Master of Business Administration
This programme is not offered full-time. It can only be studied part-time on Saturdays over two years, and therefore international students may not be eligible for a study visa.
Please note that the March 2024 intake of the Waikato MBA will only be offered at our Hamilton campus. There will be no new intake in Tauranga until March 2025. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]
Transform yourself into a dynamic leader with the Waikato MBA; a world-class business qualification that is highly practical and will equip you to face the future with confidence.
Waikato's Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a life-changing management qualification designed for people who want to discover their true potential and develop the skills needed to grow into an outstanding leader or business owner.
Taught part-time on alternate Saturdays plus online sessions, the Waikato MBA is for people who are looking to make a signficant positive impact for their organisation or business.
The Waikato MBA is ideal for:
- Middle managers seeking to advance into more senior leadership roles
- Business owners looking to add best-practice knowledge to their practical expertise
- Functional, technical or professional specialists moving into roles that require broader, more strategic management knowledge
The two-year programme covers all aspects of general and strategic management, and is structured around three key areas - Frameworks, Leadership, and Value Creation.
Each area imparts the up-to-date knowledge and skills that today's leaders require as they face unprecedented changes in the workplace and the global economy, including rapid digital transformation and the rise of artificial intelligence.
The Waikato MBA will equip you with the expertise to lead and influence high-performing teams, identify strategic opportunities and threats, drive positive changes within your organisation, and confidently respond to any challenging situations that come your way.
Virtual Info Sessions
Are you curious about what’s involved in studying for an MBA, and how it can fit in around your full-time job?
Learn more by signing up for one of our Waikato MBA Virtual Info Sessions, which will be led by MBA Director Dr Nadia Trent.
To register for any of the following sessions, please use this online registration form.
- Thu, 28 September 6pm-6:30pm
- Fri, 29 September 2pm - 2:30pm
- Thu, 12 October 6pm-6:30pm
- Fri, 13 October 2pm - 2:30pm
- Thu, 23 November 6pm-6:30pm
- Fri, 24 November 2pm - 2:30pm
Why choose the Waikato MBA?
Waikato University is ranked #1 in New Zealand for Business and Economics in the THE World University Subject Rankings 2023. We are in the top 1% of business schools globally with our prestigious Triple Crown Accreditation.
The Waikato MBA puts a strong emphasis on experiential learning. The programme is designed to be highly practical and relevant, so you can add value to your own business or organisation straight away.
During classes, students will discuss real business problems facing organisations today, and be exposed to inspiring thought leadership that will stretch your current thinking to form a broader perspective.
Smaller class sizes means a higher level of interaction with your lecturers and classmates through practical and group assignments, and much more personalised support when you need it.
The professional and cultural diversity of MBA participants also provides exceptional insights into different management practices and leadership behaviours, and helps to build lifelong professional networks.
Our course fees are also very competitive compared to other universities.
In your second year of the programme, you will undertake a high-impact research project to benefit your own organisation, take part in the MBA Case Competition, and go on the International Study Tour.
MBA International Study Tour
A popular highlight of the Waikato MBA is the International Study Tour. In October 2023, our MBA students will be travelling to Singapore.
You will travel to another country for one week, where students will enjoy daily field trips to visit successful export-led businesses and see how they are run. You'll even get to meet and talk to some of their leaders, along with a variety of other guest speakers.
This provides a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about the challenges and opportunities of doing business in a different culture, and see how global business theories work in practice.
Study part-time in Hamilton
The main intake for the Waikato MBA programme is in March each year.
Study part-time for two years, with classes held every second Saturday 8.30am - 5.00pm at the University of Waikato's campus in Hamilton. You will also need to take part in online learning sessions every second Wednesday, 6.00pm - 9.00pm, but these are recorded.
You can see the full timetable for 2024 classes here.
Note: There will be no new intake for the MBA at the Tauranga campus until March 2025.
Topics covered in the course:
- Strategic management and marketing
- Stakeholder-centric positioning
- Financial analysis and performance
- Understanding the global business environment
- Managing global supply chains
- Empowering people for productivity
- Leadership for growth and development
- Creating positive disruption
- Leading change and transformation
- Engaging with international markets
- Contemporary and future business issues
- High-impact research project
Key information
| Entry Requirements: |
If you are unsure, please send us a copy of your CV so we can assess your eligibility. Email [email protected] |
|---|---|
| Duration Of Study: | 2 years part-time; every second Saturday. MBA students can choose to extend the study period over 3-4 years to provide a better work/life balance. |
| Points: | 180 points |
| Study Locations: | Hamilton |
| Start Dates: | March 2024 in Hamilton. There will be no new intake in Tauranga until March 2025. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected] |
| Estimated Fees* (Domestic): |
$40,925 per programme (180 points)
See if you're eligible for fees-free study in your first year |
| Estimated Fees* (International): | $64,945 per programme (180 points) |
| Entry Requirements: | Postgraduate International |
| Area of Study: | |
| *Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. | |
Degree Planner
Degree planner — Master of Business Administration (MBA) - 180 points
Study part-time on alternate Saturdays 8.30am - 5.00pm, with face-to-face learning at the University of Waikato's campus in Hamilton.
There are also online sessions every second Wednesday, 6.00pm - 9.00pm.
- Frameworks
- Leadership
- Value Creation
Each paper is worth 15 points, unless stated otherwise.
This information is provisional and subject to change.
Balancing travelling the country for work, spending time with family, and studying has been a challenge, but nothing that is worth doing is going to be easy – and the MBA is definitely worth it.
Read stories from other Master of Business Administration students
Entry requirements
Expand to read entry requirements
You can apply for the Waikato MBA if you have:
The entry requirements are:
- A bachelor's degree with at least a B-minus grade average across the 300-level papers, or equivalent professional qualification; AND at least 3 years' management experience
- If you don't meet these requirements, but have at least 7 years management experience, then please email your CV to [email protected]
Note: You don't need to have 'manager' in your current or previous job titles. Your job could involve managing projects, processes or people. If you are unsure if you have the necessary experience, please email us a copy of your CV so we can assess your eligibility.
You will also need to provide the following documentation:
- A detailed CV that outlines your education and employment history that highlights leadership and management skills or experience.
- Two written letters of reference; one from your employer and the other can be from an individual of your choice.
References should be from individuals who can comment on your managerial strengths, leadership potential and personal character.
You may be invited to attend an interview with the Waikato MBA Director (in person or via Zoom) before being admitted to this programme.
Study in Tauranga
Please note that the Waikato MBA programme will only be offered at our Hamilton campus in 2024. There will be no new intake in Tauranga until March 2025. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected]
Scholarships and prizes
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships
Contacts
Waikato MBA team contact details
Interested in finding out more about the Waikato MBA?
Email [email protected]
Please contact us if you would like to book a one-to-one session (in person or on Zoom) to find out everything you need to know about the Waikato MBA programme and how it can fast-track your career trajectory.
Dr Nadia M. Trent - MBA Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07 837 9292
Tamie Shewry - MBA Programme Manager
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07 838 4833
Corlia Booysen - MBA Programme Administrator
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07 837 9920
Have a chat with one of our friendly advisers to help you plan your degree.
Phone: +64 7 807 9275 Email: [email protected]
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