Finder.

  • Scholarships and fees

    Fees for the Executive MBA program are charged incrementally on a ‘pay as you go’ basis at the start of each trimester based on your enrolment. A breakdown of the indicative fee is available on Degree Finder

    Scholarships available
    Scholarship support for the Executive MBA program is funded by the Adelaide Business School across a range of categories to ensure our program is accessible to all candidates who have the capability and drive to undertake MBA studies. 

    Scholarships may be offered to candidates who can demonstrate academic excellence by attaining a high GMAT score or GPA from previous undergraduate or postgraduate studies.

    The Academic Excellence scholarship will cover between 10% - 25% of the MBA tuition fees for a maximum of 12 courses (36 units) of study.

    Score Scholarship Amount
    GMAT of 650 or above Up to 25%
    GPA of 6 or above Up to 10%

    Applications will be assessed on the following criteria:

    • Evidence of a GMAT score of 650 and above or GPA of 6 (equivalent to a distinction average) and above on a completed tertiary level qualification
    • A statement addressing how the Adelaide MBA will assist you to further your leadership potential, and how your academic excellence will positively impact the classroom experience

    Scholarships may be offered to candidates who can demonstrate the ability to champion or develop initiatives to benefit their community. Candidates who have a particular commitment and passion for social causes and giving back to the community outside of the expectations of their paid role are particularly encouraged to apply.

    The Community Achievement scholarship will cover up to 50% of the MBA tuition fees for a maximum of 12 courses (36 units) of study.

    Applicants will be assessed on the following criteria:

    • A statement addressing how the Adelaide MBA will assist you to further your leadership potential, and how your knowledge and experience will contribute to the classroom environment
    • A statement outlining your contribution to community initiatives or social causes, including relevant achievements and outcomes you have directly been responsible for.
    • If you work for a Not for Profit or volunteer organisation, please outline why you have chosen to work for this organisation and why you are passionate about their cause
    • A referee report

    Scholarships may be offered to candidates who can demonstrate financial hardship impacting their ability to fund MBA studies due to their employment situation, travel requirements or adverse circumstances. Examples of potential eligibility include:

    • Change in employment status or redundancy affecting the ability to fund studies
    • Living in a regional location which necessitates extensive travel to attend classes, compounding the cost and time commitment required to undertake MBA studies
    • Permanent Residency affecting access to funding assistance and/or Fee-Help
    • Other extenuating circumstances which inhibit a candidate’s ability to commence MBA studies without funding assistance

    The Financial Need scholarship will cover up to 50% of the MBA tuition fees for a maximum of 12 courses (36 units) of study.

    Applications will be assessed on the following criteria:

    • A statement addressing how the Adelaide MBA will assist you to further your leadership potential, and how your knowledge and experience will contribute to the classroom environment
    • A statement outlining how financial assistance will enable you to complete your studies
    • A referee report

    Scholarships may be offered to candidates who can demonstrate outstanding leadership potential including but not limited to holding a senior position at a young age or leading an innovative project for an organisation.

    The Aspiring Leaders scholarship will cover up to 50% of the MBA tuition fees for a maximum of 12 courses (36 units) of study.

    Applications will be assessed on the following criteria:

    • A statement addressing how the Adelaide MBA will assist you to further your leadership potential, and how your knowledge and experience will contribute to the classroom environment
    • A detailed personal statement outlining your suitability for an Aspiring Leaders scholarship, providing details of relevant achievements and outcomes of note that have been a direct result of your leadership
    • A referee report

    Scholarships may be offered to candidates of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent who can demonstrate leadership qualities in their workplace or community.

    The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander incentive will cover up to 100% of the MBA tuition fees for a maximum of 12 courses (36 units) of study.

    Applications will be assessed on the following criteria:

    • A statement addressing how the Adelaide MBA will assist you to further your leadership potential, and how your knowledge and experience will contribute to the classroom environment
    • A statement outlining how the Adelaide MBA will help you to develop and lead initiatives within your workplace or community
    • A referee report
    • Confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Descent

    Scholarships may be offered to candidates who reside in a country outside of Australia or have relocated to Australia and can demonstrate how their international perspective will benefit the classroom experience. Examples of potential eligibility include:

    • International candidates living abroad with extensive business experience, interested in relocating to Adelaide to undertake MBA studies
    • International citizens currently living in Adelaide with international business experience

    The International scholarship will cover up to 25% of the MBA tuition fees for a maximum of 12 courses (36 units) of study.

    Applications will be assessed on the following criteria:

    • A statement addressing how the Adelaide MBA will assist you to further your leadership potential, and how your knowledge and experience will contribute to the classroom environment, with a focus on your international perspective.
    • Evidence of international residency
    • High-level work experience and/or a strong academic background including a high IELTS score or GPA
    • A referee report 

    The Staff Scholarship is available to eligible University of Adelaide staff interested in MBA studies and covers up to 25% of MBA tuition fees for a maximum of 12 courses (36 units) of study.

