MBA Programme Application
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Entry Criteria
The MBA is an intensive degree requiring aptitude, personal maturity and an understanding of what organisations require. Consequently, the MBA Selection Committee bases its decision on the following criteria:
- A good undergraduate degree in any discipline.
- Applicants without an undergraduate degree must apply in the first instance for the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration. Successful applicants can apply to be transferred to the MBA if they achieve a B average in the 12 core courses and not fail ANY course. For details click on Graduate Diploma in Business Administration on the left-hand menu bar.
- At least five years' work experience in a managerial, professional, entrepreneurial or leadership role.
- A personal self-assessment essay.
- References from a current and a previous employer as well as a current or former subordinate.
- An interview after the application has been received.
- GMAT is normally required of international applicants, but may be waived at the discretion of the MBA Director. The GMAT score must be 600 or above.
- Applicants must be highly proficient in English. Minimum performance requirements for overeas applicants are:
IELTS Test: 7.0 (no section lower than 6.5)
TOEFL Computer Based Test (CBT): 250 with 5.0 for the essay, with no section score less than 23
TOEFL Paper Based Test (PBT): Postgraduate: 600 and TWE 5
TOEFL Internet Based Test (iBT): 100, with listening no less than 23, reading no less than 23 and writing no less than 22. No minimum score for speaking has been set as yet. - All MBA applicants must be fundamentally computer literate and must have a reasonable proficiency in Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Self-study materials.
Selection of Candidates
The UC MBA Selection Panel will specifically look at the following when reviewing applications:
- The applicant has a clear vision of the future, has direction and motivation.
- The applicant has set realistic goals.
- The decision to study for an MBA has been well considered. The applicant is clear on what an MBA can contribute to his or her career.
- The applicant is able to contribute to the Programme; in class, in groups and to the general ethos of the Programme.
- The applicant is able to communicate clearly and at a level that would be expected in a fast-paced Masters level programme.
Application forms
MBA Application form (PDF, 172KB)
MBA Referee form (PDF, 96KB)
Application closing dates
Applications for enrolment in 2012 close mid-November 2011
- All applicants for the MBA Programme or Graduate Diploma in Business Administration with overseas qualifications must also apply for admission to the University of Canterbury.
- Send your completed application to:
Leigh Davidson
MBA Programme
University of Canterbury
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
General MBA enrolment information
The following information will help you with pre-enrolling and completing the necessary enrolment documentation.
Apply to enrol
- When you have been offered a place on the programme you should apply to enrol by telephoning 0800 827 748 (within NZ) or +64-3-364-2555 (International).
- Full-time students write in the course codes of the 12 core courses taught in Terms 1, 2, 3 and 4.
- Part-time students write in the course codes of the core courses taught in Terms 1, 2, 3 and 4. Most will be taking two courses per term.
- Please ensure you enrol in correct programme using the following codes:
- Master of Business Administration: MBA
- Graduate Diploma in Business Administration: GradDipBA
- University of Otago Health Management students: COP Commerce(PG)
Please note:
- Students should apply to enrol as soon as possible after they have been offered a place on the programme.
- If you have had a name change since attaining your degree (e.g. by marriage/deed poll) you will need to provide documentary evidence on enrolment.
- People holding a degree from an overseas university will have received a letter admitting you to the University of Canterbury, ad eundem statum with graduate status.
Critical information
- All students who have not previously enrolled at the University of Canterbury are required to produce identification at enrolment, i.e. a birth certificate, passport, citizenship or residency documentation.
- Click here to see programme fees