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.
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.
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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 online and on-campus programmes share the same curriculum, submit the same assignments, and have the same entry requirements.
A part-time, on-campus programme is also available, over 27 months with a flexible start date.
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.
- BMBA 501 Business Law
- BMBA 502 Markets and Value Creation
- BMBA 503 Transformational Leadership
- BMBA 505 Business Economics
- BMBA 506 People and Culture
- BMBA 507 Accounting
- BMBA 508 Investment and Global Financial Markets
- BMBA 509 Strategic Planning for International Markets
- BMBA 510 Leading Sustainable Enterprises
- BMBA 511 Operational Excellence
- BMBA 512 International Business
- BMBA 513 Strategy Implementation
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 speakers | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MBA Case Competition | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Professional development programme | Yes | Yes | No |
| Mentor programme | Yes | No | No |
| One-to-one personal coaching | Yes | Yes | No |
| Workshops and seminars | Yes | Yes | No |
| Business networking events | Yes | Yes | No |
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 various MBA business schools and universities around the world:
- University of Western Australia
Perth, Australia - Vienna University of Economics and Business – Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien
Vienna, Austria - Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV- EAESP), São Paulo School of Business
São Paulo, Brazil - Western University, Ivey Business School
London, Ontario, Canada - York University, Schulich School of Business
Toronto, Ontario, Canada - Copenhagen Business School
Copenhagen, Denmark - Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo De México (ITAM)
Mexico City, Mexico - Rotterdam School of Management / Faculteit Bedrijfskunde
Rotterdam, Netherlands - National University of Singapore (NUS)
Singapore, Singapore - Yonsei University
Seoul, South Korea - Duke University, Fuqua School of Business
Durham, NC, USA - Indiana University, Kelley School of Business
Bloomington, IN, USA - University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management
Minneapolis, MN, USA - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan-Flagler MBA
Chapel Hill, NC, USA
Visit the Otago Global Student Exchange site for up-to-date details
| Term | Term dates | On campus | Online | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cohort 24 | Cohort 25 | Cohort 26 | Cohort 27 | |||
| 1 |
12 Jan - 22 Feb | MBA Short Courses | BMBA 509 Strategic Planning | BMBA 507 Accounting | ||
| 1-week break | ||||||
| 2 |
2 Mar - 12 Apr | BMBA 503 Transformational Leadership BMBA 507 Accounting | BMBA 512 International Business | BMBA 509 Strategic Planning | ||
| 1-week break | Orientation | |||||
| 3 |
20 Apr - 31 May | BMBA 501 Business Law BMBA 505 Business Economics | BMBA 513 Strategy Implementation | BMBA 508 Finance | BMBA 503 Transformational Leadership | |
| 1-week break | ||||||
| 4 |
8 Jun - 19 Jul | BMBA 508 Finance BMBA 511 Operational Excellence | BMBA 511 Operational Excellence | BMBA 501 Business Law | ||
| 1-week break | ||||||
| 5 |
27 Jul - 6 Sep | BMBA 510 Leading Sustainable Enterprises BMBA 506 People and Culture | BMBA 512 International Business | BMBA 505 Business Economics | ||
| 1-week break | Orientation | |||||
| 6 |
14 Sep - 25 Oct | BMBA 502 Markets and Value Creation BMBA 509 Strategic Planning | BMBA 513 Strategy Implementation | BMBA 506 People and Culture | BMBA 503 Transformational Leadership | |
| 1-week break | ||||||
| 7 |
2 Nov - 13 Dec | BMBA 512 International Business BMBA 513 Strategy Implementation | BMBA 510 Leading Sustainable Enterprises | BMBA 502 Markets and Value Creation | BMBA 505 Economics | |
Application process
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 study.
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 applications as they are received. - Step: 2 – Entrance Test and Interview
Eligible applicants will be invited to attend a video conference comprising an entrance test and interview. As part of the interview, you will be sent a business case study in advance. During the session, you will present a 15-minute analysis of the case study, followed by a short question-and-answer discussion. Alternatively, you may meet this requirement by submitting a GMAT score of 550 or higher. - Step: 3 – 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 documentation for your final University admissions application. - Step: 4 – 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.
| Phase | Fees |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 ( (12 papers × NZ$2,721) | NZ$32,652* |
| Phase 2 (Irrespective of study path chosen) | NZ$10,884* |
| Total | NZ$43,536* |
* Please note: Tuition fees increase each year. All fees in this guide are for 2026.
Domestic students - on campus (full-time or part-time)
Fees information for NZ citizens, or New Zealand Residence Class Visa Holders studying in NZ
| Phase | Fees |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 (12 papers × NZ$2,721) | NZ$32,652* |
| Phase 2 (Irrespective of study path chosen) | NZ$10,884* |
| Total | NZ$43,536* |
* Please note: Tuition fees increase each year. All fees in this guide are for 2026.
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 for 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.
| Phase | Fees |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 (12 papers x NZ$4,765) | NZ$57,180* |
| Phase 2 (Irrespective of study path chosen) | NZ$19,060* |
| Total | NZ$76,240 * |
* Please note: Tuition fees increase each year. All fees in this guide are for 2027.
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 2027 will be NZ$76,240
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 contact us at:
Tel +64 3 479 4181
Freephone 0800 80 80 98 (from within New Zealand)
Department of Executive Programmes
PO Box 56
Dunedin 9054
The MBA office is open 9am–5pm (New Zealand Time) Monday–Friday, excluding public holidays.
Ready to apply?
Complete our online application form and start your academic adventure with the Otago MBA.
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