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'The teachings in the Master of Business (Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies) at QUT helped me progress my career and provided a competitive advantage that was attractive to organisations. Most importantly for me in the nonprofit sector, postgraduate studies have helped me do my job better, and this in turn achieves greater impact for beneficiaries.'
Read about how Jim and other philanthropy and nonprofit students are changing the world
Real opportunities
‘QUT introduced me to diverse cultures and the opportunity to work in the development sector. At QUT I developed an understanding of how culture affects communication and people’s way of life. I had an opportunity to interact and build networks with non-profit managers in Australia. These communication and networking skills were an essential part of my career development.’
Real graduate
'I love fundraising and philanthropy and helping charities to do better at fundraising. My mantra is encouraging philanthropy and managing fundraising. Studying at QUT has given me confidence in my learning ability and the ability to apply these learnings to real life situations.'
Make a difference
'The teachings in the Master of Business (Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies) at QUT helped me progress my career and provided a competitive advantage that was attractive to organisations. Most importantly for me in the nonprofit sector, postgraduate studies have helped me do my job better, and this in turn achieves greater impact for beneficiaries.'
Read about how Jim and other philanthropy and nonprofit students are changing the world
Real opportunities
‘QUT introduced me to diverse cultures and the opportunity to work in the development sector. At QUT I developed an understanding of how culture affects communication and people’s way of life. I had an opportunity to interact and build networks with non-profit managers in Australia. These communication and networking skills were an essential part of my career development.’
Real graduate
'I love fundraising and philanthropy and helping charities to do better at fundraising. My mantra is encouraging philanthropy and managing fundraising. Studying at QUT has given me confidence in my learning ability and the ability to apply these learnings to real life situations.'
Invest in your education
Study at a Business School in the global top 1%. Of the 13,670 schools offering business degree programs worldwide, QUT is one of only three Australian business schools to be awarded triple international accreditation.
Program overview
- Become a philanthropic business leader who creates social impact for causes and communities you care about.
- Learn how to lead in third-sector organisations and develop social innovations and programs effectively.
- Develop digital competencies and in-demand transferable skills in financial literacy, analytical thinking, decision-making, effective communication, problem-solving and data analysis.
- Gain membership to one of QUT’s leading research centres, the Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies (ACPNS).
- Be taught by award-winning academics and industry leaders who bring valuable real-world experience to the classroom.
- Complete this 2-year program in 1.5 years if you have a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field. See entry requirements for details.
- QUT Business School has been ranked number 1 in Queensland and number 3 in Australia for postgraduate studies in AFR’s BOSS Best Business School 2023 rankings.
Program overview
- Become a philanthropic business leader who creates social impact for causes and communities you care about.
- Learn how to lead in third-sector organisations and develop social innovations and programs effectively.
- Develop digital competencies and in-demand transferable skills in financial literacy, analytical thinking, decision-making, effective communication, problem-solving and data analysis.
- Gain membership to one of QUT’s leading research centres, the Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies (ACPNS).
- Be taught by award-winning academics and industry leaders who bring valuable real-world experience to the classroom.
- Complete this 2-year program in 1.5 years if you have a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field. See entry requirements for details.
- QUT Business School has been ranked number 1 in Queensland and number 3 in Australia for postgraduate studies in AFR’s BOSS Best Business School 2023 rankings.
Why choose this course?
Be the driving force behind innovation and transformative progress, creating a lasting social impact for causes and communities you care about. Learn to lead change, manage risks, and steer your organisation responsively towards meaningful goals.
Whether you want to pivot your career, upskill, or gain experience in managing organisations, QUT’s Master of Business (Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies) can help you achieve your professional ambitions.
Explore this course
As part of this program, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of ethical frameworks in the business landscape. Additionally, you'll learn to employ a value-based approach to conceptualise and address complex systems and business challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This program covers a range of contexts, including for-profit, not-for-profit, government, and hybrid organisations.
Moreover, as a participant in this program, you’ll significantly benefit from being a part of one of QUT’s leading research centres, Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies (ACPNS). This exclusive membership will give you access to mentorship opportunities with industry leaders and enable you to connect with professionals and practitioners. Through these connections, you will gain insights into the essential skills and attributes required for successful professional practice.
Finally, as part of your final capstone unit, you'll develop leadership skills specifically tailored for third-sector organisations such as charities, foundations, nonprofits, and social enterprises. These organisations often deal with unique challenges that require strategic and flexible solutions to thrive in a constantly changing environment. Working alongside industry partners, you'll collaborate individually and in teams to present persuasive, evidence-based recommendations to address complex business problems within their organisations.
Flexible delivery
Units in this postgraduate program are delivered using a mix of face-to-face, online and blended learning technologies. All course materials are placed online including course lecture materials, practical session guides, readings and help guides.
International double masters program
If you would like to attain two internationally accredited masters in about the same time that it would normally take you to get one, you may consider our international double masters program. In an exchange study, you complete part of your degree at one of two leading institutions in Europe. Through cross-crediting of your course content, you are able to obtain the full degrees from both institutions – and you may be able to complete the double degree in the same time that it would take you to complete your QUT Master of Business program. For more information, visit international double degrees.
Careers and outcomes
Whether you're part of a non-profit organisation, a public sector manager delivering services through or in partnership with non-profit entities, or a private sector manager engaged in business with the non-profit sector, this program will enhance your professional expertise and skills, positioning you to emerge as a philanthropic business leader.
