Partnering with industry to champion
leadership diversity
The University of South Australia proudly supports aspirational and high achieving women as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians with the Women in MBA (WiMBA) and Aboriginal MBA (AMBA) partnership scholarships.
As a leading business school, our mission is to develop graduates for global careers and champion business growth in our state. We recognise that sustainable economic development requires greater gender and cultural diversity in leadership.
For this reason, we are proud to offer the Women in MBA (WiMBA) and Aboriginal MBA (AMBA) scholarships. It is well known that a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a pathway to leadership and career progression. Our dedicated scholarships actively address leadership inequality and champion women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, with leadership potential, to advance their careers into senior management and executive roles.
Empowering successful applicants to move into senior management and executive positions, the award-winning five-star1 UniSA MBA delivers strategic skills, networking opportunities, and the latest in management thinking.
Organisations that partner with us on this initiative demonstrate their commitment to addressing gender diversity in leadership, support the growth of talent pipelines, and foster positive economic growth for the nation.
1Graduate Management Association of Australia (GMAA).
Hear from past recipients
How does it work?
These scholarships are offered by UniSA in partnership with employers. UniSA will match an employer contribution of 50% to fully fund the scholarship recipient’s MBA tuition costs.
To maximise success, employers are required to provide flexibility in working arrangements to support study, a career mentor and supportive career pathway options, in addition to the financial contribution.
Application process
- The scholarship applicant submits a scanned or an electronically signed copy of the completed scholarship application form to mba@unisa.edu.au in addition to a formal MBA application.
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview with the scholarship selection panel.
- The sponsoring employer may be contacted to discuss the application.
- The scholarship applicant will receive a written notification from UniSA to verify the outcome of their application.
- Upon receiving written confirmation, successful applicants can then enrol in the MBA.
Please refer to our frequently asked questions, or contact us if you have any further questions, before submitting your application.
Essential entry criteria
The scholarship applicant must:
- meet entry criteria for the UniSA MBA program
- be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- have their application supported/endorsed by sponsoring employer
- have demonstrated potential for a senior leadership role in the sponsoring employer's organisation
- only applicable to Aboriginal MBA (AMBA) Scholarship applicants: be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and is accepted as such by the community in which the applicant formerly lived or currently lives.
FAQs
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How much is the scholarship worth?
The UniSA WiMBA scholarship is approximately $51,900 over 1.5 years full time or 4 years part time. UniSA and your employer each contribute 50% of the fees. Based on current fee structures, 2020 fees are $25,950 (subject to change). See terms and conditions on the application form.
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When can I apply?
Applications are open year-round with intakes in January, April, July and September.
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What are the MBA program selection criteria?
Applicants seeking admission to the program will typically have:
a) A minimum of three (3) years full time management experience (including experience in supervision and financial management) and a recognised university undergraduate degree or equivalent professional qualifications
or
b) A minimum of seven (7) years full time management experience (including experience in supervision and financial management) and either:
- a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration from the University of South Australia with an average of at least Pass Level 1 (55%), or an equivalent qualification from UniSA or from another recognised univeristy, or
- a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from the University of South Australia with an average of at least Pass Level 1 (55%) across at least four courses, or an equivalent qualification from UniSA or from another recognised university.
All applicants are also required to submit two referee reports and a detailed curriculum vitae (CV) outlining management experience.
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When will I hear if my scholarship application has been accepted?
Once a completed application package has been submitted, applicants can expect a response within 30 working days.
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I am a current UniSA MBA student - can I apply?
No, this opportunity is only available to commencing MBA students.
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When do fees need to be paid and how does this work with the scholarship?
After the census date of each study period, UniSA will invoice the employer for their contribution towards the courses in which the sponsored employee is enrolled. The invoiced amount must be paid on or before the due date stipulated.
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How much time is involved (contact hours)?
There will be around three contact hours per week per course enrolment. Over four years part time, a total of 476 contact hours may be undertaken. With the addition of private study hours, this combined total is approximately 2309 hours.
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Can I vary my units of study if it becomes too hard with working?
Yes, a leave of absence is possible, however the scholarship is for a period of no more than four years.
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What will happen to the scholarship if I withdraw from the course?
If you withdraw from a course after the census date you will be liable for the cost of that course. See the terms and conditions on the application form for more details.
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Can I study online and not attend face-to-face classes?
The UniSA MBA is flexible, with the option to study 100% online, face-to-face or as a combination of both to best suit your personal and professional commitments.
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What credit can be given to applicants?
Four credits for CPA/CA, two credits for government leadership, one credit for AICD.
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How long will support be required?
It is expected that the recipients will complete the degree within a maximum of four years from the date of enrolment.
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Will the scholarship holder be required to pay back fees?
You will not be required to pay back the fees. However, in the case that your employer ceases to sponsor you, the UniSA contribution will also cease. In such cases, you will be responsible for payment of ongoing fees if you elect to remain in the MBA program.
Got questions? We're here to help!
Our friendly Future Student Enquiries team can answer your questions about applying, fees, pathway options and more.
