MBA Project Management

You need to do a selection test as part your application process. We accept the SHL and GMAT selection tests. These tests are recognised internationally.

SHL selection test

You need to complete the SHL abilities selection test as part of your application process. The test consists of a verbal critical reasoning assessment, numerical critical reasoning assessment, inductive reasoning test, and Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ) on behavioural preferences, which are used for selection and for the identification of your development areas.

The SHL assists us to identify your areas of strength and growth. It is not about failing or passing. The early identification of growth areas allows you to prepare yourself well and focus your efforts on academic and career success. As a responsible institution, we need to ensure that all students admitted are provided with the best possible chance to succeed in their studies and careers. The SHL is used in combination with the essays required as part of the application process, prior academic results and work experience to form a clear picture on which to base admission and development decisions. 

• Duration: Approximately three hours.
• Preparation: No preparation is required. However, you are encouraged to perform a practice test to familiarise yourself with the test format. See www.shl.com/shldirect/en-us/practice-tests/
• About the test: The SHL test is done online. (Random verification might be requested.) You will be provided with a link to the SHL test once you have paid your MBA application fee and SHL selection test fee, and after you have submitted your application form and have received your provisional student number. (You need to use this provisional student number when writing the SHL.)
• Cost: For fees, please see www.stellenboschbusiness.ac.za/programmes/mba-master-business-administration. See bank details under How to apply and use your provisional student number as reference. The application fee and SHL selection test fee can be paid online, and they are non-refundable.
• Link to the SHL selection test: You do not have to arrange with the Business School to write the SHL test. You will receive a link to the test once the relevant payments have been received and you have submitted your application form. The Business School will receive your results directly from SHL and will upload it to your application form on your behalf.
• Additional information: www.shl.com/en/assessments/cognitive-ability/
• Important: The SHL selection test is valid for 18 months. If your SHL selection test results are older than this, you should ideally rewrite the test as people grow and develop, and assessments need to take this into account. We do not consider SHL tests from other institutions as you may have written a different type or level of test, or you may have been compared to a different comparison group. If you have completed the SHL with Stellenbosch Business School during the past 18 months, you do not have to rewrite the test.

GMAT Focus selection test

The GMAT Focus consists of three sections, namely quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data insights (digital and data literacy). A copy of the results will automatically be forwarded to the Business School.

• Duration: About 2½ hours.
• When and where: This test is not administered by Stellenbosch Business School. International students need to contact the Regional Registration Centre in the Netherlands on 0931 320 239 593 or go to https://accounts.gmac.com/Account/Register. SA students need to contact Pearson VUE Professional Centre in Johannesburg on +27 (0)11 784 3093 or 0800 995 044 or at [email protected].
• Cost: $275 (2024). Find more information at www.gmac.com.

You need to write two essays on the topics indicated below and include these with your application. The essays serve two purposes. First, they provide us with additional information about your personal and professional background. Second, they provide us with additional insight into your writing ability, a skill that is critical in completing the MBA degree.

Each essay must be between 300 and 500 words. (Please indicate the word count at the end of each essay, and submit one PDF document containing both essays.)

• External development perspective: Summarise your development as a leader with emphasis on the individuals, processes and institutions that have played a major part in your development. Conclude with your reasons for choosing Stellenbosch Business School, and why it fits your criteria as an institution at which you can continue your career development.
• Personal development perspective: Summarise your personal development, the challenges you have experienced, how you have dealt with these challenges, what you have learned from this and the insight that you have gained about yourself and your role in business and society. Conclude with your current developmental needs and why this programme is important for your development given your desired future.

Before you start

• About the online application process: The online application form consists of various sections. To progress from the one section to the next, all the information in the current section must be completed and accepted by the information management system. You will be able to complete the form in steps without losing information (i.e. you do not have to complete the application form in one sitting). The application process is the same for South African and international students. It is best to use Google Chrome as web browser when completing your application.
• Determine the NQF levels of your previous qualifications: To find out whether you qualify for Stellenbosch Business School’s MBA, please check the NQF levels of your previous qualifications with the academic institution(s) where you have studied, or contact [email protected].
• Assessment of international students’ applications: 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. For this to happen, you need to complete the online application and upload all certificates with your application, and pay your application fee and SHL assessment fee (if you have opted for the SHL test). The International Affairs Office will then, 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 unsure about the status, recognition or accreditation of your qualification, we reserve the right to refer you to SAQA before we consider your application further.
• Checking the status of your application: You can go back to your application and check the status of your application.
• Vetting process: All degrees undergo a formal vetting process to eliminate fraudulent applications.

