With our MBA, a transformative learning experience awaits you – particularly if you see your future self as a leader, manager, specialist, or entrepreneur. This triple accredited MBA with its strong focus on responsible leadership has been designed to transform you into an exceptional decision maker, strategic thinker, effective communicator, and steward of society.
If your career path is pointing towards senior management and leadership roles, this MBA will help you to confidently take on these responsibilities. In fact, we feel so strongly about leadership development that this module spans the entire two-year programme.
Over and above leadership competencies and quantitative skills, our MBA focuses on contemporary decision-making skills, strategic thinking, cross-cultural skills, digital enterprise management, and gaining a global perspective with unique African contextualisation. You also need to do a research assignment and attend an International Study Module at a foreign business school.
The programme is offered in two convenient formats, both allowing you to study while you work. The Blended Learning format enables you to attend class on campus or remotely via an internet-linked laptop. Our use of technology with a strong human touch enables you to immerse yourself in a premium learning experience from wherever you are in the world. This means less travel and less time away from work. The Modular format enables you to attend blocks of on-campus classes spread over time, providing you with in-class experience and focused studies. Also, you only need to travel to campus a few times a year.
The MBA is still the most widely recognised business management degree in the world.
Master's
MBA - Master of Business Administration
Modular
Programme dates: (On campus)
- Block 1: 13 – 18 February
- Block 2: 27 March – 1 April
- Block 3: 5 – 10 June
- Block 4: 14 – 19 August
- Block 5: 9 – 14 October
Fees: R 316 864*
Duration: 2 years
*Fees exclude international study module in year two
Blended
Programme dates: (Blended)
- Block 1: 23 January – 4 February (On campus)
- Thereafter every Tuesday evening (7 February – 8 December) from 16:00-20:15 – Hyflex
Fees: R 316 864
Duration: 2 years
*Fees exclude international study module in year two
Documents needed for application
- Application and SHL assessment fee
- Certified copies of your academic records
- Certified copies of your degree certificates
- Copy of your ID/Passport
- Copy of your CV
- Verification consent form
- Motivational essays
Duration
2 years
(class programme and research assignment)
Choice between 2 formats
Blended Learning (combination of online and on campus classes) and Modular (blocks of on-campus classes spread over time)
4 STREAMS
Generalist, Health Care Leadership (60 CPD points), Management of International Organisations, and Project Management
How to apply
Click here to see the 8 steps of the application process
Deadlines for Applications and SHL Selection Tests
Closed
Course Structure and Content
The MBA degree consists of 18 compulsory modules (including the International Study Module, the flagship Leadership Development Module, and the Research Assignment) and two electives. You can customise up to 30% of your MBA degree, depending on which electives and International Study Module you select, and on the topic of your Research Assignment. The research part will add depth to your learning experience as it provides you with a structured method and rigorous process to answer a question or solve a real-life challenge. It will also give you the ability to make a value judgement on research presented at managerial level.
Stellenbosch Business School’s MBA aims to develop you into a responsible leader, expert decision maker, strategic thinker, effective communicator and steward of society.
Our MBA is rigorous, as can be expected from a programme with three international accreditations. It balances solid quantitative modules with personal development and leadership skills. Management tools and techniques from disciplines such as strategic management, economics, operations, finance and marketing are important core competencies of the MBA graduate. This is balanced by competencies such as responsible leadership, communication and understanding the role of business in society in order to develop the skills of adaptability, flexibility, self-awareness and contextual awareness – all of which are in high demand in the business environment.
One of the key differentiators of our MBA is the Leadership Module which focuses on responsible leadership and allows you to develop your own authentic leadership style. The International Study Module at a foreign business school offers you a global perspective that supports the other elements of this course. Collaborative learning – where students learn from each other – is another key feature of our MBA. The unique knowledge from each student adds depth to collaborative learning.
You can customise up to 30% of your MBA depending on which electives, International Study Module and stream (General, Health Care Leadership, Management of International Organisations, and Project Management) you select, and on the topic of your Research Assignment.
