MBA programs for South Africans: Everything you need to know
In this post we will try to share as much as possible about the top MBA programs available for South Africans, both local and international.
1. University of Cape Town (UCT) - Graduate School of Business (GSB)
Established in 1964, the GSB is one of the oldest and most prestigious business schools in South Africa. The school offers a rigorous and challenging MBA, with a focus on emerging markets and their challenges and opportunities.
Entry Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, minimum 4 years work experience, GMAT score or Graduate School Admission tests (GSAT), motivation essays, and interviews.
Fees: The estimated total cost for the 2023 intake is R265,000.
Application Period: Applications usually open in April and close in October of the preceding year.
2. University of the Witwatersrand - Wits Business School (WBS)
WBS was founded in 1968 and offers a globally recognized MBA program. The school prides itself on its focus on African insight and its global perspective.
Entry Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree or 4-year professional degree, minimum 3 years work experience, 1-page motivation letter, and SAQA verification (for international qualifications).
Fees: The total tuition fees for the 2023 intake is approximately R250,000.
Application Period: Application opens in March and closes in November of the preceding year.
3. Stellenbosch University - Business School
The University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB), established in 1964, offers an internationally accredited MBA program. The school focuses on responsible leadership and sustainability.
Entry Requirements: A Bachelor’s or Honours degree, a minimum of 3 years of working experience, SAQA evaluation certificate (if applicable), and a satisfactory GMAT score.
Fees: The total tuition fee for the 2023 intake is approximately R209,000.
Application Period: Applications open in April and close in November of the preceding year.
4. University of Pretoria - Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
Established in 2000, GIBS offers an MBA that emphasizes general management in dynamic markets. The program balances solid quantitative skills with a strong grounding in human issues.
Entry Requirements: 4-year Bachelor's degree or 3-year Bachelor's degree plus post-graduate diploma, minimum 5 years work experience, GMAT, and psychometric testing.
Fees: The total tuition fee for the 2023 intake is approximately R297,680.
Application Period: Applications open in February and close in October of the preceding year.
5. Rhodes Business School
Established in 2000, Rhodes Business School offers an MBA with a strong focus on sustainability and ethical business practices.
Entry Requirements: At least a 3-year degree or equivalent, post-graduate work experience, GMAT for those who graduated over ten years ago, and a satisfactory outcome in the School's selection process.
Fees: The estimated tuition fee for the 2023 intake is approximately R168,000.
Application Period: Applications open in February and close in October of the preceding year.
6. Nelson Mandela University Business School
Founded in 2008, the school offers a comprehensive MBA curriculum with a focus on developing creative and ethical business leaders.
Entry Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, a minimum of four years' work experience, and an entrance test (MAT or GMAT).
Fees: The estimated tuition fee for the 2023 intake is approximately R180,000.
Application Period: Application opens in April and closes in November of the preceding year.
7. University of KwaZulu-Natal - Graduate School of Business and Leadership
This school offers an MBA program that addresses business and leadership issues in South Africa and Africa while considering international market relations.
Entry Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, a minimum of two years' managerial experience, and either a GMAT score or Managerial Aptitude Test (MAT).
Fees: The estimated tuition fee for the 2023 intake is approximately R185,000.
Application Period: Applications open in April and close in October of the preceding year.
8. Regent Business School
Regent Business School was established in 1998 and has a strong entrepreneurial focus. The MBA degree emphasizes global business principles and leadership skills.
Entry Requirements: A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, a minimum of two years' work experience, and the Regent Business School Literacy Test.
Fees: The estimated tuition fee for the 2023 intake is approximately R120,000.
Application Period: Applications open throughout the year, but it is recommended to apply at least 3 months before the intended start date.
9. Milpark Business School
Milpark was established in 1997 and offers an MBA with a strong focus on ethical and sustainable business practices, entrepreneurship, and financial decision-making.
Entry Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree or a four-year degree (such as a B Tech), minimum 3 years of work experience at managerial or professional level, and a comprehensive CV.
Fees: The total tuition fee for the 2023 intake is approximately R175,000.
Application Period: Applications open in February and close in November of the preceding year.
