Nelson Mandela University Business School is South Africa’s youngest business school. It offers programs such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (PDBA), Masters in Business Administration (MBA), and Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA).
The focus of these programs is to develop autonomous thinking, self-confidence, and leadership skills in students. The business school is located within a comprehensive university structure in a city with a population of one to two million people. It has been recognized as Africa’s first “green business school” and has received a “4 Green Star as built” rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa, highlighting its commitment to ecological responsibility.
MBA Structure
The NMU MBA program is structured over two years, divided into three trimesters per year. Here is a breakdown of the courses and components of each year and trimester:
Year 1: Trimester 1 (Feb – May):
- Data Analysis & Decision Making
- Strategic Marketing
- Leadership 1
- Accounting for Business (Foundation program for Financial Management)
Trimester 2 (May – Aug):
- Management Accounting
- People Management
- Research Project Proposal
- Continued Leadership 1
Trimester 3 (Aug – Nov):
- Financial Management
- Strategic Operations
- Business Strategy
- Continued Leadership 1
- Elective (chosen from options)
Year 2: Trimester 1:
- Business Research Project
- Management Economics
- International Business
- Leadership 2
- Elective (chosen from options)
Trimester 2:
- Business Research Project
- Leadership 2 (continued)
Trimester 3:
- Business Research Project
- Leadership 2 (continued)
Exit: MBA Degree
Elective Options:
- Entrepreneurship
- Project Management
- Lean Enterprise Management
- Business in Society
- Sustainable Development
- Management of Technology
- Additional elective: International Fieldtrip (students selected based on academic merit)
Please note that electives are offered over four days in Gqeberha (PE) from 08:00 – 17:00.
Additional Features:
- International Learning Experience: Includes overseas study trips, study abroad opportunities, and guest lecturers.
- Group Work: Students are assigned to syndicate groups to work on assignments and projects.
- Tests and Exams: Written at various delivery points on weekends for tests and during the week for exams (locations include Gqeberha (PE), Gauteng, Cape Town, Durban, or East London).
Accreditation
Accreditations and Memberships of Nelson Mandela University Business School:
Accreditations:
- Association of MBAs (AMBA): Nelson Mandela University Business School is accredited by AMBA, ensuring that the educational curriculum meets international quality standards.
- The Council on Higher Education (CHE): The business school is accredited by CHE, indicating compliance with national standards for higher education.
- European Doctoral Programmes Association in Management and Business Administration (EDAMBA): The business school was elected to EDAMBA, making it the second business school in Africa to be admitted to this association.
Memberships:
- Association of African Business Schools (AABS): Nelson Mandela University Business School is a member of AABS, demonstrating its involvement in the African business school community.
- South African Business Schools Association (SABSA): The business school is a member of SABSA, contributing to the collective efforts of business schools in South Africa.
- United Nations Global Compact’s Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME): The school is a signatory to PRME, reflecting its commitment to responsible management education.
Green Building Rating:
- Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA): Nelson Mandela University Business School received an official Green Star design rating from GBCSA, becoming the first educational institution in South Africa to achieve this recognition for a public and education building.
Admissions
Admission Criteria for the NMU MBA Program:
Phase 1:
- A four-year Bachelor’s degree at NQF Level 8, or a relevant Postgraduate Diploma (e.g., Business Administration) at NQF Level 8, or an applicable Honours degree in the Business Faculty at NQF Level 8.
- Minimum of three years of management or five years of business working experience.
- Residency within a 60 km radius of one of the School’s centers: Gqeberha (PE), East London, Cape Town, Gauteng, or Durban.
- Fluent in English. Non-native English speakers must provide an English Proficiency certificate to verify language skills.
Phase 2:
- Completion of a psychometric test as part of the application process.
- Achieve a score of 5 or higher on each of the three criteria of the SHL psychometric test, or
- Students taking the GMAT test must obtain a score of 520 or higher.
Phase 3:
- Participation in an interview as part of the application process.
- After completing Phase 3, the applicant’s application will be reviewed against the minimum requirements of each phase.
Supporting Documentation:
- Submission of required supporting documents within two weeks from the initial application date.
Please note that candidates who do not meet the criteria of Phase 1 will not be allowed to continue with the application process.
How to Apply
Once you have considered the MBA Admissions Criteria and feel qualified to apply for the MBA programme, click here to begin the application process.
