University of Otago Business School

Otago MBA is internationally ranked by QS among the Global 200.

Established in 1976, the Otago MBA is New Zealand's #1 MBA programme with a strong international character. The Otago MBA is delivered on-campus or online. The full-time programme is ranked among the top 200 worldwide, and in the top 10 in Oceania by QS. The Otago Online MBA is ranked third in the world by London-based CEO Magazine and thirteenth by QS.

Worldwide, fewer than 100 business schools hold dual EQUIS and AACSB accreditation and Otago Business School is one of them.

The Otago MBA offers a unique academic adventure in which a diverse group of students from all corners of the world come together to stretch personal boundaries and add real value to their careers. Otago MBA students are forward-thinking and progressive, committed to hard work and adventure, and value personal achievement and social responsibility.

Key aspects of the Otago MBA programme

International focus: The Otago MBA curriculum is designed with a strong international focus and an emphasis on managing business in a highly global environment. It is conducted by outstanding faculty members from different continents – further enhancing that global perspective.

Career prospects: Career prospects are excellent for Otago MBA graduates. Students come from all over the world and work all over the world after graduation. Their post-study options are diverse – going back to their home country, going on to work in a third country or staying to work in New Zealand. (International students who intend to work in New Zealand after graduation may be eligible for a post-study work visa. Please visit the New Zealand immigration website for more information).

High staff to student ratio: Small class sizes mean students enjoy an excellent staff to student ratio, which ensures a personalised MBA experience. The teachers are experienced facilitators drawn from three areas: the Otago Business School, other reputable international business schools and consultants or business practitioners.

The curriculum

The rigorous Otago MBA curriculum comprises two phases with strong focus on practical applications in the real world:

Phase 1: Students take 12 core papers that cover the key areas of business, and a live case study in collaboration with the business community.

Phase 2: A wide range of specializations is available to students through the options of on-campus electives, international exchange or a business project. On-campus specialization areas include accounting, finance, management, marketing, tourism, sustainability, healthcare management and entrepreneurship. International student exchange offers students the chance to further widen their international experience and opens up even more specialization choices. Otago has exchange partnerships with around 20 top MBA business schools and universities around the world.

For more information, visit: otago.ac.nz/mba

The University of Otago is ranked in the top 1% of universities in the world. (QS World University Rankings)

Established in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand's oldest university and a vibrant international centre of learning. Today the University has over 20,000 students from more than 100 countries around the world. Otago is New Zealand's most research-intensive university, and the highest ranked for the quality of its research. This year, Otago made a clean sweep by ranking first across all of the key measures in the latest New Zealand Government indicators measuring the educational performance of students at New Zealand’s universities.

In terms of global university rankings, Otago is always among the top 1% in the world. Its campus is also rated among the top 15 most beautiful university campuses in the world.

Best in the business – #1 for research in New Zealand.

The Otago Business School has an international reputation for excellence in teaching and research.

We offer a wide range of academic programmes, from undergraduate to executive level education. Our programmes are career focused, and the qualification you receive will be highly regarded both in New Zealand, and internationally. The School is ranked #1 for research in New Zealand*.

*PBRF Quality Evaluation (latest evaluation 2018).

London-based CEO Magazine ranked the Otago Online MBA the 3rd best in the world.

Otago MBA rankings

For its small class size, the Otago MBA punches above its weight as a world-class MBA and the top MBA in New Zealand.

The ongoing commitment of Otago MBA to meet the ever-changing needs of future business leaders saw the programme ranked:

• 10th best online MBA globally (QS, 2020)
• 5th best online MBA worldwide (CEO Magazine, 2020)
• Top-tier global MBA (CEO Magazine, 2020)
• Top 200 global MBA (QS, 2020)
• Top 10 MBA in Oceania (QS, 2020)

A diverse class.

To ensure all students enjoy the same high quality Otago MBA academic adventure, MBA applicants are required to have:

• An undergraduate degree (or equivalent or an acceptable level of management experience)
• A minimum of three years professional / management experience
• A GMAT score of 550 or the Otago Entry Test
• English language proficiency equivalent to a minimum score on IELTS of 6.5, Internet-based TOEFL of 102 or paper-based TOEFL of 600 if English is not your first language.

Healthy body, healthy mind - Otago's impressive gym facilities.

Otago MBA has a rolling admission system and applications are considered as they are received. The application process differs from other MBA programs. There are no admissions essays and no fees to apply.  You do not have to complete your GMAT or IELTS prior to applying.

When shortlisted, you will then be asked for your CV, an interview will be arranged for you and you may be requested to make a presentation over the Internet on a recent news item.

To apply, fill out a simple online form at https://www.otago.ac.nz/mba/entry. The Admissions Manager will get in touch.

For a reputable and prestigious MBA program, tuition fees are comparatively affordable.

Otago MBA tuition fee for 2020 is about NZ$57,000 for international students. Fees include access to text-books, materials and much more. Online MBA fees can be paid by papers.

For more information about fees, visit https://www.otago.ac.nz/mba/full-time/fees.

Dunedin is sister city to Shanghai - much of the Dunedin Chinese Garden is built by masons from Shanghai.

There are a number of partial scholarship or assistance opportunities to incoming students. However, application to these scholarships are highly competitive.  You will be expected to have a high GMAT score and A grades in previous academic qualifications.

To find out more visit: https://www.otago.ac.nz/mba/full-time/scholarships. ;

Stunning coastal environment.

The annual Legatum Prosperity Index has ranked New Zealand first in the education category in 2012. The New Zealand education system is well regarded internationally. Additionally, New Zealand is also often regarded as one of the most peaceful countries in the world.

Adventure Location:  On-campus students love the lifestyle offered by Dunedin and the Otago region. Set in a stunning coastal environment, Dunedin has spectacular landscapes, mountain-biking and hiking trails, surfing beaches, vineyards, ski fields, and a host of other outdoor attractions all on their doorstep. Dunedin itself is a very student oriented town - with large libraries, many great study spaces and a large number of cafes, bars and restaurants.

Dunedin is an open and spacious city. Most housing in and around the city has outdoor areas and gardens and there are no traffic problems so getting around is stress-free. Most MBA students decide to live in the many apartments, studios and shared houses, called flats that nestle around the campus in North Dunedin. You enjoy the youthful vibrancy of Dunedin life, and living within easy walking distance of the Business School and central Dunedin. Others prefer a sea view, quieter setting or a larger family home in a nearby suburb but no one is more than a ten minute drive away from class.

Class ski trip.

Student life as an on-campus Otago MBA student is exciting and varied. Class trips often include hiking, skiing, boat rides and visiting some of the stunning scenery that surrounds Otago. They have great social events such as shared lunches (with students bringing dishes from their home countries), dinners, and BBQs. The environment of the Otago MBA is very family friendly, so partners and children are welcomed.

The Otago MBA course is based out of an exclusive Executive Programme section of the Business School - with set rooms for students to use at any time, great lecture spaces, kitchen and lounge facilities. It's a great place to study, and is easily accessible.