Top 10 Business Schools in Australia for 2027 Entry

Choosing the right business school can shape the trajectory of your entire career, and Australia remains one of the strongest destinations for it. The country combines globally recognised universities, a business-friendly economy, and strong post-study work rights, making it a popular choice for international students targeting careers in finance, consulting, technology and beyond.

This guide ranks Australia’s top 10 business schools for the 2027 entry cycle, based on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 (Business & Management). We’ve covered what each school is known for, entry requirements, tuition costs, visa rules and how to apply, so you can compare your options in one place.

If you’re considering a business degree in Australia, arrange a free consultation with StudyIn today. Our team will talk you through your study options and help match you to the right course and destination.

Australia’s Top 10 Business Schools at a Glance

Here’s how Australia’s top 10 business schools compare on rank, signature courses, and what each is best known for.

Rankings are based on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Business & Management Studies. Course and fee details should always be confirmed directly with a StudyIn consultant before you apply.

Why Study Business in Australia?

Australia is one of the world’s most established study destinations for business education, backed by a stable economy, a large multinational employer base, and a higher education system with genuinely global reach. Several of its universities sit inside the world’s top 200 for Business & Management Studies, giving students access to research-active faculty and internationally respected qualifications.

• Global recognition: Australian business degrees are recognised by employers and accreditation bodies worldwide, including AACSB and EQUIS-accredited schools.
• Post-study work rights: Eligible graduates can apply for a post-study work visa, giving time to build local experience before returning home or pursuing permanent residence.
• Industry connections: Business schools maintain close links with major employers across banking, consulting, technology and professional services, supporting internships and placements.
• Course flexibility: Options range from broad commerce degrees to specialised master’s programmes in analytics, fintech and supply chain management.
• Multicultural environment: Large international student communities across every major city make it easier to settle in and build a professional network early.

Who Should Study Business in Australia?

A business degree in Australia suits a wide range of students, but it’s a particularly strong fit if any of the following apply to you.

• You want a globally respected qualification with strong employer recognition across Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America.
• You’re targeting a specific specialisation, such as business analytics, fintech, international business or supply chain management, rather than a generic degree.
• You want post-study work rights to gain local experience before committing to a longer-term migration pathway.
• You’re weighing tuition and living costs carefully and want a range of price points, from Group of Eight universities to more affordable alternatives.
• You value smaller class sizes and closer contact with faculty and industry mentors during your degree.

Top 10 Business Schools in Australia for 2027 Entry

Below is a closer look at each of Australia’s top 10 business schools, based on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Business & Management Studies.

1. University of Melbourne | Melbourne Business School

Melbourne Business School is the graduate business school of the University of Melbourne, offering MBA specialisations, specialist master’s degrees, doctoral programmes and executive education in business and management. It also runs courses in accounting, actuarial studies, marketing and public administration.

• Course to consider: Full-time MBA

2. University of New South Wales | UNSW Business School

UNSW Business School offers bachelor’s, master’s and graduate research courses designed to build the advanced knowledge and skills needed for future research and professional practice. Some of its strongest specialisations include cybersecurity management, financial technology, business analytics and international business.

• Course to consider: Master of International Business

3. University of Sydney | The University of Sydney Business School

The University of Sydney Business School has a long track record in business and management education, with courses and research conducted to high global standards. Students engage in cross-disciplinary projects designed to prepare them for a dynamic business career, with a choice of part-time and full-time study modes.

• Course to consider: Master of Management

4. Monash University | Monash Business School

Monash Business School is the largest faculty at Monash University, offering flexible and progressive learning pathways for a business career. The school runs 11 undergraduate courses and 36 master’s programmes, alongside graduate certificates and diplomas. Graduates typically move into roles across public and private sector organisations after completing their degree.

• Course to consider: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

5. Australian National University | ANU College of Business and Economics

The ANU College of Business and Economics is one of the country’s leading business faculties, based in Canberra, Australia’s political and policy capital. The College offers undergraduate, postgraduate, honours and graduate research programmes across accounting and finance, commerce, statistics, and international business.

ANU places a strong emphasis on research training, with several of its economics and finance academics contributing to national policy debate. Students benefit from smaller cohort sizes relative to some of the larger Group of Eight business schools, along with dedicated scholarships and funding support for high-achieving international applicants. The College’s Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) is designed for students who want an additional research component built into an undergraduate degree, which can be a useful stepping stone towards postgraduate study or research-based careers.

