MBA in New Zealand: Top Colleges for International Students in 2022



One of the countries that has been welcoming international students from all over the world to study at some of their top universities with open arms is New Zealand. If you could sum up our thoughts about the country in one sentence, you might say that it is “one of the most beautiful countries in the world where The Lord of the Rings was filmed!”.

It may come as a surprise to most students since New Zealand has very few universities, but the country is quite popular for being one of the best places in the world for affordable education and a great quality of living.

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) course is one of the most popular and sought-after degrees in the world amongst graduates and professionals who are looking to move up the corporate ladder.

New Zealand is home to some of the best business schools in the world that offer quality education at lower tuition fees. For international students, this is an advantage since they only have to spend a fraction of what they would have to spend for the same quality of education that they would receive if they studied at some of the top schools across Australia, Canada, Ireland, or the USA.

What we will look at today!

Is New Zealand Good for MBA?


Most Indian students could benefit from studying in New Zealand because the country has a diverse population and a culture that is influenced by the Maori, European, and East Asian traditions.

The Government of New Zealand has made it possible for international students to pursue their undergraduate and postgraduate programs at the country’s many universities and institutions. They have also made the whole process of application easier for international students to enjoy a fruitful and life-changing experience.

The official language is English so most international students will not have a problem communicating with the local population of New Zealand or have trouble with their programs.

Speaking of which, there are plenty of programs to choose from across the universities of New Zealand. From business administration to agriculture to even studying brewing, the sheer variety that New Zealand’s universities offer in terms of programs is enough to entice any student into moving to the country.

A land of opportunities, New Zealand’s job market is huge, especially for new graduates. Be it casual work or permanent employment, New Zealand offers job opportunities across a variety of fields to all its graduates.

New Zealand is one of the best places to enroll in an MBA program because of its high-quality education and comparatively lower tuition fees. An MBA degree from one of the several universities in New Zealand is sure to ensure a successful career in the field of business and management.

New Zealand has a really good landscape that is just waiting to be explored. One can visit the scenic countryside and discover the charm that has appeared in so many movies and series.

Student-friendly cities such as Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Dunedin, Queenstown, Napier, and Hamilton ensure that students can enjoy a great quality of life at very affordable costs. The living costs in such cities are also affordable for international students.

The people are very friendly and amiable. Moreover, international students can feel welcome and safe in New Zealand, thanks to its rich heritage, multicultural population, and being one of the most peaceful countries in the world thanks to its low crime rates and easily accessible public resources.

What are the MBA Fees in New Zealand?


Compared to other countries, the MBA tuition fee in New Zealand is relatively on the lower side. An MBA from one of the universities of New Zealand ensures world-class education, access to many scholarships, global exposure, better career prospects, better networking opportunities, and a fulfilling international experience.

We have created a chart to help you keep track of the MBA tuition fee at the top universities/institutions for business studies in New Zealand. Take a look!

Is GMAT Required for MBA in New Zealand?


The Graduate Management Admission Test or GMAT is a standardized test that helps applicants when they apply for admission to graduate management programs at different international universities. The test helps students to stand out among other applicants and to gain a competitive edge during the admissions process.

GMAT may or may not be required across New Zealand depending on the university of one’s choice. While a few do not require students to have appeared for GMAT, most schools require students to submit their GMAT or GRE scores.

What are the top MBA Colleges in New Zealand?


Now that we have understood why studying in New Zealand is advantageous for international students, let’s take a look at some of the top universities and institutions in the country to pursue an MBA from, in detail.