Possible careers
- Business advocacy and lobbying leader
- Chief executive officer
- Chief operating officer, nonprofit/philanthropy
- Community organisation leader
- Community service leader
- Founder, social enterprise/charity
- Fundraising and development specialist
- Government relations and procurement specialist
- Philanthropic foundation officer
- Volunteer program manager
The Master of Business is designed in three blocks of study:
1. Foundation studies (48 credit points)
2. Discipline studies (96 credit points)
3. Complementary studies (48 credit points)
Students with an undergraduate degree that is not in Business or a related field of study will undertake 192 credit points of study commencing with Foundation studies.
Students who have completed an undergraduate degree in Business or related field of study with a minimum GPA of 4 (on a 7 point scale) will undertake 144 credit points of study in their course. Students will commence their Masters in the Foundation studies block.
Students will be able to access course progression advice from the School of Accountancy.
The Master of Business is designed in three blocks of study:
1. Foundation studies (48 credit points)
2. Discipline studies (96 credit points)
3. Complementary studies (48 credit points)
Students with an undergraduate degree that is not in Business or a related field of study will undertake 192 credit points of study commencing with Foundation studies.
Students who have completed an undergraduate degree in Business or related field of study with a minimum GPA of 4 (on a 7 point scale) will undertake 144 credit points of study in their course. Students will commence their Masters in the Foundation studies block.
Students will be able to access course progression advice from the School of Accountancy.
- Course code
- BS11
- CRICOS code
- 085448J
-
- Online
- Gardens Point
-
- Gardens Point
- 1 - 2 years full-time
- 3 - 4 years part-time
- 1.5 - 2 years full-time
- February and July
- February and July
Entry requirements
2 year program
You must have a recognised bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.00 (on QUT’s 7 point scale).
1.5 year program
You must have one of:
- A recognised bachelor degree (or higher) in business or a related discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.00 (on QUT’s 7 point scale); or
- A recognised bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.00 (on QUT’s 7 point scale) followed by at least seven years full-time (or equivalent) work experience in business or a related discipline.
1 year program
You must have one of:
- A recognised bachelor honours degree in advertising, marketing, or public relations with a minimum grade point average of 4.00 (on QUT’s 7 point scale); or
- A recognised bachelor degree plus graduate certificate both in advertising, marketing, or public relations with a minimum grade point average of 4.00 (on QUT’s 7 point scale); or
- A recognised graduate diploma (or higher) in advertising, marketing, or public relations with a minimum grade point average of 4.00 (on QUT’s 7 point scale); or
- A recognised bachelor degree in advertising, marketing, or public relations with a minimum grade point average of 4.00 (on QUT’s 7 point scale) followed by at least seven years full-time (or equivalent) work experience in advertising, marketing, or public relations.
Minimum academic requirements
Academic entry requirements
As part of QUT's application for admission process, you will be automatically assessed for the 1.5 year program. If you wish to be considered for the 2 year program only, please indicate this on your application form.
Master of Business - 1.5 year program
- A completed recognised bachelor degree in business or related field with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 4.00 (on QUT's 7 point scale).
Master of Business - 2 year program
- A completed recognised bachelor degree in any discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 (on QUT's 7 point scale).
Minimum English language requirements
Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide on meeting QUT’s English language requirements.
Your scores and prior qualifications in English-speaking countries are considered. Approved English-speaking countries are Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, United States of America and Wales.
If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.
We accept English language proficiency scores from the following tests. Tests must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement.
| English Test | Overall | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PTE Academic/PTE Academic Online | 58 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
|
Cambridge English Score
You must share your results with QUT through the Candidate Results Online website. |
176 | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
| IELTS Academic / IELTS Online / IELTS One Skills Retake | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| TOEFL iBT / Home / Paper | 79 | 16 | 16 | 21 | 18 |
Don't have the English language score you need? We can help!
We offer English language programs to improve your English and help you gain entry to this course.
When you apply for this course, we will recommend which English course you should enrol in.
Advanced standing
If you have completed the Graduate Certificate in Business (Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies) within the last seven years you will receive credit for 48 credit points.
Advanced standing may also be available if you who have within the last five years:
- studied a related postgraduate program with another institution
- professional work experience in a related field
Advanced standing
If you have completed the Graduate Certificate in Business (Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies) within the last seven years you will receive credit for 48 credit points.
Advanced standing may also be available to students who have studied a related postgraduate program with another institution within the last five years.
Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.
2025 fees
2025: Available from July
2025 fees
2025: Available from July
2024 fees
2024: $32,600 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2024 fees
2024: $36,800 per year full-time (96 credit points)
Student services and amenities fees
You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.
FEE-HELP: loans to help you pay for your course fees
You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a FEE-HELP loan.
You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.
Laurie Cowled Indigenous Scholarship for Business Students
A scholarship for future and current Indigenous female students enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate studies in business.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Indigenous Australian; Struggling financially; Women
ACPNS Travel Grant
- Scholarship eligibility
- Struggling financially; From regional, rural or remote areas
QUT Real World International Scholarship
A scholarship to cover tuition fees, with eligibility based on your prior academic achievements.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Academic performance
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Speak to our Director of Studies to find out more about studying a Master of Business or Graduate Certificate in Business.