Graduates commonly move into careers spanning consulting, public policy, financial services and economic analysis, both within Australia and internationally.

• Course to consider: Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons)

6. University of Queensland | UQ Business School

UQ Business School focuses on business learning, innovation and impactful research, with smaller class sizes and direct mentoring from industry experts. Students learn to engage with customers and employees, work with analytics, understand markets, and assess financial and business decisions across a range of core and elective units.

• Course to consider: Bachelor of Advanced Business (Hons)

7. Macquarie University | Macquarie Business School

Macquarie University is based in Sydney and has built a reputation for business courses with a strong STEM and analytics orientation. Macquarie Business School’s course list includes an MBA, MSc in Business Analytics, MSc in Management and MSc in Product Management, reflecting a deliberate focus on the data and technology skills employers are increasingly asking for in commercial roles.

For students who want a business degree with a genuine technical edge, particularly in analytics, data-driven decision-making or applied finance, Macquarie is consistently one of the stronger choices among Australia’s business schools, and one of the few offering degrees that blend commerce with computational skills as standard.

• Course to consider: Master of Science in Business Analytics

8. University of Adelaide | Adelaide Business School

Adelaide Business School, part of the University of Adelaide, is one of South Australia’s leading providers of business education and a member of the Group of Eight. The school offers a broad course range spanning undergraduate commerce degrees through to MBA and specialised master’s programmes in finance, marketing and international business.

• Course to consider: Bachelor of Commerce

9. Queensland University of Technology | QUT Graduate School of Business

QUT’s Graduate School of Business is built around education and research that helps businesses and organisations contribute to public benefit, with a course list spanning bachelor’s and master’s degrees alongside executive development, micro-credential and short-term courses. The teaching style leans heavily on applied, real-world problem-solving rather than pure theory.

QUT has strong links with employers across Brisbane and Queensland more broadly, particularly in logistics, supply chain and infrastructure-related industries, which feeds directly into some of its most distinctive postgraduate courses. Students on QUT’s business programmes typically gain a professional skillset through a mix of theoretical foundations and practical application, with several courses built specifically around current industry needs rather than generic business theory.

• Course to consider: Master of Strategic Supply Chain Management

10. RMIT University | College of Business and Law

The College of Business and Law at RMIT University is known across Australia for its innovative and industry-relevant degrees, with undergraduate, postgraduate and research courses spanning business, economics, finance, management and law. RMIT’s Melbourne city-centre campus puts students close to major employers, which supports its strong focus on work placements and internships as a core part of the student experience.

Courses are delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops and hands-on placements, designed to prepare students for dynamic and competitive global business environments rather than purely academic assessment. RMIT is particularly well regarded for degrees that combine business with law, giving students exposure to commercial law alongside core business content, which is useful for students eyeing careers in corporate governance, compliance or regulatory affairs.

• Course to consider: Bachelor of Business (Hons)

What Are the Entry Requirements for Business Degrees in Australia?

Australia offers business degrees at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Entry requirements vary slightly by institution, but most universities follow similar standards. To gain entry into a Bachelor of Business, Commerce or Management, international students typically need:

• Minimum academic score: Equivalent to an Australian ATAR of 70 to 85 (for example, an IB score of 26 to 32, a GPA of 2.8 to 3.5, or 65 to 80 percent depending on your country’s grading system)
• English language proficiency: IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0; or TOEFL iBT score of 70 to 90; or PTE Academic score of 50 to 58
• Additional requirements: Some universities may request a personal statement or academic references, especially for competitive or scholarship-based entry

For postgraduate business degrees, applicants generally need a bachelor’s degree in any discipline for general business programmes, or a related field for specialised degrees. Typical requirements include:

• Minimum GPA: Equivalent to 60 to 70 percent or a GPA of 2.7 to 3.0
• English language proficiency: IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.0 overall, with no band below 6.0; or TOEFL iBT score of 85 to 100
• Work experience: Some MBA programmes ask for 2 to 3 years of professional experience
• Additional requirements: A CV, personal statement and references are commonly required; the GMAT is optional at most universities

How Much Does It Cost to Study Business in Australia?

Tuition fees for international students studying business in Australia vary by university and programme level.

• Undergraduate business degrees: AUD 30,000 to 45,000 per year
• Postgraduate degrees (for example, MBA or Master of Commerce): AUD 35,000 to 60,000 per year

Living expenses in Australia typically range from AUD 20,000 to 30,000 annually, depending on location and lifestyle. Most universities offer scholarships for international students, including merit-based, equity-based and faculty-specific awards, so it’s worth checking eligibility before you rule out a more expensive school on cost alone.