Name Ranking Duration Fees Eligibility Criteria
The University of Auckland 105 18 months Approximately NZD 70,000 Relevant work experience (minimum 2 years)
IELTS/TOEFL
Student Visa
GMAT scores
GRE scores
Letter of recommendation
A relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognised university
University of Otago 201-250 2 years NZD 63,328 An undergraduate degree (or equivalent or an acceptable level of management experience)
A minimum of 3 years of professional / management experience
GRE/GMAT scores. A 550+ GMAT score or a ‘pass’ in the Otago MBA Admissions Test
IELTS/TOEFL. An IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent (if English is not your first language)
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) 251-300 1 to 1.5 years NZD 56,361 An undergraduate degree, a graduate diploma or a bachelor’s degree-equivalent professional qualification or professional experience.
A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience.
IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in each band.
An aptitude test and/or interview may be required.
The New Zealand Government requires all international students to have a valid study visa for the period of enrolment at AUT.
Massey University 251-300 12 months NZD 53,600 An undergraduate degree, a graduate diploma or a bachelor’s degree-equivalent professional qualification or professional experience.
A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience.
Have been selected into the qualification on the basis of the selection process.
Application statement (sometimes referred to as statement of purpose)
Massey University recognizes the following English language examinations,
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – academic scores only
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Cambridge English Qualifications
NZCEL
Pearson Test of English (Academic)
LanguageCert.
The New Zealand Government requires all international students to have a valid study visa for the period of enrolment at AUT.
Victoria University of Wellington 251-300 1-2 years NZD 65,750 A Bachelor’s degree or a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Business Administration, with at least a B average.
At least five years of relevant work experience.
You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha 301-350 16 months NZD 55,950 Any bachelor’s degree, or Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, must have been completed with good grades, and at least five years’ of work experience is required.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC’s English language requirements that are listed here.
TOEFL, IELTS, CAE, CPE, and Pearson Test of English.
University of Waikato 301-350 2 years NZD 61,270 A bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent professional qualification, AND
At least three years of relevant management experience OR at least 10 years of work experience
A detailed CV that outlines your education and employment history
A IELTS overall score of at least 6.5 or
iBT (Internet-based TOEFL) score of at least 90 or
B grade or better at Level 8 in the Certificate of Attainment in Academic English or
PTE Academic overall score of at least 65

Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/university-subject-rankings/2022/business-management-studies

1. The University of Auckland


Founded in 1883, the University of Auckland is New Zealand’s top-rated university that offers programs in a wide range of subjects and specializations. It welcomes students from all over the world to be a part of their undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs.

Located in Auckland, the university is the country’s largest university with over 40,000 students. The University of Auckland was ranked 6th in Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings 2022.

Why study MBA at this school?

The MBA programme is taught on a quarter-based system for the duration of the programme. Each quarter consists of classes delivered in weeks 1-10, assessments held in week 11, and week 12 is a break week.

The program is designed to be rigorous and robust so that it provides the students with the relevant skills and knowledge about the industry and how organizations work so that they acquire the qualities required to be a great leader.

The MBA program offers 180 points where students can choose from a wide range of subjects.

What are the career prospects after graduation?

The MBA graduates from the University of Auckland can expect to get placed in the top global organizations. Some of the most popular roles that the graduates of this MBA program get into post their studies include,

  • Account manager
  • Business analyst
  • Export manager
  • Management consultant
  • Market planner
  • Sales executive
  • Trade development director

Eligibility Criteria

The application process requires aspirants to have the following eligibility criteria

  • At least 2 years of work experience.
  • IELTS/TOEFL
  • Student Visa
  • GMAT scores
  • GRE scores
  • Letter of recommendation
  • A relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with a GPA/GPE of 5.0 or higher in at least 90 points in the most advanced courses or a Postgraduate Diploma in Business in Administration, or equivalent, with a GPA/GPE of 5.0 or higher. An equivalent qualification from a recognized university is also accepted.

Admission process & Fees

The average tuition fee to study at the University of Auckland is around NZD 70,000. Courses are paid per Quarter.

The admission process includes the following steps,

  • Complete the University of Auckland application form
  • Submit detailed CV
  • Submit personal statement
  • Nominate referees
  • Submit original documents/academic transcripts
  • Review application
  • Notification of selection
  • Enrolment

Scholarship options

Scholarships are available to those students that require financial assistance and are academically high-achieving. The University of Auckland awards up to 300 scholarships annually where each award grants up to NZD 20,000. The applications for scholarships are open to new, full-time students at both undergraduate or postgraduate levels.