Our MBA provides you with a transformative learning experience to acquire the leadership skills, thinking frameworks and capabilities you need to find your way forward.
MBA with generalist modules:
- Those who want senior-level business management expertise to apply in businesses ranging from entrepreneurial start-ups to multinational corporations in any business sector.
- Managers, professionals, specialists and entrepreneurs who want to acquire responsible leadership skills, exceptional decision-making skills, strategic thinking skills, effective communication skills and an understanding of the role of business in society.
MBA stream with modules in Managing International Organisations (MBA MIO):
- Professionals or managers working in international organisations, development agencies, and foundations or NGOs, and who want to fast-track their careers
- Managers from private and public sector institutions who want to expand their cross-sector agility, especially by improving their skills for leadership in complex and conflict-ridden multi-stakeholder contexts
- Professionals who want to transition to working in international development organisations or in organisations with a strong environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) agenda
MBA stream with modules in Health Care Leadership (MBA HCL):
- Clinicians and general practitioners who want to take on managerial and leadership roles in the health care industry, group practices or government
- General practitioners who wish to scale up and broaden their contextual understanding of business
- Managers and professionals in private-sector and public-sector health care delivery systems and institutions, in pharmaceutical or health technology businesses, in regulatory, oversight and other organisations (such as SAMA, HPCSA, HASA, SAIHCM), or in public-sector positions (such as Deputy Director-General, CEO or Superintendent)
- Senior nurses in public or private hospitals who lead large teams and operate on senior level with high-impact responsibilities
- Health insurance specialists, medical aid specialists, underwriters and claims processing team leaders and managers
- Those who would like to prepare themselves for a career in health care leadership, even if they do not have a background in health care.
MBA stream in Project Management (MBA PM):
- Project managers looking to transition into senior business manager roles
- Project managers looking to transition into a senior project manager role, such as a Chief Project Officer
- Project or business managers looking to transition into programme or portfolio manager roles
- Project managers looking to move into a different industry
- Project managers who intend to become (or who are) independent consultants
- Business managers wishing to improve their understanding of project management in the business context
- MBA candidates with a keen interest to develop their competencies and understanding of project management
- Stellenbosch Business School’s PGDip Project Management graduates who wish to further their careers in this field
- Entrepreneurs looking to capitalise on the growth in the project management domain
- Accounting for Decision-Making (8 credits)
- Business Communication Skills (4 credits)
- Business in Society (8 credits)
- Contemporary Decision-Making (12 credits)
- Corporate Finance (12 credits)
- Digital Enterprise Management (8 credits)
- Economics for Managers (8 credits)
- International Study Module (8 credits)
- Leadership Development (16 credits)
- Managerial Accounting (8 credits)
- Managerial Statistics (8 credits)
- Operational Excellence (8 credits)
- Organisational Behaviour (8 credits)
- Perspectives on African Frontiers (8 credits)
- Research Methodology and Assignment (45 credits)
- Strategic Analysis (8 credits)
- Strategic Management (12 credits)
- Strategic Marketing and Branding (8 credits)
Our MBA offers a generalist stream, for those who want to manage the functional areas of any business at senior manage level, and three focal-area MBAs, for those who want senior-level business management expertise in Health Care Leadership, Managing International Organisations or Project Management:
- MBA with generalist modules, which can be applied in businesses ranging from entrepreneurial start-ups to multinational corporations in any business sector
- MBA stream with modules in Managing International Organisations (MBA MIO), which can be applied in international development organisations – like the UN, development agencies and global foundations
- MBA stream with modules in Health Care Leadership (MBA HCL), which can be applied in the public and private health care industry, and which will provide HPCSA-registered professionals with 60 CPD points.
- MBA stream with modules in Project Management (MBA PM), which can be applied in any industry to ensure the successful delivery of projects in a competitive environment based on a thorough understanding of the business management of projects.
