Overview
Take your career to the next level with Griffith’s Master of Business Administration (MBA). This flexible MBA allows you to study online, in person, or hybrid, with a focus on responsible leadership, sustainable business practices, and a global perspective.
Business today is about more than profit, it’s about creating long-term value for people, communities, and the planet. Through Griffith’s MBA, you’ll learn how to make bold decisions, inspire teams, and drive positive change. Whether you’re aspiring to lead a multinational company, launch your own venture, or influence policy and strategy, this degree will help you get there.
Highlights of studying the MBA at Griffith
- Gain cutting-edge insights from Australia’s most progressive MBA program, with courses in strategy, finance, sustainability, innovation and people management.
- Learn from world-class academics and industry leaders who bring real-world expertise into the classroom.
- Build lasting networks through the MBA for Life program, offering graduates lifelong access to events, mentoring, and peer connections.
Build the skills that drive modern business
Sharpen your skills in strategy, finance, people management and innovation, while developing the ethical mindset needed to succeed in complex organisations. With authentic, workplace-focused assessments, you can apply what you learn immediately to your career.
Global recognition
As the home of the world’s most sustainable MBA*, Griffith is leading the way in business management education. Our commitment to responsible business education and sustainability leadership is recognised with a Tier 1 global status, and we’re ranked #2 for Online MBA programs in Australia**-the only Queensland university awarded in this category. With five-star ratings for teaching quality, student support and overall experience^, you’ll be supported to achieve your professional and personal goals while building skills that are globally relevant and future-focused.
*Corporate Knights 2024 Better World MBA rankings
**CEO Magazine 2024 Global MBA Rankings
^2024 Good Universities Guide
Attendance information
Study Options basics
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Griffith University is designed with flexible study options in mind, allowing you to tailor your learning experience to your needs.
Full-Time Study:
- Duration: Complete the MBA in 1 to 1½ years.
- Course Load: Take 3-4 courses per trimester.
- Format: Flexible approach – available online or in person (T1 and T2)
- Course delivery: Courses are delivered either over six weeks or over 12 weeks. For six-week courses you meet for four hours a week. For 12-week courses you meet for two hours a week.
- Class Time: You’ll attend 2-4 hours of scheduled classes for each course, per week, depending on the course offering and your course load.
Part-Time Study:
- Duration: Complete the MBA in approximately 3 years.
- Course Load: Take 1-2 courses per trimester.
- Format: Available online in T1, T2 and T3.
- Course Delivery: Courses are delivered either over six weeks or over 12 weeks. For six-week courses you meet for four hours a week. For 12-week courses you meet for two hours a week.
- Class Time: You’ll attend 2-4 hours of scheduled classes for each course, per week, depending on the course offering and your course load.
Your time commitment per course
You should be prepared to commit approximately 150 hours of work over the whole trimester for each course. This includes class attendance and private time spent on learning activities and assessment items revision, and it applies to all modes of course delivery – on campus, online, and on campus mixed mode – irrespective of the duration of the course.
Program Structure:
For international students, the MBA is offered in Trimester 1 and Trimester 2. International students can also commence in Trimester 3 subject to discussions with the program team.
International students must maintain a full-time study load. If you are an International student on a student visa you must ensure that you enrol in a way that will allow you to complete your enrolment within the expected program duration as stated on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
International students are expected to make themselves available to attend all Orientation sessions commencing from day 1 of Orientation week. International students who cannot arrive in the country to begin studies by teaching week 1, must gain prior permission from the Master of Business Administration (MBA) Director to commence the program in that particular trimester.
Flexible Learning Approach:
The Griffith MBA uses a flexible learning format that allows you to either attend classes in person or participate live online, depending on your preference. This approach – called live-streaming – ensures that whether you join in-person or online, you’ll receive the same content and be able to engage with your peers in real-time. All classes will be recorded.
Class Scheduling:
- Flexible Scheduling: Live-streamed classes are offered mainly in the evenings (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) and/or in intensive formats. Intensive courses may span several full days, including weekends, allowing part-time students to fit their studies around work or other commitments.
This flexible structure allows you to balance your studies with your personal and professional life, while still benefiting from a robust MBA experience.
Learning Materials:
All course materials, including presentations from academics and guest speakers, will be available online via Learning@Griffith . This platform provides access to:
- Course content and learning activities.
- Submissions for assessments.
- Support services.
- Technology Requirements: All students need reliable access to a computer and the internet.
