Master of Business Administration
Transform yourself into a dynamic leader with the Waikato MBA; a world-class business qualification that will help you discover your full potential and drive meaningful change within organisations.
180 points, 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.
Hamilton, Tauranga
The next intake in Tauranga will be in March 2025 (subject to enrolment numbers).
The main intake is March, with options to start later in May or July
Why study a MBA?
Waikato's Master of Business Administration (MBA) is for people who want to fast-track their career and move into senior leadership roles where they can make a significant positive impact for their organisation or business.
The Waikato MBA is a life-changing qualification that will help you develop the skills needed to grow into an outstanding business or community leader.
The course is taught part-time on alternate Saturdays (8.30am - 5.00pm) plus online sessions every second Wednesday (6pm - 9pm), so you can fit study in around your job and family life. Online sessions are also recorded in case you can't make it in person.
The two-year programme covers all aspects of general management with a focus on three key areas - Frameworks, Leadership, and Value Creation. Each paper imparts the 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.
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
180 points, 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.
Hamilton, Tauranga
The next intake in Tauranga will be in March 2025 (subject to enrolment numbers).
The main intake is March, with options to start later in May or July
Degree information
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Plan your study -
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 mba@waikato.ac.nz
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.
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Fees and scholarships Estimated fees
$42,071 per year
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Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Find a scholarship -
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs
Relevant as of 20 February 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). 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. View information about fees-free study.
Estimated fees
$64,945 per year
-
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Find a scholarship -
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs
Relevant as of 20 February 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). 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.
-
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 mba@waikato.ac.nz
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.
Estimated fees
$42,071 per year
-
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Find a scholarship -
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs
Relevant as of 20 February 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). 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. View information about fees-free study.
Estimated fees
$64,945 per year
-
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Find a scholarship -
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs
Relevant as of 20 February 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). 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.
Why choose the Waikato MBA?
Top 1% globally
Study with world-class lecturers from Waikato Management School, which is in the top 1% of business schools globally with our prestigious Triple Crown Accreditation held since 2005.
MBA Study Tour
A highlight of the Waikato MBA is the optional Study Tour, where you can travel to another country for one week and enjoy daily field trips to export-led businesses and meet local business leaders. Costs not included in tuition fees.
Smaller cohort
Smaller cohort sizes means a higher level of interaction with your lecturers and classmates through practical and group assignments, and more personalised support when you need it.
Course content
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 benefit your own business or organisation straight away.
During classes, students will discuss real business problems and be exposed to inspiring thought leadership that stretches your thinking to form a more global perspective.
In Part 2 of the programme, participants will add value to their own organisation through a high-impact research project, take part in the MBA Case Competition, and travel overseas on the MBA Study Tour.
The professional and cultural diversity of MBA participants provides exceptional insights into different management practices and leadership behaviours, and helps to build lifelong professional networks.
See the full timetable for 2024 classes here.
Some topics covered in the course:
- Leadership for growth and positive transformation
- Understanding the global business environment
- Strategic management and marketing
- Financial analysis and performance
- Managing global supply chains and international markets
- Empowering people to enhance productivity
Emerging Leaders Award
This $4,000 award supports up to four emerging leaders each year from the business, public, community and iwi sectors to undertake the Waikato MBA programme, based on the impact it will have on their business and/or the regional economy.
Book a chat with us
Curious about what’s involved in studying for an MBA and how it can fit in around your job?
To book a chat with us in person, by Zoom, or phone call, please complete this form and we will get back to you soon with a proposed date and time.