An MBA is one of the sought-after qualifications in the world and it leads 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. On that note, 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.
The Benefits of Studying an MBA in New Zealand
An MBA or Master of Business Administration is a highly career-oriented degree program that offers dynamic career opportunities with a high-salary package. Some top benefits of pursuing an MBA for international students are as follows -
- Career growth opportunities
- No age limit
- Global Credentials
- Entrepreneur abilities, networking skills, and high credibility
- Long-term investment
- Better career prospects
Why Study an MBA in New Zealand?
New Zealand is known as the world's most successful business education destination. It is one of the best countries for an MBA. As of 2022, the employability rate in New Zealand has increased to 69. 50 in the first quarter of 2023 from 69. 30 percent in the fourth quarter of 2022. 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 bags 4th position in education with an education index of 0.93.
Pursuing an MBA in New Zealand can help students grow professionally with immersive learning experiences, offering a blend of theoretical approaches, practical experience, and industry engagement. Here are some reasons to study MBA in NZ -
- Campuses are built with a conducive learning environment.
- The universities have state-of-the-art classroom facilities.
- An MBA degree from New Zealand is accepted globally.
- MBA colleges in New Zealand conduct regular workshops and practical training to hone industry-oriented skills.
- The MBA degrees available in NZ are affordable compared to other countries.
MBA Course Types in New Zealand
New Zealand offers various MBA programs catering to diverse interests and career goals.
- Full-time MBA - provides a deep understanding of various business disciplines, strategic management, leadership skills, and practical business applications.
- Part-time or Executive MBA - This course is specially curated for working professionals. These programs allow students to pursue their MBA while continuing their professional careers with flexible schedules.
- Global MBA - These courses provide a global perspective on business management by incorporating international business with in-depth knowledge and skills inclined to a particular topic.
- Online MBA - Many MBA colleges in New Zealand offer online courses to study at their own pace from anywhere in the world.
Top Universities for MBA in New Zealand
1. University of Auckland (UoA)
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 to grow 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.
- Popular specialization - Master of Professional Accounting (MProAcctg)
- Entry requirements - A bachelor’s degree and a recognized English language test with at least three years of work experience.
- International fees - $87,816
- Career Prospects - Business advisors, auditors, tax specialists, and more.
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 available full 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.
- Popular specialization - MBA in Finance
- Entry requirements - Undergraduate degree with at least three years of experience, GMAT or IELTS qualification.
- Career prospects - Investment Associate, Service Delivery Manager, Finance Lending Specialist, etc.
3. Victoria University of Wellington Business School
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 behavior and strategic management.
- Popular specialization - Master of Global Business
- Entry requirements - A bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a B grade.
- International fees - $53,300
4. Massey University Business School
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 QS World University Ranking 2024 of the university is #239. MBA at Massey University Business School is designed in a way to develop essential business skills that are closely connected to business practices.
Students can avail of the full-time or part-time program, ranging from two to five years. Specializations available are - digital transformation, business sustainability, and international marketing. After completion of 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.
- Popular Specialization - MBA in Business Sustainability
- Entry requirements - Relevant bachelor’s degree or its equivalent with English language requirements.
- International fees -$54,700
- Career Prospects - Business Development Manager, Associate Development Manager, etc.
5. University of Canterbury Business School (UC)
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 the 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.
- Popular Specialization - Masters of Business Administration
- Entry requirements - Bachelor’s degree or a postgraduate diploma in Business Administration. Students must also meet the English language requirements.
- International fees - $58,500
- Career Prospects - Business Operations Manager, Logistics Manager, Financial Analysts, etc.
MBA Scholarships and Financial Aid
To make the cost of living affordable and livable, NZ offers various scholarships to international students based on their eligibility. 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 MBA in New Zealand fees 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. There are a lot of factors that matter the most in the MBA application process. Do your research and homework about the universities that you are interested in. Here, we have listed some essential factors you must consider while choosing an MBA abroad.
- Check your budget. Investing in an MBA program can be hectic and fruitful for long-term career growth. Therefore, look for complete expenses, such as accommodation, course fees, etc. For detailed analysis, visit the official website and check their ranking and fee structure.
- Check for the acceptance rate of the MBA university. The acceptance rate is the percentage of students the university accepts at the time of admission. However, the acceptance rate might vary for different MBA Colleges in New Zealand.
- Check for the rankings, scholarships, placements, and the number of specializations the university offers. Also, look at whether the university allows part-time work opportunities.
Top Recruiters for MBA in New Zealand
NZ has a flourishing business market for finance, telecommunications, tourism, digital marketing, etc., with some large service sector companies. Here is the list of top employers for MBA jobs in NZ, 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 |
MBA 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 MBA, online MBA, etc. 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 has increased to 69. 50 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 MBA.
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.
