Can I Do an MBA Part-Time in South Africa?
For working professionals in South Africa, pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) without pausing your career is a common goal. The question, “Can I do an MBA part-time in South Africa?” has a resounding answer: Yes, and the options are robust, flexible, and tailored to busy schedules.
Why Choose a Part-Time MBA in South Africa?
Part-time MBAs allow you to balance work, study, and life:
- Demand: Over 50% of MBA students in South Africa opt for part-time formats (MANCOSA Report, 2024).
- ROI: Graduates see a 35–50% salary increase within 5 years (GIBS, 2023).
- Flexibility: Designed for professionals with 3–5 years’ experience, typically aged 25–40 (CHE, 2024).
- Enrollment: Of the 15,000 MBA students in 2024, ~7,500 were part-time (CHE).
South Africa’s 20+ NQF Level 9 MBA programs include part-time options, making it a leader in accessible postgraduate education.
Part-Time MBA Options in South Africa
Part-time MBAs vary by institution, format, and duration (typically 2–3 years). Here’s a detailed look at the best offerings.
1. Wits Business School (WBS)
- Location: Johannesburg.
- Format: Weekday evenings (2 nights/week), Saturdays, or modular blocks (5–6 weeks/year).
- Duration: 2 years.
- Cost: R265,000–R285,000 (South Africans), R530,000–R570,000 (internationals).
- Credits: 180 SAQA credits.
- Enrollment: ~400 students/year, 60% part-time.
- Features: Triple-crown accredited (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS), optional Global Study Tour (R30,000–R40,000).
- Stat: 90% employed within 6 months (WBS, 2024).
Why Part-Time? Flexible scheduling suits Joburg’s professionals.
2. Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
- Location: Johannesburg.
- Format: Part-time (evenings/weekends) or modular (5–6 block weeks/year).
- Duration: 2 years.
- Cost: R300,000–R340,000.
- Credits: 200 SAQA credits.
- Enrollment: ~400 students/year, 50% part-time/modular.
- Features: Strong corporate ties—25% employer-funded (GIBS, 2024).
- Stat: 90% completion rate within 2 years (GIBS, 2024).
Why Part-Time? Ideal for networking in SA’s economic hub.
3. University of Cape Town (UCT) GSB
- Location: Cape Town.
- Format: Modular (5–6 block weeks/year, 10–14 days each).
- Duration: 2 years.
- Cost: R285,000–R335,000 (South Africans), USD 36,022 (R650,000) for internationals.
- Credits: 180 SAQA credits.
- Enrollment: ~300 students/year, 40% modular.
- Features: #1 in Africa (QS, 2025), sustainability focus.
- Stat: 92% employed within 6 months (GIBS, 2024).
Why Part-Time? Intensive blocks minimize workplace disruption.
4. Stellenbosch Business School (USB)
- Location: Stellenbosch.
- Format: Modular (6 block weeks/year).
- Duration: 2 years.
- Cost: R400,000–R420,000.
- Credits: 213 SAQA credits.
- Enrollment: ~200 students/year, 50% modular.
- Features: Includes International Study Module (~R50,000 extra).
- Stat: 85% finish in 2 years (CHE, 2024).
Why Part-Time? Global exposure with minimal time off work.
5. MANCOSA MBA
- Location: Online/distance learning (Durban-based).
- Format: Fully online, self-paced.
- Duration: 1.5–2 years (extendable to 3).
- Cost: R83,000–R100,000.
- Credits: 180 SAQA credits.
- Enrollment: Over 5,000 students in 2024, 80% part-time.
- Features: Cheapest accredited option, no campus visits.
- Stat: 65% complete in 2 years (MANCOSA, 2024).
Why Part-Time? Ultimate flexibility for remote learners.
6. UNISA MBA
- Location: Distance learning (Pretoria-based).
- Format: Online, flexible pacing.
- Duration: 2–3 years (max 5).
- Cost: R150,000–R180,000.
- Credits: 180 SAQA credits.
- Enrollment: ~2,500 students/year, 90% part-time.
- Features: Largest MBA cohort in SA, affordable.
- Stat: 70% finish within 3 years (UNISA, 2024).
Why Part-Time? Adjustable pace for maximum convenience.
Admission Requirements for Part-Time MBAs
Education: Bachelor’s degree (NQF Level 7) or Honours/Postgraduate Diploma (NQF Level 8).
Experience: 3–5 years, with 2–3 years managerial (e.g., WBS: 4 years avg.).
Age: Typically 25+, with RPL for mature candidates (e.g., UNISA: 7+ years’ experience).
Tests: Some require GMAT (e.g., GIBS avg. 550), others waive it (MANCOSA).
Fact: 15% of part-time students enter via RPL (CHE, 2024).
Costs and Funding
- Range: R83,000 (MANCOSA) to R420,000 (Stellenbosch USB).
- Living Costs: R120,000–R204,000/year in Joburg/Cape Town (Numbeo, 2024).
- Funding:
- Scholarships: WBS (R80,000), UCT (50% tuition).
- Loans: Standard Bank (R300,000, 9–11% interest).
- Employer Sponsorship: 20–25% of students (GIBS/WBS, 2024).
Duration and Time Commitment
2 Years: WBS, GIBS, UCT, USB (fixed schedules).
1.5–3 Years: MANCOSA, UNISA (self-paced).
Weekly Hours: 10–15 hours (classes + study), e.g., WBS evenings: 6–9 PM twice weekly.
Stat: 70% of part-time students work full-time (GIBS, 2023).
ROI and Career Outcomes
Salary Boost: 35–50% (e.g., WBS: R650,000 pre-MBA to R910,000–R1,200,000 post-MBA).
Payback: 2–3 years (e.g., R265,000 WBS investment).
Employment: 90–92% within 6 months (WBS/GIBS/UCT, 2024).
Stats and Trends (2024–2025)
Part-Time Share: 50% of 15,000 MBA students (7,500).
Growth: Modular/online up 15–20% since 2020 (CHE).
Completion: 78% within expected time (MANCOSA, 2024).
Why Choose Part-Time?
Work Continuity: 70% of students maintain full-time jobs (GIBS, 2023).
Practical Application: Apply learning immediately.
Flexibility: Suits 25–40 age group, SA’s MBA sweet spot (CHE).
Conclusion
Yes, you can do an MBA part-time in South Africa, with top options like WBS (2 years, R265,000), GIBS (2 years, R300,000), UCT GSB (2 years modular, R285,000), Stellenbosch USB (2 years, R420,000), and MANCOSA (1.5 years, R83,000). Serving 7,500 part-time students in 2024, these programs offer flexibility, affordability, and a 35–50% salary boost.
