AGSM Master of Business Administration (Security and Defence)
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 2 - 4 years
- Delivery Mode
- Distance (online with some face-to-face), Face-to-face (includes blended), Online
- Campus
-
Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 8625
- CRICOS code -
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $45,000*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $68,500*
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $45,500*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $71,500*
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
-
Online MBA
-
Part-time program
-
PLuS Alliance partnership
Join our upcoming AGSM MBA Information Evening
Tuesday, 9 September 6:30 - 8:30pm (Sydney)
Join this in-person event at the Musem of Contemporary Art. Discover how AGSM’s world-class MBA and Graduate Certificate programs can provide you with the skills to thrive in the business world.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & scholarships
Overview
The MBAX (Security and Defence) is tailored for busy, experienced professionals in the defence sector seeking a flexible, online program.
Whether you're wanting to advance your career, move into leadership or shift focus, this MBAX (online MBA) equips you with the strategic management, leadership and commercial insights needed to tackle complex challenges across the evolving defence landscape.Ìý
Through both Australian and global lenses, you’ll develop the analytical and decision-making skills critical for leadership, while deepening your understanding of security and defence. Explore a broad range of subjects from international relations and military strategy to financial management and economics.
Combining business-focused electives with defence and strategy courses, you can align your interests in warfare, modern strategy or defence policy with in-demand leadership skills. Graduate ready to make an impact as a leader and step into high-level roles across defence, government and industry sectors.
Key features
A flexible program for busy professionals
The MBAX (Security and Defence) is a 100% online and flexible program that can be customised to your busy schedule. Designed for working professionals seeking specialised leadership skills, it can be completed in anywhere between two to six years.
Advance your career with an MBA
Delivered by Australia’s #1 Business School (AFR BOSS Best Business School, 2022–2024), this MBAX offers world-class leadership training crafted for future leaders across industries. Gain the practical skills and strategic insight to lead, innovate and drive success in your chosen field.
Tailored courses offered by the ADFA and AGSM
Developed and delivered by world-renowned industry professionals, this hands-on program — offered in collaboration between the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) and the (ADFA) — is built around learning outcomes with real-world application. 
Why study at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ?
Partnered with the PLuS Alliance
The PLuS Alliance is a unique partnership uniting three leading research universities across three continents. AGSM andÌýÌýhas partnered together in creating this program, enabling you to engage with cutting-edge ideas and connect with world-renowned researchers—placing you at the forefront of solving real-world global challenges.
Build global connections at a global top 20 university
At a global topÌý20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026), not only will you be equipped with valuable learning outcomes and practical work experience, but you will also get to develop professional networks with emerging and current leaders from across the globe. This is particularly beneficial for students specialising in international security.Ìý
Join Australia’s top ranked university for online MBAs
AGSM's MBAX is ranked #1 in Australia and #4 globally for online MBA programs (QS Online MBA Rankings, 2024), reflecting our commitment to academic excellence and real-world impact. Studying the MBAX (Security and Defence) lets you leverage ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼǒs global reputation while enjoying the flexibility to learn on your terms.
Want to see more from ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Business School?
Entry requirements
To apply, you’ll need either:
A recognised undergraduate degree (or equivalent) and at least two years of professional or managerial experience
Six or more years of relevant professional work experience.
Please note: Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission into the program.
Additional Information:Ìý
While two years of professional or managerial experience is the minimum requirement, most MBAX students have an average of 11 years of experience. Applicants with fewer than three to four years of professional work experience will need to demonstrate exceptional academic and career progression to be considered for admission.
English language requirements
Ìý
If English isn’t your first language, you may be required to provide evidence that your English language ability meets our requirements. Please refer to the ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç English Requirements Policy for further information.Ìý
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
Please note: You can apply for an English waiver based on directly relevant work experience, in the relevant industry or equivalent discipline practice, in an English-speaking country or workplace where the sole language of business was English.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
The MBAX (Security and Defence) is open to international students studying offshore. This program is not eligible for international student visa.
To apply, you’ll need either:
A recognised undergraduate degree (or equivalent) and at least two years of professional or managerial experience
Six or more years of relevant professional work experience.
Please note: Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission into the program.
Additional Information:Ìý
While two years of professional or managerial experience is the minimum requirement, most MBAX students have an average of 11 years of experience. Applicants with fewer than three to four years of professional work experience will need to demonstrate exceptional academic and career progression to be considered for admission.