Some of the most popular scholarships for International students include,

  • University of Auckland India High Achievers Scholarship
  • University of Auckland ASEAN High Achievers Scholarship
  • University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship

2. University of Otago


The University of Otago was founded in 1869. With over 200 undergraduate and postgraduate programs that offer unmatched flexibility, the university is one of New Zealand’s top-ranked universities and the country’s number 1 university for educational performance.

Why study MBA at this school?

The University of Otago offers an on-campus MBA as well as an online MBA. The on-campus MBA has two options – full-time and part-time.
MBA at the University of Otago is divided into two phases including,

  • Phase 1 – Has 12 compulsory core papers that cover relevant important business-related areas and a live case study.
  • Phase 2 – Students can choose to continue their MBA studies through one, or a combination of an international exchange, a professional consulting engagement or a choice of elective papers.

If a student opts for the full-time on-campus MBA, they can complete the program within 15 months to 2 years, depending on the electives they choose. Part-time students can complete the programme in two to three years.

What are the career prospects after graduation?

An MBA from the University of Otago can help students to land a career in a variety of roles including,

  • Business development
  • Marketing
  • Consulting
  • Finance / Accounting
  • Senior management
  • Technology
  • Strategic planning
  • HR
  • Entrepreneur
  • Operations management

The average salary of an MBA graduate from the University of Otago was around USD 75,000.

Eligibility Criteria

  • An undergraduate degree (or equivalent or an acceptable level of management experience)
  • A minimum of 3 years of professional / management experience
  • GRE/GMAT scores. A 550+ GMAT score or a ‘pass’ in the Otago MBA Admissions Test
  • IELTS/TOEFL. An IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent (if English is not your first language)

Admission process & Fees

International students are required to pay the total current tuition fee in advance. The total international tuition fee for the full-time on-campus MBA program in 2023 will be NZD 63,328. The tuition fee for the online MBA program for international students is NZD 60,892.

The University of Otago follows rolling admissions, meaning applications are considered as and when they are received.

The admission process is rigorous and includes the following steps –

  • Submission of the filled online application form
  • Appearing for an entrance test
  • Attending a personal interview
  • Notification of results
  • University admission – final offer of place

Scholarship options

Scholarships awarded by the University of Otago include,

The University of Otago also presents its students with a variety of awards during the course of the program including,

  • Student of the year -$1,500 to the Student of the Year (awarded at the end of phase one).
  • Best live case presentation – $2,000 to the syndicate who presents the best live case presentation at the end of phase one.
  • Most improved student of the year – $750 to the most improved student of the year.

3. Auckland University of Technology (AUT)


Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is one of the world’s foremost modern universities. The university was ranked 41 by Times Higher Education amongst the top universities under the age of 50. With over 250 programs and more than 100,000 alumni across the world, AUT is one of New Zealand’s largest and fastest growing universities.

Why study MBA at this school?

The MBA program at AUT is designed to cater to,

  • Those aspire to be part of the senior management levels at their organizations
  • Those who are already in senior management roles and would like to upskill themselves
  • Those who are looking to learn from critical business skills.

The MBA program at AUT offers 180 points where students can choose from a wide range of subjects. The core courses are made up of 120 points and the electives are made up of the remaining 60.

The students can choose the number of courses that they would like to pursue at a time and can complete the qualification within 4 years. If a student has opted for the full-time MBA program, they can expect to complete it within 1 to 1.5 years. Part-time MBA can be wrapped up between 2-4 years.

What are career prospects after graduation?

Some of the most popular career opportunities that are available to the MBA graduates from AUT include,

  • Business Strategy
  • Accounting
  • Business Management
  • Sales and Marketing
  • General Management
  • International Business Management

Eligibility Criteria

  • An undergraduate degree, a graduate diploma or a bachelor’s degree-equivalent professional qualification or professional experience.
  • A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience.
  • IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in each band.
  • An aptitude test and/or interview may be required.
  • The New Zealand Government requires all international students to have a valid study visa for the period of enrolment at AUT.