Overseas exchange program
International exchange
The International Exchange component provides an opportunity for eligible MBA students to obtain experience at one of Griffith’s international partner universities. Students may undertake international exchange components in any combination of 10 credit point, 20 credit point or 30 credit point programs provided the total number of credit points undertaken in international exchange components does not exceed 40 credit points. Students wishing to apply for international exchange components must:
- achieve a Grade Point Average (GPA) of no less than 5.0 in their first trimester of study or first 40 credit points of core courses or the GPA associated with the specific exchange program (whichever is higher); and
- have completed at least four core courses prior to departure; and
- gain approval from the MBA Director to study at a preferred overseas institution.
With the MBA Director’s approval, students may apply to substitute a maximum of 20 credit points core coursework and take 20 credit points elective of International Exchange across a full-trimester of study at an overseas partner university.
Two week intensive overseas programs
Selected MBA students will have the opportunity to attend the European Summer School for Advanced Management (ESSAM) program to explore the future of business in an international environment. Students must apply directly to ESSAM in the first instance. Details can be found on website. If application to the program is approved by European Summer School for Advanced Management (ESSAM), students must then seek approval from the MBA Director. Students who attend and successfully complete the program will have their studies credited to their MBA program as 20 credit points of Free-choice electives. European Summer School for Advanced Management (ESSAM) will not normally be credited towards MBA core courses.
Please note that courses completed at European Summer School for Advanced Management (ESSAM) will NOT be included in the student’s GPA calculation.
Approval to attend European Summer School for Advanced Management (ESSAM) is not guaranteed and is at the discretion of the MBA Director. Students who wish to complete the major in Public Policy are not eligible to attend European Summer School for Advanced Management (ESSAM). Please note that the Public Policy major is not available from 2021.
Degree requirements
Your program requirements are the set of academic requirements that are mandatory for the award associated with your program of study. If you do not adhere to your degree requirements, you may not be eligible to graduate.
For the award of Master of Business Administration (MBA), you must successfully
Complete 120 credit points comprising:
- 80 credit points for all Core Courses, and
- 40 credit points from Listed Electives
This degree may be awarded with Distinction where a student achieves a minimum program GPA of 6.5 with no failed courses. The words “This award was achieved with Distinction” will be recorded on the testamur.
Australian Qualifications Framework
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for regulated qualifications in Australian education and training. This qualification is accredited as an AQF Level 9 – Master.
Program learning outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes communicate to the community the value of the Griffith educational experience as benchmarked against national qualification standards.
Program Learning Outcomes for this award describe the knowledge, skills and the application of knowledge and skills you will acquire through studying the Griffith program of your choice.
Program Director
The Program Director ensures that the published program information on this website is accurate and helpful for students’ enrolment and progress. The Program Director provides students with guidance on program-related matters including making decisions on specific aspects of a student’s study program, enrolment, progress, credit and eligibility to graduate.
How to apply
An international student is a person who is not Australian citizen, a New Zealand citizen, a Pacific Engagement visa holder or the holder of a permanent resident/humanitarian visa.
This program is available to International students for study in Australia at Griffith University or via online study as follows:
- Students coming to Australia will require a student visa or another type of visa which does not preclude them from studying in Australia.
- Students in Australia on a student visa may not complete more than 30% of the program via online study.
- Students in Australia and not on a student visa may undertake more than 30% of the program via online study.
- Students can apply to study online outside Australia without any visa requirements.
You can apply for admission online OR via a Griffith University registered agent.
Next intake
Trimester 3 2025
Apply now
Entry requirements
You can complete this program in 1 year or 1.5 years depending on your prior study and work experience
To be eligible for this program, you must meet one of the following criteria:
You must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 4.5 (on a 7.0 point scale) in your previous qualification
Relevant work experience includes roles that demonstrate leadership, such as direct supervisory experience and/or change management in an organisational or project-specific setting
Evidence of work experience must include a detailed work history (roles, responsibilities and achievements)
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
If you do not meet the required GPA for direct admission, you may submit the result of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) with a minimum overall score of 550
Applicant Statement of Leadership Experience
On request, applicants may be asked to provide a statement (maximum 750 words) detailing examples of applied leadership skills and how their experiences will be complemented by the Master of Business Administration (MBA) along with a sound knowledge of the Griffith Business School values.
Language requirements
English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:
- A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
- OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
- OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only) - OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
- OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.
English test results must be no more than two years old.
International students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.
The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.
Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University procedure for exceptions to these overall requirements:
If you do not meet the University’s specified English language requirements, you may wish to contact the Griffith English Language Institute to increase your eligibility for entering a Griffith University program. This Institute offers a number of English language and other courses at both its Brisbane and Gold Coast branches.