Click on the APPLY NOW button and complete the online MBA application form by completing each of the required sections. The Business School will upload the SHL selection test results on your behalf. You also need to upload the following supporting documentation:

• Comprehensive CV
• Two essays of up to 500 words each (in one PDF document)
• Certified copies of degree certificates (if not available, obtain the certificates from the academic institution where you have studied)
• Certified copies of academic transcripts, records, marks or results (if not available, obtain the transcripts from the academic institution where you have studied)
• Consent form to verify your qualifications (please download, complete and upload the form in order for Managed Integrity Evaluation (Pty) Ltd to verify your qualification documents)
• GMAT selection test results (the Business School will upload SHL selection test results on the student’s behalf)
• Certified copy of your ID (or passport for non-South African students)
• A marriage certificate (where the applicant’s new surname does not match the surname on the degree certificates)

Payment of your application fee and selection test fee (in case of the SHL) can be done online:

• Bank details: Bank: Standard Bank; Type of account: cheque account; Account name: US Business School; Account number: 073003069; Branch name: Stellenbosch; Branch code: 050610; Beneficiary name: Stellenbosch University; SWIFT code: SBZAZAJJ.
• Enquiries about payments: Please send an e-mail to [email protected].

What happens next?

Your application can only be assessed by the selection panel if it is accompanied by your completed online application form, all the supporting documents, and your completed selection test. The outcome of the selection process will be made known within 30 days or as soon as possible thereafter.

If you are uncertain whether your application is complete and is being processed, contact [email protected] for assistance.

Deadlines for MBA applications and SHL selection tests: 

• 31 October for students from South Africa, visa-exempt SADC countries, and the rest of the world
• 30 September for RPL applicants.

Due to a demanding first block, it is advisable to apply earlier rather than later in order to gain access to course material in good time. Also note the following:

• Rolling applications: The MBA programme uses a system of rolling registrations, which means all completed applications are processed once received and not after the closing date. It is thus possible that popular delivery modes or particular cohorts could be full prior to the application deadline.
• Deadlines for RPL applicants: The application deadline for Recognition of Prior Learning applicants are earlier than those for other students to allow sufficient time for assessment.
• Study permits for international students at the Business School: Obtaining a study permit (study visa) from the South African authorities can take up to 12 weeks from the date of being offered a place on a programme at the Business School.
• Multiple-entry visas: Students from non-SADC African countries and other countries with visa requirements who need to apply for study visas can obtain a letter from Stellenbosch Business School confirming the duration of registration at the school. This will help students to obtain multiple-entry study visas in case of modular studies.

Stellenbosch Business School supports the principle of recognition of prior academic learning, although this is only applied in very selective instances because group work and collaborative learning are cornerstones of the MBA. To obtain an MBA degree at Stellenbosch Business School, a student must be registered at Stellenbosch University for at least two years and obtain at least 50% of the credits at this University. A student who has been admitted to the MBA may apply for recognition of such prior learning, provided that it was obtained on another MBA. Students wanting to apply for accreditation of credits obtained elsewhere need to supply:

• An application that includes full course outlines, number of SAQA credits, learning outcomes, number of class contact hours, prescribed textbooks, method and weights of assessment, and outcomes or topics per class session. Please also include a list of modules passed and grades achieved as communicated by the institution.
• Additional work or assessments may be required.

Consider the Business School’s Postgraduate Diploma Business Management and Administration (NQF level 8 with 120 credits). This programme, passed at a certain level, will give you access to the MBA. Also look at the other postgraduate diplomas we offer.

Study visa requirements for international students

All residential students who are non-South African citizens and are studying at Stellenbosch Business School require a study visa. Prospective students should contact their nearest South African Mission (South African Embassy, Consulate or High Commission), normally in their country of origin, to enquire about the requirements for study visas for South Africa. Applicants are required to present themselves in person so that biometric data may be captured. All international students can contact the Business School’s International Affairs Office at [email protected] for assistance. All international students must hold a valid visa for their intended activity prior to entering South Africa.

Notes on obtaining a study visa

• Obtaining a study visa from the South African authorities takes approximately 12 to 16 weeks from the date of application. However, some missions may process applications sooner. Sufficient time should be allowed for study visa applications to be processed.
• Your study visa application should include a copy of the letter offering a place on the Business School’s study programme. This letter will be provided by our Centre for Academic Administration once the application has been approved. A place on the programme must be confirmed before a study visa application can be considered by the South African Department of Home Affairs. Students should not proceed to Stellenbosch University or its Business School without a valid study visa.
• Although applicants are expected to determine exactly what they require to apply for a study visa, they can be expected to provide the following, among others: a police clearance certificate, proof of medical insurance recognised in South Africa, a radiology report, proof of sufficient funds, and an admission letter from Stellenbosch Business School. Your nearest South African Mission will be able to advise in this regard. The onus falls on the student to make sure that he/she submits a complete application pack.
• All documents should be certified and translated into English before submission (in order not to delay the outcome of the application).