Frequently asked questions about UQ’s MBA
When is the right time to do an MBA?
Times of uncertainty, recession and change can be one of the best times to upskill and future-proof your career through studying an MBA program. This is because in a tight job market, employers will increasingly look to those with more rounded skill sets and capabilities. Those willing and able to embrace disruption and change. Learn more about the importance of adapting to technological change to avoid being left behind and why now is the right time to study an MBA.
How long will it take to complete my UQ MBA?
With UQ, you don't have to choose between accelerating your career and focusing on your other life priorities. You can build a flexible study plan that suits you and change it whenever you need to. You can ramp up your studies through intensive courses to complete your MBA in just one year, choose our streamlined option to complete your studies around work commitments in 24 months, or adjust your study pathway as your priorities change, with up to 7 years to graduate.
Speak to our MBA admissions team about the current timetable for a snapshot of student life and how you could fit study into your life.
Do I need work experience to do the UQ MBA?
Yes, to be eligible you will need at least four years full-time work experience including at least two of the four years full-time work experience gained while working in a dedicated supervisory or management role.
The full MBA program entry requirements are available on the Master of Business Administration page under the 'Program details' tab.
What type of management experience do I need to apply?
To be eligible to study the UQ MBA you will need at least two years full-time work experience in a dedicated supervisory or management role. Your application may be considered whether your experience relates to the management of people, projects or clients. If you have any questions about your eligibility, please request a call back and we will be happy to discuss your options with you.
Is the UQ MBA the best executive MBA program to accelerate my career?
The UQ MBA is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge and tools to move up the corporate ladder, transition industries, start your own enterprise, or find a whole new path. In fact, 77% of our graduates find a new career path and have an average starting salary of $170,000*.
Throughout your studies, you will build global networks and industry connections that open doors – maybe even some unexpected ones. You'll also have the support of our dedicated MBA Careers and Professional Development Team during your studies and beyond in your entire post-graduation career.
* The UQ MBA 2017 cohort.
How much does the UQ MBA cost and can I access financial support during my studies?
UQ offers a range of scholarships, and FEE-HELP is available to eligible students, giving you financial support to invest in your future.
The UQ MBA is an investment in your future, personally, professionally and financially. To learn more, read Top 5 myths about an MBA debunked.
How can I learn more about the UQ MBA?
You can find out more information about the UQ MBA, including why our students were ranked #1 in the world for student quality by The Economist, our world-class teachers, industry-led projects, flexible study options, the lifelong career advice available to you and hear success stories from MBA alumni by visiting our website.
Will I be in the MBA cohort if I am studying a GCBA or GDipBA?
We emphasise that all our GCBA and GDipBA students are recognised as part of the MBA cohort, so you’ll attend the same classes, complete the same assessment, and be graded on the same criteria. These pathways allow students who don’t initially meet the MBA degree entry criteria, but have significant work experience, to ultimately gain their MBA degree.
Will the GCBA or GDipBA pathway increase the amount of time I need to spend studying?
No! The articulation pathway will take you the same amount of time to complete as it would for a student admitted directly into the UQ MBA.
An articulation offer for the GCBA means that upon successful completion of the GCBA with a minimum grade point average of 4.0, you would articulate into the GDipBA program with credit for four courses. Then, upon successful completion of the GDipBA with a minimum overall grade point average of 4.5, you would articulate into the MBA program to complete the remaining four courses and graduate with the MBA degree.
Can I talk to someone about doing an MBA at UQ?
The UQ Business School runs several information sessions about the Master of Business Administration (MBA) every year. For information on the next MBA event, see the UQ Business School Events calendar, email mba@business.uq.edu.au or call +61 7 3346 7111 to set up an appointment with an MBA Program Advisor.
Can I specialise in my MBA?
UQ's MBA is a generalist program designed to give you the leadership skills and knowledge to progress your career, change roles, or start your own business. If you want to specialise, the following programs may better suit your needs:
Can I apply for a MBA if I don't have a degree?
You may be eligible to apply without a degree, if you have a significant level of relevant work and managerial experience for the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (GCBA) pathway into UQ's MBA program. More information is available on the Master of Business Administration page – entry requirements are listed under the 'Program details' tab.
