How much does it cost to study abroad, and what expenses should I budget for in Australia/New Zealand for a MBA?
An MBA in Australia costs AUD 60,000 to 125,000 in tuition, with living expenses of AUD 21,000 to 29,000 a year. In New Zealand, tuition runs NZD 40,000 to 65,000, with living costs of NZD 20,000 to 35,000 a year, plus visa, insurance, and test fees on top.
Your MBA budget for Australia or New Zealand will hinge on the school's ranking and city, since top metropolitan business schools charge significantly more than regional campuses. Living costs in Sydney, Melbourne, or Auckland also sit at the higher end of each country's range.
MBA Tuition by Country
| Country | Average Tuition Range | Example Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | AUD 60,000 to AUD 125,000 | AGSM (UNSW): ~AUD 110,000-125,000; Melbourne Business School: ~AUD 100,000-115,000 |
| New Zealand | NZD 40,000 to NZD 65,000 | University of Auckland: ~NZD 62,000; University of Otago: ~NZD 58,000 |
Living and Hidden Costs
- Australia: AUD 21,000 to 29,000 a year in living costs, plus OSHC health cover of AUD 600 to 800 a year.
- New Zealand: NZD 20,000 to 35,000 a year in living costs, with Auckland and Wellington costliest.
- Visa fees: about AUD 2,000 in Australia; NZD 300 to 400 in New Zealand.
- GMAT/GRE and English tests: USD 200 to 400 each if required by your program.
- Relocation and setup: approximately AUD or NZD 1,500 to 3,000.
My Advice
If budget is tight, weigh a regional New Zealand university like Otago or Waikato against a top-tier Australian school, since the tuition gap can exceed 50,000 dollars for a similar MBA outcome. Line up your GMAT and English test scores early since they add real cost on top of tuition, and ask a Leap counsellor to compare total two-year costs across your shortlist.
Got a budget of 40 to 50 lakhs? See what Australia costs.
Full tuition and living breakdown, plus universities that fit your number.
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