Australian National University MBA Review

The ANU MBA program offers ambitious professionals an exceptional opportunity to advance their careers and make a lasting impact in the business world. With a distinguished faculty, rigorous curriculum, and a vibrant learning community, our program provides a transformative educational experience that equips you with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to thrive in today's rapidly evolving business landscape.

ANU MBA Class Profile

The ANU MBA class profile attracts a diverse group of students with a variety of professional backgrounds and experiences. On average, students in the program have around 5 years of work experience and are around 29 years old.

Finally, the program values leadership potential and seeks to attract candidates who have demonstrated leadership skills or have the potential to do so in the future. Students in the program are encouraged to actively engage with each other and with the wider business community, and to take on leadership roles within the program and beyond.

Acceptance Rate

If you are considering pursuing an MBA from the Australian National University (ANU), it's essential to understand the acceptance rate. The acceptance rate is the percentage of applicants admitted to a particular program, and it can provide valuable insight into the level of competition and the program's prestige.

As of 2023, the acceptance rate for the ANU MBA program is estimated to be around 12.4% percent for Indian students, depending on the year and the number of applicants. This means that the program is highly selective, and only a small percentage of applicants are admitted.

Acceptance Rate: 12.4%

Program and Curriculum ANU MBA

The objective of the extensive syllabus is to provide participants with the necessary tools and resources to make informed decisions and develop effective solutions to their organizations’ challenges.

Through this ANU's MBA course duration, participants will be able to develop effective strategies and manage their organizations’ complex situations. They will also be able to make ethical decisions and develop effective relationships with their stakeholders.

ANU's MBA curriculum comprises 72 units out of which some are:

Core Courses (Year 1)

Here are the core courses for the year 1 of the program: 

Core Courses (Year 2)

Core courses for year 2 are mentioned below : 

Clubs and Associations

• Effective Altruism: A society for students who want to make a positive impact on the world through evidence-based charity and ethical decision-making.
• Esports: A club for gamers who want to compete, socialize and share their love of video games with like-minded individuals.
• Music Society: A group for musicians who want to perform, practice and collaborate with other musicians from a variety of backgrounds.
• Psychology Society: A society for psychology students and enthusiasts to explore the field, network, and engage in psychology-related activities and events.
• Za Kabuki Club: A society dedicated to promoting and performing Japanese Kabuki theater, providing opportunities for students to learn about and experience traditional Japanese culture.

Extra Activities

• ANU Korean Pop Culture Club Karaoke Night: This activity allows students to explore and appreciate Korean pop culture through singing and socializing with like-minded individuals.
• Kitchen Garden program: This program provides an opportunity for students to learn about sustainable agriculture, healthy eating habits, and community engagement through hands-on gardening and cooking experiences.
• ANU Thrive: ANU Thrive is an initiative that provides students with tools and resources to enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, with activities such as mindfulness workshops, exercise classes, and stress management seminars.

Scholarships 

• The Bhati Family India Travel Grant: A scholarship offered by ANU that supports Indian students who are enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework program at ANU to undertake a short-term program or research project in India. The grant provides funding for travel and living expenses related to the project, and aims to foster cross-cultural understanding and collaboration between Australia and India.
• ANU College of Business & Economics Postgraduate Merit Scholarship: Provides merit-based financial support to students pursuing a postgraduate degree in business and economics at ANU.
• ANU College of Business & Economics South East Asia Merit Scholarship: Provides financial support to high-achieving students from Southeast Asia pursuing a degree in business and economics at ANU.
• Fulbright Scholarships: Provides funding to Indian students and scholars to pursue graduate-level study or conduct research in the United States.
• John Monash Scholarships: Provides funding to high-achieving Australian students to pursue graduate-level study or conduct research internationally, including in India.

