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 education provider, our mission is to develop graduates for global careers and champion business growth in South Australia. We recognise that sustainable economic development requires greater gender and cultural diversity in leadership.
To support this mission, 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 Peoples 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 UniSA MBA delivers strategic knowledge, 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.
Supporting diverse leadership across the defence and space sectors
We are proud to offer a number of scholarships specifically for students entering the Global Executive MBA (Defence and Space) program.
Global Executive MBA (Defence and Space) scholarship applications for the 2025 intake close at 23:59 ACDT) Monday 24 February 2025.
For details please visit our dedicated Global Executive MBA (Defence and Space) scholarships page.
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 the entry criteria for the UniSA MBA program
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Have their application supported/endorsed by their 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 $62,850 over 1.5 years full-time, or 4 years part-time. UniSA and your employer each contribute 50% of the fees. To find out more, see the terms and conditions on the scholarship application form.
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When can I apply?
Applications for the MBA program are open year-round, with intakes in January, April, June and September.
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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 I need to?
Yes, you may be able to vary your units of study to accommodate personal or professional commitments. 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 are the MBA program selection criteria?
Applicants seeking admission to the program will typically have a minimum of three years full-time management experience (including experience in supervision and financial management) and a recognised university undergraduate degree or equivalent professional qualifications.
To find out more about the full entry requirements, visit the MBA degree page.
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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 does the scholarship support go for?
It is expected that scholarship recipients will complete their 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.
