Frequently Asked Questions
A. Generally students do not have the time to undertake part-time employment on top of doing the full-time Otago MBA. For the MBA Business Project it is entirely up to the individual which industry or company they would like to work with, and yes, we assist students in obtaining a project that interests them.
A. We prefer our applicants to have three years experience, however you are welcome to submit your CV and personal statement - just be sure to state why you should receive a place on the Otago MBA and what other skills you have that compensate for your lack of professional experience.
A. See Future Students > Getting a Visa.
A. Students study on average 70 – 80 hours per week over the course of the programme. Some of this is in class, some is study within groups called Syndicates and some of this is private study.
A. There are very limited numbers of scholarships available. See Future Students > Scholarships.
A. Student Loans from the New Zealand Government are available for New Zealand and Australian citizens and permanent residents. Visit StudyLink for more information.
A. The total cost including fees, accommodation, meals as well as food and entertainment is in the vicinity of NZD$70,000. See Future Students > Cost of Living for more information.
A. It depends. The Otago MBA has a personalised approach to admission that is designed to streamline the process for you. Throughout the admission process we will monitor your English language proficiency and will request IELTS or TOEFL if we require confirmation of your language proficiency.
A. No. But we do have a Six Continent Selection Strategy to help us create a rich diverse MBA class. Therefore we would like to know about the cultural as well as professional backgrounds of all applicants. You should include this information in your CV and personal statement when applying.
A. Yes. About half of each class goes on International Exchange in Phase Two of the Otago MBA. See more information under MBA Programme > Info & Structure > Exchange.
A. We give students the qualification and skills they need to obtain a job with relative ease. Our Career Development Programme while studying includes one to one career coaching, careers and networking workshops, a personal mentor, and networking opportunities.
A. We often have people who come to Dunedin with partners and families to do the Otago MBA. There are plenty of affordable family accommodation options close to the Business School. See Future Students > Partners and Family.
A. Yes. The Otago MBA starts with a robust set of core subjects in all areas of general management. Then in Phase Two, students specialise their degree by choosing a set of elective courses. The major MBA Business Project is also an opportunity to specialise in a particular industry of particular interest to you.
A. Sorry, not at this time.
A. All students who want a job, get one after graduating. Students also report that salaries are significantly higher after completing their MBA.
A. Yes. See MBA Programme > Info & Structure > Exchange
A. Yes. See MBA Programme > Study Part-Time.
A. Yes. This is a shorter part-time qualification which can continue into MBA study. See MBA Programme > Study Part-Time.
A. No, we have a rolling admissions process. This means that generally speaking, the sooner you apply the better your chances of being offered a place. In line with Six Continent Selection Strategy, this is particularly the case for those from high demand countries, such as India, for which a limited number of places are filled more quickly.
A. Yes, all applicants must complete the GMAT. An Otago MBA is particularly demanding, consisting of 300 academic points delivered over less than two years. A three year bachelors degree at Otago has 360 points. The GMAT requirement therefore helps us and the applicant know they are able to meet the demands of the course.
A. I'm afraid a reasonable GMAT score is mandatory. However, if you retake your GMAT and achieve a new score that is 550 or better then we will not penalise you. Alternatively, if your GMAT score is close to 550 we may request an additional method of demonstrating your suitability for the programme such as an essay. This however is at our discretion.
A. No. We do not have any application fees. All you need to do is submit your CV and a personal statement on this website to apply.
© University of Otago School of Business, Otago MBA, Dunedin, New Zealand 2012
