_{Australia's first PhD-MBA program.}

Flinders University's PhD-MBA program is the first of its kind in Australia.

This is your opportunity to become an expert in your field by exploring your passion for research while developing world-class leadership and business skills, preparing you for a broad range of careers.

By combining a PhD with an MBA (Future Business), you will graduate with an MBA that is completed alongside and after your PhD research.

Fast Facts

Duration:
4 years

Delivery mode:
On-campus
Online

Availability:
Full-time
Part-time

Start dates:
January - March
May - July
October

Indicative fees (2026):
MBA (Future Business): $44,040 (Includes 20% off for combined PhD-MBA students)
PhD: Scholarships and Fee Offsets are available

PhD research areas:
View here

*Available at Flinders City campus.

Study at Flinders City campus.
Where potential meets possibility.

More information

Fast Facts

Duration:
5 years

Delivery mode:
On-campus

Availability:
Full-time

Start dates:
January - March
May - July
October

Indicative annual fees (2024):
MBA (Future Business): $53,040 (Includes 20% off fees for combined PhD-MBA students)
PhD: Scholarships and Fee Offsets are available

*Available at Flinders City campus.

Study at Flinders City campus.
Where potential meets possibility.

More information

_{Develop skills for leadership roles.}

Our PhD-MBA program will allow you to acquire an MBA in addition to a primary research PhD.

This new program will prepare you with deep scientific and technical skills for leadership roles in industry, not-for-profit organisations and government. You will work in diverse and complex environments ready to implement financial and management decisions on the basis of your scientific knowledge.

You will begin both degrees at the same time in an integrated program. The MBA (Future Business) curriculum covers topics such as strategy, leadership, finance, innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability and industries 4.0 and 5.0.

Your PhD research component may be in all areas of study offered by Flinders University, such as in engineering, the life and medical sciences, the physical sciences, the humanities and the social sciences.

Potential occupations

Chief Executive Officer
Marketing Director
Business Consultant
Managing Director
Chief Operating Officer
Executive Director
Head of Research
Human Resources Manager
National Director
Product Manager
Chief Robotics Officer
Head of Finance and Funding
Artificial Intelligence Architect
Loyalty Engineer
Program Director
Professional Researcher

Potential employers

Multinational corporations
Large private companies
Public sector
Market research consultancies
Corporate agencies
Not-for-profit organisations

"Flinders University's MBA programs now offer the opportunity for PhD students to complement their research degree with business knowledge and skills.

This will undoubtedly contribute to increase their employability across many different sectors of our economy."

Associate Professor Angie Abdel Shafei
MBA Director

"Flinders MBA programs now offer the opportunity to PhD students to complement their research degree with business knowledge and skills.

This will undoubtedly contribute to increase their employability across many different sectors of our economy."

Associate Professor Angie Abdel Shafei
MBA Director

Our PhD-MBA program will allow you to acquire an MBA in addition to a primary research PhD.

This new program will prepare you with deep scientific and technical skills for leadership roles in industry, not-for-profit organisations and government. You will work in diverse and complex environments ready to implement financial and management decisions on the basis of your scientific knowledge.

You will begin both degrees at the same time in an integrated program. The MBA (Future Business) curriculum covers topics such as strategy, leadership, finance, innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability and industries 4.0 and 5.0.

Your PhD research component may be in many areas of study offered by Flinders University, such as in engineering, the life and medical sciences, and the physical sciences.

Potential occupations

Chief Executive Officer
Marketing Director
Business Consultant
Managing Director
Chief Operating Officer
Executive Director
Head of Research
Human Resources Manager
National Director
Product Manager
Chief Robotics Officer
Head of Finance and Funding
Artificial Intelligence Architect
Loyalty Engineer
Program Director
Professional Researcher

Potential employers

Multinational corporations
Large private companies
Public sector
Market research consultancies
Corporate agencies
Not-for-profit organisations

"Flinders University's MBA programs now offer the opportunity for PhD students to complement their research degree with business knowledge and skills.

This will undoubtedly contribute to increase their employability across many different sectors of our economy."

Associate Professor Angie Abdel Shafei
MBA Director

"Flinders MBA programs now offer the opportunity to PhD students to complement their research degree with business knowledge and skills.

This will undoubtedly contribute to increase their employability across many different sectors of our economy."

Associate Professor Angie Abdel Shafei
MBA Director

Advance your career.

On average, MBA graduates earn 77% more than those with only a Bachelor’s Degree.*

_{*(Graduate Management Admission Council 2021)}

World-class industry experience.

We’ll connect you with industry experts who will nurture your talent, and challenge you to rise higher.

Sustainability built-in.

Industries 4.0 and 5.0 will need to achieve goals beyond growth. We embed sustainability and the resilient, human-centric power that industry seeks into every topic throughout the MBA.

Tailor your study.

It’s flexible, with online study options available in addition to on-campus (in the Adelaide CBD).

"This new program will allow students to draw from different disciplines, pursue more than one interest and become interdisciplinary thinkers who solve technology and business problems in industry, government and not-for-profit organisations."

Professor Harald Janovjak
Matthew Flinders Professor
Academic Lead for the PhD-MBA program

Entry requirements

Check your eligibility

Entry criteria vary between Higher Degree by Research (HDR) courses so you must check admission requirements for your degree.