The stream-specific modules of the MBA MIO, MBA HCL and MBA PM are offered during the second year of enrolment in the Blended Learning format, irrespective of the format chosen for the first year of study (i.e. Modular or Blended Learning).
All students will graduate with an MBA from Stellenbosch University. If the student followed a focal area – i.e. Health Care Leadership, Management of International Organisations, or Project Management – this will be displayed on their MBA degree certificates.
MBA stream in Managing International Organisations (MBA MIO)
The MBA focal area in Managing International Organisations (MIO) equips students with the tools, theories and frameworks to lead successfully in international development organisations that play a fundamental role in shaping the trajectory of global sustainable development at the interface of international politics, business and society.
International development organisations include the UN and its specialised agencies (like the World Health Organization, World Tourism Organization and International Fund for Agricultural Development), global organisations like the World Bank, Red Cross, International Organization for Standardization (IOS), the African Union, the World Economic Forum, the International Labour Organisation, and the broad spectrum of global philanthropic foundations. It also includes organisations working in environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) contexts.
The stream-specific modules of the MBA MIO, which are offered during the second year of enrolment, will enable students to integrate and apply their learning from the MBA core modules within the context of international organisations. Some of these lectures will be presented by senior UN leaders from the UN System Staff College who have co-designed the MBA MIO with Stellenbosch Business School.
If you are looking for a meaningful career at an international development organisation, the MBA MIO will stand you in good stead.
Click here for details about our MBA Managing International Organisations Programme.
MBA stream in Health Care Leadership (MBA HCL)
The MBA with modules focused on Health Care Leadership is aimed at high achievers who want to lead positive change in the complex and changing health care environment. The knowledge and skills acquired on this stream can be applied in the public and private health care industry.
The MBA HCL covers all the functional areas of management while giving you a contextual understanding of the principles of health care governance and current health care reform programmes such as National Health Insurance, the policy landscape and health systems for value-based care. The stream-specific modules and electives focus on the challenges of finance and funding in health care, taking cognisance of the limited-resource context in South Africa and in Africa. (HPCSA-registered health care professionals will earn 60 CPD points via the MBA HCL.)
If you want to play in role in professionalising leadership in the health care industry, this MBA stream will serve you well.
Click here for details about our MBA Health Care Leadership Programme.
MBA stream in Project Management (MBA PM)
Project management is universally accepted as a scarce skill. Proficient project managers are in high demand. It is therefore completely understandable that Fortune Magazine has identified project management as the number one career choice.
Companies are looking for professionals who are proficient in both project management fundamentals and key business disciplines such as strategy, finance, operations management and marketing. These highly skilled professionals offer a unique value proposition as they are able to bridge the understanding between the project management and business management elements of the entity. Traditionally, project management has been associated with the construction, engineering and energy sectors. Now, newer industries such as IT management, health care management, financial services and research also employ project managers.
By honing your project leadership skills and project management skills on MBA level, you will help to create a strategic value chain that gives your company an edge on competitors.
Click here for details about our MBA Project Management.
You need to do two electives (modules) from this list of specialisation areas below. The electives differ from year to year. These are examples of electives presented recently:
- Finance and Economics (with modules such as Digital Finance and the Fintech Revolution; Portfolio Management; and Blockchains, Cryptocurrencies, and Smart Contracts)
- Leadership and Human Resources (with modules such as Negotiation Skills; Power and Politics in Organisations; Game your Organisation; and Diplomacy in Complex Systems)
- Marketing Management (with modules such as Strategies to Manage the Reputation of Corporate Brands in a Digital World; and Global Marketing Management)
- Ethics, Governance and Sustainability (with modules such as the Nature of Business and Business of Nature; and Comparative Corporate Governance)
- Decision Science and Digital Transformation (with modules such as Data and Digital Strategies for Management; Cyber Resilience; and Managing Innovation in the Digital Era)
- Strategic Management (with modules such as International Business Management in Africa; Managing Corporate Turnarounds; and Capstone Business Simulation)
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship (with modules such as Entrepreneurial Mindset and Practices; Design Thinking and Innovation; and Future Focused Innovation Management)
- United Nations (UNSSC) Electives (with modules such as Strategic Leadership in the UN: People & Vision; and Managing for Results)
All MBA students travel to global destinations for the compulsory International Study Module (ISM) (depending on Covid-related travel restrictions). The aim of this academic and cultural immersion is to develop managers with a global mind-set, to prepare you for work in a global environment, and to help you understand cultural differences in order to turn cultural competence into a competitive advantage. The module includes company visits and cultural activities. The cost of the ISM is included in the MBA study fees.
