Business and management graduates have access to a variety of excellent career options in Australia.
Business managers, for instance, earn an average base pay of $100,000 a year with additional bonuses averaging $10,000 – $50,0000 per year. That brings it to an estimated total salary of $120,000 per year.
And that’s just ONE of the many high-paying job roles that a business and management degree can lead to. From marketing and finance to operations and consulting, there are plenty of business management jobs in Australia.
So, it’s no surprise that management and commerce are some of the most sought-after fields of study among early bird applicants.
According to the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC), this study field accounted for over 11% of the early bird applications in 2023, making it one of the top three most popular study areas in the country.
With a strong demand from students and an ever-expanding job market that’s hungry for skilled professionals, job opportunities in Australia for business and management graduates look promising.
Why Australia is a top destination for business and management studies
Australia is one of the most sought-after destinations for international students pursuing higher education.
In 2024, Australia’s international student enrolments crossed a historic milestone. A total of 1,018,799 enrolments were recorded in all education sectors.
This momentum has carried into 2025. In February alone, more than 200,000 international students entered Australia, going against expectations that rising visa costs and more stringent rules would slow down immigration.
A significant share of these students opt for business and management programs both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
While most discussions highlight a strong curriculum, world-class universities, and diverse specializations, the key driver is employment, mainly in the jobs of business degree holders in Australia.
If you look at undergraduate employment outcomes by study area, business and management scored among the top in 2023:
The same 2023 survey cited 75.3% of undergraduates and 83.3% of postgraduates from business and management study areas displayed overall satisfaction.
Besides that, Australian business schools are some of the best in the world. For instance, the University of Sydney Business School holds the prestigious “Triple Crown” accreditation.
That means the university has received accreditation from the top three international organizations, namely the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Association of MBAs (AMBA), and the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS).
From student satisfaction to post-study career opportunities in Australia, the appeal is clear.
Overview of the Australian job market for business graduates
According to recent reports, Australia’s job market is currently tight by historical standards. The unemployment rate is at 4.0%, and the employment-to-population ratio has reached a record high of 64.5%.
Experts are also noticing a strong hiring intent, especially in business-relevant sectors like accounting, customer service, and risk and compliance.
Furthermore, employers are showing cautious optimism, thanks to factors such as stabilizing interest rates, steady consumer spending, and easing inflation.
The shift can be seen in a 2025 employer survey conducted by the recruitment firm Robert Half. Most businesses reported plans to expand their teams or maintain their current staffing levels.
For graduates looking for business management jobs in Australia, this is encouraging. Having a business and management degree makes you qualified to take positions in top sectors like accounting, customer service, and risk and compliance.
Employers are also rewarding high performance. That is evidenced by the fact that the leading reason for salary increases in 2025 has been merit-based pay raises.
So, it’s certainly a great time to look for business management jobs in Australia.
Also Read: Top Exam Required to Study in Australia for Masters and Undergraduate
Popular job roles for business and management graduates
As of the first quarter of 2025, job prospects for business and management careers in Australia look great.
There are currently 7,500 Business Analyst positions and over 4,300 Marketing Manager roles advertised nationally on the popular employment marketplace called SEEK.
That indicates a strong demand in these fields. Employment projections also suggest continued growth in professional roles over the next decade. That also includes jobs associated with business and management roles in Australia.
Let’s look at some of the most coveted business management jobs in Australia:
Business Analyst
Average Annual Salary: $105,000 to $125,000
Required Specialization:
- Business analytics
- Data analysis
- Information systems
Position Overview:
A business analyst’s job is to bridge the gap between business requirements and technological solutions. They analyze data to help organizations make strategic decisions and improve processes.
As one of the best business management jobs in Australia, this role also serves as a stepping stone to senior positions.
Marketing Manager
Average Annual Salary: $100,000 to $120,000
Required Specialization:
- Marketing
- Digital marketing
- Brand management
Position Overview:
Marketing managers develop and implement strategies for promoting products and services. They aim to increase customer engagement and market share.
To become a marketing manager, one typically needs to have at least a few years of experience in the field. Business and management graduates can start in positions like Marketing Coordinator or Assistant, and then climb up the ladder.
Management Consultant
Average Annual Salary: $95,000 to $115,000
Required Specialization:
- Business strategy
- Operations
- Organisational development
Position Overview:
Management Consultants advise organizations on improving efficiency and profitability. These are senior-level business management jobs in Australia.
However, business and management graduates can start as junior consultants or analysts and work their way up the ladder.
If you have done a master’s in business and management and have relevant work experience, you may be able to land more senior positions.
Here are a few more well-paying business management jobs in Australia:
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Required Specialization |
| Financial Analyst | $95,000 to $115,000 |
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| Project Coordinator | $85,000 to $105,000 | Project management |
| Sales Executive | $75,000 to $95,000 |
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| Operations Coordinator | $75,000 to $95,000 |
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| Human Resources Assistant | $70,000 to $75,000 |
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| Supply Chain Analyst | $70,000 to $97,000 |
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| Account Manager | $85,000 to $105,000 |
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The wide variety of business management jobs is one of the top reasons why so this is such a popular program among international students.
Though some roles require additional experience or very specific specializations, many positions are accessible to recent graduates.
So, it’s important that students choose universities and specializations, keeping their career aspirations in mind.