English language requirements
Ìý
If English isn’t your first language, you may be required to provide evidence that your English language ability meets our requirements. Please refer to the ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç English Requirements Policy for further information.Ìý
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
Please note: You can apply for an English waiver based on directly relevant work experience, in the relevant industry or equivalent discipline practice, in an English-speaking country or workplace where the sole language of business was English.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
We are moving to a new flex-semester calendar. What does this mean for your studies?Ìý
Program structure
Earn a unique qualification that blends defence expertise with business leadership through a joint program from ADFA and AGSM.
Full program structure
The AGSM MBAX (Security & Defence) is a part-time program that can be completed in anywhere between two to six years. Students must complete 72 units of credit (UOC) when taken as a standalone program. The program structure includes:
2 compulsory courses – 12 UOC
- Leadership (starter course) |
- Strategy |
4 core MBAX courses – 24 UOC
- Accounting and Financial Management |
- Corporate Finance |
- Data Analytics and Decision-making |
- Economics in Management Practice |
- Managing People & Organisations |
- Marketing Management |
4 core Security and Defence courses – 24 UOC
- Contemporary Warfare |
- Foundations of Modern Strategy |
- Global Security |
- Development of the Art of War |
- Asia-Pacific Security |
- Australian Defence Policy: Concepts and Challenges |
2 prescribed electives – 12 UOC
- any AGSM course (see handbook for details)
Future careers
This specialisation is well-suited for individuals currently or recently engaged in security and defence roles who are seeking to transition into the private sector. Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped for a range of opportunities across the security, defence and government sectors, as well as in related industries. With specialised expertise and in-demand leadership skills, you’ll be well-positioned to lead both in Australia and on the global stage.
Potential careers
Some employment opportunities can include:ÌýÌý
- Intelligence officers
- Business analysts and project managers
- Policy makers
- ´¡³Ù³Ù²¹³¦³óé²õ
- Policy advisors
- National security analysts
- VPs for their respective defence practice
- Risk management managers
- Directors in named industries/companies
- Foreign area officers
- Strategists
- Director of innovation
- Leaders in national security and defence
- Leaders in IGOs
- Leaders in NGOs
How to apply
Before applying for admission, candidates must satisfy the entry requirements. Information on how to apply including application dates and checklist can be found on the AGSM How to Apply page.
The AGSM Full-Time MBA program takes approximately 60 students, which means competition is fierce. To be successful, candidates must demonstrate excellence across their entire application.ÌýIf you would like to undertake a pre-assessment of your eligibility to apply for the AGSM MBA program, please email your CV toÌýadmissions@agsm.edu.auÌýand a team member will be in touch.
Ready to start your application?
Before applying for admission, candidates must satisfy the entry requirements. Information on how to apply including application dates and checklist can be found on the AGSM How to Apply page.
The AGSM Full-Time MBA program takes approximately 60 students, which means competition is fierce. To be successful, candidates must demonstrate excellence across their entire application.ÌýIf you would like to undertake a pre-assessment of your eligibility to apply for the AGSM MBA program, please email your CV toÌýadmissions@agsm.edu.auÌýand a team member will be in touch.
International applicants are encouraged to apply by round 4Ìýto ensure they can arrange a student visa.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç fees website.
Tuition fees are charged on a term basis irrespective of when studies are commenced. Information on fees can be found on the AGSM Program Fees page.
Tuition fees are charged on a term basis irrespective of when studies are commenced. Information on fees can be found on the AGSM Program fees page.
Ìý
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç fees website.
Tuition fees are charged on a term basis irrespective of when studies are commenced. Information on fees can be found on the AGSM Program Fees page.
Security & Defence PLuS unites world-leading universities to tackle the toughest defence and security challenges. Join us in shaping solutions that matter globally.
AGSM's Full-Time MBA ranked #1 in Australia and #67 globally (Financial Times Global MBA Rankings, 2025).
AGSM's MBAX is ranked #1 in Australia and #4 globally for online MBA programs (QS Online MBA Rankings, 2024).
AGSM students have access to a rich global network of over 17,000 AGSM alumni who are recognised international business leaders in their industries.
I expanded my business knowledge, built my skills, and made meaningful connections with my cohort.