The MBA study visits included the UK (Managing around the World: International Roundtables for Practicing Managers), Ireland (International Healthcare Management), USA (Bentley: Creativity and Innovation, or Berkeley: Innovation and Entrepreneurship), South Korea (Innovation and Technology in Operations Management), Brazil (Innovation for Sustainability in Emerging Markets), Mexico (Strategy and International Business in Emerging Markets), Finland (High-performance Leadership), Austria (Managing International Organisations), and France (Innovation).
You can also opt to do your International Study Module on Global Business Innovation at one of these EMBA consortium business schools: Italy (Bologna Business School), Brazil (Coppead Graduate School of Business), UK (Cranfield School of Management), USA (Chapman Graduate School of Business at Florida International University, or the Lucas Graduate School of Business at San José State University), Germany (Munich Business School), Japan (Keio Business School), Peru (ESAN Business School), Poland (Kozminski University) or Russia (Moscow International Higher Business School – Mirbis).
Note: Students in the HCL, MIO and PM streams may be restricted in the ISM destinations from which they can choose.
Concurrent with the latter part of the MBA, you need to compile a Research Assignment of 50 to 70 pages on a management-related problem. This assignment may be based on a problem in your work environment. Results obtained from the research could therefore benefit both you and your employer.
The research assignment will add depth to your learning experience as it provides you with a structured method to answer a question or solve a real-life challenge. This assignment therefore serves as an example of how to handle business challenges by following a robust research process.
This experience will also give you the ability to make a value judgement on research presented at managerial level in the workplace.
- All documentation and assessment required for prospective students, PLUS
- Have at least an NQF 6 qualification
- Have at least SIX years of working experience after obtaining the qualification mentioned in the first bullet point, of which at least THREE years should have been in a management or a related professional position.
- Submit a comprehensive CV, indicating, in detail, areas of responsibility in the work environment as well as activities outside the work environment.
- Provide us with at least two references (typically current or former line heads) who can testify about your managerial or related professional abilities.
- Write and submit two motivational essays (specific topics are provided).
- Conduct an in-depth interview with the Head of the MBA programme.
Programme Head
Prof
Jako
Volschenk
Need more information?
Download brochure to discover more about our programmes
With our MBA, a transformative learning experience awaits you – particularly if you see your future self as a leader, manager, specialist, or entrepreneur. This triple accredited MBA with its strong focus on responsible leadership has been designed to transform you into an exceptional decision maker, strategic thinker, effective communicator, and steward of society.
Programme Fees
Application fee and SHL tests for 2023
Tuition fees for 2023
Important:
- Payment of full programme fees for South African students: Students can pay the full programme fees upon registration, or they can pay 75% of the annual fees by the end of May and the balance of 25% by the end of September. Students can also spread their payment over 2 years.
- Payment of full programme fees for international students: International admitted students pay 50% of the annual fee as deposit. The remainder is due two weeks before commencement of the programme.
- Deposit: All students pay a deposit on acceptance of admission. South African students must pay a set deposit on admittance. International admitted students pay 50% of the annual fee as deposit. The deposit payable is non-refundable.
- Application fee: The application fee must accompany the application. The application fee is non-refundable.
- Additional fees for international students: International students pay an International Registration Fee (IRF) per academic year. Students from countries other than those in the Southern African Development Community also pay an International Tuition Fee (ITF) (i.e. students from SADC countries are exempt from the ITF).
