Australian Business Essentials

Designed for international students to learn about Australian workplace culture, Australian Business Essentials helps you boost your skills and make new connections.

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Australian Business Essentials (ABE) provides an in-depth look at the Australian work culture and enables you to thrive professionally and make a meaningful impact in your community.

This hybrid program strengthens professional communication skills, deepens your understanding of Australian workplace culture, and includes a volunteering experience to apply your learning. By combining online modules with practical experiences, ABE equips you for future success, helping you grow your network, develop your skills, and give back to the community.

Why complete Australian Business Essentials?

Master confident communication in professional settings

Understand and navigate Australian workplace culture

Gain first-hand experience in Australia through volunteering

What Australian Business Essentials offers

  • Develop essential communication and networking skills. 
  • Learn directly from experienced professionals. 
  • Enhance your resume with real-world volunteering experience.
  • Practice articulating your experience for job interviews.
  • Connect with like-minded peers and expand your social network.
  • Gain a digital badge to showcase on LinkedIn.
  • Earn experience points.

ABE is a hybrid, self-paced program blending online learning with hands on experience. Over seven weeks, you’ll complete three online modules, participate in in-person volunteer work and engage in activities designed to reinforce your learning. The modules will help you understand the cultural nuances of the Australian workplace, develop effective communication strategies, and confidently present your skills and experiences in professional settings.

Between modules, you’ll put your knowledge into action by completing activities and volunteering at a local not for profit, allowing you to connect with the community while honing your skills in a real-world environment.

ABE is designed to provide you with practical tools and confidence to help you thrive in your professional journey. While not a requirement, ABE is suited to new students seeking to gain an early edge in understanding the Australian workplace in a supportive, community-focused environment.

Learning outcomes

  • Gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to engage in interpersonal communication in a professional context in Australia.
  • Develop and demonstrate an understanding of Australian culture in a range of environments.
  • Apply new knowledge about Australian business culture and practice communication skills in culturally immersive experiences.
  • Start or grow your professional network and make new social connections.
  • Give back to local communities through volunteering experiences.
  • Term 1, Term 2, Term 3

  • 2025

    Term Applications open Applications close
    Term 1 2025 Monday, 4 November 2024 Sunday, 19 January 2025
    Term 2 2025 Monday, 10 February 2025 Sunday, 4 May 2025
    Term 3 2025 Monday, 26 May 2025  Sunday, 17 August 2025
  • To be eligible you must:

    • Be an undergraduate or postgraduate student.
    • Be enrolled at UNSW Business School.
    • Hold international residency status.
  • 10 – 12 hours, including volunteer experience.

  • myBCom: 20 points

    myMCom: 20 points

Apply now

Applications for Term 2 open Monday 10 February 2025.

What students say

Bachelor of Commerce | T3 2024

Saloni Goyal

Through this program, I learned so much — not only about Australian work culture but also essential business skills that will benefit me throughout my career. Personally, one of the best skills I developed was communication and networking, both online and in person. Learning how to read people, engage them in conversation, and build relationships that can develop further in the future were invaluable lessons.

Master Int. Business | T3 2024

Ankit Attri

Joining Australian Business Essentials was transformative. The workshops taught me effective communication and networking that can be applied in the Australian workplace, while volunteering provided hands on experience in planning, organising and managing events. These learnings have significantly boosted my career readiness and helped me work towards achieving my professional goals.

Master of Commerce | T2 2024

Veda Renata

Through Australian Business Essentials, I gained valuable insights into Australian work culture. The weekly workshops helped me develop skills in networking, teamwork and leadership, and the volunteering experience allowed be to give back to the community. If you’re looking to develop your professional skills while making friends, ABE is the right place for you!