Credit and recognition of prior learning
Griffith University grants credit and recognition of prior learning which may relate to prior formal learning or prior informal and non-formal learning. For more information, please visit the following website:
Griffith’s innovative Credit Precedent Database allows you to find out what credit decisions have been made in the past. These precedents will give you an idea of what you can expect.
About Griffith
For 50 years, we have been a purpose-driven, values-led university focused on creating impact where it matters most.
Since 1975, our teaching and research have been shaped by a commitment to social justice, environmental sustainability and inclusive access to education. Today, those ideals are more important than ever.
As we enter the second half of Griffith’s first century as a globally recognised university of excellence, we’re building on this legacy by placing purpose, people, partnerships and communities squarely at the centre of what we do.
From pioneering research and student entrepreneurship to supporting Indigenous flourishing and expanding access to education through online learning, we’re continuously adding to our history of making a difference in the world around us.
With more than 40,000 students, our community spans five campuses across South East Queensland plus our Digital campus. We’re also proud to be home to a global alumni network of over 200,000 graduates.
We know the world can, and should, be a better place—for everyone. By helping thousands of people create a brighter future for themselves, we’re doing our part to create a brighter future for all.
Read more about our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan.
Our University
Guided by our strong values, we’ve spent 50 years making our mark on Queensland, Australia and the globe
At Griffith, our mission is to transform lives and add to human knowledge in a way that creates a future that benefits all. That’s because we’re more than just a university—we’re a community.
Driven by inclusivity and equity, our learning and teaching experience has support built in at every turn. And every day, our researchers are at the forefront of innovation in areas such as climate action; clean energy; violence prevention; child, youth and family wellbeing; disability and inclusion; sports performance; drug design; and Australia’s geopolitical future.
Since our founding, we have been pioneers in fields such as modern Asian studies and environmental science, have become world leaders in nursing and midwifery, tourism and more, and have been vocal champions for social justice and sustainable practices.
Much has changed in the past five decades, but our commitment to creating a brighter future is as strong as ever. That’s why our teaching and research continues to address global challenges daily and create meaningful change for our students, their families and friends, and all of society.
Teaching and Learning
Find your purpose and make a positive impact on the world
At Griffith, our students are more than just a number. We pride ourselves on supporting the whole individual so you can succeed academically, professionally and personally.
For 50 years, we’ve been providing a transformative education experience to students from all walks of life. We draw on such strengths as innovative teaching, a vibrant community and relevant, flexible degrees to ensure our graduates are thoroughly prepared to make their choices matter as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of life after university.
Whatever your goal, if you’re ready for a career with purpose, Griffith is here to help you get there.
Ratings and rankings
Griffith consistently places in the top 2% of universities worldwide according to a series of prestigious ranking systems
By choosing to study at Griffith, students benefit from degrees informed by our world-class research, expert knowledge and industry connections. Griffith is also a university that lives its values—and, despite our relative youth, we’re being recognised worldwide for our commitment to sustainable development.
Ranked against the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Griffith placed equal 4th out of 2,152 participating universities worldwide in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
Facts and figures
Measuring our success
As part of our commitment to transparency, you will find important data about our staff, students, finances and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals curated from our official published and publicly available sources.
Purpose and values
Our purpose is to create a brighter future for all through high-quality education and research which transforms lives and adds to knowledge, discovery and understanding.
As we mark our 50th anniversary in 2025, we remain firmly focused on our founding ideals: to be a university driven by purpose, guided by values, defined by impact and committed to serving the many, not the few.
Griffith was established in 1975 to be a different type of university, embedding equity, inclusion and social justice at the heart of higher education. We pioneered Australia’s first degrees in modern Asian studies and environmental science, and we’ve continued to lead the way in fields that matter, from First Peoples health to sustainability, education and the creative industries.
Today, our founding values are as relevant as ever and ensure our teaching and research delivers benefit for our communities. As we navigate an era of rapid change, uncertainty and opportunity, we continue to respond in ways that aim to make the world a better place for everyone. Through career-ready degrees informed by the evolving world of work, we empower our students to thrive in complex, dynamic environments and give them the tools to succeed long after they graduate.
Our Strategic Plan 2025–2030 builds on this proud history, placing purpose at the centre of everything we do, supported by a clear focus on people, partnerships and place. Through this strategy, we’re living what matters to us by expanding access to education, strengthening our community ties, and working to create a brighter future for Queensland, the Asia–Pacific region and beyond.
Campuses and facilities
Our campuses are a thriving network of learning and innovation
Spanning three cities in South East Queensland, our physical campuses are located at the Gold Coast, Logan, Brisbane South and Brisbane City. Our digital offerings are located at your fingertips and span the globe. Each campus environment has state of the art facilities, and support services to make university life easier and enjoyable.