What Careers Can You Pursue With a Business Degree From Australia?

A business degree from Australia opens pathways into a wide range of industries, both locally and internationally. Common career routes for graduates include the following.

• Consulting and strategy: Roles at major consulting firms, typically entered through graduate programmes at the larger business schools with strong employer relationships.
• Banking and financial services: Investment banking, corporate finance and financial analysis roles, particularly for graduates of finance-focused master’s degrees.
• Business analytics and data-driven roles: Growing demand for graduates who combine commercial understanding with analytics skills, especially from schools like UNSW and Macquarie.
• Supply chain and operations management: A strong option for QUT and RMIT graduates, given both schools’ close industry links in logistics and operations.
• Public policy and government-adjacent roles: A common pathway for ANU graduates, given the university’s proximity to Canberra’s policy institutions.
• Entrepreneurship and start-ups: Increasingly common among graduates from schools with dedicated innovation hubs and start-up support programmes.

Graduates who complete an eligible degree and meet the relevant visa conditions can also apply for post-study work rights, giving time to build local experience in any of the above fields before deciding on a longer-term career path.

What Are the Visa Requirements for Studying Business in Australia?

International students must apply for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) to study full-time in Australia. Key requirements include the following.

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): Issued by your Australian university once you’ve accepted your offer
• Proof of financial capacity: Funds to cover tuition, living expenses and travel, currently around AUD 62,000 for one year
• English proficiency: As set out by your university’s admission standards
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Mandatory for the full duration of your stay
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement: Demonstrating your intent to study and, where relevant, your plans after graduation

Visa requirements and financial thresholds are reviewed periodically, so always confirm the current figures with your institution or a StudyIn counsellor before applying.

How Do You Apply to a Business School in Australia?

1. Shortlist your schools: Compare course specialisations, fees and locations against your career goals, using the table above as a starting point.
2. Check entry requirements: Confirm the academic score, English test and any additional documents each university asks for.
3. Prepare your documents: Academic transcripts, English test results, a personal statement and, for postgraduate applications, a CV and references.
4. Submit your application: Apply directly through the university or via an authorised education agent such as StudyIn.
5. Accept your offer and apply for your visa: Once you receive your Confirmation of Enrolment, begin your Student Visa (Subclass 500) application.
6. Arrange accommodation and OSHC: Finalise your health cover and living arrangements ahead of your intake date.

Study Business in Australia With StudyIn

Choosing between Australia’s top business schools involves weighing rankings against course specialisation, fees, location and your longer-term career goals, and the right answer looks different for every student. StudyIn’s counsellors support students through the full cycle, from shortlisting universities to preparing a complete application and planning your visa timeline.

If you want to study business in Australia, arrange a free consultation with StudyIn today. Our educational consultants will talk through your study options and help you decide on the best course of action for your long-term future.

FAQs

Which is the top business school in Australia for 2027 entry?

Based on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Business & Management Studies, Melbourne Business School at the University of Melbourne ranks as Australia’s top business school, followed by UNSW Business School and the University of Sydney Business School.

How much does it cost to study business in Australia as an international student?

Undergraduate business degrees typically cost between AUD 30,000 and 45,000 per year, while postgraduate degrees range from AUD 35,000 to 60,000 per year. Living costs generally add AUD 20,000 to 30,000 annually, depending on the city.

Do I need a GMAT score to study business in Australia?

Most Australian business schools do not require a GMAT score for standard master’s programmes, though it may strengthen a competitive MBA application. Requirements vary by university, so it’s worth checking with the specific school or a StudyIn counsellor.

Can international students work in Australia after finishing a business degree?

Yes. Graduates who complete an eligible degree and meet the relevant visa conditions can apply for post-study work rights, allowing them to gain local work experience after graduation.

Which Australian business schools does StudyIn have a direct partnership with?

StudyIn currently has application partnerships with the ANU College of Business and Economics, Macquarie Business School, QUT Graduate School of Business and RMIT’s College of Business and Law, allowing our counsellors to support your application directly.

What English test score do I need for a business degree in Australia?

Most undergraduate business degrees ask for an IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5 overall, while postgraduate degrees typically require 6.5 to 7.0. TOEFL and PTE Academic scores are also widely accepted.