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    The Otago MBA is ranked #1 in New Zealand | Ko te MBA o Ōtākou kei te tihi o te maunga ki Aotearoa

    (QS Online MBA Ranking 2022 #26 and #1 for Class Experience, QS Global MBA Rankings 2022 Top NZ MBA)

    Established in 1976, the Otago MBA emphasises practical application of business theories through case studies, live cases and professional consulting engagements. Preparing students for careers anywhere in the world, we offer diversity in class and a rigorous practice-oriented curriculum with strong elements of international business.

    Start dates
    Online: April and September
    Full-time: March
    Part-time: Flexible
    Duration
    Online: 24 months
    Full-time:15 months
    Part-time: 27 months
    Location
    Online,
    Dunedin

    Overview

    The University of Otago is consistently ranked in the top 200 universities of the world by the QS World University Ranking. This places Otago in the top 1% of universities in the world. The Otago Business School holds dual EQUIS and AASCB accreditation, a level of international recognition less than 100 business schools have achieved worldwide. And thanks to our ongoing commitment to meet the ever-changing needs of future business leaders, it is no surprise that the Otago MBA is ranked #1 in New Zealand.

    For a reputable programme that ranks among the world's best MBAs, our tuition fees are comparatively affordable. Additionally, the cost of living in Dunedin is among the lowest for New Zealand cities. What is more, Dunedin was voted most beautiful city in New Zealand, and the University of Otago campus is rated one of the top-15 most beautiful campuses in the world.

    Why choose the Otago MBA?


    Find out what makes the Otago MBA the #1 MBA in New Zealand.

    Find out more
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    Course structure

    The Otago MBA is an academically demanding and rigorous two-phase programme which delivers a solid foundation across all key business areas.

    Both programmes share the same curriculum, submit the same assignments and the entry requirements are the same for all our MBA programmes.

    Phase one of the Otago MBA consists of the following components:

    12 compulsory core papers

    The core papers cover key business areas and have been specially designed for our MBA programme.

    Live case study (on campus only)

    The on-campus programmes include a live case study conducted in collaboration with the business community.

    Extra-curricular activities

    Extra-curricular activities and professional development opportunities vary for online and on-campus programmes.

    Activity On-campus
    full-time
    On-campus
    part-time
    Online
    Guest speakersYesYesYes
    MBA Case CompetitionYesYesYes
    Professional development programmeYesYesNo
    Mentor programmeYesNoNo
    One-to-one personal coachingYesYesNo
    Workshops and seminarsYesYesNo
    Business networking eventsYesYesNo

    Phase two of the Otago MBA can be completed through one or a combination of the following options:

    Professional consulting engagement

    This business project is one of the highlights of the Otago MBA programme. It is an opportunity to work with a real-world client on a project that is aligned with your career ambition. Your project is marked based on your ability to manage the project process, interactions with the client and the quality of your final report.

    Elective papers  (on-campus only, available to online students)

    The University of Otago MBA offers six 10-point short courses in advanced topics taught every January to February.

    International exchange programme

    The Otago MBA has international exchange partnerships with 20 top MBA business schools and universities around the world.

    Application process

    The application deadline is 6 weeks prior to the first class for each intake.

    The Otago MBA's rolling admissions process means applications are considered as they are received.

    Please submit your application early. Class sizes are limited and applications for each cohort close when seats are filled.

    The Otago MBA application process is rigorous. It includes completing the application form, an entrance test and an interview via video conference where you will be asked to do a presentation on a recent news item. You will be notified of the result within one week of completing the interview.

    The application process and entry requirements are the same for both the Online and On-campus intakes of the Otago MBA programme.

    For entry into the Otago MBA, students must meet the following criteria:

    • An undergraduate degree (or equivalent or an acceptable level of management experience)
    • A minimum of 3 years' professional / management experience
    • A 550+ GMAT score or a 'pass' in the Otago MBA Admissions Test
    • An IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent (if English is not your first language)

    The Otago MBA minimum entry requirements are the same for both online and on-campus.