- Fees for 2024: The fees for the second year of enrolment (Modular MBA as well as Blended Learning MBA) will be adjusted to make provision for annual price increases. The programme fees for the Modular and Blended Learning MBA’s second year of enrolment are higher than for the first year of enrolment because the second year’s fees include the International Study Module.
- Study materials: Study fees include books and study materials. Travel and accommodation: Students are responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements and costs.
Admission Requirements
What you need to apply
The SA Council on Higher Education requires MBA applicants to have one of these qualifications:
- 4-year Bachelor’s degree (NQF level 8), OR
- Honours/Postgraduate degree (NQF level 8), OR
- 3-year Bachelor’s degree (NQF level 7) plus a postgraduate diploma (NQF level 8)
- Additional requirement for students enrolling for the MBA stream in Project Management: A Project Management course on NQF level 8, for which credits can be considered in respect of required electives
Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
You can still apply based on your management experience. You need to submit all the documentation and tests as required for all prospective students, plus additional requirements listed below. Or consider our PGDip Business Management and Administration. Passed at a certain level, this PGDip will give you access to the MBA.
International students
International students require a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation certificate to evaluate their degrees according to South African standards. The Business School’s International Affairs Office will first handle the credential evaluations of international students free of charge. Students need to complete the online application and upload all certificates with their application. The International Affairs Office will, as part of the application process, conduct an in-house credential evaluation after you have submitted your application. However, should the International Affairs Office be uncertain about the status, recognition or accreditation of your qualification, we reserve the right to refer you to SAQA before we consider your application further.
Vetting process: All degrees undergo a formal vetting process to eliminate fraudulent applications.
Obtaining a qualification to enrol for an MBA: One of the qualifications that can give access to our MBA is a postgraduate diploma on NQF level 8. We offer a range of redesigned PGDips which can give you access to our MBA or MPhil degrees. The preferred one is the PGDip Business Management and Administration (PGDip BMA). Graduates of our PGDip BMA who continue with our MBA will get recognition for 32 credits (15%) on the MBA.
Contact Us
If you need more information on programmes or need support with the application process:
Programme enquiries and support with the applications process
Charmaine Garcia
Telephone: +27 (0) 21 918 4246
Email: [email protected]
Admission and registration enquiries
Merwede van Tonder
Telephone: +27 (0) 21 918 4378
Email: [email protected]
What our students and alumni say
What our students and alumni say
What our students and alumni say
What our students and alumni say
What our students and alumni say
What our students and alumni say
Frequently Asked Questions
You can choose the Modular MBA degree or the Blended Learning MBA, both running over two years. Both formats are aimed at those who want to study while they work.
Advantages of the Modular MBA: The Modular degree consists of blocks of classes spread over two years. Each block runs from the Monday to the Saturday. This allows you to implement your newly acquired skills at work from the start. You can therefore study at the Business School even if you live further afield as you only need to travel to the campus a few times a year. The advantages include:
- Focused studies: Use the immersive, in-class experience to your advantage.
- An immersive experience: Being on campus for a week at a time allows you to focus on your studies without interruption from work. Working with your classmates in a face-to-face environment adds another dimension to collaborative (peer-to-peer) learning and network building.
- Less travel: You can study at the Business School even if you live further afield as you only need to travel to campus a few times a year.
Advantages of the Blended Learning MBA
The Blended Learning degree has one on-campus study block at the start of Year 1 and two on-campus blocks during Year 2. In between, you attend weekly classes online or on campus. This format requires the minimum leave from work. It also lowers the opportunity cost to do an MBA at Stellenbosch Business School as it reduces travel costs. This format is popular with students from the greater Cape Town area who can attend classes on campus one evening a week, as well as with students from further afield, including other African countries and beyond, who can attend one evening class per week via any internet-connected laptop. The advantages include:
- Flexibility: Study while you work with the flexibility of digital class attendance, which means minimum time away from work. This allows you to implement your newly acquired skills at work from the start.
