Programme overview
Future growth and economic prosperity will be driven by leaders who have the skills and knowledge to inspire excellence, growth and change while navigating a complex world. These are the skills and knowledge that are at the core of a University of Auckland MBA.
Successfully completing our MBA will give you confidence, capability and the capacity to meet all professional challenges and opportunities head on.
Note: This programme is open to domestic students only. The information on this page is for new applicants only.
Programme structure
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. Classes are delivered in weekend block format on a Friday afternoon and evening, and all day Saturday.
In the final quarter of the MBA programme you will have a practical opportunity to work alongside a New Zealand or international business in an advisory capacity, to develop strategic recommendations for growth locally and/or internationally. This quarter may also involve an international business trip.
Download the MBA programme course structure flyer.
Postgraduate pathway
Download the MBA postgraduate pathway (23KB, PDF)
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Sample programme structure
Standard structure for completion of MBA (18 months) starting in Quarter Four.
Quarter 4 30 points
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 750
- Name:
- Navigating the Business Environment
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 752
- Name:
- Building Capabilities for Performance
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 700
- Name:
- Coaching for Leadership
- Type:
- Compulsory core course (You must enrol at the start of Q4 intake.)
- Points:
- 0 pts
Quarter 1 60 points
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 751
- Name:
- Financial Management and Control
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 704
- Name:
- Managing Talent in the 21st Century
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 7.5 pts
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 702
- Name:
- Managing Capacity and Inventory
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 7.5 pts
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 770*
- Name:
- Managing Entrepreneurial Growth Project
- Type:
- *Please note: You will undertake this course in Quarter 1 of the following year. Prerequisites must be completed.
- Points:
- 30 pts
Quarter 2 30 points
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 705
- Name:
- Approaches to Growth
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 7.5 pts
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 706
- Name:
- Innovating New Products and Services
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 7.5 pts
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 703
- Name:
- Globalising Mindsets
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 7.5 pts
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 708
- Name:
- Leading and Managing Change
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 7.5 pts
Quarter 3 30 points
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 753
- Name:
- Designing, Managing and Improving Business Processes
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 707
- Name:
- Engaging Innovation Ecosystems
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 7.5 pts
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 701
- Name:
- Financial Return, Risk and Valuation
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 7.5 pts
Quarter 4 30 points
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 760
- Name:
- Making Evidence-based Decisions Under Uncertainty
- Type:
- *Compulsory core course (Prerequisites must be completed.)
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 709
- Name:
- Market Making and Market Shaping
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 7.5 pts
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 713
- Name:
- Special Topic
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 7.5 pts
Sample programme structure
Standard structure for completion of MBA (18 months) starting in Quarter Two.
Quarter 2 30 points
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 705
- Name:
- Approaches to Growth
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 7.5 pts
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 706
- Name:
- Innovating New Products and Services
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 7.5 pts
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 703
- Name:
- Globalising Mindsets
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 7.5 pts
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 708
- Name:
- Leading and Managing Change
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 7.5 pts
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 700
- Name:
- Coaching for Leadership
- Type:
- Compulsory core course (You must enrol at the start of Q2 intake.)
- Points:
- 0 pts
Quarter 3 60 points
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 753
- Name:
- Designing, Managing and Improving Business Processes
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 707
- Name:
- Engaging Innovation Ecosystems
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 7.5 pts
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 701
- Name:
- Financial Return, Risk and Valuation
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 7.5 pts
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 770*
- Name:
- Managing Entrepreneurial Growth Project
- Type:
- *Please note: You will undertake this course in Quarter 3 of the following year. Prerequisites must be completed.
- Points:
- 30 pts
Quarter 4 30 points
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 750
- Name:
- Navigating the Business Environment
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 752
- Name:
- Building Capabilities for Performance
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Quarter 1 30 points
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 751
- Name:
- Financial Management and Control
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 704
- Name:
- Managing Talent in the 21st Century
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 7.5 pts
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 702
- Name:
- Managing Capacity and Inventory
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 7.5 pts
Quarter 2 30 points
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 760
- Name:
- Making Evidence-based Decisions Under Uncertainty
- Type:
- *Compulsory core course (Prerequisites must be completed.)