Admission process & Fees

The MBA tuition fee for international students at AUT is NZD 56,361 (for 180 points).
The admission process involves the following steps –

  • Submission of application form online
  • Include the necessary documents/academic transcripts
  • Receive acknowledgment for the submission of the application form
  • Notification of acceptance
  • Acceptance of offer

Scholarship options

4. Massey University


Massey University is one of New Zealand’s most prestigious universities. From a small-town agricultural college to becoming one of New Zealand’s largest residential universities, Massey has come a long way.

Why study MBA at this school?

The MBA program at Massey is designed to provide students with the necessary skills required to be successful in the field of business management through being closely connected to the industry and its business practices.

The full-time MBA program at Massey lasts up to 12 months with 180 credits while the part-time MBA program lasts up to 5 years. The program is designed to provide flexibility to students and to fit their interests perfectly.

The MBA program at Massey is accredited and recognized by the Association of MBAs (AMBA), the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), QS Ranking – Accounting and Finance, and ShanghaiRanking – Business Administration, among others.

What are the career prospects after graduation?

An MBA from Massey University can help students to progress into leadership and management positions very quickly and in various sectors including government and non-government.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for an MBA at Massey include

  • An undergraduate degree, a graduate diploma, or a bachelor’s degree-equivalent professional qualification or professional experience.
  • A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience.
  • Have been selected into the qualification on the basis of the selection process.
  • Application statement (sometimes referred to as a statement of purpose)
  • Massey University recognizes the following English language examinations,
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – academic scores only
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
    • Cambridge English Qualifications
    • NZCEL
    • Pearson Test of English (Academic)
    • LanguageCert.
  • The New Zealand Government requires all international students to have a valid study visa for the period of enrolment at AUT.

Admission process & Fees

The onshore full-time international tuition fee for 2022 is NZD 4,377 per 15-credit course; approximately NZD 53,600 for the qualification. For 2023 the estimated cost of studying at Massey is approximately NZD 54,700 with completion within one year.

The steps for the admission process for international students include

  • Go through the international students’ checklist
  • Apply for admission
  • Receive and accept “Offer of Place”
  • Pay fees
  • Apply to enroll in courses within your qualification
  • Receive and accept the Offer of Enrolment in courses
  • Receive Confirmation of Enrolment
  • Pay any due fees if you’re a domestic student
  • Start studying

Scholarship options

Some of the most popular awards and scholarships offered by Massey University include,

5. Victoria University of Wellington


Located in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, Victoria University of Wellington is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most prestigious tertiary institutions. Victoria University of Wellington has three campuses and several sites spread out over Wellington city. The city is known for its low cost of living and for being a student-friendly place.

Why study MBA at this school?

Victoria University of Wellington offers an Executive MBA (EMBA) program. The duration of the executive MBA program is 1-2 years. The program can be pursued full-time or part-time, depending on the needs of the applicant.

The complete course has a total of 180 credits. The course duration is 4 trimesters that can span over 1-2 years.

What are the career prospects after graduation?

Students will be attending professional development activities across a wide range of subjects such as personal development, leadership, business, and technology.

Eligibility Criteria

  • A Bachelor’s degree or a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Business Administration, with at least a B average.
  • At least five years of relevant work experience.
  • You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.

Admission process & Fees

The tuition fee for the executive MBA course at the Victoria University of Wellington is NZD 65,750.
The admission process involves the following steps:

  • Applying for admission
  • Submit necessary documents
  • Attend interview
  • Notification of admission
  • Accept offer

Scholarship options

Some of the scholarships offered by the Victoria University of Wellington include,

There are various New Zealand Scholarships Programme that students can apply for if required.

6. University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wananga o Waitaha


The University of Canterbury was first established in 1873 at Christchurch before it was moved to its current location.

The University of Canterbury has five Colleges including the College of Arts, College of Education, Health and Human Development, College of Engineering, College of Science, and College of Business and Law.

Why study MBA at this school?

The MBA program at the University of Canterbury has accreditations from EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA. The MBA programme is designed for aspiring and accomplished business leaders, with 5 plus years of experience, who are ready to take the next step in their leadership journey.

