MBA guide by AIB

If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, by taking on a more senior role in leadership, strategy management or operating a business or major function, then the time may be right to pursue a Master of Business Administration.

While there are many significant benefits of completing an MBA, enrolling in an MBA course is still a decision that should be weighed up carefully.

This MBA guide has been put together to help you better understand what is involved in an MBA, and help you decide whether the AIB MBA is a good fit for you.

MBA guide contents

In this guide to MBAs you will learn more about:

• What is an MBA?
• Should you get an MBA?
• What to expect when you study for an MBA
• Why choose AIB
• How to apply for the AIB MBA

What is an MBA?

An MBA, or Master of Business Administration is a postgraduate management degree. MBAs teach leadership skills and business management knowledge for professionals looking to develop their careers.

The MBA degree is a highly-regarded qualification that can open many doors with both current and prospective employers and provide an accelerated pathway to a more senior position and a higher salary.

What is the AIB MBA?

From Australia’s largest online MBA provider*, the AIB MBA has been designed specifically for working professionals who are serious about achieving their modern career goals. Compared to a traditional MBA, the AIB MBA can be completed far quicker.

It is structured to allow you to earn a postgraduate qualification after only four subjects, and you are able to choose from five areas of specialisation throughout the course.

Our MBA uses a highly-flexible online learning approach. Learn anytime and anywhere from an experienced faculty along with guest lectures from world-leading organisations.

Learn more: What is the AIB MBA?

How long does the MBA take?

AIB’s MBA can take as little as 12 months if accelerated or 2 years part-time. AIB’s part-time study load is 1 subject per term with 6 terms per calendar year. To complete the MBA in 12 months, eligibility criteria apply.

Learn more: How long does it take to get an MBA?

How much does the AIB MBA cost?

Delivered fully online, the AIB MBA is one of the most affordable Master of Business Administration degrees available in Australia.

We’re able to make our program more affordable without sacrificing education quality or graduate outcomes by investing in quality teams, support services and technological innovation – not campuses or lecture theatres.

AIB is also able to offer a number of payment and financing options including FEE-HELP, Study Loans and Monthly Payment Plans, depending on where you are based during your studies.

Learn more:

• How much does an MBA cost?
• AIB MBA Fees
• Finance and Payment Options

MBA entry requirements

You don’t need a degree for entry to the AIB MBA. There are multiple pathways to admission that take your experience into consideration.

Applicants to our MBA must have one of the following:

1. Minimum five years’ work experience, including at least three years’ of management or significant technical experience.
2. An Advanced Diploma or associate degree (or equivalent) and at least three years’ of relevant work experience.
3. A bachelor’s degree and at least two years’ of relevant work experience.

The MBA is taught online in English. Additional English and computer requirements apply.

Learn more:

• MBA Entry Requirements
• Confirm your eligibility in under 30 seconds

Should you get an MBA?

Earning a Master of Business Administration degree can be a transformative step in your career, providing you with a pathway to progression, higher compensation, career opportunities and more.

However, studying for an MBA can also represent a major commitment. When considering whether you should pursue an MBA, there are three main questions that you should ask yourself:

1. Am I ready to take the next step in my career?
2. Am I able and prepared to meet the commitments of undertaking an MBA?
3. Is my expected Return on Investment sufficient?

Continue reading for more information and resources to help you answer these questions.

If you want to know more, enquire now to speak with one of our friendly Course Advisors.

Your return on investment

Most AIB graduates will see returns on their investment in the form of career progression and salary increases.

The AIB surveyed its graduates to compile the Alumni Insights Report 2023. We found that 81% of graduates had already received a salary increase since starting the MBA. What’s more, 81% of graduates said that the AIB MBA has helped them progress in their career.

You can calculate the return on investment for your MBA based on AIB MBA graduate data with the MBA ROI Calculator.

Salary expectations after graduation

Increasing future potential earnings is one of the primary reasons students choose to enrol in an MBA.

Learn more:

• How much does an MBA increase your salary?
• Is an MBA worth it?

What you can do with an MBA

Earning an MBA qualification creates opportunities and gives you the business and leadership acumen to make your mark.

Here are some of the opportunities the AIB MBA has created for our graduates in addition to potential salary increases:

• Employer demand: according to the GMAC Year-End Poll of Employers, 96% of employers say that hiring business school graduates creates value for their companies.
• Career relevance: 96% of graduates reported they have applied the MBA in their job or business.
• Career progression: 81% of alumni said the MBA has helped them progress their career, with 65% of all alumni receiving a promotion.
• Start or grow a business: 25% of graduates are business owners and 53% of those started a business during or after their MBA.

AIB alumni reported an average salary increase of $37,000 since starting their MBA.

Learn more:

• What can you do with an MBA?
• Career Growth

Except where indicated, the statistics above are according to the Alumni Insights Report 2023.

What to expect during your MBA

During the AIB MBA you will progress through 12 subjects in three nested postgraduate qualifications: a Graduate Certificate in Management, a Graduate Diploma in Management and an MBA.

Expect to study for your MBA in 8 week terms. During each term you’ll complete one course. Each term contains a mix of interactive assessments like assignments, quizzes, evaluated forum participation and time-bound tests, plus one week to rest and recharge after each subject.

Studying online for an MBA

Rather than expecting you to fit around us, we’ve found innovative ways to make our subjects fit around you. You can study anywhere, anytime as learning happens 100% online through the Student Learning Portal.

During your studies, the portal will be your home for accessing your learning materials, engaging with your community of fellow students and having key concepts explained by your Online Facilitators in webinars and forums.

Your core subjects

You will study eight core subjects throughout the MBA degree. They are:

• Leadership
• Strategic Management
• Marketing Management
• Corporate Governance
• Operations Management
• Financial Management
• Strategic Human Resource Management
• Project Management

Learn more: AIB Subject Guide

Elective and specialisation subjects

Once you complete the core subjects, you can choose to specialise in one of our five key fields (or select general subjects if you choose not to specialise).

The specialisation fields offered are:

• Finance
• Entrepreneurial Management
• Marketing Management
• Human Resources Management
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Study time per week

On average, each subject will require about 150 hours of study time to master the material. This works out to just over 20 hours of study per week for most students.

The actual time may vary week-to-week depending on the work assigned, and some subjects may require more or less study than others depending on your experience.

Try our MBA Time-to-Study Calculator to estimate whether you can fit an MBA into your weekly schedule.

Why study with the Australian Institute of Business

With 40 years of history, the Australian Institute of Business is a fully accredited and globally recognised higher education institution catering specifically to working professionals.

Our MBA is Australia’s largest online MBA provider* and focuses on practical skills and knowledge that students can apply to real-world business scenarios right away. By studying with us you will learn how MBA theories and principles are actually applied within organisations.

The Online Facilitators and Industry Guest Speakers our students learn from are experts in their fields, with years of experience either in teaching or high-performing business settings.

We offer 100% online learning and 12 start dates throughout the year, so you can study anywhere and anytime.

Learn more:

• About AIB
• Accreditations and Memberships
• Academic Staff

*see 20 Biggest Online MBA Providers, MBA News (July 2024)