Eligibility and Requirements 

To be eligible for the ANU MBA eligibility and requirements, applicants must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. The program does not specify a minimum GPA requirement, but a strong academic track record is generally expected. In addition to academic qualifications, applicants must also have at least two years of full-time work experience, although the program typically attracts candidates with an average of 5 years of work experience.

Overall, the ANU MBA program seeks to attract a diverse and talented group of students who have demonstrated leadership potential and are committed to making a positive impact in their respective fields.

Eligibility

• The minimum academic requirement for the ANU MBA program is a degree from an Australian university with a minimum of 5.0/7.0 or higher GPA or an international equivalent to it.
• GMAT score of 600 or higher
• The minimum work experience requirement for the program is five years. This includes at least three years of management experience.
• English language Test scorecard. IELTS– 6.5 or more and TOEFL– An overall score of 80, with a minimum of 20 in Reading and Writing and 18 in Speaking and Listening. PTE Academic– Overall score- 64, a minimum score of 55 in each of the communicative skills.

Documents required

• Most recent academic transcript
• Proof of work experience
• CV
• Statement of Purpose
• GMAT score card
• Language Test scorecard
• 2 Letters of Recommendation
• If your application is successful and you are offered a place at ANU, you must provide a copy of an official ID (birth certificate, citizenship documents, passport).

Application Fees 

As a part of the application, there is a direct ANU MBA fees of AUD 215.

ANU MBA Deadlines

If you are planning to apply for the ANU MBA program, it is important to keep track of the application of ANU MBA deadlines to ensure you have enough time to submit your application and supporting documents. In this section, we will provide you with the key deadlines to keep in mind when applying for the ANU MBA program.

Admission Process

• Meet the minimum requirements: Ensure that you meet the minimum academic and work experience requirements for the program.
• Application: Submit your application online through the ANU website, providing all the necessary information and documentation.
• GMAT/GRE score: Submit your GMAT or GRE score, which is required for admission to the ANU MBA program.
• English language proficiency: Provide evidence of your proficiency in English by submitting your IELTS, TOEFL or PTE Academic score.
• Interview: Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview, which can be conducted in-person or online.
• Offer letter: Successful applicants will receive an offer letter, which will detail the terms and conditions of admission.
• Acceptance: If you wish to accept the offer, you must confirm your acceptance by the deadline specified in the offer letter.
• Visa: If you are an international student, you will need to apply for a student visa to study in Australia.

When do the admissions start?

There are only two opportunities to receive an offer for the MBA. Applications made outside of these dates will not be considered for study in 2023.

Employment And Placement

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a business school is its placement rate and the average starting salary of its graduates. After investing time, money, and effort into an MBA program, students want to see a positive return on their investment. We will take a closer look at the employment and placement opportunities for ANU MBA graduates.

 Average Starting Salary

One of the key factors that determine the value of an MBA program is the salary you can expect to earn after graduation. At ANU MBA salary for graduates is $78,000. This figure is a testament to the quality of education and the excellent employment opportunities available to ANU MBA students.

 Employment Statistics

ANU MBA is a highly reputed business school with an impressive placement record. The employment statistics for ANU MBA graduates are excellent, with around 90% of students securing employment within three months of graduation. This is a testament to the quality of education at ANU MBA and the strong industry connections that the business school has cultivated over the years.

 Employment Report

ANU MBA Employment and Placement report that provides detailed insights into the employment outcomes of its graduates. According to the latest report, the median base salary for ANU MBA graduates was around $80,000. The report also shows that 30% of graduates secured jobs in the consulting industry, 25% in finance, and 18% in technology. The report highlights the diverse range of industries and job roles that ANU MBA graduates secure, which is a testament to the broad-based education that ANU MBA provides.

Top Sectors Hiring ANU MBA Graduates

At ANU, graduates have been successful in securing roles across a variety of sectors. Here is a closer look at the top sectors hiring ANU MBA graduates highlighting some of the leading companies within each industry.

