collageAn MBA (Master’s in Business Administration) degree helps one switch between various domains and career paths, enabling one to traverse in between the leadership roles across the companies. The degree that usually leads one to such a dynamic career path comes at a high cost. This is where doing an MBA in New Zealand may prove to be a game-changer.
New Zealand, an English speaking, developed, and isolated country, also famous for its scenic beauty, can be an excellent avenue for MBA aspirants. Pursuing an MBA in New Zealand can be a great option, as the country houses globally recognized MBA offering Universities, and it has a reputation for quality education and excellence.In this article, we will talk about:
Why MBA in New Zealand?
In a world full of congestion and diseases, New Zealand may offer a place to breathe. With cities like Wellington, which is the 2nd most livable, 3rd happiest, and 18th safest in the global rankings, the country offers its international students a chance to experience high-quality life and proper work-life balance.
Doing an MBA in New Zealand is affordable as well as profitable, which can be seen from its Return on Investment (avg. salary/avg. fees) figure of 2.79.
While the cost of living in New Zealand may range on a bit of higher-end (197.2% higher than that of India’s (excluding rent figures), and the rent in India is 460.67% lower than that in New Zealand), the affordable college fees, availability of opportunity to work while studying, and scholarship facilities can help one get through the tenure.
With the availability of visas for graduates to start working in New Zealand after acquiring their degree, the country can become a second home for the international students coming for MBA in New Zealand.
Top Universities In New Zealand For Mba
Below we have listed down the top Universities for MBA in New Zealand. We have mentioned the course that they offer, their fees for international students, the average salary, and the entrance exam required for admission.
University that provides only Executive MBA and one that offers a Master of Management is also included in the list since both of them have a reputation equivalent to that of MBAs of other Universities.
Here is the list of top Universities for MBA in New Zealand. Click on the link to gain more information on each university and its MBA program:
- Victoria University of Wellington
- University of Otago
- University of Auckland
- University of Waikato
- Massey University
- University of Canterbury
- Auckland University of Technology
| Top Colleges in New Zealand | Programs | Fees (For International Students) | Avg. Salary (USD) | Entrance exam |
| Victoria University of Wellington | Executive MBA | NZ$58,000 | $1,36,000 | GMAT (minimum 550) |
| The University of Otago | MBA | NZD$57,960 | $1,11,600 | GMAT |
| University of Auckland | Master of Management | NZ$67,097 | $1,04,750 | GMAT (minimum 550) |
| University of Waikato | MBA | NZ $55,000 | $84,250 | NA |
| Massey University | MBA | NZ $50,430 | $83,600 | GMAT (optional) |
| The University of Canterbury | MBA | NZ$47,250 | $77,200 | GMAT (minimum 600) |
| AUT University | MBA | NZ$53,715 | $72,000 | GMAT (minimum 550) |
From the table above, we see that the average salary secured after doing an MBA in New Zealand is around US$ 1,04,040 (Top 5). This might look to be a lower figure when considered the average salaries acquired after doing MBA in the USA, Canada, UK, etc.
But the average fees of doing an MBA in New Zealand is very low as compared to that in these countries (USA, Canada, Australia, etc.). This fact may attract many MBA aspirants.
The bar chart below specifies the average course fees and the average salary for an MBA in the top 5 colleges in the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand according to the average salary.
Victoria University of Wellington
Victoria University of Wellington has the advantage of being situated in the capital city of New Zealand – Wellington. This helped the University to establish strong links with government agencies, industries, international agencies, and some research institutes of New Zealand that are of high repute. Also, the city ranks as 2nd most liveable, 3rd happiest, and 18th safest in the global rankings.
In the 2019 QS World University Rankings, Victoria University of Wellington secured a rank of 215. Two of its subjects from the program that is conducted in its business school ranked in the top 50 in the world. And 13 subjects, including the ones from other departments, ranked in the top 100.
MBA Program at Victoria University of Wellington
The University offers an Executive MBA course. It has four trimesters for a full-time course. It takes longer if got admitted for the part-time course. The duration may vary for individual students. The University year consists of 3 trimesters starting in March, July, and November.
