Macquarie University Online / Global MBA — Review
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Macquarie University & Macquarie Business School / MGSM
- MBA Program Options including Online / Global MBA
- Key Features & Curriculum
- Entry Requirements & Application Process
- Costs, Duration & Flexibility
- Reputation & Rankings
- Pros & Advantages
- Limitations / Challenges
- Who the Macquarie Global MBA is Best Suited For
- Tips for International Students
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
Macquarie University (Sydney, Australia) offers several MBA formats, including a “Global MBA” delivered online (through Coursera), as well as more traditional formats. The online / global options are meant to serve professionals globally who want flexibility, modern skills, and the ability to continue working while studying.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!2. Macquarie Business School / MGSM
- Macquarie Business School (MBS), formerly including MGSM (Macquarie Graduate School of Management), is the business school arm of Macquarie University. (Macquarie University)
- It offers executive and professional education, with a history of flexible learning models. (Macquarie University)
3. MBA Program Options including Online / Global MBA
Macquarie offers:
- The regular MBA (on-campus, part-time / full-time) with options for in-person, off-campus, and online delivery. (Macquarie University)
- The Global MBA, delivered completely online via Coursera. (Business Wire)
Key points about the Global MBA:
- It’s designed to build “future-focused capabilities” (leading, strategising, analysing, influencing, adapting, problem solving). (Business Wire)
- Flexibility: asynchronous lectures + live video sessions + group projects. Stackable certificates are built in: students can enroll in some certificate courses first, then progress into the full degree. (Business Wire)
4. Key Features & Curriculum
Some features and aspects of what the Macquarie Global / Online MBA offers:
- Curriculum Composition: 10 foundation/core units + ~6 electives. Students choose elective units from a broad range (big data, strategy, management skills, entrepreneurship, etc.). (Macquarie University)
- Capstone / Real-world Application: The course structure includes group projects, interactive sessions, case studies to apply theory. (Business Wire)
- Learning Modes:
- Asynchronous content (videos / readings etc.), so you can study at your own pace. (Business Wire)
- Live / interactive sessions and group collaboration. (Business Wire)
- Stackable certificates: you can take certain courses/certificates prior to being admitted or to build credentials gradually. (Business Wire)
- Focus Areas / Skills: Digital business, analytics, strategy, adaptive leadership. The University emphasizes preparing for future of work challenges, including shifts due to technology/automation. (Business Wire)
5. Entry Requirements & Application Process
Typical requirements include:
- A recognized bachelor’s degree (or equivalent). (Business Wire)
- Relevant work experience. For many of the MBA offerings, minimum ~3 years of professional / managerial experience is expected. (Macquarie University)
- English proficiency (for international students) — standard proof via IELTS / TOEFL etc. (while specific scores are not always published in all sources, this is a common requirement). (Business Wire)
- In the online Global MBA via Coursera, non-traditional pathways are allowed: e.g., people can begin with certificate courses before formal admission, especially if they show strong performance. (Business Wire)
6. Costs, Duration & Flexibility
- Cost:
- The “Global MBA” online version costs around AUD $33,000 in the initial offering via Coursera. (MBA News Australia)
- The regular on-campus / hybrid version of the MBA is higher, e.g., the full MBA (in-campus / part-time, etc.) has fees from ~ AUD $46,500+ in some cases. (Macquarie University)
- Duration:
- The Global MBA (online) can be completed in about 12 months for some students (depending on pace). (MBA News Australia)
- Other MBA formats (full-time or part-time) are 1.5–2 years or longer depending on study load. (Macquarie University)
- Flexibility:
- Students can choose full-time or part-time pace. (Macquarie University)
- “Online delivery option” to study off-campus. (Macquarie University)
- The stackable certificate structure in the Global MBA gives learners flexibility to start small and scale up. (Business Wire)
7. Reputation & Rankings
- The Global MBA was ranked #1 in Australia by CEO Magazine in its Global Online MBA Rankings in 2022; also achieved Global Tier One status. (Macquarie University)
- In 2020, Macquarie’s Global MBA (via Coursera) was ranked #1 in Australia and #6 internationally by CEO Magazine. (The Lighthouse)
- In QS online MBA rankings (2021), Macquarie appeared among the top 20 globally. (Online MBA Australia)
8. Pros & Advantages
Here are some of the strong points of Macquarie’s Global / Online MBA:
- Flexibility for working professionals: Online delivery means you can study from anywhere, schedule more flexibly. The stackable certificates help to start early or in smaller steps.
- Modern / future-oriented skills: Emphasis on adaptability, digital business, strategy, problem-solving relevant to current global business trends.
- Strong international recognition: Rankings, reputation, and alignment with credible platform (Coursera) help validate the degree globally.
- Multiple study modes: Option for in-campus/hybrid or fully online gives choices depending on your situation.
- Networking opportunities: Interactive sessions, group projects allow peer-learning, international cohort diversity. Macquarie claims diverse cohorts (countries represented etc.). (Macquarie University)
9. Limitations / Challenges
Some aspects that might pose challenges, or that students should carefully examine:
- Cost: Even though the online version is less expensive than some on-campus/full MBA programs, AUD $33,000+ is still a major investment. For international students, additional costs (currency, access, visa if needed for on-campus parts) matter.
- Pace and discipline: Online study requires self-motivation, excellent time management; delays are possible if balancing with work/family.
- Networking depth: While online/hybrid provides networking, it may not fully match the in-person immersion of a campus MBA in terms of spontaneous connection, access to local industry events, etc.
- Elective/specialization breadth: Depending on electives available online vs on-site, some desired specialization paths might be more limited for fully online students.
- Recognition in certain markets: While the MBA is well known in Australia, in some countries employers may still prefer in-person or local brands, or may have less understanding of online/hybrid MBAs. Always check local employer perceptions.
10. Who the Macquarie Global MBA is Best Suited For
- Professionals already in mid-level roles seeking to move into leadership or strategic roles who cannot relocate or leave job commitments.
- International students who need the flexibility to study remotely but want a credible MBA with strong global recognition.
- Individuals who value practical skills around adaptability, change leadership, strategy, digital business, etc.
- Learners who like modular/stackable learning — those who may want to start with certificates before committing to full degree.
11. Tips for International Students
- Check currency and payment logistics: online fees may be payable in Australian dollars, so consider exchange rate fluctuations, payment transfer costs.
- Verify accreditation and recognition in your home country, especially if you intend to return or work in sectors sensitive to accreditation or delivery mode.
- Understand the schedule of live sessions (if any) — time zone differences can make synchronous sessions difficult.
- Explore scholarship or financial aid options for international students. Macquarie might have specific awards; and Coursera sometimes offers financial assistance.
- Evaluate the cost-benefit: compare how much salary uplift / career advancement you expect vs the cost and time investment.
12. Conclusion
The Macquarie University Global / Online MBA is a strong option for professionals seeking a flexible, modern, and credible MBA delivered online. It balances affordability (relative to on-campus MBAs), international recognition, and curriculum relevance.
If you’re a working professional or international student needing flexibility, this could be among the better choices in Australia. However, you’ll want to weigh the investment of time, cost, and how much networking/accessibility you need in your industry before committing.