Australian Business Essentials

Designed for international students, Australian Business Essentials helps you understand local workplace culture, strengthen your communication skills and build meaningful connections.

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Build cultural insight, communication confidence and real-world experience in Australia.

Australian Business Essentials (ABE) is a hybrid program that introduces you to the expectations, values and communication styles of Australian workplaces. Through a blend of online modules and a self-sourced volunteering experience, you’ll learn how to navigate professional environments with confidence, connect with your community and articulate your strengths in job applications and interviews.

Why complete Australian Business Essentials?

Build confidence communicating in Australian professional settings

Understand the cultural values and expectations of Australian workplaces

Gain real experience through a one-off, in-person volunteering shift

Program benefits
  • Build essential communication and networking skills
  • Learn practical strategies you can use in Australian workplaces
  • Gain real-world experience through an in-person volunteering shift
  • Practise articulating your strengths for interviews and applications
  • Connect with like-minded peers and expand your local community
  • Earn a digital badge to share on LinkedIn
  • Receive BCom/MCom experience points (if applicable)
Completing Australian Business Essentials helped me truly understand Australian workplace culture. The program boosted my confidence in networking, communication and leadership; and volunteering showed me how giving back can build genuine community connections. I’d strongly recommend ABE to new international students who want practical skills, friendships and a meaningful start in Australia.

Martin Cao, Bachelor of Actuarial Studies

ABE is a hybrid, self-paced program delivered over seven weeks. You’ll complete three online modules, each building your understanding of Australian workplace culture, communication expectations and how to present your skills confidently.

Between modules, you’ll put your learning into action by completing short activities and sourcing your own one-off volunteering shift with a community organisation. This hands-on experience helps you apply your skills in a real-world environment, build confidence and make a meaningful contribution.

ABE is designed to support you in your transition to studying and working in Australia. While not an eligibility requirement, it’s particularly suited to new students who want to understand Australian professional norms and start building their network early.

Program benefits

  • Communicate confidently in Australian professional contexts
  • Understand the cultural values and expectations of Australian workplaces
  • Apply your skills through a real-world volunteering experience
  • Present your strengths and experiences using employability frameworks
  • Build your professional presence and connections in Australia
  • Contribute meaningfully to a local community organisation
    • Term 1
    • Term 2
    • Term 3

  • 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

Learn more and apply

Log into MyCareer Manager to learn more about Australian Business Essentials and apply for an upcoming program.
Apply for Term 1

Applications for Term 1 close 11.59 pm Sunday 18 January, 2026
Apply for Term 2

Applications for Term 2 close 11.59 pm Sunday 26 April, 2026
Apply for Term 3

Applications for Term 3 close 11.59 pm Sunday 9 August, 2026