Along with lucrative employment opportunities, the course offers the employer’s support facility. Their EMBA employer guide specifies the advantages of an MBA for the employee and hence to the company. Also, students can explore and avail themselves of the scholarship opportunities offered by the University.
The University also has partner institutions that allow the students to opt for completing some of their study overseas. This is termed as their Global Exchange Overseas Programme.
Trimester 1 for 2021 starts on 22nd February. For that, the application needs to be done until 1st December 2020.
University of Otago
The MBA program at the University of Otago was established in 1976. It is recognized as the top MBA course in New Zealand. It is delivered both in offline as well as an online form. Ranking of its full-time MBA is placed in the top 200 worldwide and is among the top 10 of Oceania by QS.
Only a few B-schools (less than 100) hold the accreditation both from EQUIS and AACSB, and Otago Business School is one of them.
The campus electives, business projects, international electives, and online electives provide a wide choice of specializations. The full-time MBA program at Otago is a two-phased one. Its duration ranges from 15 months to 2 years, depending on your elective choices in Phase 2.
Student Exchange Program and Career Prospects
Around 20 top-ranked B-Schools are partnered with the University of Otago for the international student exchange program. Few of them include:
- Duke University, Fuqua School of Business (United States)
- University of North Carolina, Kenan–Flagler Business School (United States)
- National University of Singapore
Career prospects at Otago can be gauged by looking at where the Alumni are placed. Areas where the alumni of the MBA program are active include – financial services, consulting, manufacturing, retail, technology, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and logistics. Many secure a job that pays a six-figure salary just after three months of graduation.
Rigorous Application Process
The application process for Otago’s MBA program includes the completion of this form, an interview, and a video conference presentation on a recent news item. The next intake for the on-campus program will be in February’21, and for the online program will be in September’20. Also, students can explore and avail themselves of the scholarship opportunities offered by the University.
University of Auckland
As per QS Ranking, the University of Auckland ranks within the top 100 universities worldwide, making it New Zealand’s highest-ranked University. The international students’ population is around 7000, with the representation of over 120 countries.
The University is in New Zealand’s economic and cultural hub, Auckland, a harbor city, having easy access to beaches and rainforests.
MBA Program at the University of Auckland
The MBA program at the University of Auckland is rigorous and relevant. It provides one with a breadth of business knowledge, skills, and insights on how to become a successful leader over a wide range of industries.
The MBA program here is taught on a quarter-based system for the duration of the program. Each quarter consists of lectures delivered for the first ten weeks, followed by assessments in week 11. Week 12 is a break period. The program may span over 18 or 36 quarters, too, as per the requirement of the student.
The program provides you a golden opportunity in the final quarter to work alongside a New Zealand or international business as an advisor. You can work to develop their strategies to grow locally and even internationally.
The average age of students here is 37.5. The average work experience of students in this program is around 13 years, and that in the management role is around 5.5 years. The class size is 25-30. 38% of the class is the female population.
Deadline for MBA Application
Quarter 2 intake would happen until 29th March 2021. The application for the same would close on 1st December 2020. Later, the quarter four intake will happen until 13th September 2021 with an application deadline till 1st June 2021. Also, students can explore and avail of the scholarship opportunities offered by the University.
University of Waikato
The University of Waikato ranks at 375 out of 1000 universities that are ranked by QS Rankings. It has a high score for the proportion of international staff and students – 96.8 and 85.3 on 100, respectively.
The University has a high reputation for employment, cutting-edge facilities, outstanding teaching, and student satisfaction, and internationally renowned research, as it was awarded a 5-star rating by QS Stars for these categories. THE (Times Higher Education) World University Rankings placed the University in the band of 501-600.
MBA Program: Three Inter-disciplinary areas
The University’s MBA program is a 180-point course comprising of subjects structured around three inter-disciplinary areas – Value Creation, Frameworks, and Leadership. The program spans for the duration of 18 months for international students, and 24-36 months for domestic students.