Companies Recruiting 

The ANU MBA program is designed to prepare students for a successful career in a variety of industries. Here are the top sectors where ANU MBA graduates are hired and some of the companies that have hired ANU MBA graduates:

ANU MBA Alumni Info

ANU is among the world’s finest universities. Among nearly 100,000 ANU MBA alumni are business, political, government, and academic leaders around the world. They have produced extraordinary alumni from every corner of our continent, our region, and every conceivable field.

Being part of the alumni community provides you with a variety of benefits, including career development, access to digital academic transcripts, and opportunities to volunteer. You’ll also receive updates on events and news.

The ANU MBA program has produced many notable alumni who have gone on to make significant contributions in their respective fields. Here are some examples of notable ANU MBA alumni:

• Nicola Wakefield Evans: Chair of the Australian Government Future Fund
• Tony Shepherd: Founder and Chairman of The Shepherd Group
• Naseema Sparks: Managing Director of Corporate and Institutional Banking at Commonwealth Bank of Australia
• Rohan Verma: CEO of MapmyIndia, a digital mapping company in India
• Zed Seselja: Australian politician, serving as a Senator for the Australian Capital Territory and the Assistant Minister for Finance, Charities and Electoral Matters in the Australian Government.

Application Essay 

The ANU MBA application essay is an important part of the admissions process, as it provides applicants with an opportunity to showcase their personality, values, and motivations for pursuing an MBA. The essay questions are designed to help the admissions committee understand why the applicant wants to pursue an MBA, what their goals are, and how the ANU MBA program will help them achieve those goals.

The essay questions for the ANU MBA application may vary from year to year, but some common questions that applicants may encounter include:

Essay1 
Why do you want to pursue an MBA? What are your career goals and how will the ANU MBA program help you achieve them?

Essay 2 
Describe a significant accomplishment or challenge you have faced in your career. How did you handle the situation and what did you learn from it?

Essay 3
What are your strengths and weaknesses, both professionally and personally? How have these traits influenced your career thus far, and how do you plan to address any weaknesses through the ANU MBA program?

Essay 4
Describe a situation in which you demonstrated leadership. What were the challenges you faced, and how did you motivate and inspire others to achieve a common goal?

Essay 5
How do you plan to contribute to the ANU MBA community, both inside and outside the classroom? What skills or experiences do you bring that will enhance the learning experience for your classmates?

Overall, the ANU MBA application essay is an opportunity for applicants to showcase their unique perspective, experiences, and goals. It is important for applicants to take the time to reflect on their motivations and aspirations, and to articulate how the ANU MBA program will help them achieve their goals.
 

Letter of Recommendation

The ANU MBA application procedure includes letters of recommendation heavily. These letters are meant to give the admissions committee more information about the applicant's scholastic and professional qualifications as well as their likelihood of succeeding in the ANU MBA program. Candidates should choose referees who can highlight their accomplishments and abilities in a professional setting. Individuals who have worked directly with the applicant, such as supervisors, coworkers, or academic professors, are ideal candidates to serve as recommenders.

Two letters of reference are needed for the ANU MBA program, and it is advised that at least one of them be from a professional setting. ANU also mentions on their official website that the contact details of two referees who can verify the experience are required; a statement addressing the relevant learning outcomes of the program as specified in Policy: Recognition of Prior and External Learning; A statement from the employer confirming relevant experience, alternative evidence verifying the professional experience or a statement why such a statement cannot be provided. The University may request additional information and evidence for the admission assessment.

Interview Questions for ANU MBA

SET 1

Q: What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
Q: Can you tell us about a time when you faced a challenging situation at work and how you overcame it?
Q: Why do you want to pursue an MBA?
Q: How do you handle conflicts with coworkers or team members?
Q: What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
Q: Can you discuss a time when you led a team or project to success?
Q: How do you stay updated with industry trends and developments?
Q: Can you describe your leadership style?
Q: How do you handle failure or setbacks?
Q: What do you hope to gain from the ANU MBA program?

