Study-in-New-Zealand-mobile

Top Universities to Study an MBA in New Zealand

Last updated: 22 September 2023 MBA NZ Course Guide

An MBA is one of the sought-after qualifications in the world, leading to endless career paths and immense exposure in the business and management world. However, selecting the right career for an MBA abroad is as important as choosing the right specialization.

New Zealand is home to some of the reputed management universities globally, and pursuing an MBA in New Zealand has become a demanding destination for those aspiring to study management. In this blog, we will be jotting down some of the best universities in NZ that offer the best MBA programs in the world that inclines your career interests.

best mba in new zealand

Why Study an MBA in New Zealand?

New Zealand is known as the world's most successful business education destination. Cities like Wellington, the capital of NZ, ranked 2nd most livable, 3rd happiest, and 18th safest in the global rankings. It allows international students to experience high-quality education and a proper work-life balance. In addition, New Zealand holds 4th place in education with an education index of 0.93. 

Pursuing an MBA in New Zealand can help students grow professionally by offering immersive learning experiences that blend theoretical approaches, practical experience, and industry engagement.

  1. Campuses are built with a conducive learning environment
  2. The universities have state-of-the-art classroom facilities
  3. An MBA degree from New Zealand is accepted globally
  4. MBA colleges in New Zealand conduct regular workshops and practical training to hone industry-oriented skills
  5. The MBA degrees available in NZ are affordable compared to other countries

- Benefits of studying an MBA in New Zealand

Some of the top benefits of pursuing an MBA for international students are as follows:

MBA Course Types

New Zealand offers various MBA programs catering to diverse interests and career goals.

Top Universities for MBA in New Zealand

1. University of Auckland

The University of Auckland (UoA) is a public flagship research university established in 1883 in Auckland, New Zealand. It is one of the largest and highest-ranked universities in NZ. The university ranks 43rd out of 1123 institutions for Business and Management studies. Leaders with skills and knowledge drive the University of Auckland MBA to inspire excellence, growth, and change. 

The MBA program is taught quarterly. Each quarter comprises classes conducted from Week 1 to 10, followed by an assessment test in Week 11 and a break week in Week 12. In the final quarter of the MBA program in NZ, students can work with an international business organization to develop strategic recommendations for growing internationally. The MBA program at UoA offers students a unique experience with integrated cross-disciplinary learning and internationally recognized programs. 

The average age of students here is 37.5, and the average work experience of students with an MBA is around 13 years. 38% of the class population is female. 

2. University of Otago

The University of Otago is a public research collegiate university established in 1869 in Dunedin, New Zealand. Matariki Network of Universities affiliates the university for its academics. The University of Otago Business School ranks 151-200 in Full-time MBA rankings Global 2023, with an acceptance rate of 58%. According to QS World University ranking 2024, the university secured the position of #206.

The University of Otago Business Schools curriculum is designed to deliver a solid foundation across all business disciplines, both full-time and part-time. The on-campus MBA program can be completed within 15 months to two years, depending on students' elective choices. International students who opt for a part-time MBA can complete it in two to three years. 

The MBA curriculum is divided into two phases- Phase I comprises 12 compulsory core papers covering key business areas and live case studies. In Phase II, students can choose elective papers or a combination of an international exchange program. 

3. Victoria University of Wellington

The Victoria University of Wellington is a public university established in 1897 by the Act of Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand. According to the QS World Rankings 2024, the university was ranked 241, with an acceptance rate of 64%. The PG Economics and Business Program has been consecutively ranked between 301 and 400 for three years by the Times Higher Education. 

The MBA at Victoria University of Wellington Business School aims to develop leaders who can consider the commercial, governance, and social implications of economic activities. In addition, the professional programs are curated by the industry-leading researchers. Full and part-time MBAs are available in various specializations, such as tourism management, accounting, global business, etc. The master’s program is trimester coursework-based, gaining valuable skills in business and management. 

Students applying for an MBA abroad can advance their leadership, research, and analysis skills with PG programs in NZ. They can learn about national and international developments in management practice, including organizational behaviour and strategic management. 

4. Massey University

Massey University is a public university established in 1927 in Palmerston North, Auckland. The university ranks 11th globally for online Masters of Business Administration 2023, with an acceptance rate of 65%. The university's QS World University Ranking 2024 is #239. The MBA at Massey University Business School is designed to develop essential business skills that are closely connected to business practices. 

Students can choose a full-time or part-time program, ranging from two to five years. Specializations available are digital transformation, business sustainability, and international marketing. After completing the course programs, students can ensure that they have a positive impact on themselves, understand and respond through sound business practices, think critically, and make decisions with integrity based on complex information. 