Check

Find a supervisor

Outline your research project and find a PhD supervisor.

Find

Available Scholarships

Competitive HDR scholarships are awarded on academic merit and research potential.

View HDR scholarships

How to apply

You can enrol in a HDR by following our six simple steps to prepare your application.

How to

Select a PhD-MBA

In your PhD application, you can then select to enrol in the PhD-MBA (Future Business) program. Tick the box, and you're all set!

"This new program will allow students to draw from different disciplines, pursue more than one interest and become interdisciplinary thinkers who solve technology and business problems in industry, government and not-for-profit organisations."

Professor Harald Janovjak
Matthew Flinders Professor
Academic Lead for the PhD-MBA program

Frequently asked questions

What are the entry requirements for the PhD–MBA program?

The entry requirements for the PhD–MBA program are the same as the entry requirements for a PhD at Flinders University. If you meet the eligibility criteria for admission to a PhD, you are also eligible to enrol in the PhD–MBA program.

Where can I find the official PhD eligibility criteria?

Prospective students should refer to the Flinders University website for research degree eligibility and admission requirements. These pages outline the academic and other criteria required for entry into a PhD program.

If I meet the PhD entry requirements, how does the MBA component work?

Once a student satisfies the admission criteria for a PhD, the MBA component is included as part of the PhD–MBA program. There is no separate admission process for the MBA component. During the time you are studying for your PhD, you will take 1 topic each year and then once you submit your PhD, you will have another 1 year to complete the remaining 9 topics of the MBA.

Where can I find detailed information about the PhD–MBA program structure and requirements?

Full details of the PhD–MBA program, including structure and requirements, are available in the Flinders University Handbook entry for the PhD–MBA program.

Do I need to contact a supervisor before applying?

Enquiries commonly ask about contacting a supervisor. Based on previous responses, applicants are advised to review the program handbook and ensure they meet the PhD eligibility criteria. Any supervisor-related requirements are outlined through the standard PhD admission process. It is also suggested that the students talk to their potential PhD supervisor and let them know of their intention for a PhD-MBA during the process of finding a supervisor.

Are there any discipline restrictions for the PhD component?

For domestic students, there are no stated restrictions on the PhD discipline for participation in the PhD–MBA program.

Can I receive credit for prior learning (RPL) for MBA topics completed elsewhere?

Credit for prior learning may be granted where MBA-level topics completed at other institutions are highly similar to Flinders MBA topics in line with flinders credit policy.

Fees and Scholarships

Please refer to the PhD-MBA page for more information about fees and scholarships.

Frequently asked questions

Who will be my PhD supervisor?

This program is available to all disciplines and all PhD degrees offered at Flinders University, from engineering, the life and medical sciences, the physical sciences, the humanities to the social sciences.

All of our research supervisors are leaders in their field in both Australia and overseas, who draw on their extensive knowledge and networks to help you deliver valuable research outcomes.

To find a supervisor, you'll first need to identify an area of interest. Then, get in touch with a supervisor of your choice.

Is this a five-year program?

Yes, under the assumption that you complete your PhD in four years the PhD-MBA program is a five-year program.

Can I study more topics than the prescribed load to complete my PhD-MBA faster?

This is possible, but you will need to contact us as we approve these requests on a case-by-case basis.

Will I receive a scholarship or stipend during my PhD research?

The usual PhD scholarships and stipends are available to students in this program. These vary between fields and disciplines so it is best to discuss this with your supervisor.

Is the PhD-MBA program available to international students?

Yes, enquire below and we will send you more information. This program is available to many disciplines and many PhD degrees offered at Flinders University, from engineering, the life and medical sciences to the physical sciences.

Will I study for my MBA whilst pursuing my PhD research?

Yes, both degrees start at the same time and there will be MBA topics during your PhD. To allow you to have the best PhD possible, these topics will not interfere with important PhD milestones, for instance your confirmation or thesis submission.

Will I have to pause my research project whilst taking up my MBA topics during the PhD phase?

No, this is not necessary. Your MBA studies will be limited to a few months every year and to one or a few evenings in a typical week. Therefore your research will continue during this time.

Will I be able to gain industry experience?

Yes, there will be multiple opportunities. Firstly, you will be able to engage with research end users in an industry internship (at least sixty days full time) during your PhD. Discuss this with your supervisor. Secondly, you will have the option of exchanging one MBA topic for an industry placement. Discuss this with the PhD-MBA team. Thirdly, you will have contact with industry leaders/mentors through the MBA topics and cohort.

What will my student cohort be?

You will be immersed in two cohorts, your PhD student peers and the MBA students. You will have a wide local and international network at the end of the program.

Will my PhD and my MBA both be awarded?

Yes, you will be awarded two degrees.

What if I decide to pause or discontinue my MBA? Will this impact my PhD?

No, not at all. Changes to your MBA will not impact your PhD. These degrees are also assessed separately. You can also defer your MBA topics should you require additional time in your PhD.

Can I receive some kind of recognition if I don't complete the MBA?

Yes. If you complete four MBA topics, you can obtain a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration.

We’re here to help you every step of the way.

If you would like to talk to one of our friendly advisers about applying to university or to discuss your study options and pathways, please contact us.