Structure and governance
Griffith has a core foundation of four academic groups: Arts, Education and Law; Griffith Business School; Griffith Health; and Griffith Sciences
We also have schools, departments and centres that fall under our academic groups, plus a range of research centres and institutes that develop new knowledge that feeds into these areas.
We also have an array of administration services that support the university, staff and students as well as our research, teaching and learning.
Griffith is led by Vice Chancellor Professor Carolyn Evans and the University Executive Group, and our governing body is the Griffith University Council and its committees.
History
50 years of making it matter
This year, Griffith University turns 50 years old. That’s half a century of delivering a transformative education experience to hundreds of thousands of students from around Queensland, Australia and the world.
We want to honour all that Griffith is, was and will be, from our origins in the Nathan bush, on the unceded lands of the Yuggera, Turrbal, Yugerabul and Jagera Peoples, and expansion across South East Queensland right through to our future growth into the heart of Meanjin (Brisbane) and beyond. We’ll even be publishing a commemorative book to capture this moment in time, where we can pause—only for a moment—to take stock of just how far we’ve come.
Explore our history
Here’s to the moments that made us
For 50 years, Griffith University has been a place where bold ideals, innovation and community have come together to create a brighter future for all.
This timeline celebrates the defining moments, milestones and achievements that have shaped our journey so far. Read on to explore how we grew beyond the bush, on the unceded lands of the Yuggera, Turrbal, Yugarabul and Jagera Peoples, to become an internationally recognised leader in teaching, research and social impact.
International students
An International student is one who is not:
- an Australian or New Zealand citizen or
- a Pacific Engagement visa holder or
- a person who has Australian permanent resident status.
Indicative annual tuition fee
The indicative annual tuition fee is calculated based on a standard full-time study load which is usually 80 credit points or 40 credit points for certificate programs (two full-time trimesters).
The indicative annual tuition fee is based on current conditions and available data and should only be used as a guide. These fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change.
Tuition fees
An International student pays tuition fees.
Students are liable for tuition fees for the courses they are enrolled in as at the census date.
| Year of study | Fee category / Band | Fee per CP | Tuition fee |
| 2025 | FEE BAND 48.5 | $606.25 | $48,500 (80 CP) |
| 2026 | FEE BAND 48.5 | $606.25 | $48,500 (80 CP) |
Changing programs
If an International student changes to a different program they will be subject to the approved program fee for the trimester in which they are enrolled.
Permanent resident status
If an undergraduate student obtains permanent resident status in Australia after commencing study in a program, and the student can provide evidence of permanent resident status prior to the census date (of the trimester in which they are enrolled), the student will be provided with a domestic fee-paying place.
The student may then apply for a Commonwealth supported place at the next admission period provided that the student satisfies the conditions for transfer from a domestic fee-paying place to a Commonwealth supported place as set out in the Fees and Charges Procedure.
If a postgraduate student obtains permanent resident status in Australia after commencing study in a program, and the student can provide evidence of permanent resident status prior to the census date (of the trimester in which they are enrolled), the student will automatically be considered for a Commonwealth supported place (subject to availability) or a domestic fee-paying place as applicable for the program.
If a research student obtains permanent resident status in Australia after commencing study in a program, and the student can provide evidence of permanent resident status prior to the census date (of the trimester in which they are enrolled), the student will automatically be considered for a Commonwealth Government Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset or a domestic fee-paying place as applicable for the program.
Further information
Additional fee information
Throughout your program you may be required to pay for the following items:
Expenses associated with field trips and placements.
Scholarships for international students
We offer a range of scholarships and awards to support international students studying our undergraduate, postgraduate, research and pathway programs.
Learn more
My career opportunities
The Master of Business Administration is designed to prepare you for senior roles across various industries and entrepreneurship. Graduates gain lifetime access to networking opportunities and events through the MBA for Life program. Whether advancing in your current organisation or stepping into a new challenge, the Griffith MBA gives you the edge to lead with purpose.
Am I a sponsored student?
You are a sponsored student if:
- your tuition fees are paid by an external government or organisation; and
- Griffith University invoices your sponsor directly for your tuition fees.
If an organisation or company gives you money to pay for your tuition fees, you are not considered a sponsored student by Griffith University’s definition.
How do I pay my fees as a sponsored student?
- If you have a valid Financial Guarantee Letter, Griffith University will send your sponsor an invoice for your tuition fees each trimester. Your sponsor will then pay the invoice directly to Griffith University.
- If your sponsor pays you directly, you are responsible for paying your tuition fees by the University census date. You can visit paying your fees for more information.