SET 2

Q: What inspired you to pursue an MBA?
Q: Can you tell us about a time when you had to persuade someone to adopt your point of view?
Q: How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively?
Q: Can you discuss a time when you faced a setback and how you handled it?
Q: What are your thoughts on the current state of the industry you are interested in?
Q: What is the biggest challenge facing businesses today?
Q: Can you describe a successful project you have worked on and what you learned from it?
Q: How do you plan to contribute to the ANU MBA community?
Q: Can you discuss a time when you worked with a diverse group of people and how you handled cultural differences?
Q: How do you envision your career progressing after completing the ANU MBA program?

Tips for ANU MBA Interview Questions

ANU MBA values candidates who exhibit a strong sense of leadership, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. In this section, we will provide you with five tips that will help you to ace your ANU MBA interview questions showcase your qualifications and strengths effectively.

• Understand the ANU MBA program: Do your research on the ANU MBA program, its values, curriculum, and focus areas, and be prepared to discuss why you are a good fit for the program.
• Practice active listening: Listen carefully to the interviewer's questions and take a moment to reflect on your answer before responding. This will help you provide thoughtful, well-crafted answers.
• Highlight your leadership skills: ANU MBA values leadership, so be sure to highlight your leadership experience and how it has prepared you for the MBA program and your future career goals.
• Demonstrate your teamwork abilities: ANU MBA values teamwork, so share examples of how you have worked effectively in a team, resolved conflicts, and collaborated to achieve common goals.
• Show your passion and drive: ANU MBA values ambitious individuals with a passion for their goals, so be sure to demonstrate your drive, enthusiasm, and motivation throughout the interview.

What Makes ANU MBA Unique

Is ANU MBA worth it? According to the 2018 QS, World University Rankings by Subject, the Research School of Management was ranked 1st in Australia in “business and economics” and ranked equal best in Australia and “well above world standard” in 2015 Excellence in Research Australia results. It is also ranked 14th in the world for “social science and management” in the 2018 QS World University Rankings by Subject.

• Strong focus on Asia-Pacific business: ANU MBA program provides a unique opportunity for Indian students to understand the nuances of the Asia-Pacific business landscape, which is crucial for businesses that operate in this region.
• Emphasis on entrepreneurship: ANU MBA program offers a range of entrepreneurship courses, resources, and networking opportunities, which is particularly beneficial for Indian students who are looking to start their own business or join a startup.
• Practical learning approach: ANU MBA program provides practical learning opportunities through industry projects, case studies, and consulting assignments, which enables Indian students to gain real-world experience and develop practical skills.
• Global exposure: ANU MBA program offers international exchange programs and study tours, providing Indian students with a global perspective and an opportunity to develop cross-cultural skills.
• Strong alumni network: ANU MBA program has a large and active alumni network, which is particularly beneficial for Indian students who are seeking career opportunities or professional connections in Australia or other parts of the world.

Conclusion

It has consistently been ranked as one of the top MBA colleges in Australia and here are a few factors that make the ANU MBA Program unique especially for Indian students. The ANU MBA program is a top-ranked and highly reputable business program that provides students with an exceptional learning experience and ample career opportunities. With its world-class faculty, diverse student body, and rigorous curriculum, the ANU MBA equips students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in a rapidly changing global marketplace.

Whether you're a recent graduate looking to jumpstart your career or an established professional seeking to take your career to the next level, the ANU MBA program offers a transformative experience that will prepare you for success in the business world. From the program's extensive industry connections to its focus on experiential learning, the ANU MBA provides students with a comprehensive business education that is unparalleled in its depth and breadth.

So if you're considering pursuing an MBA degree, the ANU MBA worth it for considering exploring. With its exceptional reputation, strong track record of success, and commitment to excellence, the ANU MBA offers a truly exceptional educational experience that will help you achieve your professional goals and reach your full potential.