University of Otago School of Business

The University

The University of Otago is New Zealand's oldest University and is home to The Otago full time MBA; now in its 33rd year and is the only internationally recognised executive qualification in New Zealand that challenges students from day one to push their academic boundaries in pursuit of business excellence.

Otago’s reputation for academic rigour and dual accrediation earned its place alongside the most famous and influential schools in North America and Europe, and so the Otago MBA began the 21st Century ranked in the Top 100 MBA Programmes worldwide.

The Business School

As a student on The Otago MBA you will be part of a select group of highly motivated, intelligent and mature managers drawn from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures, who work together in a supportive and collaborative environment. The small class size ensures a large degree of personal mentoring and guidance from staff.

Otago MBA students develop critical thinking and awareness skills, receive career guidance and training and gain an international standing through the benefits of;

- Small boutique style classes
- Experienced & highly respected teaching staff
- Guest speakers & visiting academic faculty
- Links to the business community

Throughout the programme wide use is made of practitioners and leaders from within the business community in both Dunedin and wider New Zealand for both teaching and mentoring. Developing these relationships not only benefits the MBA students, but adds value to the organisations concerned. We are assisted in strengthening these links with the business community through our association with organisations such as the Otago Chamber of Commerce.

The Program

The Otago MBA is an academically rigorous 16-month full time MBA with a strong focus on managerial relevance, practical application, and personal development.
The 16 months are split into five 'modules'; the first four of which represent the 'taught' component of the course and fifth module is a substantial, client based consulting and research project which takes place off campus.

Early in the programme, the papers are skills and tools based and are designed to put the foundations firmly in place. These provide an appropriate foundation for the study of the four main functional areas of management that are the focus later in the programme.

Papers are designed with the latest in research informing the teaching and supported by practical application in the world of business and consulting. Wide use is made of practitioners and leaders from within the business community for both teaching and mentoring.

If you choose to do a consulting project students will be engaged in the identification and resolution of problematic issues confronting a client organisation, therefore adding value to it. The outcomes of this exercise also need to encompass the sound theoretical and academic underpinnings of the business project which are contained in a major research essay. The project is an opportunity to stretch your knowledge and capabilities beyond their limits.

For those of you who perhaps come from a consulting background, or just want to experience study at one of our partner institutions, you may choose to undertake a period of study at one of our many partner institutions in 30 countries ranging from Argentina to the USA and each partner programme will deliver a different perspective.

Participating on the International Exchange Programme also offers the opportunity to incorporate into your qualification some degree of specialisation as you can concentrate your area of study in particular sectors that interest you and compliment what you intend to do post MBA.

The Faculty

Teacher's on our programmes are drawn from three main areas - Otago's School of Business, overseas academic institutions, and national business practitioners.

Otago's School of Business
The Otago School of Business boasts more than 200 full time faculty, approximately 40% of which are international

Overseas Academic Institutions
Additionally faculty are regularly brought in from overseas academic institutions. This enriches the diversity of the faculty as a whole and ensures Otago students are exposed to the leading minds in their respective fields

National Business Practitioners
The academic faculty of the School is supported and complemented by a number of additional contributors from within the business community. These business professionals are vital in keeping the programme relevant, practical and meeting the needs of global business

Entry Requirements

- Minimum 3 years work experience
- Undergraduate Degree
- GMAT Score of 550+
- English Language Proficiency

Please note it is not required that you have all of this together when you lodge your interest. Please refer to our Application Procedure

Application Procedure

At Otago we place a high level of importance on personal contact, we want to get to know our applicants and do all we can to support your endeavour to undertake study at Otago.

We know the decision to undertake an MBA is a life-changing step - often with huge implications for both your career and your family – and requires a great deal of time and thought. With this in mind, The Otago MBA has developed a customised approach to programme application which is designed to streamline the process for you

The first step is to send your Curriculum Vitae to mbainfo@otago.ac.nz in an email introducing yourself and we will contact you to make arrangements for an informal discussion around your needs and what we at Otago have to offer

Please do this by the 30th of September if you are an International Student

Based on those discussions, we may then offer you a formal interview, followed by a conditional place on our programme provided you meet our rigorous entry requirements. These will be tailored to your individual needs and may include personal references, official academic transcripts, a satisfactory GMAT score and proof of your English language proficiency.
When all conditions are met, you will be given a formal and unconditional offer to our programme

Tuition and Fees

Programme Fees (tuition, texts, course materials & resources) for the course commencing January 2010 are:


NZ$36,000.00 (incl. GST) for International Students

NZ$27,000.00 (incl. GST) for Domestic Students


Candidates from France & Germany are eligible to pay fees at the domestic rate.
The University also charges central administrative and sundry fees which are set annually. These fees are approximately NZ$600.00 (incl GST).

Financial Aid

SCHOLARSHIPS;

The University of Otago have a number of scholarships which you are encouraged to investigate

There are also scholarships available through the QS World MBA Tour if you met us at one of these tours

The Otago MBA is accredited with New Zealand Vice-Chancellor's Committee (NZVCC). Prospective MBA Students looking for financial aid can contact the NZVCC for assistance; one scholarship in particular that may be of interest is the Willian Georgetti Scholarship

BreakOut is New Zealand's primary source of funding information for students and those wanting professional development. BreakOut holds details of over 2200 funding schemes. It is a searchable database that will give you the best matches of scholarships, awards and grants you are eligible for in terms of criteria, level of study and dicipline along with closing dates, application requirements and contact details.

Please contact us if you would like further assistance

Location

Dunedin, New Zealand's educational capital is located on New Zealand's lower South Island and is home to approximately 120,000 people. A university city, it offers a diverse range of cultural, historical and modern attractions for locals, tourists and students.

One of the first things students notice is how easy it is to get around town. The vibrant city centre has evolved as the University has grown, meaning that tody pubs, cafes and restaurants line the main street and surrounding areas - all of which are within easy walk of campus.

A coastal city, Dunedin is surrounded by a captivating natural environment and is a gateway to some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery, outdoor experiences and wildlife. Popular destinations all within a few hours drive.

New Zealand is a multicultural society that embraces and celebrates the richness and diversity of people who choose to make New Zealand their home

Accommodation

The School of Business is situated on the eastern side of campus, just 10 minutes walk from the city centre. A bonus of studying in Dunedin is that the cost of living is relatively inexpensive.

There is a wide range of accomodation options for Otago MBA students but most students choose to rent houses or flats. The average cost of renting a three-bedroom house in Dunedin is much lower than compared to Auckland or other metropolitan New Zealand cities. Many Dunedin houses are situated on reasonable sized sections, have off-street parking or garaging and a view of the harbour or ocean. Alternatively, there is a range of University accommodation options for postgraduate students including Abbey College which also have facilities for couples.

As a rough guide - we would recommend that you budget about NZ$12,000 - NZ$20,000 for living expenses in Dunedin depending upon your lifestyle. For more information contact any of our team.