Master of Business Administration
This programme is no longer being offered full-time. It can only be studied part-time on weekends over 2-4 years, and therefore international students may not be eligible for a study visa.
Transform yourself into a dynamic leader with the Waikato MBA; a world-class management qualification that is highly practical and will equip you to face the future with confidence.
The Waikato Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a life-changing qualification designed to develop individuals with the best-practice skills and agile mindset needed to become an outstanding leader or CEO.
The Waikato MBA develops graduates with the expertise to drive continuous innovation within their organisation, be able to identify emerging strategic opportunities or threats, lead high-performing teams of people, and confidently manage any challenges that come their way.
This 180-point programme is comprised of a suite of papers structured around three interdisciplinary areas - Frameworks, Leadership and Value Creation. Each area imparts the knowledge and skills that today's leaders require as they face unprecedented disruption and digital transformation in the 21st century.
The Waikato MBA is ideal for:
- Middle managers looking to step into more senior roles
- Functional, technical or professional specialists moving into positions that require broader management knowledge
- Business owners or entrepreneurs looking to add best-practice knowledge to their practical expertise.
Smaller class sizes means a higher level of interaction with your lecturers and classmates through practical and group assignments.
You will also be exposed to inspiring thought leadership presentations that will challenge your current thinking about management, and enhance your ability to drive positive changes within your own organisation.
The professional and cultural diversity of MBA participants also provides exceptional insights into different management practices and leadership behaviours, and helps to build lifelong professional networks.
Waikato has an international reputation
You'll be studying at Waikato Management School, which has held Triple Crown Accreditation from EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB since 2005. This is an international benchmark of excellence in teaching and research, achieved by less than 1% of the world's business schools.
Waikato is also ranked #1 in New Zealand for business and economics by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2022. This means we are in the top 125 universities globally for business and economics.
Key information
| Entry Requirements: |
If you are unsure, please send us a copy of your CV so we can assess your eligibility. Email [email protected] |
|---|---|
| Duration Of Study: | 2 years part-time; every second Saturday. MBA students can choose to extend the study period over 3-4 years to provide a better work/life balance. |
| Points: | 180 points |
| MBA Study Locations: | Hamilton, Tauranga Papers offered differ by location. The Catalogue of Papers has full location info. |
| Start Dates: | The main intake is March, but there are also flexible options to start later in the year. |
| Estimated Fees* (Domestic): |
$40,925 per programme (180 points)
See if you're eligible for fees-free study in your first year |
| Estimated Fees* (International): | $61,270 per programme (180 points) |
| Entry Requirements: | Postgraduate International |
| Area of Study: | |
| *Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. | |
Degree Planner
Degree planner — Master of Business Administration (MBA) - 180 points
Part 1 of the MBA programme is available to study in either Hamilton OR Tauranga, on alternate Saturdays, 8.30am - 5.00pm, so students can choose their preferred campus.
However, Part 2 of the MBA programme is taught at a mixture of both the Hamilton and Tauranga campuses, which means students will need to travel to classes held in both cities. Carpooling with other students is a good way of reducing your transport costs.
Some guest lectures are held on weeknights, and these will be recorded.
Part 1: March to December (Choose Hamilton OR Tauranga campus)
Part 2: January to November (Both campuses)
- Frameworks
- Leadership
- Value Creation
Each paper is worth 15 points, unless stated otherwise.
This information is provisional and subject to change.
Balancing travelling the country for work, spending time with family, and studying has been a challenge, but nothing that is worth doing is going to be easy – and the MBA is definitely worth it.
Read stories from other Master of Business Administration students
Entry requirements
Expand to read entry requirements
You can apply for the Waikato MBA if you have:
The entry requirements are:
- A bachelor's degree, or equivalent professional qualification; AND at least 3 years' management experience
- OR at least 7 years' management experience
Note: You don't need to have 'manager' in your current or previous job titles. Your job could involve managing projects, processes or people. If you are unsure if you have the necessary experience, please email us a copy of your CV so we can assess your eligibility.
You will also need to provide the following documentation:
- A detailed CV that outlines your education and employment history that highlights leadership and management skills or experience.
- Two written letters of reference; one from your employer and the other can be from an individual of your choice.
References should be from individuals who can comment on your managerial strengths, leadership potential and personal character.
You may be invited to attend an interview with the Waikato MBA Director (in person or via Zoom) before being admitted to this programme.
English language requirements for international students:
- an IELTS overall score of at least 6.5, including at least 6.0 in the Writing band, or
- an iBT (Internet-based TOEFL) score of at least 90, with a Writing score of at least 22, or
- a B grade or better at Level 8 in the Certificate of Attainment in Academic English, or
- an overall score of C (with at least a C in the Writing band) in the Foundation Certificate in English for Academic Purposes, or
- a PTE Academic overall score of at least 65, with no less than 58 for each communicative skill.
Scholarships and prizes
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships
Flexible study options in Hamilton or Tauranga
Expand to read Flexible study options in Hamilton or Tauranga
The main intake for the Waikato MBA programme is in March each year, but options are available to start later in the year if you wish.
Enjoy the freedom to study part-time while you work in either Hamilton or Tauranga, with MBA classes offered at both of our campuses.
For Part 1 of the programme, you can choose from the following two streams:
- Hamilton: alternate Saturdays, 8.30am - 5pm
- Tauranga: alternate Saturdays, 8.30am - 5pm
Please note that Part 2 of the MBA programme is taught at a mixture of both the Hamilton and Tauranga campuses, which means students will need to travel to classes held in both cities on alternate Saturdays. Carpooling with other students is a good way of reducing your transport costs.
Waikato MBA International Study Tour
A popular highlight of the Waikato MBA is the international study tour, with 7-9 days of industry visits and business guest speakers.
A popular highlight of the Waikato MBA is the international study tour, with 7-9 days of industry visits and business guest speakers.
This provides an opportunity for you to learn first-hand about doing business in different cultures, and see how global theories work in practice.
Not only will you visit successful blue-chip companies to see how they are run, but you'll also get to talk to their leaders.
You'll meet New Zealanders actively engaged in the business world, representatives from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, attend networking events with MBA participants from the host country, and engage with senior economic commentators.
Finally, you'll attend a series of seminars focused on the economies of the countries you visit.
In 2023, our MBA students will be travelling to Singapore for a week in October/November!
Please note that costs of the trip are fully covered by your tuition fees.
Contacts
Contact details
Tamie Shewry
Programme Manager for the MBA and Executive Education
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +64 7 838 4833
Mob: 022 480 1337
Please contact us if you would like to book a one-to-one session (in person or on Zoom) to find out everything you need to know about the Waikato MBA programme and how it can fast-track your career trajectory.
Have a chat with one of our friendly advisers to help you plan your degree.
Phone: +64 7 838 4610
Email: [email protected]