FAQs

1. Is Jan the only intake in 2010 or you do have fall intake also? And it does seem to be late for Jan 2010 intake, right?
Yes, only Jan intake. Depends where you're from and how quickly you can get your act together. Our admissions process is streamlined to work to your advantage - but you will have to move quickly if you need to make a Visa application... email us your CV now!
2. Do students undertake part-time jobs? Does every student get an industry/company for the consultancy project and does the university help the students in getting the company?
Generally students do not have the time to undertake part-time employment on top of their MBA programme. For the consultancy project it is entirely up to the individual which industry they would like to study, but yes, we will do all that we can to assist you in obtaining your desired industry/company.
3. I have 2 years experience and can I still apply for the programme?
We prefer our applicants to have three years experience, however you are welcome to submit your CV - just make sure to state your case for why you should be on the programme and what other skills you have that compensate for your lack of experience
4. What is the ranking of Otago MBA on a global basis and on an Australasian basis (i.e. ANZ) and what is the source of the ranking?
We have shifted focus in recent times to address important aspects of our offering which don’t necessarily lead to an improvement in ranking. However, we believe that the quality and reputation of the programme is better judged by the rigorous accreditation process undertaken by Equis and AACSB. There are only 59 business schools in the world accredited by both Equis and AACSB, and we are one of them.
5. How do I get a student visa?
In order to apply for a student visa, you must first hold an unconditional offer of a place on the programme. Then, you will be able to apply to the New Zealand Immigration Service for a student visa/permit to allow you to study in New Zealand.
6. How many hours a week will I need to study on the Otago MBA?
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 and some of this is private study.
7. Are there any scholarships available for study?
There are very limited numbers of scholarships available and due to the nature of scholarships and applicants' personal circumstances please identify a scholarship you would like to apply for and we can assist you with your application.
8. Are study loans available for my study?
Student loans are available for NZ and Australian citizens and permanent residents. Please visit the StudyLink website.
9. I am an international student. How much should I allow for living in New Zealand?
You will need to budget about NZ$12,000 – NZ$20,000 for living expenses, depending upon your lifestyle.
10. I am a working professional from India and I have been educated only in English. Will I still need a score in IELTS or TOEFL?
It is not likely, the Otago MBA have a customised approach to programme application which is designed to streamline the process for you. Once you submit your CV we will make arrangements for an informal interview, throughout the process we will be monitoring your English language proficiency and will request IELTS or TOEFL if we feel your English is not up to standard.
11. I have German and Chilean passport is there any advantage to apply with one of them?
No, places on the Otago MBA are filled on a first-come first-served basis given that the individual meets all admissions criteria.
12. Is there an international study tour included in the MBA programme?
Yes, there is an International Exchange option in the final module of the course; you will see this information in 'Modules' under the Academic tab
13. I would like to know if you have an active placement cell.
We have just appointed Trish Franklin as Manager, Strategic Development who will be developing a strong careers capability in the months ahead.
14. I would like to know whether you have family accommodation for the student who bring their family and what are the charges of family accommodation?
Yes, the University has the Executive Residence for family accommodation. Their phone number is 0800 685 685
15. Here you mention that Jan is the only intake but on the home page it says that the intake is early Sept too. Would you please clarify.
Only January intake.
16. Is there any concentration or specialization?
Yes and no. The Otago MBA is a generalist MBA programme with a difference... the consultancy project in the final module is your opportunity to specalise in a particular area if you want - the added bonus is that it can be specifically targeted to any industry or subject that you want!
17. Do you have any other intakes apart from the January intake?
Not for MBA.
18. What is the Average salary package which a student gets after completing MBA?
This is dependent upon the job and the industry sector but is usuallly significantly higher following completion of their MBA.
19. Are my chances of employment and subsequent seeking of Permanent Residence in New Zealand helped by attaining an MBA from a NZ University? I am from India by the way.
Likely.
20. How do I find out which partner universities host MBA exchanges?
For the Univeristy of Otago MBA you need to contact the International exchange office.
