Stellenbosch Business School (SBS) is a highly regarded institution located in Cape Town, South Africa. It offers a wide range of internationally accredited management and leadership programs. SBS holds the distinction of being the first business school from an African university to receive all three major international accreditations: AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA. In 2017, SBS was recognized as the No. 1 business school in South Africa by PMR.africa. The school’s programs are relevant not only to South Africa but also to other African countries and beyond. SBS provides a comprehensive selection of degrees, including the flagship MBA, MPhil degrees, PhD degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and certificate courses in executive development.
SBS’s redesigned MBA program focuses on meeting the needs of today’s students. The program has been shortened and revamped, requiring applicants to hold a 4-year Bachelor’s degree, an Honour’s degree, or a 3-year Bachelor’s degree with a Postgraduate Diploma. Graduates of the SBS MBA gain a deep understanding of business operations, enabling them to excel in senior management positions across various industries. The program emphasizes responsible leadership, strategic thinking, and cross-cultural skills. SBS places a strong emphasis on international exposure, with partnerships with top business schools worldwide and opportunities for international study modules. The school’s expertise in African-focused areas, such as development finance and ethics, further enhances its reputation as a leading business knowledge partner in Africa. With its collaborative learning environment and diverse student body, SBS offers a transformative educational experience and the opportunity to build valuable networks with business professionals from around the globe.
MBA Structure
The SBS MBA program consists of 18 compulsory modules and offers a choice of electives. The compulsory modules cover various aspects of business management and include the Research Assignment, which is a comprehensive project that runs throughout the entire MBA program. The International Study Module is also a compulsory component, allowing students to gain international exposure at a foreign business school.
Here is a breakdown of the compulsory modules in the SBS MBA program:
- Accounting for Decision-Making (8 credits)
- Business Communication Skills (4 credits)
- Business in Society (8 credits)
- Contemporary Decision-Making (12 credits)
- Corporate Finance (12 credits)
- Digital Enterprise Management (8 credits)
- Economics for Managers (8 credits)
- Human Capital Management (8 credits)
- Integrated Case Studies (8 credits)
- International Study Module (8 credits)
- Operational Excellence (8 credits)
- Perspectives on African Frontiers (8 credits)
- Managerial Accounting (8 credits)
- Managerial Statistics (8 credits)
- Research Methodology and Assignment (45 credits)
- Strategic Management (12 credits)
- Strategic Marketing and Branding (8 credits)
- Leadership Development (16 credits)
In addition to the compulsory modules, students can choose two electives from a range of topics to specialize in specific areas of interest. The electives are organized into thematic clusters such as innovation, technology, operations, strategy, marketing, leadership, finance, project management, entrepreneurship, and management enhancement.
SBS has also introduced two new MBA streams:
- MBA stream in Managing International Organisations (MBA MIO): This stream focuses on international organizations, both for-profit and non-profit, as well as international development agencies. It is jointly presented by SBS and senior UN leaders.
- MBA stream in Health Care Leadership (MBA HCL): This stream is designed for individuals aspiring to lead positive change in the complex and evolving healthcare environment. It can be applied in both public and private healthcare industries.
The International Study Module is a mandatory component that provides students with an opportunity to develop a global mindset by studying at a foreign business school. The cost of this module is included in the MBA study fees.
In addition to the International Study Module, students are required to complete a Research Assignment of 50 to 70 pages on a management-related problem. This assignment demonstrates the application of a robust research process and allows students to develop the ability to evaluate managerial-level research in a workplace setting.
Lastly, SBS offers optional exchange study programs at partner schools abroad. Students can choose to participate in module or summer school programs at these partner schools to earn credits towards their SBS MBA.
It’s important to note that SBS reserves the right to modify the curriculum, including the content of subjects and the integration of learning areas, in order to continuously improve the program.
Accreditation
The SBS (Graduate School of Business) is an African university that has achieved notable accreditations, memberships, and acknowledgments in the field of business education. Here are the details:
Accreditations:
- AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business): SBS holds this prestigious international accreditation, which is recognized as the gold standard for business schools worldwide.
- EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System): SBS has been accredited by EQUIS, an international system for assessing the quality of management education.
- AMBA (Association of MBAs): SBS has received accreditation from AMBA, a global authority on postgraduate business education.
Rankings: In 2017, SBS was recognized as the No. 1 School in South Africa by PMR.africa, an independent consulting company that conducts annual surveys to identify top-performing institutions.
Memberships:
- EDAMBA (European Doctoral Programs Association in Management and Business Administration): SBS is the first member from outside Europe to join this organization, which promotes high-quality doctoral education in management and business administration.
- EFMD’s Global Doctoral Alliance: SBS is a member of this global alliance established by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) to enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing among doctoral programs.
- GRLI (Globally Responsible Leadership Initiative): SBS is a member of GRLI, an initiative led by EFMD that aims to transform management education and promote globally responsible leadership.
- PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education): SBS is among the first 100 signatories of PRME, a United Nations-supported initiative that encourages business schools to incorporate principles of sustainability and corporate responsibility into their curricula.
- GBSN (Global Business School Network): SBS is a member of GBSN, an organization that promotes management education as a crucial element in international development strategies.
Business School Associations: SBS is a member of several prominent business school associations, including:
- AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business): A globally recognized association that provides quality assurance and supports continuous improvement in business education.
- EFMD (European Foundation for Management Development): A leading international network of business schools and corporations that fosters collaboration and innovation in management education.
- GBSN (Global Business School Network): An organization that facilitates partnerships and knowledge sharing among business schools to address global development challenges.
- CEEMAN (Central and Eastern European Management Development Association): A management development organization that promotes excellence in business education and fosters cooperation among institutions in Central and Eastern Europe.
- AABS (Association of African Business Schools): A network that aims to enhance the quality and relevance of business education in Africa.
- SABSA (SA Business Schools Association): An association that brings together South African business schools to promote collaboration, share best practices, and advance business education in the country.
These accreditations, memberships, and acknowledgments highlight SBS’s commitment to quality education, responsible leadership, and global collaboration in the field of business.
Requirements
SBS (Graduate School of Business) MBA program has stringent admission criteria to ensure higher retention and pass rates. The minimum admission requirements for the SBS MBA program are as follows:
Academic Qualifications:
- An appropriate 4-year Bachelor’s degree at NQF level 8 (National Qualifications Framework) and a minimum of 3 years of relevant full-time working experience, preferably at a managerial level. OR
- An Honours degree at NQF level 8 and a minimum of 3 years of relevant full-time working experience, preferably at a managerial level. OR
- An appropriate 3-year Bachelor’s degree at NQF level 7 and a Postgraduate Diploma at NQF level 8, along with a minimum of 3 years of relevant working experience, preferably at a managerial level.
Other Requirements – Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL): SBS offers wider access to its MBA program through the Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) process. The following criteria apply for admission under the ARPL policy:
- NQF 6 Qualification: Candidates must have at least an NQF 6 qualification (equivalent to a national diploma).
- Working Experience: Candidates must have at least six years of working experience after obtaining the NQF 6 qualification, with a minimum of three years in a management or related professional position.
- Comprehensive CV: Candidates need to submit a comprehensive CV that provides detailed information on areas of responsibility, as well as information on activities outside the work environment.
- References: Candidates must provide at least two references, preferably from current or former line heads, who can provide a detailed personal reference about the candidate’s managerial or related professional abilities.
- In-depth Interview: The SBS Admissions Committee, consisting of the program head and another academic, will conduct an in-depth interview with the candidate.
- Admission Decision: If the Admissions Committee believes that the candidate has the ability to cope with the demands of the MBA program, they may be admitted.
- Recommendation and Notification: A recommendation of admission is sent to SBS’s Academic Planning Committee, which then notifies the Board of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences.
Note that ARPL candidates need to submit their application by 30 October each year to allow sufficient time for the assessment process.
These admission requirements ensure that candidates have the necessary academic qualifications and relevant work experience to succeed in the SBS MBA program. The Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning process provides an opportunity for candidates without traditional qualifications to demonstrate their capabilities for admission.
How to Apply
To apply for the SBS MBA program, you can follow these four steps:
Step 1: Apply Online
- Visit the website www.usb.ac.za/apply and complete the online MBA application form.
- The application form can be completed in steps, allowing you to save your progress without losing information.
- The application process is the same for both South African and foreign students.
Step 2: Do a Selection Test
- SBS accepts either the SHL or GMAT selection test.
- Both tests are internationally recognized.
- To schedule an appointment for the SHL selection test, get in touch with SBS.
- If you choose the GMAT, visit www.gmat.com for more information.
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
- Make the payment for the application fee to the following bank account:
- Bank: Standard Bank
- Account name: US Business School
- Account type: Cheque account
- Account number: 073003069
- Branch name: Stellenbosch
- Branch code: 050610
- SWIFT code: SBZAZAJJ
- You can email the proof of payment for your application fee to cparkin@belpark.sun.ac.za.
Step 4: Upload Supporting Documentation Online
- Prepare the required supporting documents and upload them online.
- The documents include:
- Proof of application fee payment
- Comprehensive CV
- Three essays, each consisting of 250 words
- Copies of degree certificates (original certificates must be presented on the first day or shown with a transcript of subjects)
- Proof of school-leaving mathematics results
- SHL or GMAT selection test results (if not sent directly to SBS)
- Copy of your ID (or passport for non-South African students)
- Marriage certificate (if the applicant’s new surname differs from that on the degree certificates)
- You can also email the proof of payment for your application fee to mba@usb.ac.za.
By following these four steps, you will complete the application process for the SBS MBA program.