- Less travel: The blended learning delivery option opens up access to students from elsewhere in South Africa, from other African countries and even further afield. It also lowers the opportunity cost to do an MBA with us as it reduces travel and accommodation costs. This format is popular with students from the greater Cape Town area who can attend classes on campus one evening a week, as well as with students from further afield, who can attend one evening class per week via any internet-connected device. Find more information about Blended Learning’s combination of technology with a strong human touch here.
Both formats of the MBA – i.e. Modular and Blended Learning – allow you to study while you work. However, you need to be aware of the time demand of MBA and you need to arrange study time with your employer and family beforehand. Here is a rough guideline: For every 1 hour spent in class, you need to set aside 3 hours for preparation and self-study (reading, assignments, group work, etc.). The MBA class programme takes up around 448 hours. This makes prioritisation crucial.
Students are assessed on a continuous basis. Each module has a minimum number of assessments based on the number of credits for that module. The final performance mark therefore includes multiple individual assessments and often a group assessment component. Tests for Blended Learning MBA students are scheduled on Monday evenings between classes. Tests for Modular MBA students are scheduled on Monday evenings between blocks.
Firstly, relevant work experience is a requirement of Stellenbosch Business School’s international EQUIS accreditation. Secondly, collaborative learning – where students learn from each other – forms an important part of our MBA. The expertise, depth and value that each participant brings to the class depend largely on authentic work experience.
Tests focus primarily on the application of knowledge and insight into business problems. Hence, all tests are open book and require the analysis of problems or cases. These summative assessments simulate real-life situations and the application of the theory and techniques covered in a particular module. In the assessment of pre-reading, multiple-choice questions or reflective essays are often used prior to attending class. Many lecturers make past test papers available as a learning resource.
Yes. Graduates of Stellenbosch Business School’s PGDip Business Management and Administration who continue with the Business School’s MBA will get recognition for 32 credits (15%) on the MBA if they continue with the MBA within 5 years of completing the PGDip.
Short courses done via executive education cannot be presented as prior learning for credit recognition in the South African education system. However, for RPL students, any previous short courses will have a positive impact on the assessment of their application.
Yes, but on a volunteer basis only. Stellenbosch Business School alumni offer to mentor students during their studies and to provide career or industry advice. This service is offered in association with the Alumni Relations Office and Career Leadership Office.
This will depend on each lecturer and on the subject – as some subjects require a substantial amount of group work, while others require less group work. The weight varies from 0% (no group work) up to 40%. It is imperative that MBA students can communicate electronically to work on their assignments. There is no need to meet physically.
Modular students will receive their first batch of study material three weeks prior to the beginning of the programme and thereafter at the end of every modular block for the following block.
Blended Learning students will receive their first batch of study material three weeks prior to the beginning of the programme and at regular intervals thereafter.
Yes. South African student can spread their payment over 2 years (fees for the second year of enrolment will be adjusted to make provision for annual price increases). South African students must pay a set deposit on admittance. 75% of the annual fee is payable by the end of May and the balance of 25% by the end of September. International admitted students pay 50% of the annual fee as deposit. The remainder is due two weeks before commencement of the programme.
The closing dates for each programme appear on the web page for that programme. In general, the closing dates for international applicants from non-SADC African countries and rest of world close approximately three months prior to the closing date for applicants from South Africa and (visa-exempt) SADC countries. Obtaining a study permit (study visa) from the South African authorities takes up to 12 weeks from the date of being offered a place on a programme at Stellenbosch Business School – hence the early application deadline for international students. RPL candidates (all programmes) need to apply by 31 October each year. Applications must be fully completed (all documents uploaded and SHL test completed) by the stipulated closing date.
You will improve your chances of selection by making an effort with your application and essays. Also make sure that you meet the basic requirements – such as work experience. Submit a fully completed and accurate application pack. An incomplete application pack leads to unnecessary delays and referrals.