21. What are your processes for aiding post MBA recruitment?
We have a dedicated member of staff - Trish Franklin - please see her profile on the website in the blog -plus we run recruitment sessions for MBA students and have an active alumni network.
22. Is there a part time MBA option available?
Yes the DipBA is a part-time MBA but requires the student to live and work in Dunedin.
23. Which modules focus on strategic management issues?
This depends on your definition of 'strategic' but in my estimation it would include Integrating management 1 & 2, Operations management, Business policy B and International Business.
24. do you have diploma of business administration course also?
Yes we do. There is more information about our DipBA course here: http://www.otagomba.co.nz/dipba_course
25. What is the application deadline for the January 2011 intake?
We have just made an announcement about proposed dates for 2011 on the Otago MBA Blog: http://www.otagomba.co.nz/otago_mba_blog/article/198
26. I have 2.4 years of experience in IT industry now, will be approx 3 years by dec 2010. I am yet to appear for GMAT. Can I apply for this MBA course now?
We require a minimum of 3 years work experience on application however overseas applications will be closing around September 2010 for the January 2011 start, in order for applicants to have enough time to process their student visas. I am afraid you will not have enough experience by that date so please do re-apply for the January 2012 start.
27. i am a MBA aspirant and wish to pursue my MBA in the year 2011 from otago, what will be the total expenses like?
Hi there. We have done an estimated calculation of living costs for you. Your expenses will look a little like this in 2011 if you did an Otago MBA in Dunedin, New Zealand: NZD $6000 - Rent (40 weeks) NZD $4000 - Food (40 weeks x $100) NZD $2000 - Power, Phone, Internet NZD $12 000 NZD $2500 - Personal costs NZD $1500 - Entertainment NZD $18 000 Add the proposed tuition fees onto this: http://www.otagomba.co.nz/fees How does that compare with elsewhere?
28. I have 2 yrs experience on telecom industry and completed my gradueation in year 2008 with 72%.. Plz let me know that which is the best university for doing post grad in IB in NZ for me?
So long as you have completed three years of work experience by the time you commence study, you will be eligible to be an Otago MBA student. You will however need to complete a GMAT and achieve a score of 550 or more. Otago MBA is the most comprehensive in New Zealand and includes a paper on International Business which this year took place in Auckland.
29. Hi, I have 3 years managerial experience and currently residing in Auckland. Is the GMAT going to mandatory for my addmision to the MBA course?
I'm afraid, to be admitted into the Otago MBA programme a GMAT test with a score of 550 or better is mandatory. 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.
30. Hi, I've 4 years and 7 months of professional IT experience as a Software Engineer. I've IELTS score of 7 but unfortunately my GMATscore is not so good (below 550).I'm very much interested in OTAGO fulltime MBA. Can I apply for the 2011 intake?
I'm afraid the GMAT score of 550 is mandatory. However, if you retake your GMAT and achieve a new score that is 550 or better then we will not penalise you for having an earlier lower score.
31. I have total work experience of 8 years in Networking giant, Cisco system , India and widh to apply for the program. Pls let me know the job prospects and average fee + personal expenditure of the MBA program. Thanks !
Hi. Please see the response to question 27, this should help.
32. i'm a one of sri lankan, i have just done my b.sc Hons in hotel and convention management in metropolitian university but i did not get certificate yet. my university said they will offer certificate after 6 months. can i apply for MBA using my trnscript
This would be ok. However, remember that you do need three years work experience.
33. Does Your MBA program has exchange program tie ups with other university of the world
Yes. The University of Otago has International Exchange relationships with thirty international universities. In Year Two, Otago MBA students have the option of completing 60 points on International Exchange.
34. application fees
No. We do not have any application fees. All you need to do is submit your resume on this website to start the process.
35. where do i find the successful 2009/10 graduate list ??
Most of our graduates for 2011 will be graduating at our August graduation. Keep checking back on the website for announcements about who has graduated this year.