Master of Business Administration (MBA)

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is the most internationally-recognised business qualification in the world.

It is a professional degree in business management based on a practical programme with theoretical, applied and research underpinning. It covers a range of business disciplines which form the basis of executive decision-making.

To enrol online for your preferred trimester, click on the start date below.

Programme Structure/Courses

The AIS MBA offers specialisations in:

  1. International Business
  2. Finance
  3. Marketing
  4. Operations and Logistics

The MBA also has three alternative pathways:

  1. 11 Taught courses including BUAD915 Exploring Business Research plus BUAD916 Applied Business Research
  2. 10 Taught courses plus BUAD920 Internship
  3. 8 Taught courses including BUAD915 Exploring Business Research plus BUAD917 Dissertation

The challenging five-stage programme makes significant time demands in order to reach the required standard.

In addition to assessed courses, the MBA integrates the curriculum through Integrated Management Learning seminars at two critical stages of the programme (after Stages 1 and 2).

The programme provides experiential learning with emphasis on sound corporate values, professional skills development and overall growth. Teaching staff are selected for their special blend of academic qualifications, research activities, current business and consulting experience, international involvement and teaching skills; providing exposure to international leading-edge best practices.

The MBA is approved and accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and is continuously reviewed and monitored by international practitioners and academics at the forefront of professional business development.

Programme participants will increase and broaden their skills base and enhance their ability to think laterally, research, problem-solve, be proactive, apply new ideas, think strategically and increase managerial competence. Skills are acquired today that can be applied tomorrow.

Using the interactive lecture/seminar format for management education, skills are rapidly enhanced, building on individual experiences and blending these with new knowledge, perspectives and concepts. Small classes facilitate a highly interactive learning environment.

Classes are run Saturdays and Sundays to make the most of the working week.

MBA NZQA Qualification Overview »

Stage 1 - Four compulsory courses:

Stage 2 - Two compulsory courses for the specialisation of your choice:

International Business

Finance

Marketing

Operations and Logistics

Stage 3

A number of elective courses from the following list, depending on your selected pathway:
Research pathway - four elective courses including BUAD915 Exploring Business Research.
Internship pathway - three elective courses.
Dissertation pathway - one compulsory course, BUAD915 Exploring Business Research.

Stage 4

One compulsory course for all pathways:

Stage 5

A completion pathway:

Duration & Start Dates

Duration
18 months full-time

Start Dates in 2024

Apply here for Trimester 1A: 27 Jan 2024
Apply here for Trimester 1B: 23 Mar 2024

Apply here for Trimester 2A: 18 May 2024
Apply here for Trimester 2B: 20 July 2024

Apply here for Trimester 3A: 7 Sept 2024
Apply here for Trimester 3B: 26 Oct 2024

Trimesters and scheduled breaks:
The MBA and PGDBA classes run every weekend from 27 January 2024 until 13 December 2024.

Entry Requirements

  1. IELTS 6.5 academic (with no band less than 6.0) / TOEFL iBT 79 (with a writing score of 21) / PToE academic score of 58 with no band lower than 50 / NZCEL L5
  2. A degree, or equivalent professional qualification as approved by the Academic Board of AIS; andat least two years relevant work experience as approved by the Academic Board of AIS or
  3. hold a Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Business degree (recognised by Academic Board as being at least equivalent to New Zealand pass standard) or other qualification approved by the Academic Head of Business Administration Programmes (or the Academic Director or Academic Registrar in his stead) and include BUAD920 Internship.

Fees

International Students

2024 Programme Fees: NZ$35,700
Resource Fees: NZ$3,300
Total: NZ$39,000
Plus a compulsory Student Services Fee of NZ$300 per year (or NZ$30 per month or part thereof).

Note: International students from Pacific Island countries should contact Sione Fakapelea for tuition fee details:

Phone: +64 9 815 1717 ext 846
Email: sionef@ais.ac.nz

Domestic Students

2024 Programme Fees: NZ$21,660
Resource Fees: NZ$3,300
Total: NZ$24,960
Plus a compulsory Student Services Fee of NZ$300 per year (or NZ$30 per month or part thereof).

This programme is eligible for a student loan from Studylink. Contact Studylink on 0800 88 99 00 or log on to www.studylink.govt.nz to apply for student finance.

Download AIS Prospectus