Studying business in Australia offers a wide range of options, with the Group of Eight (Go8) and many other prestigious institutions to choose from. Australian business schools are internationally renowned, with programmes that offer a broad curriculum while emphasising the integration of business theory and practical skills, giving graduates a competitive edge in the job market. In the following content, we will explore the advantages of studying business in Australia and introduce relevant universities along with their rankings.
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Why Should You Choose to Study Business in Australia?
Australia's pleasant climate makes it a top choice for many students, especially those looking to study business. The country is home to several world-leading business schools that offer international education programmes. Australian universities also place a strong emphasis on practical experience, allowing students to gain workplace skills before graduation. Here are some key features and advantages of studying business in Australia:
1. Top-Tier Business Schools and Internationally Recognised Programmes: Many renowned Australian business schools hold multiple international accreditations, particularly the "Triple Crown" of business school certifications: AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System), and AMBA (Association of MBAs). These accreditations signify that the institution offers world-class teaching quality, well-designed curricula, strong research capabilities, and close ties with the business world.
2. Wide Range of Courses and Degree Options: Australian business schools offer an extensive array of courses covering areas such as accounting, business management, and international business. Students can choose programmes based on their interests and career goals. Additionally, many universities encourage students to pursue double degrees (e.g., Business and Arts) to enhance their competitive edge and combine business with other fields.
3. Emphasis on Practical Skills and Cross-Cultural Learning: One of the key advantages of studying business in Australia is the close collaboration between business schools and local as well as international businesses. Students have access to a wide range of internship and real-world opportunities, allowing them to acquire practical skills and boost their employability before graduation.
4. High Demand for Business Talent with Attractive Salaries: Australian business schools are internationally recognised, which makes it easier for graduates to secure employment both locally and internationally. Moreover, compared to European and North American countries, Australia has a lower cost of living, excellent employee benefits, and competitive salaries. For example, the average annual salary for a Business Manager or Project Manager can reach AUD$180,000 (approximately HK$900,000), while accountants earn an average annual salary of about HK$740,000 [1]. This has attracted many students from Hong Kong to study business in Australia.
5. Immigration Opportunities: After earning a business degree in Australia, international students can apply for various visas, such as the Graduate Temporary Visa, Skilled Visa, or Work Temporary Visa, to stay and work in Australia for up to five years [2]. If students meet the requirements of the Skilled Occupation List and pass the necessary assessments, they may also have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship.
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Popular Business Majors in Australia and Future Career Prospects
Studying business in Australia offers a wide variety of specialised majors, each with potential for growth and numerous career opportunities. Below are some of the most popular business majors in Australia and their future career prospects:
1. Accounting
Future Career Prospects: Accountant, Auditor, Financial Manager, Tax Manager, Corporate Finance Manager, Financial Institution Staff
2. Finance
Future Career Prospects: Investment Analyst, Risk Manager, Financial Planner, Financial Advisor
3. Marketing
Future Career Prospects: Digital Marketing Specialist, Market Research Analyst, Marketing Manager, Brand Manager, Project Manager
4. Actuarial Science
Future Career Prospects: Actuary, Risk Manager, Asset Manager, Insurance Analyst
5. Business Management
Future Career Prospects: Operations Manager, Senior Executive, Sales Manager, Human Resources Manager, Entrepreneur
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Top Australian Business Universities and Rankings
Australia is home to several top-tier universities, including the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8), which are known for their excellent teaching and research outcomes. Graduates from these universities are more likely to secure employment quickly and often have higher starting salaries compared to graduates from other Australian institutions. Below is a list of the top Australian business universities, all of which are part of the Group of Eight. If you're considering studying business in Australia, these universities should be at the top of your list:
TOP 1: The University of Melbourne
Ranked number 1 for business studies in Australia [3], the University of Melbourne’s business school excels in accounting, finance, marketing, economics, and business management. As a member of the Group of Eight, Melbourne University ranks 13th globally in the QS World University Rankings [4]. The university focuses on practical learning, offering a wide range of courses that equip students with useful skills and opportunities to build networks, preparing them for the workforce.
TOP 2: Monash University
Monash University, ranked 37th globally in the 2025 QS World University Rankings, is a member of the Group of Eight. Its business school holds triple accreditation and was ranked first in Australia for business management and economics in 2022 [5]. Monash’s cross-cultural academic approach makes it one of the most popular universities, with campuses in Italy, India, Malaysia, South Africa, and China, offering a broad range of international learning and career opportunities.
TOP 3: Australian National University (ANU)
Ranked 30th globally in the 2025 QS World University Rankings, ANU is Australia’s only national university. ANU focuses on innovative research that serves both businesses and government organisations, with a strong emphasis on education quality and impact. ANU is known for its small class sizes and world-class staff, including Nobel Laureates. The university collaborates with over 180 global universities [6], providing students with diverse course offerings. Additionally, students have access to internships and exclusive resources through ANU’s close ties with government and national institutions.
TOP 4: The University of Sydney
Ranked 3rd for business studies in Australia in 2024, the University of Sydney is the only Australian university to be a member of the global management education alliance (CMES) [7]. Sydney’s business school is ranked in the top 1% globally and holds triple accreditation [8]. It offers excellent business management courses and provides valuable opportunities for students to collaborate with international companies. Combining top-tier educational resources, Sydney has produced many successful professionals in finance, accounting, marketing, and human resource management.
TOP 5: The University of Queensland (UQ)
With triple accreditation, the University of Queensland is a historic and large institution, and a member of both the Group of Eight and Universitas 21. UQ’s business school leads in business learning and innovative research, being the first Australian school to receive AACSB and EQUIS accreditation [9]. It is particularly renowned for its business, economics, and law faculties. UQ also collaborates with Harvard Business School Publishing, providing students with access to the latest Harvard textbooks and educational resources [10].
TOP 6: The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
Ranked 19th globally in the 2025 QS World University Rankings, UNSW Sydney is one of the top business schools in Australia and globally. As a member of Universitas 21, it shares world-class educational resources and helps students develop international connections. UNSW’s business students are renowned for their excellence in business and management, and the university is highly regarded for producing graduates with exceptional employability.
Understanding Australian Business Universities and Choosing Based on Personal Interests and Expertise
Through the introduction of these well-known Australian business university rankings, it is clear that degrees from these institutions are recognised both in Australia and internationally. Before choosing a university, it is advisable to research the school’s culture and course design. Select a university that aligns with your personal interests and professional goals. For more information, feel free to contact us.
References:
1. Talent.com - Salary in Australia 2024
2. Australia Government Department of Home Affairs - Meeting the Australia study requirement
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-nominated-190
3. Times Higher Education - World University Rankings 2024 by subject: business and economics
4. QS World University Rankings 2025: Top global universities
https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings?region=Oceania&countries=au
5. Monash Business School - Rankings and accreditations
https://www.monash.edu/business/about-us/rankings-and-accreditations
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6. Australian National University - Information For - Undergraduate Students
https://study.anu.edu.au/related-information/information-undergraduate-students
7. CEMS - The University of Sydney Business School
https://www.cems.org/academic-members/schools-list/university-sydney-business-school
8. The University of Sydney - Business School Rankings
https://www.sydney.edu.au/business/about/rankings.html
9. The University of Queensland - About UQ Business School
https://business.uq.edu.au/about
10. UQ Business School to work with Harvard Business Publishing to enhance teaching