How do I register to be a sponsored student?
When accepting your offer to study, you must provide a Financial Guarantee Letter from your sponsor to the Griffith International Admissions Team.
If the Financial Guarantee is approved, you will be granted a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and be registered as a sponsored student.
How can I send my sponsor my academic results?
If you are registered as a sponsored student and Griffith University has an agreement with your sponsor, we will send your academic results to them at the end of each trimester.
How do I accept my offer as an international sponsored student?
Before you accept your offer, you will need to meet all necessary requirements and submit all documents that are listed on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), along with a Financial Guarantee Letter from your sponsor.
Can I meet with a sponsored student officer?
Yes, you can meet with an International Student Advisor by booking an appointment online. Your appointment can be for a phone call, online meeting or for a face to face meeting at either the Gold Coast or Nathan campuses.
What is a Financial Guarantee Letter?
A Financial Guarantee Letter is an official declaration from your sponsor, on their letterhead, that they will sponsor you for study at Griffith University.
A Financial Guarantee Letter must include:
- sponsoring organisation’s name and contact details
- your name
- university name (Griffith University)
- your program name and major (e.g. Griffith English Language Institute, Griffith College Foundation, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Bachelor, Masters, Professional Doctorate, PhD)
- details of the sponsorship (commencing and finishing dates of the sponsorship, tuition fees, Overseas Student Health Cover single/family)
- invoicing contact (name, position, address).
The Financial Guarantee Letter must be signed and dated by an authorised representative of your sponsor.
I have single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and want to register for family OSHC. Will my sponsor pay?
You will need to contact your sponsor to request an updated Financial Guarantee showing that OSHC is covered for both you and your dependents.
If your sponsor agrees to pay for family OSHC
You will need to submit a copy of the updated Financial Guarantee along with a completed Change of OSHC request (PDF) to your Student Centre.
If your sponsor does not agree to pay for family OSHC
You can apply to upgrade your OSHC online at OSHC Allianz Care Australia*.
- Click on ‘Students’ in the pull-down menu
- Select ‘Upgrade to Family Cover’ from the list
- Follow the onscreen instructions.
Please note, you will need your policy number to log in.
* If you have difficulties ordering your OSHC card online you can visit an OSHC representative on campus. Go to OSHC contact times for information on locations and contact times.
I submitted my final thesis and I am waiting for the correction, but my sponsorship is ended. Do I have to pay for the thesis marking period?
No, you do not have to pay any extra tuition fees during the thesis marking period, but you do need a valid student visa.
When you submitted your thesis, Griffith International informed the Department of Home Affairs and cancelled your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). You will receive an email from Griffith University’s Compliance Office, to your Griffith student email account with instructions on how to change or extend your visa while your thesis is being marked.
You can find further information on our submission of a thesis webpage.
My sponsor requires an Official Letter. Can I get one from the University?
Yes, please send your request via email to the International Student Advisory at isa@griffith.edu.au If you require any other type of Official Statement, you should complete an online request and payment through Griffith Pay.
My sponsorship is about to end but I haven’t completed my program. Can I apply for an extension?
You will need to submit a new Financial Guarantee Letter from your sponsor for the additional time required.
Your sponsor may require you to write a letter to them before they can issue you with an additional Financial Guarantee. An International Student Advisor can assist you with this letter if required.
Can I transfer into another Griffith program?
You must first obtain permission from your sponsor to change your program. If you are granted approval, you should then:
Undergraduate students
Complete an online Request for an Internal Transfer form.
Postgraduate students
Lodge an Application for Admission into the new program. Eligibility criteria can be found in the ‘International students – How to apply’ section of the degree finder.
What happens if I complete my program early?
If you complete your program one trimester before the end date of your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) or earlier, the remainder of your CoE will be cancelled and the Department of Home Affairs will be notified of your early completion. Your sponsor will also be informed.
You will then need to make arrangements to return home, or contact the Department of Home Affairs to discuss your visa options. You will not be allowed to remain in Australia on your student visa without studying.
I would like to become an Australian permanent resident. Is this permitted by my sponsor?
Generally no. Most sponsors do not allow you to change your residence status while you are on a sponsorship. You are usually required to finish your sponsored course and return to your home country as soon as your sponsorship ends. Please check the terms and conditions of your sponsorship carefully.
How can I cancel my sponsorship?
If you have been offered another scholarship or you wish to pay your own fees you may be able to cancel your sponsorship and continue studying, but you will need to carefully check the terms and conditions of your sponsorship before you decide. Some sponsors may request a refund to be paid if you cancel the sponsorship, particularly if you plan to stay in Australia.