I have a GPA between 4.0 and 4.49. Can I still do an MBA?
In these cases, you may be offered an articulation offer for the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (GDipBA).
Upon successful completion of the GDipBA (8 courses or 16 units), with a minimum grade point average of 4.5, you can articulate into the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program to complete the remaining 4 courses (8 units). Once you've completed the GDipBA program and have met the program GPA requirements, you'll need to apply for a program change into the MBA (via mySI-net).
What date do I need to submit my application by?
- Domestic students
Applications for study commencing in Semester 1 each year close 30 November of the previous year. Applications for study commencing in Semester 2 close 31 May in the year of commencement year. - International students are required to make their application for the MBA program by 31 October each year for commencement in January of the following year or 30 April for commencement in July of the same year.
I’m ready to apply! What do I do?
Great! Simply follow the steps detailed on our website, ensuring you have all supporting documentation. If you get stuck or have questions about your application, give us a ring on +61 7 3346 7111 or email us.
Are there career benefits of doing the short-term global experience?
The experience is what you make it, but there are many personal and professional benefits to pursuing this opportunity, including gaining global exposure, an international network, and evidence you’re willing to go the extra mile to be at the forefront of business.
What is a capstone course?
To complete the UQ MBA, you’ll study one of three capstone courses designed to prepare you for industry success. Each of the three capstone courses available will give you the opportunity to focus in on your area of passion and put what you've learnt to work for a real client or in your own entrepreneur adventure. By working in teams, you’ll tackle a business problem and gain experience clarifying your project’s scope, engaging with industry, digging into secondary data sources, identifying a strategy to address the issue and reporting on your findings and recommendations.
The capstone courses available to choose from are Entrepreneurship, Industry Engagement or Special Topics in Management. To learn more about the UQ MBA capstone courses, visit the MBA webpage.
Is it possible to complete the UQ MBA while working full time?
The UQ program can be tailored to suit your other commitments and career goals. You can choose to study full-time and complete the program in 12 months, part-time over 24 months or customise your program with weekdays, weeknights or weekend classes, or short, intensive options.
Learn how these UQ MBA alumni made the flexibility of the UQ MBA work for them.
Is the UQ program a part time MBA?
The UQ MBA offers you the option of completing the program full-time over 12 months or part-time over 24 months. You can also customise your MBA with weekdays, weeknights or weekend classes, or short, intensive options. The flexibility of the UQ MBA allows you to choose when you study and how long it will take to complete the program.
Does UQ offer online MBA courses?
The UQ MBA is taught at 293 Queen Street in the heart of the Brisbane CBD. However, if you start your studies in 2021, you’ll benefit from our blended learning mode. This gives you the flexibility to choose whether you study in-person at our or online via our live lectures and classes. Or, you can study a mixture of both, depending on your schedule and priorities.
Learn more about the benefits of studying the UQ MBA in-person.
Can the UQ MBA help me transition out of defence?
If you’re looking to transition out of a defence role, the UQ MBA can help you gain the business leadership skills, network and confidence to do so. Learn how current student Rob Sutton and alumna Kellie Davis successfully made the change.
Can the UQ MBA help me start my own business?
Yes! From the course topics and academics you’ll learn from to the student and alumni networks you’ll establish during the program, the UQ MBA can prepare you to launch your own venture. You can apply what you learn in the program completing the entrepreneurship project capstone course. UQ is also home to Ventures, which supports entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey through idea accelerator and incubator programs, workshops and connecting participants with alumni, staff and global experts.
How academic is the UQ MBA?
While completing an MBA does require some academic research and traditional assessment, much of the learning is undertaken through action. You’ll learn how to become a transformational leader through debate and discussion with those in the classroom and by applying what you learn to various projects. If you haven’t studied for some time, there are a number of support tools available to help you prepare for academic success. Learn more.
What is the benefit of studying with a UQ MBA cohort?
What puts the UQ MBA in a league of its own is the people you’ll study with. Ranked as the #1 MBA for student quality in the world, our students come from a range of different industries and have an average of 12.5 years of professional experience with around 6 years in management. This diversity and quality of peers will challenge you to think and see the world differently. You’ll have engaging debates and the opportunity to build lifelong friendships and professional relationships that will continue to support you throughout your career.