5. University of Canterbury

The University of Canterbury Business School is a public research university established in 1873 in Christchurch, New Zealand. According to QS World University Rankings, UC ranks 256 globally, with an acceptance rate of 50%. 

The AMBA, a global MBA standard, accredits the UC MBA. Only two percent of colleges offer AMBA-accredited courses. The program aims to produce well-rounded students capable of creating and growing international organizations through innovation, digital transformation, and responsible societal engagement. 

The MBA curriculum of UC covers 125 points for compulsory subjects, 10 points for elective courses, and a consulting project of 45 points. In addition, the program facilitates opportunities, such as guest lectures, networking events, and many more. 

MBA Scholarships and Financial Aid

NZ offers scholarships to international students based on their eligibility to make the cost of living affordable and livable. Students are allowed to work part-time to ease their financial conditions. They can work 20 hours per week and full-time during scheduled holidays. Students applying for an MBA can receive scholarships and financial aid through the New Zealand government, educational institutions, and private funding sources. However, the fees for an MBA in New Zealand can depend on the type of university and specialization chosen. 

Some of the top scholarship programs available in NZ for international students include:

Scholarship Name Offered by Grant
International Student Excellence Scholarship Massey University $10,000 (bi-annually)
Alison MacGibbon Fund University of Canterbury 300
International Academic Achievement Scholarship University of Auckland  $20,000

How to choose the best MBA?

Choosing the right university for an MBA can ease a lot of confusion. Many factors matter the most in the MBA application process. Do your research and homework about the universities that you are interested in. We have listed some essential factors you must consider while choosing an MBA abroad

Top Recruiters for MBA in New Zealand  

Here is the list of top employers for MBA jobs in New Zealand, along with the average salary scale.

Companies Annual Salary
Fonterra $1,02,000
Auckland City Council $1,40,000
Westpac Banking Corp $1,52,500
ANZ Group $1,90,000
HCL Technologies Limited $1,02,920
Aviat Networks $1,74,900
Air New Zealand Ltd $98,500
Vodafone  $79,000

Top-Paying Universities for MBA Jobs 

The below business schools in New Zealand equip individuals with high-paying jobs in business and management.

Name of the University Average Pay-Scale (per year) 
Victoria University of Wellington $1,36,000
The University of Otago $1,11,600
Massey University $83,600
The University of Canterbury $77,200
The University of Auckland  $72,000

Study an MBA in New Zealand

Get expert support and advice about choosing the right New Zealand business school with SI-Global to study in New Zealand.

FAQ

Is New Zealand good for studying for an MBA?

New Zealand is known for its high-quality education with 0.08% higher ROI. Additionally, it has diverse funding options followed by working visa availability while studying. It is expected that the market for MBA jobs will grow by 3.2% in the next few years and will continue to grow.

Which MBA is in demand in New Zealand?

New Zealand offers MBA programs in various specializations in various categories, such as full-time, part-time, executive, and online MBA programs. However, some top MBA courses include finance, marketing management, tourism management, information technology, digital marketing, and HR management.

Which MBA offers the best salary?

An MBA in finance is one of the highest-paying jobs in MBA specializations. The curriculum comprises knowledge and skills regarding asset management, financial planning, resource management, etc. Other high-paying MBA specializations are- business analytics and international business. The average starting pay scale for MBA graduates is NZD85000. Some top recruiters are Auckland City Council, Suncorp, Fonterra, EY, etc. 

Is it good to pursue an MBA in New Zealand?

New Zealand is home to reputable universities that offer MBAs in different specializations. As of 2022, the employability rate in New Zealand increased to 69. 50 percent in the first quarter of 2023 from 69. 30 percent in the fourth quarter of 2022. Thus, pursuing an MBA degree from NZ can enhance your management, critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills. Auckland and Christchurch are two main hubs for career opportunities in MBAs. 

Is the GMAT required for top B-schools in New Zealand?

Yes, GMAT scores are required for international students along with IELTS/TOEFL scores. However, universities in NZ, such as Auckland University, University of Canterbury, etc., do not require GMAT scores for MBA admission.

Universities featured in this article:

  • University of Auckland
  • University of Otago
  • Victoria University of Wellington
  • Massey University
  • University of Canterbury
Back to Study Guide

"SI-New Zealand helped me successfully apply to study business in New Zealand and I cannot thank them enough for their support. They assisted me with each step, ensuring I was aware of all my options in terms of program and university selection, making the process totally stress free."

Isabella Ramos Business and Management

Isabella Ramos

Leading Universities in New Zealand