Best Online MBA in Australia (Top 5)
The top online MBA programs in Australia include SCU Online, UTS Online, RMIT University, AGSM at UNSW, and Melbourne Business School Online. These programs are designed for working professionals and are built around flexible delivery, modern learning platforms, and accelerated teaching blocks.
If you want a quick shortlist based on fit, SCU Online is the value pick, UTS Online is the flexibility pick for specialisations, RMIT is the tech-forward curriculum pick, AGSM is the network-and-brand pick, and Melbourne Business School Online is the premium cohort option.
They are all ranked among the top echelon of MBA online degrees by Lerna Courses, where you can obtain brochures with details about each program.
How this ranking was compiled: the five programs below were compared on online delivery design, flexibility for working professionals, and indicative 2026 fees. Fees are shown on a consistent basis using a standard 12-unit MBA structure, even though entry pathways can reduce the number of units for some applicants. Updated: January 2026.
Trends in Online MBA Studies in Australia
In 2024, 36,365 domestic postgraduate Management and Commerce students were listed as studying externally (online), accounting for 75.3% of all domestic enrolments across study modes.
Australian postgraduate business students by study mode
| Year | Online (External) | Campus (Internal) | Multi-modal | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 28,745 (59.0%) |
15,072 (30.9%) |
4,930 (10.1%) |
48,747 (100%) |
| 2021 | 32,391 (65.2%) |
13,486 (27.2%) |
3,768 (7.6%) |
49,645 (100%) |
| 2022 | 29,496 (66.7%) |
11,928 (27.0%) |
2,785 (6.3%) |
44,209 (100%) |
| 2023 | 38,471 (74.8%) |
10,846 (21.1%) |
2,135 (4.1%) |
51,452 (100%) |
| 2024 | 36,365 (75.3%) |
9,856 (20.4%) |
2,097 (4.3%) |
48,318 (100%) |
Source: Australian Government – Higher Education Statistics.
Two factors explain this shift. First, online delivery now matches the reality of full-time work, allowing students to progress without weekly campus commitments. Second, many MBA programs have been redesigned specifically for online study, using shorter teaching blocks and assessment structures that better suit working professionals.
Best Universities for an MBA Online
Australian universities offer world-class degrees that you can obtain without having to attend a campus. Furthermore, these online business schools cater to working professionals, meaning you can study part-time and continue working full-time without interruption. Study flexibly when it suits you.
Whatever field of study you are interested in, or if you just want to do a general business management program, you should be able to find what you are looking for. Here is our ranking of the top 5 universities for an online MBA in Australia.
1. SCU Online
Cheap but good is how you could describe the online MBA from Southern Cross University. The program ranks as very close to Australia’s cheapest according to Good Universities online MBA rankings. Indicative fees are $3,250 per unit in 2026.
The program appears cheap simply by virtue of being delivered efficiently. Students don’t appear to miss out an anything. Units are delivered in short teaching blocks, helping working professionals focus on one subject at a time. You also benefit from a modern digital learning platform and student support.
Students are able to do a general MBA course of specialise in one of four fields: Managing and Leading People, Accounting, Information and Knowledge Management, and Health Services Management.
2. UTS Online
The MBA from UTS Online is definitely one of the most flexible in the country in terms of specialisations. The program allows for majors in business analytics, digital marketing, health, organisational learning, and technology management. If none of these fields are exactly what you’re looking for, there is a “Flex” option to select elective units from any of the mentioned specialist study streams.
The degree comprises core subjects plus electives that prepare you for success in the modern business world. Students explore topics such as financial fundamentals, leading people and change, marketing in the technological age, accounting for decision makers, managerial economics, data-driven decision-making, governance and sustainability, and strategy and negotiation.
Indicative fees are $4,763 per subject in 2026. FEE-HELP loans will cover these costs for Australians.
3. RMIT University
RMIT University offers a fresh curriculum and interesting potential choices of “minors” for anyone interested in being at the forefront of technological leadership. Students may specialise in design thinking, technology and innovation, leadership, or project management. Indicative fees are $4,920 per subject in 2026.