    How to apply

    • Step: 1 – Online Application Form
      Complete the application form including an upload of your most recent CV/Resume. The Otago MBA has a rolling admissions process, accepting and assessing application as they are received.
    • Step: 2 – Entrance Test
      The Otago MBA Admissions Test (OAT) is a written test case study analysis which is completed by video conference. Our office will guide you through this process once your fully completed application form has been received and assessed. Alternatively you can provide a GMAT test result with score of 550 or higher.
    • Step: 3 – Interview
      You will be interviewed by the Otago MBA Admissions Manager via video conference. As part of the interview, you will be required to provide a short verbal presentation on a business or news topic of your choice.
    • Step: 4 – MBA Admission – Final Decision
      A decision will be made on your application within one week of the interview. You will need to start preparing your supporting documentations for your final University admissions application.
    • Step: 5 – University Admission – Final Offer of Place
      You will need to complete your University Admissions application via our eVision system. You will be required to upload certified copies of any previous academic transcripts and identification documents such as your passport biopage.

    Domestic students - online

    Fees information for NZ citizens, or New Zealand Residence Class Visa Holders studying in NZ

    The tuition fees for the Online MBA programme can be paid on a pay-as-you-go basis.

    PhaseFees
    Phase 1 ( (12 papers × NZ$2,421.75) NZ$29,061*
    Phase 2 (Irrespective of study path chosen) NZ$9,687*
    Total NZ$38,748*

    * Please note: Tuition fees increase each year. All fees in this guide are for 2024.

    Domestic students - on campus (full-time or part-time)

    Fees information for NZ citizens, or New Zealand Residence Class Visa Holders studying in NZ

    PhaseFees
    Phase 1 (12 papers × NZ$2,421.75) NZ$29,061*
    Phase 2 (Irrespective of study path chosen) NZ$9,687*
    Total NZ$38,748*

    * Please note: Tuition fees increase each year. All fees in this guide are for 2024.

    Additional information about fees
    • Fees are inclusive of 15% GST (New Zealand Goods and Services Tax)
    • Tuition fees do not include any of the University's sundry charges (see below for indicative pricing)
    • Some costs such as additional or specialised printing, stationery and special events or trips are not included in the fee.
    Student Services fee (on campus only)

    The annual Student Services fee incorporates charges for a range of services which are charged in addition to the above fee. These services include:

    • Access to student gym facilities
    • Subsidised health and counselling services for domestic students
    • Access to OUSA support services and recreational facilities
    • Access to University recreation services
    • Internet access

    Those staying on campus in the second year (Phase 2) will be invoiced for a second annual Student Services fee at that time.

    Those continuing off campus may apply for an exemption.

    Find more information about the University of Otago Student Services fee

    International students - online

    Fees information for overseas students and New Zealand Residence Class Visa Holders studying outside of NZ

    The tuition fees for the Online MBA programme are charged on a pay-as-you-go basis.

    PhaseFees
    Phase 1 (12 papers x NZ$4322.13) NZ$51,865.56*
    Phase 2  (Irrespective of study path chosen) NZ$17,288.44*
    TotalNZ$69,154.00*

    * Please note: Tuition fees increase each year. All fees in this guide are for 2025.

    International students – on campus

    Fees information for international students who need to apply for student visa

    International students are required to pay the total current tuition fee in advance.

    The total international tuition fee for the programme in 2025 will be NZ$69,154.00

    Additional information about fees
    • Fees are inclusive of 15% GST (New Zealand Goods and Services Tax)
    • Tuition fees do not include any of the University's sundry charges (see below for indicative pricing)
    • Some costs such as additional or specialised printing, stationery and special events or trips are not included in the fee.
    • Typically international fees increase annually, recently by around 3-5 per cent per year.
    Student Services fee (on-campus only)

    The annual Student Services fee incorporates charges for a range of services which are charged in addition to the above fee. These services include:

    • Access to student gym facilities
    • Subsidised health and counselling services for domestic students
    • Access to OUSA support services and recreational facilities
    • Access to University recreation services
    • Internet access

    Those staying on campus in the second year (Phase 2) will be invoiced for a second annual Student Services fee at that time.

    Those continuing off campus may apply for an exemption.

    Find more information about the University of Otago Student Services fee

    Contact us

    For any enquiries please complete our online form or contact us at:

    Tel +64 3 479 4181
    Freephone 0800 80 80 98 (from within New Zealand)

    The MBA office is open 9am–5pm (New Zealand Time) Monday–Friday, excluding public holidays.

    Ready to start the application process?

    Complete our online application form and start your academic adventure with the Otago MBA.

    Apply now
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