The MBA program at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) offers various formats and is designed for individuals who are self-driven, highly motivated, and entrepreneurial-minded. The program is suitable for those who want to start their own business or general managers who aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of business to become more effective managers.
The GIBS MBA program offers six different formats for Phase 2 of the program:
- Part-Time Program (Red Group): Classes are held on Monday and Wednesday evenings (17:30 – 21:30) and a full day on either Saturday or Sunday (08:30 – 17:30).
- Part-Time Program (Yellow Group): Classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (17:30 – 21:30) and a full day on either Saturday or Sunday (08:30 – 17:30).
- Short Block Modular Program (Green Group): Classes are held on full days of Thursday and/or Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (08:30 – 17:30) every second week.
- Long Block Modular Program (Blue Group): Classes are held for 7 to 11 consecutive days per block (08:30 – 17:30) every second month.
- Intensive Program (Purple Group): This program lasts for 15 months and follows a modular format with sessions of up to ten-day blocks every three weeks.
- Long Block Modular KZN MBA Program (Orange Group): Classes are held for 7 to 11 consecutive days per block (08:30 – 17:30) every second month at the Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS) in Kloof, KZN. This program has a manufacturing focus.
Please note that these formats are subject to change, and applicants will be notified of any changes in a timely manner.
The core courses covered in Phase 1 (Postgraduate Diploma in General Management) include Financial and Management Accounting, Microeconomics, Human Behaviour and Performance, Macroeconomics, Human Resource Strategy, Research and Statistics, Operations Management, Marketing, Business Communication for Impact, and Applied Business Project.
In Phase 2 (MBA in General Management), the core courses include Human Resource Strategy, Financial and Management Accounting, Operations Management, Marketing, Environment of Business, Decision Making, Innovation and Design, Strategic Implementation, Leadership, and Integrated Simulation. If students have completed the Postgraduate Diploma in General Management (Phase 1), they can obtain credits for the core courses in the MBA program.
In addition to the core courses, there is a research project and the opportunity to choose five elective courses. There is also a global module included in the program.
The GIBS MBA program offers a globally relevant and interactive learning experience. It is delivered by highly qualified local and international faculty through a combination of classroom lectures, case studies, business simulations, company visits, and syndicate projects. The program is available in five different formats: part-time, short-block, long-block, full-time, and the manufacturing-focused program in KZN.
GIBS is accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), ensuring that students are equipped for success in both local and international business environments.
The admission requirements for the GIBS MBA program include:
- Possession of an NQF level eight qualification (honors degree, postgraduate diploma, or equivalent).
- Completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in General Management (Phase 1) for eligibility to enter the MBA program.
- A minimum of five years of work experience, with at least two years at a management level.
- Leadership potential demonstrated through experience, letters of reference, and application essays.
- Good English language skills.
- Competence in Mathematics at the Matriculation certificate level.
- Competence in the use of scientific or financial calculators, as well as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and web browsers.
Applicants for the MBA program must complete either the GIBS Entrance Test or the GMAT. A minimum score of 550 is required for the GMAT. The final decision on acceptance may also consider the applicant’s undergraduate academic record, references, essays, work experience, and may include an interview or panel discussion.
To apply for the GIBS MBA program,
Prospective students need to complete an online application on the GIBS website. The application process may also require an entrance test and submission of reference forms.
GIBS MBA is internationally accredited by AMBA and AACSB, and it is locally registered with the Council on Higher Education (CHE), the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC), and the Department of Higher Education & Training. GIBS is affiliated with several business school associations and networks, including AABS, CEEMAN, SABSA, GMAC, EQUIS, EABIS, ABIS, PRME, GBSN, GBSM, and EMBAC.
