Ready to start your UQ MBA application but have some questions?
Between MBA entry requirements, application deadlines, what supporting documentation you need to include and when to expect an outcome, there’s a lot of information to digest.
To simplify the application process and make sure you have everything you need to hit ‘submit’, we’ve collated helpful insider tips and advice from our MBA admissions team.
Already know what you’re looking for? Skip ahead:
When are MBA applications due?
At UQ, there are 2 MBA application deadlines each year, which differ depending on whether you apply as a domestic or international student.
Domestic student MBA application deadlines
- 31 May
- 30 November
International student MBA application deadlines
- 30 April
- 31 October
MBA admission requirements
Am I eligible for the UQ MBA?
The entry requirements and what you need to include in your MBA application will differ between universities and programs.
To be eligible for the UQ MBA, you'll need to have achieved a grade point average (GPA) of 4.5 on a 7.0-point scale for either of these previous qualifications:
- a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, plus 4 years of full-time equivalent, relevant work experience (including 2 years in a dedicated supervisory/management role), or
- completion of the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration from UQ.
If you haven’t completed a previous qualification, you can apply for the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration based on prior work experience and transfer into the MBA at a later date. Learn more about this pathway option.
You may also need to meet additional MBA requirements.
For example, permanent residents may need to sit an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and/or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
How do I know if I’ll have to sit an IELTS or GMAT test?
IELTS (or equivalent English language test) is required to verify English proficiency, particularly if:
- you have completed your academic qualifications overseas, and
- your professional experience is not from Australia or another country where English is the official language.
GMAT requirements for MBA:
- all international applicants, and
- domestic applicants whose professional experience was gained entirely overseas.
What counts as supervisory experience?
Supervisory experience might include everything from managing a team of people, managing client accounts, the managerial components of any major projects you have been directly responsible for, or financial delegations you are directly responsible for.
How to improve your MBA application
When you submit your UQ MBA application, you’ll need to provide the following supporting documentation:
- official transcripts of previous studies (if you are a previous UQ student there is no need to attach a transcript; we can verify this internally)
- your CV (with full work history, including details of management experience (of people or projects))
- 2 written references that are work-related, dated, signed and preferably on company letterhead
- evidence of residency status.
Submit all required supporting documents with your application to avoid delays and receive an outcome sooner.
To support a smooth and timely assessment, it is important you submit all required supporting documentation with your application. Providing these documents upfront will streamline the assessment process and help you receive an outcome more quickly.
Let’s break down each of these supporting document types a little further now and answer some of the most-asked questions we receive about what to include in your application.
Transcripts
How do I get my official transcripts from previous studies?
Domestic students can access their academic qualifications directly from the institution they have graduated from, or via My eQuals. My eQuals is the official digital credentials platform used across Australia and New Zealand by universities, TAFEs and other tertiary education providers. It allows you to view and share your certified academic documents online.
CV for MBA application
How much detail should my CV go into?
Your CV should include:
- job title
- specific mention of leadership or managerial duties (e.g. team management, project oversight, client or budget responsibilities)
- reporting lines, who they reported to and whether they managed others
- accurate start and end dates for each role
- a clear outline of the tasks performed and key responsibilities.
Written references
Why do I need to provide written references?
“Written references are an important way for us to verify an applicant's managerial experience and responsibilities,” says UQ MBA Admission Coordinator Francine Muller.
“While a resume outlines a candidate’s background, it is self-reported. References provide third-party confirmation of key elements of your professional experience such as team leadership, project oversight, client management and financial accountability.”
How long should the written references be?
There is no set length required for written references, but they need to confirm the key duties of your work and your management experience, rather than just confirming your employment.
Ask your referee to include and consider the following when providing a written reference:
- the nature of your work and the managerial duties you currently perform or have performed
- details related to your experience managing a team, handling client accounts, oversight of major projects and/or financial delegations
- the reference must be dated, signed (handwritten or digital ID signature) and preferably be on company letterhead.
Residency status
To prove your residency status, you can provide a copy of any of these documents:
- Australian or New Zealand passport
- Australian visa grant notice, showing visa type and expiry
- evidence of Australian permanent residency (e.g. VEVO check or PR grant letter)
- citizenship certificate.
What you don’t need to include in your application
While some MBA programs ask applicants to supply a personal statement, application letter or attend an interview with the program director, these are not required at any stage of the application process at UQ. Don’t include documents beyond those requested as this won’t affect your application outcome.
Common application questions: before you apply
Do I need to know how I want to study the program when I apply?
No, you do not need this information when applying for the program. You can decide if you want to study the MBA full time or part time when you enrol. You can study at your own pace and adjust your schedule as you go, with up to 10 years to complete the program.
Do I need to share how I plan to pay for the MBA – for example, if my employer has offered to support my studies?
No, you’re not required to disclose how you plan to finance your MBA when you apply. This information is confidential and typically handled directly by our finance team if any assistance or clarification is needed.
I want to apply for a scholarship. Do I need to do that at the same time as applying for the MBA?
Yes, we recommend submitting the scholarship application alongside your MBA program application, as they are separate processes and require individual submissions. There’s no need to mention that you want to apply for a scholarship in your program application. The assessments are independent.
The scholarship outcomes will be sent within 2 months of the commencing of the program.
Can I save my application and come back to finish and submit it later?
Yes, you can save the application and submit once you have all the supporting documentation ready to go.
Common application questions: after you apply
How long will it be until I know if my application has been accepted?
If you submit all required supporting documents when you apply, you can expect to receive an outcome within 10 working days.
This means that you can apply for the MBA at any time during the year rather than waiting for the 2 application rounds and receive an outcome within the same timeframe.
If anything is missing from your application or the admissions team need clarification, they will contact you to request further information; keep an eye on your application portal.
MBA admission rates: what is the acceptance rate for the program?
Applicants who submit all required documentation and clearly meet the entry requirements are very likely to receive an offer.
If you clearly meet the entry requirements but are missing some supporting documentation, you might receive a conditional offer. After submitting the missing documentation and when your complete application has been assessed, this conditional offer will likely be upgraded to a full offer.
What happens if my application isn’t accepted?
If you apply for the MBA but don’t meet the GPA requirement, you may instead be considered for the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, provided you meet the required level of professional experience. Successful completion of the graduate certificate can provide a pathway into the MBA at a later stage.
Will my application be rejected for things like spelling or grammar mistakes?
No, your application won’t be rejected for minor issues like typos. We focus our assessment on whether you meet the specific eligibility criteria.
If you still have some questions after reading this information relating to your individual circumstances, our friendly admissions team can provide you with one-on-one tailored advice at every step during the MBA application process.
“Speaking with our team before you apply can be very helpful, especially if you’re unsure about how to present your professional experience or whether you meet the eligibility criteria," Francine says.
"A quick conversation can give you clarity on what to include and help ensure you submit a complete application.”
Register your details and we’ll contact you at a time that suits you. Or, if you’re ready to apply, we look forward to reviewing your application.
