Frequently Asked Questions
^ Up1. Will an MBA from an institute, rather than a University, be recognised in business and by employers?
It is globally accepted that some of the best MBA programmes are conducted by management development institutions such as IMD from Switzerland, INSEAD near Paris and Henley in the UK. AIBA along with the other members of the Gibaran Learning Group possess some very unique degree conferring powers guaranteed by the Australian Government.
2. How many hours per week will I need to spend studying?
Our Academics recommend between 10–15 hours per week to achieve a good result but study time varies from one person to another.
3. What specialisations can I complete?
Currently, only the generic MBA programme and Entrepreneurial Management specialisation are available when studying face-to-face at the Adelaide Campus.
4. Who will be teaching the course?
The course will be delivered by a team of experienced industry leaders and highly respected academics. Please see page the International Postgraduate Prospectus for more information.
5. Do you offer scholarships?
At present, AIBA does not offer scholarships for the 12 Month and Advanced MBA. However, a highly competitive pricing model has been developed. Please refer to the Payments page for more information.
6. I have not studied in a long time. How can I be assisted?
We support our participants in a number of ways. To (re)introduce participants to academic study protocols, we have a Study Skills Seminar.
7. I don’t have a Bachelors degree (first degree) or any qualifications. Can I still do the programme?
Yes, if you fulfil the work experience requirements of the special entry criteria listed in the International Postgraduate Prospectus.
8. My previous study is in an unrelated area to business. Can I still apply?
Yes, as long as you fulfil the entry requirements. Many individuals of varying professional backgrounds undertake an MBA, because the knowledge and skills attained are valuable across all industries.
9. I have begun an MBA at another institution/university in Australia and would like to transfer to AIBA. Will I be eligible for exemptions?
You will be able to transfer to an AIBA MBA programme after you have completed 6 months of your main programme of study for which your student visa was granted. If you wish to change provider before completing the first six months of your main programme of study, you must contact your current education provider for permission.
You may be able to get exemptions and a fee reduction on a subject-for-subject basis.
10. Will I be allowed to work while I study full-time?
International students will be allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on a casual basis during the programme and full-time during vacation periods. Students, whose visa was issued after 26 April 2008, will have been granted permission to work automatically. Students must also obtain an Australian Tax File Number.
11. Do I need to have Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC)?
Yes, government regulations state that it is compulsory for international students and their dependents to maintain adequate health insurance arrangements for the duration of their programme. You are responsible for ensuring you have valid OSHC cover at all times.
12. Can I defer my studies?
Yes but only in certain circumstances and certain fees are payable.
13. Can I apply for a leave of absence?
International participants are not permitted to take a leave of absence except in the following exceptional circumstances:
a) Illness made evident by a doctor’s certificate; or
b) Exceptional compassionate circumstances, for example bereavement (death in the family).
Please note: any leave of more than six months, authorised on any grounds, may lead to mandatory cancellation of your visa. AIBA is obliged to inform the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) of all students taking a leave of absence.
14. Can I bring my family with me to Australia while I am studying?
Family members may accompany international students and may apply for a visa along with your application. They must also undergo a medical examination and hold valid health cover insurance. Should family members wish to arrive after your arrival in Adelaide, they will have to apply separately. Any school-aged dependents who accompany international students to Australia will be required to pay full tuition fees, if they are enrolled in either a government or non-government school.
15. Can my family and friends visit me in Australia?
Family members and friends wishing to visit students in Australia must obtain a tourist visa.
16. Who do I notify when I change my address?
You must notify your education provider (AIBA) of your residential address in Australia within 7 days of arriving in Australia. You must notify your education provider of any change in your residential address within 7 days of that change.
17. Can I leave Australia and re-enter?
International students can leave Australia and re-enter but you should ensure that you hold a valid visa. If you leave without a visa allowing re-entry, you will need to re-apply overseas, pay the required fees and meet the current visa requirements.
18. Can I extend my stay in Australia? If so, how?
You can extend your stay in Australia, if you do not have a ‘No Further Stay’ condition on your current student visa. International students will have to apply for a new visa before the current visa expires. To extend your student visa without changing the conditions of your visa, you must apply through DIAC.
19. How soon do I have to leave Australia if I leave the programme or cancel my enrolment?
International students have 28 working days to leave Australia. You must seek approval from DIAC to stay in Australia after this time.