10. Henley Business School Africa
Henley Africa is a branch of the University of Reading's Henley Business School, one of the oldest business schools in the UK. The school has been operating in Africa since 1992 and offers an international MBA that focuses on international business and leadership.
Entry Requirements: A good undergraduate degree or equivalent, minimum 3 years management experience, and a good GMAT score.
Fees: The total tuition fee for the 2023 intake is approximately R265,000.
Application Period: Applications are open throughout the year, with intakes in January, April, and October.
Here's a summary of the tuition fees:
| Business School | Fees (ZAR) |
| UCT - GSB | 265,000 |
| Wits - WBS | 250,000 |
| Stellenbosch - USB | 209,000 |
| Pretoria - GIBS | 297,680 |
| Rhodes Business School | 168,000 |
| Nelson Mandela University Business School | 180,000 |
| University of KwaZulu-Natal | 185,000 |
| Regent Business School | 120,000 |
| Milpark Business School | 175,000 |
| Henley Business School Africa | 265,000 |
Online MBAs for South Africans from International Business Schools:
- Imperial College Business School (UK) offers a Global Online MBA program that is flexible and designed for busy professionals.
- Warwick Business School (UK) provides a Distance Learning MBA for individuals who cannot attend full-time or part-time courses.
- Indiana University Kelley School of Business (US) offers an Online MBA program with multiple start dates throughout the year.
- University of Liverpool (UK) provides a fully Online MBA that focuses on leadership and management skills.
- University of North Carolina (US) offers an Online MBA program through its Kenan-Flagler Business School.
- IE Business School (Spain) provides a Global Online MBA that is flexible and customizable to your career goals.
- HEC Paris (France) offers an Online MBA, focusing on strategy and business environment.
- University of Illinois (US) offers an Online MBA program through its Gies College of Business.
- Australian Graduate School of Management (Australia) offers an Online MBA program designed for the working professional.
- Durham University Business School (UK) offers an Online MBA that allows students to study entirely online, enabling them to study and work concurrently.
Please visit their respective websites for up-to-date entry requirements, fees, and application periods.
FAQs:
- Can I study an MBA part-time? Yes, most schools offer a part-time MBA program that is designed for working professionals.
- What is the GMAT? The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test intended to measure a test taker's aptitude in mathematics and analytical writing.
- Are scholarships available? Yes, most universities offer scholarships based on various criteria. Contact the universities for more information.
- Do I need work experience for an MBA? Yes, most MBA programs require at least a few years of professional work experience. However, the specific amount can vary between programs.
- Can I do an MBA right after my bachelor's degree? Some schools may accept students straight from an undergraduate program if they demonstrate exceptional academic and leadership abilities. However, the majority of programs prefer applicants with post-graduate work experience.
- Do all MBAs require the GMAT? Most programs do require the GMAT, but some schools accept the GRE, and others may waive the requirement entirely for certain applicants.
- How long does it take to complete an MBA? Most full-time MBA programs last two years, although some accelerated programs may be completed in one year. Part-time or online programs often allow up to five years for completion.
- Is it worth doing an MBA in South Africa? An MBA can provide valuable business and leadership skills, open up new career opportunities, and increase your earning potential. However, it's a significant investment of time and money, so it's essential to consider your career goals and do your research.
- What is the purpose of an MBA? An MBA provides a strong foundation in business and management principles, with the opportunity to specialize in areas like finance, marketing, operations, and more. The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for leadership roles in business.
Career options and salaries for MBA graduates in South Africa
Potential career paths for MBA graduates include roles in finance (like financial manager or investment banker), consulting, healthcare (health services manager), information systems manager, marketing manager, or even entrepreneur.
MBAs could also lead to positions in operations management, product management, business development, and even in non-profit leadership. Keep in mind that salaries can vary widely depending on the role, experience, and sector.
MBA graduates might also find opportunities in areas like strategic planning, sales management, investment fund management, supply chain management, and technology management.
The average salary for MBA graduates in South Africa can range from R400,000 to R700,000 per annum, but it varies greatly depending on the role, industry, and experience level.
I hope this helps, and I wish you the best in your search for the perfect MBA program!
