Indigenous Business Leadership - B6024
Master's degree
Great leadership has the power to do more than just lead businesses to higher levels of success. It can help unite communities and inspire progress.
As custodians of some of the world’s oldest living cultures, Indigenous Australians have a unique opportunity to bring traditional wisdom and long-standing culture to contemporary business practice. The Master of Indigenous Business Leadership is an empowering next step for Indigenous business professionals looking to make that kind of impact in both their careers and the community.
MAKE YOUR NEXT MOVE
Indigenous-designed and led, this transformational leadership program brings together respected Indigenous leaders, industry and educators to develop your professional and personal leadership skills. You’ll collaboratively explore the different cultural, political and economic contexts that influence how Indigenous communities engage with the world of business – and consider how to make the most positive impact as emerging leaders.
It’s a cross-disciplinary program that’s delivered jointly by Monash Business School and the William Cooper Institute, where you will learn in an environment with like-minded peers, encouraging collaboration, interaction and the sharing of experiences.
EXPAND YOUR EXPERTISE
Complete this program part-time over two years in Naarm (Melbourne) with other Indigenous people from around the country. Whether you’re working in public, private or community sectors, you’ll have sharpened the skills that lead to more innovative and impactful solutions, contributing to business in ways that recognise and respect the Indigenous experience and knowledge– and bringing tens of thousands of years of wisdom and community into the future of your industry, too.
Ready to strengthen the connection between culture and contemporary business?
Hear from our academic
“At the heart of this program, we strive to build legacies rather than empires. Develop your capability to lead with impact by studying part-time over two years in Naarm (Melbourne) with other Indigenous mob from around the country. Together, we have the power to lead and be the change needed to grow and achieve sustainable prosperity!”
Katrina T. Johnson (Gooreng Gooreng), EMBA, Master of Indigenous Business Leadership Co-Director and Senior Lecturer
This master's program is offered to Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people only.
At a glance
Course Details
Location |
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Duration |
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Start date |
Term 2 (May) |
Qualification |
Master of Indigenous Business Leadership |
Monash is committed to cultivating the next generation of Indigenous business leaders in an environment that allows students to interact, collaborate and share experiences, ideally in a face-to-face learning environment.
This program is taught in block mode on the Caulfield campus.
The Master of Indigenous Business Leadership
“It’s First Peoples first.” Hear our leaders, including Gooreng Gooreng Senior Lecturer Katrina Johnson, discuss how the course places Indigenous knowledge systems first and creates a culturally safe learning environment.
"The teaching and support staff have all been amazingly welcoming. They've been really honest and open to learning as well, which is something different from your usual class or university degree. it's very two-way learning which is quite reflective of the way our culture works." - Courtney Hagen (General Manager - First Nations Football, Football Australia)
"This course has provided a link to other Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander people both in business, and within the cohort, but also with guests who are invited to talk about their business and the issues that they're facing." - Kenny Bedford. Meuram tribe of Erub, English name is Darnley Island, in the Northeast of the Torres Strait.
Entry Requirements
You need to satisfy the following entrance requirements to be considered for entry to this course.
Minimum Entry Requirements (Domestic students)
Qualifications
An Australian bachelor degree in a cognate discipline* or equivalent qualification and a minimum of three years relevant employment with at least one year of professional/managerial experience**.
*Cognate disciplines include: Business, Commerce, Management, Leadership, Arts, Design, Education, Law, Engineering, Science, Media and communications.
**A full curriculum vitae, outlining employment history and professional experience, including details of two referees is required.
English requirements
Applicants must also meet the English language requirements.
University entrance requirements
Minimum entrance requirements for admission to Monash University Australia.
Extra Requirements
Applicants must be of Indigenous Australian background.
In order to apply for the Master of Indigenous Business Leadership you will need the following documentation:
1. Education qualifications
Details about your highest secondary education, tertiary education, or any other post-secondary education, including completion status, years enrolled and institution.
2. Statement of intent
Short statements about your Indigenous industry and community leadership and involvement, together with your commitment and reasons for wanting to participate in this course.
3. CV
A current CV outlining your professional experience to date.
4. Confirmation of Indigenous Heritage
To be eligible to participate in this course, applicants must submit confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage by:
Confirmation of Aboriginality form - signed and with company/organisation seal OR a Statutory Declaration declaring your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage and a narrative demonstrating connection to traditional land(s), language group, and/or Indigenous community.
Download Statutory Declaration
5. Character References
Character Reference from an incorporated Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisation
- confirming you are an active member of your community
- detailing the positive contributions you are making to business and leadership;
- detailing any information that would support your application.
Letter must be printed on company/organisation letterhead including contact information and be signed by an Indigenous board member, Executive Director or Chief Executive Officer.
Character Reference from an Indigenous Elder or leader in your community.
They must not be related to you. Reference should include their contact details, confirmation of your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage, examples of your connection to country, description of your leadership qualities and an endorsement of you to participate in the course.
The course structure and progression map can be viewed in the Handbook.
Making the application
Future students
Term 2 (May)
Apply directly to Monash using course code B6024.
Before applying ensure you've read the additional requirements, as there will be documentation you will require in order to complete the application process.
Closing date
Applications close 6 March 2026. Late applications may be accepted at the discretion of the Course Director.
Self assess for credit eligibility
Check for study credit using the "Credit search" link on the Credit for prior study page.
Fees
Fees are subject to change annually.
Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
The average annual student contribution amount for 2026 is:
A$17,399
Note: see information on how fees are calculated.
Fee assistance
As a Commonwealth supported student, you may be able to either:
- pay all of your student contribution upfront, or
- defer payment through the HECS HELP loan scheme.
Full fee
Fees are per 48 credit points which represents a standard full-time course load for a year. The fees for 2026 are:
A$38,000
Fee assistance
As a full fee-paying student, you may be eligible to apply for the optional FEE-HELP to assist you to pay all or part of your tuition fees.
Scholarships
We offer over 360 types of scholarships, valued at up to $280,000. Some scholarships offer one-off payments while others continue for the length of your course. Learn more about Monash Scholarships.
Other costs and fees
For information on other study costs and fees, see other study costs.