Am I eligible to do an MBA?

One of the first questions asked by prospective MBA students is usually in regards to the eligibility criteria for specific programmes. It is important to note that every Australian business school or higher education provider will have its own entry criteria which they require students to meet, however these criterion must adhere to Australian standards, and are regulated by TEQSA. If you are wondering if you are eligible to undertake an MBA degree, read on to learn of the most common entry criteria for the programme.

Prior education

The majority of higher education providers require at least a basic tertiary education background to be eligible to do an MBA. This does not just refer to a bachelor; depending on the institution it can also include qualifications such as an Australian Advanced Diploma. This is not always an essential criterion, however it can certainly be helpful for students to have an understanding of tertiary education and what is expected of them as a student. Prior degree-level education in a business, commerce or related area is usually preferred by higher education providers, and in some cases will form part of the of the entry criteria as these qualifications are considered a strong foundation for entry into an MBA.

Relevant work experience

Unlike other tertiary degrees, the MBA generally requires some real-life practical experience to pair with the learning materials. As a degree which often considers business from a management perspective, it is important for the student to have at least a small amount of relevant work experience. This term refers to work within a business environment which can allow you to gain a better understanding of how an organisation can operate. Again, not all higher education providers require this criterion, but it can be an asset for the MBA student in terms of their ability to apply theory in the workplace.

Managerial experience

This refers to those experiences one step up from ‘relevant work experience’; it requires the student to have worked in a managerial or leadership role for a certain period of time. Often there are students who have a wealth of managerial experience, and no educational background. With many institutions, this level of experience can be enough to deem the student eligible to do an MBA.

Language proficiency

It is also important to remember that the MBA is a tertiary level degree so it requires excellent written communication skills. Many business schools require students to have an advanced proficiency of the English language so that they are able to completely understand the course content and effectively convey their answers in assignments and exams. As an academic qualification, the ability to communicate with purpose and reference your answers appropriately is essential. Without a detailed understanding of the English language this will be difficult and therefore is a common MBA eligibility criterion.

What do you think?

Do you think you are eligible for an MBA after reading this article? If you are interested in the AIB 12 Month MBA program and would like to discuss your options further, please enter your details in the section at the bottom of this post titled ‘Learn about our 12 Month MBA’.