RMIT Online’s MBA is themed around developing contemporary leaders who will thrive in the dynamic landscape of Industry 4.0. This fast-paced program emphasises future-focused leadership, technology, digital trends, and authentic leadership. Program participants benefit from RMIT’s innovative insights and dynamic courses, potentially gaining a competitive edge over traditional MBA graduates.
4. AGSM
The AGSM MBAX from UNSW Sydney offers a flexible, online MBA program. Students can specialise in Change, Finance, Technology, Social Impact, or choose a Generalist stream. This modular structure lets you align the degree with your career interests.
Delivered by AGSM @ UNSW Business School, the program features interactive online learning. Industry-connected academics and a strong alumni network provide valuable support. Indicative fees for 2026 list a first-year full fee of $47,000 and a total fee to complete the degree of $71,500.
5. MBS
The Melbourne Business School Online MBA is designed for working professionals seeking a flexible, part-time program. The curriculum emphasises leadership, data analytics, marketing, and operations. Students complete the program in structured study blocks, focusing on one or two subjects at a time.
With six intakes per year, students can start when it suits them. The program includes syndicate groups and networking events to foster peer connections and industry relationships. Tuition for 2026 is $5,308 per subject. The degree is accredited by AACSB and EQUIS.
Online MBA Australia Fees in 2026
Online MBA fees are shown below on a consistent basis using a standard 12-unit MBA structure. Some business schools reduce the number of units required for applicants with prior qualifications and relevant professional experience. However, 12 units is the standard full MBA structure used here for all universities.
| Business School | Fee per Unit (2026) | Estimated Fee (12 Units) |
|---|---|---|
| SCU Online | $3,250 | $39,000 |
| UTS Online | $4,763 | $57,156 |
| RMIT University | $4,920 | $59,040 |
| AGSM at UNSW | $5,958 | $71,500 |
| MBS | $5,308 | $63,696 |
The most expensive option among the business schools in the top 5 list is AGSM at UNSW, which lists a 2026 indicative total fee to complete the degree of $71,500.
Australia’s Most Popular MBA Style: Accelerated Online
Something just about all the top-rated online MBA programs have in common is that they’re accelerated. More than that, these fast-track MBA degrees have a similar course structure that working professionals seem to prefer.
The learning experience works like this. Every couple of months, you start a new subject with a small virtual class. Your classmates can be contacted online to share experiences, guide each other, and to potentially work on an occasional group projects.
The whole subject is completed over a 6-7 week study period (also called a teaching period). You’ll be evaluated as you go using assessment tools such as assignments, projects and short quizzes. You’ll have regular contact opportunities with instructors. You’ll even have a Student Success Advisor to help with any non-academic questions and issues. As a bonus, there won’t be a final exam.
If you do a subject every study period, you can complete six subjects annually and a full MBA in two years. This really is a low-stress, efficient way to earn an MBA degree. That’s why you might consider it the best type of MBA for busy people who don’t want to attend a campus.
Entry Requirements: A Bachelor Degree and/or Work Experience
Australian online business schools make accessing their programs quite straightforward. An undergraduate degree in any discipline plus a couple of years of professional experience are the standard admission requirements.
Depending on the business school, you can also gain entry with minimal professional experience or without a degree. You can do this by enrolling in a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, for which entry requirements may be more relaxed. A graduate certificate consists of four subjects from the MBA program.
Graduate certificate courses are often open to people without a bachelor degree provided you have extensive professional experience, including in supervisory and management roles. The courses may also accept recent business graduates without a significant track record in terms or work experience.
After successful completion of the graduate certificate, you can continue studying for a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration or MBA. Completed subjects count towards these higher education qualifications.
For more advice on choosing an online MBA and succeeding once you start, see this guide at Postgraduate Futures. It expands on what online MBA study is really like for working professionals, including the discipline required, the risk of isolation, and how “virtual teaming” and peer interaction can improve outcomes. A nice addition is an explanation of why starting with a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration can be a smart way to test the waters before committing to the full MBA.