The program also helps students to connect with industry leaders and to stay up to date with the latest developments in the industry. The program duration is 16 months full-time. The program is offered in a blended mode where there are online and in-person evening classes with intensive weekend workshops on campus.

What are the career prospects after graduation?

Most graduates from the University of Canterbury’s MBA program build careers in a variety of fields including,

  • Accounting
  • Applied Finance and Economics
  • Business Administration
  • Business Sustainability
  • Business Information Systems
  • Business Management

Eligibility Criteria

  • Any bachelor’s degree, or Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, must have been completed with good grades, and at least five years of work experience is required.
  • If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC’s English language requirements that are listed here.
    • TOEFL, IELTS, CAE, CPE, and Pearson Test of English.

Admission process & Fees

The MBA tuition fee for international students at the University of Canterbury for 2023 is NZD 55,950.
The admission process involves several steps including,

  • Decide on your qualification of choice, and check whether you’re eligible to apply.
  • Go to the student portal, myUC, and create an account.
  • Submit your application
  • Upload documents such as academic transcripts and CV
  • Submit self-interview video when requested

Scholarship options

UC Business School offers three categories of awards for international students:

  • Dean’s Award
  • South East Asia Award
  • Fast Track Award

For Indian students to be eligible for the scholarships at UC, they will have to fulfill the following eligibility criteria.

  • 65% average or better in the final two years of an Indian undergraduate degree at an elite institution.
  • 70% average or better in the final two years of an Indian undergraduate degree at a Section 1 institution.
  • 75% average or better in the final two years of an Indian undergraduate degree at a Section 2 institution.
  • 80% average or better in the final two years of an Indian undergraduate degree at a Section 3 institution.
  • A- equivalent GPA or better in the final two years of an undergraduate degree from any country.

7. University of Waikato


Founded in 1964, the University of Waikato is a public institution for higher education and research in New Zealand that is an internationally recognized university. The University of Waikato has the perfect combination of quality education and a supportive academic environment.

Why study MBA at this school?

For those students who are looking to pursue a part-time MBA, the program duration is 2 years. The program hopes to develop individuals with the best-practice skills and agile mindset needed to become outstanding leaders or CEOs. The MBA program has held Triple Crown Accreditation from EQUIS, AMBA, and AACSB since 2005.

What are the career prospects after graduation?

The program is designed to cater to the requirements of frameworks, leadership and value creation. Some of the roles that most graduates get into

  • Accounting
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Business Administration
  • Business Sustainability
  • Business Information Systems
  • Business Management

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for getting into the MBA program offered by the University of Waikato,

  • A bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent professional qualification, AND
  • At least three years of relevant management experience OR at least 10 years of work experience
  • A detailed CV that outlines your education and employment history
  • An IELTS overall score of at least 6.5 or
  • iBT (Internet-based TOEFL) score of at least 90 or
  • B grade or better at Level 8 in the Certificate of Attainment in Academic English or
  • PTE Academic overall score of at least 65

Admission process & Fees

The tuition fee for international students to pursue an MBA at the University of Waikato is NZD 61,270.
The admission process involves,

  • Submitting the online application form
  • Submit necessary documents
  • Attend interview
  • Notification of admission
  • Accept offer

Scholarship options

There are many scholarships available for students at the University of Waikato,

Let’s get you into top MBAs in New Zealand


Now that we have discussed the top colleges in new Zealand for international students, here’s a look at how you can apply seamlessly to these courses. Applying for the best courses is literally a touch away with the T.C. Global web application or mobile app.

Explore courses and start your journey here.

Getting Started

To move forward with us, download our app or visit tcglobal.com and sign in to create an account on our student platform! 🚀 Once you’re logged in to your platform, onboard with us by giving us some initial information! ✅

Once you’ve done this, visit Calendly.com/tcglobal to pick a Relationships team closest to you and choose a slot that works well for you for an e-meet with our team 🤙🏻🥳
Let’s shape your future together🌍😊

Also Read:

Best MBA Colleges in World: Review of Best Business Schools in 2022



Date added
26.10.2022

Filed under:

Global Ed

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