The Waikato MBA also hosts an international study tour with 7-9 days of industry visits and international guest speakers. It gives the students a first-hand experience, locally as well as globally, of how the theories work in practice.
The students are offered an option to attempt the program in a part-time manner too. The classes are offered in Hamilton and Tauranga. More about the enrolment can be known from here. The session begins in March. Also, students can explore and avail of the scholarship opportunities offered by the University.
Massey University
The MBA at Massey is the longest-running MBA program in New Zealand. It ranks in the top 300 of the QS rankings.
The MBA program at Massey University is unique in New Zealand’s MBA scenario as it is the only one that offers specializations, both as full time and in online mode. The specializations include Digital Transformation, Business Sustainability, and International Marketing.
Completion of 180 credits of courses is required for securing the degree. The first closing date for the intake of international students was 17th January 2020, the second will be on 1st July 2020, and the third will be on 18th September 2020. Also, students can explore and avail of the scholarship opportunities offered by the University.
University of Canterbury
Holding the ‘Triple Crown’ of accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA), it puts the University of Canterbury’s B-School in the top 1% of business schools worldwide.
The University of Canterbury’s MBA program focuses on industry collaboration to develop all-rounded leaders who can help international organizations grow through innovation, data-led strategy making, digital transformation, and responsible societal engagement.
The program consists of compulsory courses, consulting projects, and electives. It is a 180-point program, divided as 120 points of compulsory courses, 45 points of the consulting project, and 15 points of electives. The 15-point requirement for electives can be fulfilled in part manner. All the courses cannot be offered in a particular year.
The degree may span for a minimum of 16 months or a maximum of 5 years, depending on whether the course is full-time or part-time. The program for international students starts in February. Students can explore and avail of the scholarship opportunities offered by the University.
Auckland University of Technology
The MBA program at Auckland University of Technology is designed to meet the needs of a complex business environment which is changing in a fast-paced manner. It helps create leaders who can grasp an advanced understanding of a variety of business divisions and manage cross-cultural teams.
The degree requires completion of 180 points – 135 points of core subjects and 45 points of electives. The maximum duration of the course can be four years, within which students have the flexibility to choose how many subjects per term. The electives can be selected from other departments of the University.
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Students can also explore and avail of scholarship opportunities offered by the University.
MBA Fees vs. Salary – Top 5 Colleges in USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand
| Countries | USA (USD) | Canada (USD) | Australia (USD) | New Zealand (USD) |
| Average Fees | 2,20,665 | 97,002 | 60,617 | 37,254 |
| Average Salary | 1,63,000 | 1,00,152 | 1,21,953 | 1,04,040 |
And that’s not all. Pursuing an MBA in New Zealand can offer a golden opportunity for the candidates who, unfortunately, scored less on the GMAT.
The average GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) score required for top MBA colleges in the USA is more than 700, and that for Australia is more than 600. While we didn’t get the figures for the GMAT score required for admission to MBA colleges in New Zealand, but the minimum requirement is 550.
Thus, Landing in one of the above-mentioned institutes may brighten their fortune.
Student and Work Visa Requirements for New Zealand
After confirming the University to pursue an MBA, candidates should begin their process of applying for a student visa. A student visa is required in New Zealand if the stay in-country is going to be for more than three months.
As many as 90,000 students migrate to New Zealand to pursue education every year. It reported a growth of around 9.8% in international students. However, recently it is found that there has been around a 10% increase in the study visa refusal rate for Indian Students wanting to go to New Zealand for higher education.
The cost of a student visa is around US$ 185, which can be paid by either cheque or draft. The international students who subscribe to a full-time program can work for a maximum of 20 hours a week and full-time during holidays.
The country also permits a visa for 12 months to the international students post their graduation if currently they have no job and are searching for one. And for the ones who secure a job in New Zealand after their graduation, they must apply for a ‘Graduate Work Experience‘ visa. This would give them permission to continue their job in New Zealand for almost two years.
Minimum Qualification Required
The essential eligibility criteria to get admission to top MBA colleges in New Zealand is:
- A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification or an acceptable level of management experience).
- At least three years’ professional/management experience
- A good GMAT Score always helps in improving the chances of getting the admit offer.
