University of Canberra

Master of Business Administration (Government)

  • Delivery: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 24 months
  • Course Type: Master's

Develop business leadership and strategic decision-making skills for government through an online MBA that connects public policy, financial management, organisational change and an applied industry project.

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  • Course structure
  • Learning outcomes
  • Fees
  • Entry requirements

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Course overview

The University of Canberra’s Master of Business Administration (Government) is designed for professionals seeking to develop advanced leadership and management capabilities in public sector settings. Delivered entirely online, the course connects business management principles with the demands of government decision-making and organisational performance.

Develop your understanding of data-driven decision-making, financial management, sustainable finance and organisational strategy. You'll examine workforce management, marketing and economics alongside the use of evidence and analysis to address complex organisational challenges and inform strategic decisions.

The course comprises 36 credit points across 12 compulsory units, including eight common MBA units and four units in the Government specialisation. You'll explore public policy, strategic influence and advocacy, public sector budgeting, procurement and contemporary legal frameworks. An Applied Industry Project provides an opportunity to apply business knowledge to organisational challenges.

Study online over two years part-time, completing 12 study blocks with each unit delivered over seven weeks. The course develops capabilities relevant to public sector leadership and policy development, supporting career directions such as policy director, specialist coordinator and government leader, depending on professional experience and career goals.

CSP Subsidised Fees Available

This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.

Key facts

Delivery
Online
Course Type
Master's
Duration
24 months (Part time)
Commitment
15 - 20 hours/week
Price Per Unit
From $4,062
More Information
The fee per unit is based on the university's published tuition fee per unit. The course is based on a part-time study load of six units per year.

$2,253 (CSP)
More Information
You may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), where the Australian Government pays part of your tuition fees. CSP fees are based on the relevant 2027 student contribution rate and a part-time study load of six units per year.
Intake
January, 2027
March, 2027
May, 2027
July, 2027
August, 2027
October, 2027
Units
More Information
You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.

The unit total reflects the number of units required for course completion, not the total credit point weight. Some units may be double- or triple-weighted, so the number of units you complete may be lower.
12
Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
FEE-HELP, CSP

What you will study

To complete the Master of Business Administration (Online), students must complete 36 credit points.

Required units – 24 credit points

  • Data-Driven Decision Making and Analytics
  • Financial Management and Sustainable Finance
  • Organisational Talent Management
  • Marketing, Engagement and Behavioural Insights
  • Managerial Economics and Policy Analysis
  • Applied Industry Project
  • Leading Modern Workforces
  • Strategic Management and Innovation

Students must then complete 12 credit points through either the Government specialisation or the standard MBA pathway.

Government specialisation – 12 credit points

  • Foundations of Public Policy
  • Strategic Influence and Advocacy
  • Public Sector Budgets and Procurement
  • Contemporary Legal Frameworks

Entry requirements  

To be eligible for the Master of Business Administration (Government), applicants must have:

An Australian Bachelor qualification or equivalent, in a related field;

OR

An Australian Bachelor qualification in an unrelated field AND three years' relevant work experience;

OR

An Australian Graduate Certificate (AQF 8) in any field (or higher).

English language requirements

An IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, with no band score below 6.0 (or equivalent).

Recognition of Prior Learning

Master of Business Administration (Government) students may receive a maximum of 4 units of RPL (12 credit points). Assessments for credit are processed by the faculty education team and approved by the Program Director.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

  • Plan for and effectively communicate business innovations and organisational change in a diverse range of contexts.
  • Solve complex problems and make decisions in diverse, dynamic and often global operational environments through analysis, synthesis and integration of discipline-relevant theory, information and developments.
  • Reflect on and apply advanced leadership, business and professional skills to manage a diverse range of people, processes and organisations with adaptability, creativity and initiative.
  • Evaluate and effectively apply research and analytical methods, demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of data and evidence-based insights.
  • Exhibit ethical and responsible judgement in uncertain or ambiguous environments, demonstrating a high level of autonomy, accountability and integrity.

Possible careers include:

  • Policy Director
  • Specialist Coordinator
  • Government Leader

Fees and CSP

Domestic full-fee paying place in 2027:

  • Fee per unit: $4,063
  • Fee per annum: $32,500
  • Full-course fee: $48,750

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) in 2027:

  • Fee per standard 3-credit-point unit: $2,253
  • Fee per annum: $13,518
  • Full-course fee: $27,036

The full-course fees are based on completion of 36 credit points across 12 standard 3-credit-point units. The CSP annual fee is based on a part-time study load of six units per year.

Student fees may vary in accordance with:

  • The number of units studied per term.
  • The choice of specialisation.
  • Choice of units.
  • Credit from previous study or work experience.
  • Eligibility for government-funded loans.

You may also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

Eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place may use HECS-HELP to defer their student contribution.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.