MBA fees and funding in Australia

You will see MBA fees quoted in different ways: per unit, per year, per credit point or for the whole course. Fees are also reviewed every year, often late in the previous year, and the figure that applies to you may rise while you study. That is why we do not publish a fee table. Instead, here is how to get an accurate number and compare it fairly.

What goes into the real cost

Tuition. The total of all units in the degree. Check whether the price differs for domestic and international students, and whether credit for prior learning reduces it.

Student services and amenities fee. Most universities charge this levy. It is set each year within a cap by the government and can be deferred with SA-HELP by eligible students.

Intensives and travel. Executive and some online programs require you to attend residential blocks. Add flights, accommodation and meals.

Books, software and technology. Many units use case studies or textbooks you must buy, and you will need a reliable laptop and internet connection.

Lost income. For full-time students, this is often the biggest cost of all. Work out your current take-home pay over the length of the program.

Time. Not a dollar figure, but real. Part-time students commonly study for years while working and caring for family.

Comparing fees fairly

• Compare the total cost for the whole degree, not the price of one unit.
• Check what is included: study tours, residentials and materials are sometimes extra.
• Look at the length of the program, because a cheaper per-unit price over more units can cost more overall.
• Check for early-bird or alumni discounts, which some schools offer to their own graduates.
• Remember that the cheapest program is not always the best value. Reputation, teaching quality and network also matter.

Ways to pay

FEE-HELP

FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan for eligible students in full fee-paying places at approved providers. It pays your tuition directly to the university, and you repay it through the tax system once your income passes the repayment threshold. For 2026 the HELP loan limit for most students is $129,883, combined across all HELP loans. There is no FEE-HELP loan fee on postgraduate study. Read our FEE-HELP and tax guide.

Employer support

Many part-time students are supported by their employer, through fee contributions, paid study leave or salary packaging. Ask early, and check whether the support comes with a bond that you must repay if you leave within a set time.

Scholarships

Business schools offer scholarships for merit, leadership, diversity, women in leadership, regional students, not-for-profit professionals and more. They are competitive and often have early deadlines. See our scholarships guide.

Tax deductions

If the MBA, or individual units of it, is sufficiently connected to your current job when you pay, you may be able to claim a deduction for self-education expenses. The ATO's rules are specific, so read our FEE-HELP and tax guide and talk to a registered tax agent.

Starting smaller

A Graduate Certificate costs a fraction of a full MBA and can usually be credited towards it later. It spreads the cost and lets you check the program suits you before you commit.

International students

International students pay international fees, cannot access FEE-HELP and must show they can cover tuition and living costs to obtain a Student visa (subclass 500). The Department of Home Affairs sets the financial capacity requirements, and they change from time to time. Check the current figures on its website.

Questions to ask the school

1. What is the total indicative fee for my intake and study load?
2. How much have fees risen each year recently?
3. Are residentials, study tours or materials charged separately?
4. Can I get credit for prior study or experience, and what does that save?
5. Is the course approved for FEE-HELP?
6. What scholarships are open to me, and when do they close?