- An IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent (if English is not your first language)
Every University sets the eligibility criteria as per their policies. But broadly, the above-mentioned points can be seen for most of the colleges, with addition or modification in few points depending on the University.
mba in new zealand for international students
MBA in New Zealand is a highly coveted 1 to 1.5-year spanning program available in all the top universities of the country. New Zealand is popular for offering cheaper MBA programs as compared to other popular MBA destinations like the US, Canada, UK. MBA without GMAT in New Zealand is a desired course making admissions to top universities easier.
To get into MBA courses with B-schools in New Zealand, you will need a bachelor’s degree with a score of 70% or above, English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS or equivalents), and professional experience of 3-5 years. Applications for most universities are invited on a rolling basis, international applicants are, however, suggested to apply early to ensure enough time is left for obtaining the visa.
International aspirants for MBA programs must note that they can choose from a plethora of scholarships to study in New Zealand to ease the burden of expenses. The cost of studying MBA in New Zealand is around 45,000 to 67,000 NZD (~23.5-35 lakh INR). After completion of the degree, students can expect an average annual salary of 132,000 NZD (69.12 lakh INR) in New Zealand. Post completion of your MBA course from New Zealand you can look out for jobs with firms like Accenture, Microsoft, Foodstuffs Auckland ltd, Deloitte, Datacom, ANZ Banking Corporation, and Kiwibank. With high salaries and low tuition fees, an MBA in New Zealand is considered to offer high return on investments for international aspirants willing to make a career abroad.
Top Universities for MBA in New Zealand
Some of the top-ranking colleges in New Zealand for pursuing an MBA degree are listed below along with course duration and fees schedule for international applicants:
| University | Mode of Program and Duration | Total Program Fees (in NZD) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Otago | Full-time: 1.3 years | 60,892 |
| Auckland University of Technology | Full-time: 1.5 years | 53,700 |
| University of Canterbury | Full-time: 1.4 years | 73,400 |
| University of Waikato | Full-time: 1.5 years | 56,220 |
| Massey University | Full-time: 1 year | 31,810 |
| Auckland Institute of Studies | Full-time: 1.5 years | 36,750 |
Note: The University of Auckland which is among one of the top-ranking universities of New Zealand also offers a full-time MBA degree. However, currently, it has not been accepting international applications for this program. Another MBA related programs to check out in New Zealand is EMBA in Victoria University of Wellington with total cost of 61,750 NZD (for complete program).
Why Study MBA in New Zealand?
New Zealand combines the benefits of a developed country with the serenity of a welcoming environment. It offers study abroad aspirants an internationally recognized MBA degree with great career opportunities and a handsome salary.
- 5 universities of New Zealand offering MBA programs rank among the top universities of the world, according to THE Ranking of 2022.
- MBA is the 5th highest paying degree for graduates and alumni of this country.
- Auckland ranked 31st among the best student cities, according to the QS Ranking of 2022.
- ROI of MBA from USA, Canada, and Australia is lower than that of New Zealand.
- All the courses offered by the universities and the quality of education imparted are maintained under the guidelines of the New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA) which is globally recognized.
Admissions to MBA in New Zealand
Students are required to have a bachelor’s degree and 3-4 years of relevant work experience to apply in New Zealand universities for an MBA.
Most of the universities accept applications on a rolling basis for semesters starting in July and February. International students should apply 2 to 3 months before the beginning of the semester so that all the arrangements such as visas, travel, accommodation could be done on time.
COVID-19 Update
- Most of the universities are still accepting applications from international students for the 2022 semester. Classes will be conducted online at least until February, 2022. International students enrolled for the 2020 semester who were expected to start classes in July do not need a visa and can continue their education online for the time period.
- International students enrolled for the 2020 semester who were expected to start classes in July do not need a visa and can continue their education online for the time period.
