Business and management degrees in New Zealand are internationally recognised, and the country has schools with great international student support services. New Zealand has a stable economy, a low cost of living, and a quality educational system. New Zealand also has natural beauty in abundance for you to explore. All of these factors combine to make New Zealand a top study destination for international students, including MBA aspirants. Here are the reasons why it is a good idea to pursue a Master of Business Administration in the Land of the Long White Cloud.
Let’s dive right in…
Why Should You Study MBA in New Zealand?
An MBA from the New Zealand is greatly valued around the world. With globally recognised MBA courses, New Zealand promises amazing career opportunities for MBA graduates. The key characteristics that attract foreign nationals to pursue an MBA in New Zealand include the following.
Affordability and high ROI
The approximate MBA fees in New Zealand range between $20,000 and $40,000 a year, which makes it more affordable to pursue this qualification here than in other popular study destinations. The cost of living in New Zealand falls between $5,000 and $10,000 a year. If you consider the aforesaid tuition fee and cost of living, it is safe to say that the yearly MBA cost in New Zealand amounts to approximately $30,000 to $55,000 or so. On the other hand, the approximate salary range for MBA graduates in New Zealand is between $100,000 and $180,000 a year, which assures you of a high return on investment (ROI).
|
University |
MBA duration |
Approximate MBA cost for 180 credits |
|
University of Canterbury |
16 months |
$55,950 |
|
Auckland University of Technology |
1 to 1.5 years |
$56,361 |
|
University of Otago |
1.5 to 2 years |
$63,328 |
|
Victoria University of Wellington |
1.5 years |
$65,750 |
|
Massey University |
12 months |
$54,700 |
A qualification with international recognition
There are some prestigious universities offering MBA and management programs in New Zealand that make the list of the top-ranked universities globally. These universities hold extracurricular activities on a regular basis to aid students in honing their business and management skills as well as soft skills.
Student-friendly visa policies
Best MBA Universities in New Zealand
An MBA from any of these universities in New Zealand is a globally recognised qualification that comes with many different specialisations.
The University of Canterbury
The University of Canterbury has an MBA program that strives to not only help you gain the required knowledge and skills, but also make you engage well enough with top industry professionals. As part of the program, the university holds multiple workshops, guest lectures, networking events, and seminars to help improve student learning experiences.
The University of Canterbury has an Association of MBAs accreditation, an international standard for this qualification. Only a small number of business schools around the world provide AMBA-accredited programs. The institution facilitates research collaboration and student exchange programs through its associations with universities abroad. It is known for its excellence in teaching and research as well.
Every year, the University of Canterbury also brings in around 70 visiting academics from its partner universities, which further helps improve its teaching programs. These faculty members occupy the most important positions in their fields and play an active role in creating and publishing research pieces.
Auckland University of Technology
Auckland University of Technology offers an MBA program for those who want to become entrepreneurs or work in senior-level positions. Qualifying for the program requires experience working in a relevant field for five years after a bachelor's degree or its equivalent qualification. The university designed its curriculum for an MBA by keeping in mind the requirements of complex and fast-paced business environments, where leaders should have a good understanding of every business division and cross-cultural team management.
As per the 2023 World University Rankings of Times Higher Education, AUT is the best university in New Zealand for business and management education under the "International Outlook" category. This highlights the capability of the university to not only attract international students and academics but also collaborate with many other institutions abroad.
The University of Otago
The Otago MBA features a student exchange program, professional development opportunities, and a rigorous curriculum. Academically speaking, it is a demanding master's program that aims to deliver a strong foundation in all key areas of business. The program consists of two phases. In the first phase, there are 12 core papers that cover relevant business areas and a case study. In the second phase, it is possible to continue the program through an international student exchange, elective papers, and/or a consulting engagement.
You can complete the full-time MBA in 15 to 24 months, depending on the electives you choose in the second phase of the program. Exemplary academics conduct lectures in small classes, allowing for personalised learning experiences. The university is also affiliated with about 20 top schools around the world, which allows it to hold student exchange programs. The course aims to aid you in becoming an international professional who is prepared to make decisions on matters with a global effect.
