Adelaide MBA

The Adelaide 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.

Coffee catch-up with Adelaide Business School MBA Director Gary Bowman

Is an Adelaide MBA your next challenge?

Then why not have a 1:1 coffee catch-up with Adelaide Business School MBA Director Gary Bowman? Gary is available to chat with you about unlocking your potential and taking the next step in your career with an MBA. You’ll meet in the MBA lounge, have a coffee and discuss how you can reframe the game with an MBA.

Bookings available between 8:00am – 6:30pm from Tuesday 11 April to Monday 17 April in the MBA Lounge, Nexus Building.

Book now

Darren Thomas

Darren Thomas, CEO and Owner, Thomas Foods International

"I really enjoyed the focus on applying my studies back to my real-life work. I found I was getting twice the amount of learning - there was the educational value of what I was doing in class as well as being able to go back to work and immediately make use some of those learnings in real situations." 

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Brochure

Ranked #1 MBA in South Australia*

*Adelaide MBA AFR BOSS Magazine MBA Rankings 2019

Ranked #2 MBA in Australia*

*Adelaide MBA AFR BOSS Magazine MBA Rankings 2019

5 Star GMAA rating**

*Graduation Management Association of Australia Rating

  • Entry requirements

    To be eligible for entry into the Adelaide MBA, you must meet the following criteria:

    • A minimum of five years' relevant work experience is required for applicants with a completed AQF Bachelor's degree or;
    • A minimum of seven years' related work experience and a satisfactory GMAT score is required for applications without a completed Bachelor's degree.

    International applications must have a minimum IELTS of 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in any band. Learn more on admission requirements.

  • Flexible study mode

    The Adelaide 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. 

    Adelaide MBA Timetable

  • Class profile

    The Adelaide 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 Adelaide 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 Adelaide 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    

    Full list of courses

  • Scholarships and fees

    Scholarships

    Scholarship support for the Adelaide 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. 

    Browse scholarships

    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 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 

    Read through our full list of rules and eligibility.

    Fees

    Fees for the Adelaide 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 fees for 2023 are outlined below:

    2023 Tuition fees (indicative only) Per course (3 units) Full 12-course cost 
    Domestic A$5,625 A$67,500
    International A$6,249 A$74,988

    Eligible domestic candidates also have the option of deferring the cost of their tuition to FEE-HELP .

    * Fees for courses completed in subsequent years may be subject to change.

  • 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 

    Due to COVID-19, study overseas plans may be delayed. For further information, please visit the Study Overseas website. 

  • How to apply

    Domestic and international applicants:

    Submit a SATAC application

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

    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)
  • Critical dates

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

    Trimester

    Application & scholarship deadline

    Orientation

    Classes commence

    Trimester 1 2023 5 December 2022 16 January 2023 30 January 2023
    Trimester 2 2023 27 March 2023 8 May 2023 22 May 2023
    Trimester 3 2023 10 July 2023 21 August 2023 4 September 2023

Have a question?

Contact us directly to discuss your queries in further detail and find out if the Adelaide MBA program is right for you.

Get in touch

Adelaide MBA in Singapore

The Adelaide MBA is now available in Singapore at the Ngee Ann Academy. 

Adelaide MBA Singapore

MBA News

Adelaide Business School appoints new MBA Director

The University of Adelaide’s Adelaide Business School has appointed a new MBA Director, Associate Professor Gary Bowman.

Read more about Adelaide Business School appoints new MBA Director

Adelaide MBA continues to impact daily work life of graduate 

As a female in the construction industry, Megan felt overlooked and stuck in her career. She made a 'crazy decision' and decided to do back to back master’s degrees, first the Adelaide MBA and then Master of Applied Project Management (MAPM), both with Adelaide Business School.

Read more about Adelaide MBA continues to impact daily work life of graduate