    Applications will be assessed on the following criteria:

    • Are employed either full-time or part-time (greater than 0.5FTE);
    • Have completed a minimum of 12 months continuous service at the University of Adelaide;
    • Are employed on a continuing contract or who hold a fixed-term appointment, provided they are employed on a minimum two-year contract and have at least 12 months remaining on their contract.

    Candidates must include a statement from their supervisor/line manager, confirming that they meet the scholarship requirements.

    Industry Leaders Fund is an external scholarship available for domestic students.

    Eligibility:

    • External scholarship opportunities are available and can be applied for in conjunction with the previously listed scholarships.
    • External scholarships are governed separately to the MBA specific scholarships and are subject to alternate rules and requirements.
    • Any enquiries in regards external funding opportunities should be referred directly to the organisation responsible for that scholarship

    MBA Alumni Scholarship is an external scholarship available for domestic and internationals candidates.

    Eligibility: 

    • External scholarship opportunities are available and can be applied for in conjunction with the previously listed scholarships.
    • External scholarships are governed separately to the MBA specific scholarships and are subject to alternate rules and requirements.
    • Any enquiries in regards external funding opportunities should be referred directly to the organisation responsible for that scholarship

    Scholarships may be offered to candidates who can demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, including but not limited to holding a senior position at a young age or leading an innovative project for an organisation.


    The Women in Leadership scholarship will cover up to 50% of the MBA tuition fees for a maximum of 12 courses (36 units) of study.

    Eligibility:

    • A Leadership Achievements Statement (describe what you have done in the past outlining your suitability for the scholarship in terms of supporting equality/advancement for women thus far)

    • A detailed personal statement outlining your suitability for an Aspiring Leaders scholarship, providing details of relevant achievements and outcomes of note that have been a direct result of your leadership
       
    • A referee report 

    Read through our full list of rules and eligibility.

    Apply for a scholarship

  • Course credit

    You may be eligible for course credit on the basis of previous study, with all credit applications assessed by the Program Director and Program Advisor on an individual basis.

    Commonly accepted qualifications include:

  • World class opportunities

    Our students have the opportunity to study at some of the world’s highest profile business schools by undertaking a study exchange with one of our international MBA partner institutions.

    Our exchange experience has been specifically designed to provide a valuable opportunity for you to develop an understanding of international business and network with MBA students from around the world without having to extend the duration of your studies or pay additional course fees.

    Learn more about our current opportunities below: 

    University Program
    Aarhus School of Business, Denmark Summer School Program 
    Aalto University, Finland MBA Courses 
    HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management, Germany Doing Business In Europe 
    The University of Glasgow, UK ESSAM Study Abroad 

    For further information, please visit the Study Overseas website. 

  • Critical dates

    The Executive MBA courses are offered in trimester mode with rolling intakes for this degree in January, May, and September each year.

    Trimester

    Scholarships close Applications close Classes commence
    Trimester 1 2024 18 December 2023 8 January 2024 29 January 2024
    Trimester 2 2024 8 April 2024 6 May 2024 20 May 2024
    Trimester 3 2024 22 July 2024 19 August 2024 2 September 2024
  • How to apply

    Domestic applicants:

    Submit a SATAC application

    Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview with the MBA Program Director.

    International applicants:

    International applicants can apply through an agent, or without an agent through StudyLink.

    MBA scholarship applications:

    To apply for a scholarship please submit an application online including the following documentation:

    1. Current CV (including the contact details of two business referees)
    2. Academic transcript (if applicable)
  • Alumni network

    By joining the University of Executive MBA program you become part of an exclusive community of leaders.

    Our MBA Alumni network contains nearly 5,000 past and current students and staff. It has a significant presence in South Australia and its reach also transcends borders. Members are based across Australia and the globe, including in our Singapore, Hong Kong and UK chapters. 

    The MBA Alumni Network’s mission is to strengthen the University of Adelaide’s Business School and its graduates through connection, learning, advocacy and support of the next generation of leaders.
    As a member of our MBA alumni community, you’ll get exclusive invitations to our in-person and online events. This includes business breakfasts, webinars and cocktail events. Allowing our MBA Alumni members to engage in lifelong learning, join the latest industry conversations and stay connected. 

    Between events or across borders, our MBA Alumni keep in touch through our private LinkedIn community. 

    Joining the University of Adelaide MBA gains you lifelong entry into a network of some of the most outstanding leaders our state has produced. A community of leaders across all industry types and who are always looking to help pave the way for those still to come.

    Find out more

David Mallet

Hear from MBA Alumnus, David Mallett about how the Executive MBA helped him take his career to the next level.

Watch now