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 709
- Name:
- Market Making and Market Shaping
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 7.5 pts
-
- Code:
- BUSMBA 713
- Name:
- Special Topic
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 7.5 pts
2024 entry requirements
Programme requirements
Domestic applicants:
To be eligible to apply for admission to the University of Auckland MBA you must have:
- A relevant bachelors 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 have completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Business in Administration, or equivalent, with a GPA/GPE of 5.0 or higher
- Or a relevant bachelors degree and a Postgraduate Certificate in Business from this University with a GPA of 5.0 or higher
Further programme requirements
Domestic applicants:
To be eligible to apply for admission to the University of Auckland MBA you must:
- Have gained at least three years’ relevant management experience
- Successfully complete all application requirements
How much does a Master of Business Administration cost per year?
2023 fees
Indicative fees for the 180-point MBA (1.5 years) for domestic students are NZ$43,727.45 (plus approximately $2,500 for parking and textbooks etc and a Student Services Fee estimated at $1,271 for 180 points). Courses are paid per Quarter.
For more information on the full tuition fees for the MBA programme, please visit the MBA website.
- Domestic students
- NZ$29,953.20*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.38 per point, estimated at $1,005.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
The Master of Business Administration is only available to domestic applicants. For more information about the definition of a domestic applicant, please see Domestic or international status.
Application closing dates
- Quarter Two 2024
- Domestic 1 March 2024
- International 1 February 2024
- Quarter Four 2024
- Domestic 1 August 2024
- International 1 July 2024
Developing your skills and capabilities
The Business School is committed to giving you opportunities to develop as a scholar, leader, innovator and global citizen.
As you study towards your MBA you can expect to develop capabilities that will enhance your career and help you make a positive impact on society. You will acquire these capabilities from your courses and through participation in a range of co-curricular activities.
While enhancing your critical thinking and analytical skills, your studies will equip you with strong communication, teamwork and leadership skills as well as cross-cultural understanding.
A MBA graduate is expected to have skills and capabilities in the following areas:
Knowledge and practice
Building on your existing experience, you will be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge of general management theory and apply this effectively in a range of contexts.
Critical thinking
Effectively evaluate and synthesise evidence from multiple sources to develop coherent and evidence-based arguments.
Solution seeking
Identify, prioritise, frame and analyse complex problems, develop creative and practical solutions, and understand the impact and implications of planned implementation.
Communication and engagement
Work effectively in teams, influence and lead others, and engage varied audiences by communicating professionally using multiple formats.
Independence and integrity
Engage in independent and ethical decision-making and behaviour, demonstrating self-reflection and self-management in complex and ambiguous situations.
Social and environmental responsibility
Recognise, in relation to your field, the potential significance of the principles underpinning both the Treaty of Waitangi and sustainability, and demonstrate capability to shape business practice accordingly where appropriate.
Where could this programme take you?
MBA study is a life-changing experience. It is not about simply acquiring a set of professional skills. It is an important transitional stage in both personal and professional development as a leader and decision maker. You will gain not only the practical skills required to lead a business, but the confidence with which to apply them.
Student career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Our Business School ASB Careers Centre will help get your career in business off to a strong start. You can access programmes, workshops and one-on-one support. You will be given opportunities to network with employers to increase your knowledge of the local business environment. Visit the Business School ASB Careers Centre.

Completing an MBA gave FMCG expert Michael Oosthuizen the confidence to take on more challenging roles in his organisation.
Read Michael's storyExperience the University

Applying the MBA everyday
The transferable skills that Tara Macmillan gained with from an MBA span different careers and industries – skills that she applies to her work every day.
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