MBA in New Zealand Admission Deadlines
The admission deadlines to get into MBA universities in New Zealand are as follows:
| University | Intake |
|---|---|
| University of Otago | Feb 2022 intake, applications currently open (July) |
| Auckland University of Technology | Quarter 1: November 1, Quarter 2: February 1, Quarter 3: May 1, Quarter 4: July 1. |
| University of Canterbury | February 2022 (only for international students), May 2022, September 2022 |
| University of Waikato | March 2022 (Flexible options are available for students willing to start later in the same year) |
| Massey University | First Intake: January 31, 2022, Second Intake: May 30, 2022, Third Intake: September 26, 2022 |
| Auckland Institute of Studies | Start Dates: Trimester 1: January 29, 2022, March 26, 2022; Trimester 2: July 16, 2022, May 21, 2022; Trimester 3: September 10, 2022, November 5, 2022 |
Admission Requirements for MBA in New Zealand
Students having a bachelor’s degree or diploma in related disciplines like business, economics, commerce, etc are eligible to apply for MBA in New Zealand. University-wise detailed admission requirements are tabulated below:
| University | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| University of Otago | Bachelors or professional experience |
| Auckland University of Technology | Bachelors or diploma or relevant professional experience |
| University of Canterbury | Bachelors or diploma in business administration with minimum 70% |
| University of Waikato | Bachelors with minimum 70% |
| Massey University | Bachelors with minimum 65% |
| Auckland Institute of Studies | Bachelor in commerce or business |
Note: Along with the above-mentioned requirements, applicants must submit the following documents to pursue MBA in New Zealand SOP for MBA in New Zealand, Letters of Recommendation, and CV/Resume
MBA in New Zealand: Work Experience & Test Requirements
| University | Work Experience and Additional Requirements |
|---|---|
| University of Otago | GMAT (average 550) or Otago admission test score; 3 years of work experience |
| Auckland University of Technology | 5 years of work experience; Aptitude test; Interview |
| University of Canterbury | 5 years of work experience |
| University of Waikato | 3 years of management experience or 10 years of work experience |
| Massey University | 3 years of work experience; Written application; References; Practical exercises |
| Auckland Institute of Studies | No additional requirements |
Proof of English Proficiency for International Students
International students are required to submit IELTS or TOEFL test scores to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. The minimum score requirement for studying in New Zealand is given below:
- IELTS: 6.5 (no section below 6.0)
- TOEFL (iBT): 90
- PTE: 58
Student Visa Requirements in New Zealand
A New Zealand student visa is required for anyone willing to study in New Zealand for more than 3 months. The documents you would need during the time of visa application are listed below:
- Valid passport
- Student visa application form
- Application fee payment receipt
- Offer letter from the institution you have been selected for.
- Health insurance receipt
- Two passport size photographs
- Transcripts (Graduation certificates, 10+2 certificate,10th class certificate)
- Scorecard of the required tests ( eg: TOEFL, IELTS)
- Documents showing how you will pay the tuition fees and the living costs.
Study Cost of MBA in New Zealand
The cost of living in New Zealand is approximately 197% higher than in India. However, the tuition fee is much lower than the MBA in Canada, USA, Australia, etc. The cost of studying abroad can be categorized as Pre-arrival Cost, Tuition Fees, and Cost of Living. All three of them are discussed briefly in this section.
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Pre-arrival Cost
This is a one-time expense and includes application fees of the university, registration fees of exams to study in New Zealand, visa application fees, etc. A brief summary of such costs is tabulated below:
| Expenses | Fees (in NZD) |
|---|---|
| New Zealand Student Visa | 346 |
| IELTS | 420 |
| TOEFL fees | 410 |
| GMAT fees | 382 |
| Air Tickets | 450 – 700 |
Tuition Fees for MBA in New Zealand
Auckland Institute of Studies charges the lowest tuition fees among universities offering MBA in New Zealand. Given below is a detailed comparison of the fees of top business schools in New Zealand for Indian students:
| University | MBA fees in INR |
|---|---|
| University of Otago | 31.88 Lakhs |
| University of Waikato | 29.43 Lakhs |
| University of Canterbury | 38.42 Lakhs |
| Massey University | 16.65 Lakhs |
| Auckland University of Technology | 28.12 Lakhs |
| Auckland Insitute of Studies | 19.24 Lakhs |
Cost of Living in New Zealand
Students have to pay for travel and accommodation costs in New Zealand after getting enrolled in the university. The average cost of living is provided in the table below:
| Type of expense | Monthly Cost (in NZD) |
|---|---|
| Hostel | 1000 – 1500 |
| Homestay | 1500 – 2000 |
| Food | 480 – 550 |
| Traveling | 100 |
MBA in New Zealand with Scholarships
The tuition fees and living costs add to the financial burden on students coming to study in New Zealand. Thus, to help them financially, several scholarships, bursaries, etc are provided by the government, universities, external agencies, etc.