Victoria University of Wellington
The university has an executive MBA (EMBA) program that aims to aid students in having a comprehensive understanding of business aspects. VUW is among the best universities in New Zealand for an MBA, thanks partly to its ace researchers and teachers, who are always on hand to aid students in growing. As an MBA student at VUW, you can make the best use of the school's affiliations with the government, scientific research, and business communities. The curriculum emphasises research projects and practical internships that allow students to take part in leadership-oriented programs.
The structure of the program is designed in such a way that it helps students balance their work, academic, and personal lives. The program allows for building strong networks with students, leading faculty members, and other business community members. Besides, with the program, you can master models and tools that enhance strategic thinking, leadership, and decision-making skills.
Massey University
Massey University offers one of the cheapest MBA programs in New Zealand for international students. The program has many teachers with years of corporate experience, executives doubling up as guest lecturers, and subject matter experts. For the program, the university conducts discussions on modern-day business issues and management challenges from around the world. The latest trends and research will only enhance MBA students' learning experiences.
Global business, digital transformation, and business sustainability are the three specialisation options for the MBA program. Any one of these specialisations will offer you a competitive edge when you are positioning yourself for exciting employment prospects.
As part of the program, you can access world-class technology around the clock, as well as engaging methods of learning including online team meetings, group work, and forums. As per the QS rankings, Massey University is among the 300 best universities in the world for business and management education.
MBA Admission in New Zealand Eligibility Requirements
The requirements to qualify for MBA and management programs in New Zealand may vary from one university to another but are usually as follows:
- An undergraduate degree in New Zealand or its equivalent qualification.
- A GPA of 2.7 or more. (Note however, that some New Zealand universities do not have GPA requirements.)
- At least 3 years of work experience. (Note however, that there are universities with no work experience requirement.)
- A university-specified score in the IELTS or TOEFL.
- A university-specified GMAT score. (Note however, that there are universities that do not require GMAT scores.)
- Previous academic transcripts.
- Statement of Purpose.
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Job Opportunities After MBA in New Zealand
Usually, MBA graduates in New Zealand take up influential positions in important and growing industries domestically and internationally. They can significantly impact the industry they work in, with the credibility, judgement, and capability to handle significant projects, business units, and teams.
The unemployment rate in New Zealand is 4.5% or so. As a result, it is safe to say that you will have job opportunities in the country as an MBA graduate. Popular companies with vacancies for MBA graduates include Datacom, Kiwibank, Deloitte, and ANZ Banking Corporation.
|
Role |
Annual salary estimate |
|
Managing director |
$120,000 |
|
Consultant |
Between $50,000 and $100,000 |
|
Marketing manager |
$97,000 |
|
General manager |
$133,000 |
|
Assistant accountant |
$55,000 |
|
HR manager |
$58,000 |
|
Assistant manager |
$120,000 |
|
Project manager |
$115,000 |
Is GMAT a must for an MBA at a New Zealand school?
A GMAT score is usually a must to be eligible for a business and management program internationally. However, most universities in New Zealand do not have GMAT score requirements for their MBA programs, like Massey University and the University of Otago, to name two.
Can I do an MBA in New Zealand without work experience?
You can, even though some of the best universities in New Zealand for an MBA have work experience requirements for admission. Contact our expert counsellors for more details about a top university where you can pursue an MBA with no work experience in New Zealand.
How much GPA is required for an MBA in New Zealand?
The GPA requirement varies from one university to another, and only some schools in New Zealand have it. A Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.7 is usually a must to be considered for MBA and management programs in New Zealand. That said, many business schools in the country do not even have GPA requirements.
Which MBA specialisation is most in demand in New Zealand?
HR, marketing, digital marketing, IT, finance, and tourism management are among the most sought-after specialisations in the country.
Are you keen on pursuing an MBA in New Zealand? Approach our counsellors for a free one-on-one consultation to learn more about affordable and the cheapest MBA programs in New Zealand for international students.