Top industries for business graduates in Australia
Business graduates in Australia are entering a workforce that is shaped by rapid digital transformation and growing demand across various key industries.
Career opportunities will vary based on location and sector. However, business skills remain among the most transferable and in-demand.
According to the Australian Government’s Labour Market Insights, industries like healthcare and professional, scientific, and technical services are projected to see continued job growth in the coming years.
Since there are numerous job opportunities within these sectors for business and management graduates, it’s safe to say that there won’t be a shortage of business management jobs in Australia in 2025 and beyond.
Let’s take a look at the top sectors for business and management graduates:
| Industry | Why it’s a top choice | Popular roles for business graduates |
| Professional, Scientific and Technical Services |
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| Financial and Insurance Services |
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| Health Care and Social Assistance |
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| Education and Training |
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| Retail Trade and E-Commerce |
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| Information Media and Telecommunications |
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| Construction and Infrastructure |
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| Manufacturing and Supply Chain |
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Post-study work visa options for business students in Australia
Graduating with a business and management degree is an exciting milestone. But the thought of what comes next can make you stay up at night.
As an international student, if you aim to work in Australia after graduation, you need to overcome a few key hurdles. The most notable of them are, of course, navigating visa options and meeting eligibility criteria.
During this stage, you’ll also need to make strategic choices that will affect your long-term career. So, to make this transition smooth, you must do the following:
- Start learning about visa pathways early on.
- Tailor your skill level for the Australian job market.
- Stay updated on changing visa rules.
- Build strong ties to in-demand sectors.
The good news is, Australia offers several visa options for international students. So, you can hold business management jobs in Australia and even pursue permanent residency.
Let’s look at the top visa options and their requirements:
| Visa Type | Duration | Eligibility Requirements | Cost |
| Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) – Post-Study Work Stream | 2 to 3 years, depending on qualification. |
|
From AUD$2,235.00 |
| Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) – Second Post-Higher Education Work stream | Between 1 and 2 years. |
|
From AUD$880.00 |
| Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) | Permanent residency |
|
From AUD$4,770.00 |
| Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) | 5 Years |
|
From AUD$4,770.00 |
| Employer-Sponsored Visas | Varies |
|
Varies |
Choosing the right visa pathway is one of the most crucial steps in accessing the best career opportunities in Australia. With the right planning and preparation, business graduates can position themselves for long-term success.
Also Read: 485 Visa Australia: Everything You Need To Know
Pathways to permanent residency for business graduates
Those who want to work in Australia after graduation often have permanent residency on their radar. And there are several visa options that can lead to getting a PR. Here’s a brief overview of the most relevant pathways for business graduates:
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189):
This visa has multiple streams. The Points-tested stream is open to all nationalities. This is for individuals with occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List.
Key points:
- No need for state or employer sponsorship.
- Requires a minimum of 65 points.
Cost:
From AUD$4,770.00
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
This is a state-nominated visa. It is designated for skilled workers within occupations that are on a state’s skilled occupation list.
Key points:
Requires nomination by an Australian state or territory.
Applicants must commit to living and working in the nominating state.
Cost:
From AUD$4,770.00
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
This is for skilled workers who have been nominated by an Australian employer.
Key points:
- Need to have at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
- Must meet skill and language requirements.
Cost:
From AUD$4,770.00
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191)
This is applicable for individuals who have held a Subclass 491 or 494 visa. They must also meet specific requirements.
Key points:
- Must have lived and worked in a designated regional area for at least 3 years.
- Requires meeting minimum taxable income thresholds.
Cost:
From AUD$490.00
While PR isn’t always guaranteed, business graduates can pursue several viable pathways to attain it. Skilled migration and employer sponsorships are the most chosen paths.
Tips for international students to maximize career opportunities
Getting business management jobs in Australia may not be difficult for a qualified graduate. However, for most international students, breaking into the job market may feel overwhelming at first.
Most struggle to build industry connections and navigate post-study visa pathways. However, with the right approach, you can build a solid career in Australia in the field of business and management.
Here are a few tried and tested tips to maximize career opportunities as an international student:
- Begin career planning in your first year. Don’t wait till graduation.
- Take up internships or part-time jobs. Even volunteer roles related to your field can be useful.
- Attend university networking events. Career fairs and industry meetups are also great.
- Customize your resume and cover letter for each role.
- Use career services and resume reviews. Many universities also offer mock interviews.
- Build a strong presence on LinkedIn. Showcase your projects and skills.
- Stay updated on visa options.
- Gain the necessary certifications.
- Improve your communication skills. Gain cultural awareness as well.
- Follow industry trends. Stay informed about changes in your sector.
Being proactive is the only way to overcome early career hurdles. If you want to get good business management jobs in Australia, you need both preparation and persistence.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the top job roles for business and management graduates in Australia?
Those looking to build business and management careers in Australia have access to several job roles. The most popular are business analyst, marketing manager, financial analyst, and many more.
2. Which Australian cities have the highest demand for business professionals?
If you are looking for business management jobs in Australia, the best cities for you are Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. This is where the demand is high.
3. Can business graduates in Australia transition to permanent residency easily?
Yes, there are several PR options for skilled workers. Employer-Sponsored Visas and Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) are the most popular routes to gain permanent residency.
4. What is the average salary for business graduates in Australia?
That depends on the role and the industry. But business and management graduates can make well into six figures in Australia. The average salary is around AUD$60,000 to AUD$70,000 per year.