| Scholarship | Awarding Institute | Amount (in NZD) |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework Master’s Scholarship | University of Otago | 10,000 |
| AUT International Excellence Scholarship | Auckland University of Technology | 7,500 |
| MBA Awards | Massey University | 2,000 |
| International Excellence Scholarship | University of Waikato | 10,000 |
| New Zealand Excellence Award | Education New Zealand | 5,000 |
| GOPIO West Auckland Scholarship | Aukland Institute of Studies | 500 |
| Alison MacGibbon Fund | University of Canterbury | 300 |
Jobs after MBA in New Zealand
With an unemployment rate as low as 4.3%, New Zealand offers job opportunities to almost all the students graduating from there. There is a list of ‘ Essential Skills in Demand’ (ESID) published by the government of New Zealand on the skills and posts that are on demand. This would help you to develop skills that are in demand and hence would help you to find better jobs in the future.
Being a small economy, this country does not have the potential to ensure a job for all MBA graduates. However, the business schools in New Zealand have tie-ups with global companies that would recruit you in other countries like Australia, UK, US. The top employers are Deloitte, Foodstuffs Auckland ltd, Datacom, ANZ banking Corporation, Kiwibank. Salary packages offered by various top employers in New Zealand for MBA graduates are detailed below:
| Recruiters | Salaries (NZD/yr) |
|---|---|
| ANZ Group | 180,000 |
| Vodafone | 160,000 |
| BNZ | 75,000 |
| EY | 60,000 |
| Deloitte | 152,000 |
Some of the popular job roles to obtain after completing an MBA in New Zealand:
| Job Role | Average Salary (in NZD) |
|---|---|
| Business Manager | 132,000 |
| Marketing Manager | 97,400 |
| Division General Manager | 133,700 |
| Human Resources Manager | 58,200 |
| Office Manager | 55,400 |
| Assistant Accountant | 55,400 |
| Managers | 150,000 |
| Project Manager | 116,000 |
| Assistant Manager | 121,000 |
| Chairman Office Manager | 141,000 |
What sets an MBA degree from New Zealand apart from the regular master’s degree is peer-to-peer education that involves the exchange of experience and skills among students coming from diverse backgrounds and industry knowledge. Pursuing MBA in New Zealand is a lucrative option even if you plan on moving to Australia and have not made it to Australian universities.
MBA in New Zealand vs USA vs Canada vs Australia
Admission in New Zealand is easier as compared to MBA from Australia, the USA, and Canada. here is also comparatively easier than those countries. Only one university ie. The University of Otago requires a GMAT score whereas most of the top universities of other countries have it as a mandatory requirement.
| Country | GMAT Score Required | Average Annual Fees (in NZD) | Average Annual Salary (in NZD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA in New Zealand | 550 | 39,872 | 130,000 |
| MBA in Australia | 600 | 85,337 | 147,000 |
| MBA in USA | 700 | 115,480 | 211,939 |
| MBA in Canada | 650 | 84,763 | 135,702 |
MBA in New Master in Business Management (MBA) is not just a degree, but a course of study that will groom you for the corporate world with theoretical knowledge as well as practical experiences. New Zealand is one of the top 20 countries which offers you a good ROI post-MBA degree. As well as, the B-schools in New Zealand offer MBA with various flexible courses to suit your work-study schedule. The visa regulations are also quite simple and you would be able to apply for a work visa for 1 year immediately after your study.
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