The NWU Business School has been delivering competent graduates since 1979, contributing to social and economic growth in Southern Africa. They provide professional postgraduate management and business training. The MBA qualification is highly regarded worldwide, and the NWU Business School aims to offer an accredited program that equips students for success in the business environment. The NWU is recognized as one of the best-managed universities in South Africa.
The faculty of the NWU Business School focuses on combining theory and practice to develop strategic leadership potential in organizational managers. The MBA program emphasizes best business practices and thought leadership to address multidisciplinary challenges.
MBA Structure
Duration and Structure of the NWU MBA Degree:
- The MBA qualification has a maximum duration of two years, with a maximum allowance of three years to complete.
- The teaching and learning approach of the executive MBA program is a blended methodology, combining synchronous and asynchronous activities.
- The NWU Business School offers classes at three different sites: Potchefstroom (Saturday morning contact sessions), Vanderbijlpark (Monday afternoon contact sessions), and Mafikeng Campus (block release).
- All classes are presented on a part-time basis, allowing students to choose the site where they want to attend their classes.
- The curriculum follows a mixed-method approach, incorporating open book assessments, a Portfolio of evidence, and formal group presentations.
- The NWU Business School uses English as the formal medium of teaching, learning, and assessments, considering its global recognition as a common business language.
Curriculum Highlights:
- Two compulsory one-week study schools are scheduled annually, focusing on skills development and training conducted by industry experts. These study schools occur over the two academic years, with four study schools in total (Block A, B, C, and D).
- Students are required to attend one designated MBA research day (MBA Day A, B, C, and D) per semester. These research days aim to equip and empower students in successfully completing their research projects
Accreditation
The NWU Business School offers an MBA program that is accredited by the Higher Education Quality Council (HEQC) in South Africa. It also holds international accreditation from AMBA (Association of MBAs) in London, UK, and is a member of the African Association of Business Schools (AABS).
Requirements
Admission Requirements for the NWU MBA Program:
To be eligible for admission to the MBA program at NWU Business School, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Completed official application form along with a written motivational letter explaining the reasons for pursuing an MBA.
- Possession of one or more of the following post-school qualifications:
- A recognized 4-year professional degree qualification at NQF level 8. International qualifications must be verified by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA), with verification being the responsibility of the applicant.
- An Honours Degree at NQF level 8.
- A Post-Graduate Diploma (PGDip) at NQF level 8.
- Minimum of 3 years of relevant management experience.
- Successful completion of a formally recognized Business School admission test such as GMAT or NMAT.
- Interview with the NWU Business School to discuss reasons for pursuing the MBA program.
- Access to computers, internet, and email.
Please note that admission to specific modules is subject to minimum numbers per module per site. If the required numbers are not achieved, students may need to take the module at another site or mode of delivery, or choose an alternative elective.
The NWU Business School reserves the right of admission to the MBA program, taking into account operational and capacity requirements, quality assurances, teaching and learning policies, and other factors that may impact admission.
Application
Step 1: Application Submission Prospective students are required to complete an online application through the provided link. Along with the application form, applicants must attach the necessary supporting documents, including a comprehensive CV, a well-crafted motivational letter, two recent ID photos, and certified copies of their ID documents, academic records, and certificates. These documents will help the admissions committee assess the applicant’s qualifications and suitability for the program. Follow this link to apply: https://vssweb.nwu.ac.za/aaa-webclient/StudentWebCommand.do?sf=143369&lng=3#/top.
Step 2: Paper Selection and Notification Following the submission of applications, the admissions committee will carefully review the materials. Applicants will be notified of their admission status once the paper selection process is complete. Successful candidates will advance to the next stage of the admission process.
Step 3: GMAT or NMAT Admission Test For those who pass the paper selection stage, the NWU Business School will request the selected applicants to undertake either the GMAT or NMAT admission test. This test serves as an additional evaluation tool to gauge the applicant’s aptitude and readiness for the rigorous MBA curriculum.
Step 4: Personal Interview After the successful completion of the admission test, applicants will be invited for a personal interview conducted by the NWU Business School. The interview provides an opportunity for the school to gain deeper insights into the applicant’s motivations, aspirations, and potential contributions to the MBA program. Following the interviews, the admissions committee will carefully assess the candidates.
Step 5: Admission Offer Applicants who demonstrate exceptional potential and meet the program’s requirements will receive official admission letters from the NWU Business School. These letters serve as a formal invitation to join the prestigious MBA program and signify the successful completion of the admission process.
