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Is Australia a good country option for me to study abroad since my friend is there and I can work during the course for a MBA?

08 Sept 2026 · Answered by Sai Sunayan Reddy P · 2 min read
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Yes, Australia works well for an MBA, especially with a friend already settled there to help you adjust. You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight on a student visa, and the Subclass 485 visa lets MBA graduates stay and work for up to two years after finishing.

Sai Sunayan Reddy P
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Yes, Australia can work well for your MBA, and having your friend already there is a genuine advantage for settling in quickly. Just plan your finances so you are not relying on part-time work to cover tuition or rent, since visa rules require you to show sufficient funds upfront.

Work Rights and Post-Study Visa

FeatureDetails
Work during studiesUp to 48 hours per fortnight in term; unlimited during breaks
Post-study visaSubclass 485, generally up to 2 years for an MBA (coursework)
Age limit for 485 visaMust generally be 35 or younger when you apply

What to Plan For

  • Treat part-time wages as pocket money, not your main funding source, since Australian MBAs and city living costs in Sydney or Melbourne run high.
  • Networking matters more than job boards for landing a corporate role after your MBA, especially for international students seeking sponsorship.
  • Your friend can help with housing and settling in, but build your own professional network early through university career services.

My Advice

Before you commit, map your total two-year cost, tuition plus living, against your savings and loan eligibility, then treat your friend's presence as a settling-in support system, not a financial plan. Start attending your chosen university's alumni and networking events from week one so you are not scrambling for sponsorship near graduation.

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