Deciding on the right MBA program can be a daunting task. Over 30 schools in Australia offer MBA programs. An MBA can cost considerable time and money to complete, so how do you pick a school that is right for you? Here are some points to consider:

Accreditation
Find out if the business school is accredited by a higher learning commission. One such commission is the Association of Masters in Business Administration (AMBA). Another accrediting body is the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) International. Accreditation indicates that the business school sets and maintains high standards of learning.

Performance
Local publications and magazines will rank top performing MBA schools based on factors such as admission requirements, faculty-to-student ratio, GPA, and so on. Go to your local library and find out which business schools are rated better than others.

Career Assistance
Find out if the business school offers job placement assistance, internships, and career development services. Also, check if the school faculty members hold positions in industry.

Cost/Financial Aid
Consider all the expenses involved with attending a particular business school, including tuition, housing, books, and transportation. If you will be taking a leave of absence from work, figure in the loss of wages too. Find out if the school offers any financial assistance or scholarships.

Flexibility
If you work full- or part-time, you will most likely take courses at nights or on weekends. See if your required classes are available during these times. Even if you are a traditional student, determine whether you can start classes immediately; some schools don't offer courses for every semester or quarter.

Location
You will have an easier time taking classes and engaging in school activities if you are closer to campus and not encumbered by traffic or other obstacles. Visit the business school and determine whether its location is good for you and your possible commute.

Facilities
Does the school have sufficient computer lab space, library resources, and audio-visual materials? If you miss a class, can the school provide it online? Determining these matters ahead of time will save you much frustration later on.

Culture
Find out if the school culture is suitable for you. Are the students relaxed, or is everyone rushed, with no time to talk to or help you? School culture can have a significant impact on the quality of your learning experience.

source: studentguides, australia