Type of qualification
Level of study
Once you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree – or have equal experience – you can study at the postgraduate level. Doctoral qualifications require additional entry requirements.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Executive Master of Business Administration – EMBA
An EMBA that works for you
As a busy executive, we know your time is precious. This qualification is taught on 10 weekends spread over 15 months plus a multi-month consulting report, complemented by online sessions with your lecturers and fellow students. This convenient structure allows you to schedule the learning around your life. The classes offer focused and relevant learning with heavy participation by industry leaders, and to provide opportunities for you to network with like-minded peers.
The Massey MBA programme is the longest continuously running MBA programme in New Zealand (since 1972). It is well-respected among its extensive alumni network and it is well-known by business leaders throughout the country and globally.
Develop your leadership skills
Our unique practice-led courses will enhance your critical and reflective skills, as well as your strategic leadership capability. You will grow in self-awareness and confidence and develop your own personal leadership style. In cooperation with Governance New Zealand, you will develop specific skills to assume company director roles.
You will learn how to apply world-best business strategies to help you develop and implement successful changes at your workplace. The EMBA helps you apply the cutting-edge learnings to become more effective at work, and to qualify for future opportunities.
The EMBA is taught in a practical format
The Massey EMBA teaching faculty have extensive international and local management experiences. Classes feel more like being in a boardroom with your CEO than in a classroom with a professor. The teaching is practical and relevant to your work. Your learnings will also draw from the most recent research and is assessed through practical assignments, some completed at work or through consulting with other firms. There are no exams.
Our world class teaching team is complemented by many corporate leaders from New Zealand and overseas, who will push you to participate in discussions around the current challenges in their firms. The Massey EMBA is unique as a programme that immerses you in real-life corporate issues from which you learn. You will experience the practice of being a Company Board Director, and the direct-entry to the Governance NZ Affiliate member level gives you post-nominal letters when you have finished several specific EMBA courses. There will be consulting-style board-level assessments including for overseas firms, during your 10-day international consulting trip to two countries.
In many of the courses, you will engage in live case studies and develop your consultancy skills with external business clients, leading to a substantial consulting report at the end of the EMBA.
You will develop superb options for your future
Every part of your EMBA journey will help you develop additional skills necessary to position yourself for new career opportunities in the future. Your studies will give you superb options to select new and exciting pathways for your career.
You gain global management experience
The 10-day EMBA international consulting trip is a unique highlight in the final year of your studies. You will visit organisations outside New Zealand, learn from their leaders how they operate in a competitive
global environment and delivery outstanding value to them through several consulting projects. This will position you as a leader who makes a huge contribution through effectively operating across borders.
- In case travel is not easily possible, an intense virtual global study tour is available, or you may postpone this course until travel resumes.
- Find out more on the Executive MBA page
- Register your interest
Insights
The QS World University Ranking by Subject ranks Massey in the top 350 universities worldwide in this subject area. Shanghai Ranking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2021 ranks Massey in the top 101-150 universities globally and 1st in New Zealand in this subject area.
Our AMBA (Association of MBA’s) accreditation encourages our programme to ensure students have:
- A positive impact on themselves, organisations, and society for the benefit of all stakeholders
- Understand and respond through sound business practices to the challenges facing the planet
- Lead themselves and others in the achievement of organisational goals within the context of sustainable development, contributing effectively to a diverse and inclusive team environment
- Think critically and make decisions with integrity based on complex information, understanding the overall impact of managerial decision-making
- Understand organisations and their stakeholders, and have an awareness of public policy and the regulatory environment
- Integrate functional knowledge and apply strategic management skills at a senior level in changing business environments
- Operate effectively and respectfully in cross-cultural settings
- Enhance their careers and commitment to lifelong learning.
Related qualifications
Master of Business Administration
Suitable if you have 3+ years of relevant full-time work experience. Suitable for international and domestic students. You can choose an on-campus (full-time) or online (part-time) delivery mode.
Postgraduate Certificate in Business (Business Administration)
Suitable if you have 7+ years work experience and at least 3 in management. Four courses from the first year EMBA course line-up allows you to take your study at a slower pace than the EMBA schedule, or to enter the EMBA program without an undergraduate qualifications (special admission conditions apply).
A EMBA is a good fit if you:
- have extensive work experience including in management
- wish to develop strategic business competencies and leadership skills that you can apply immediately in senior roles
- are building competence to move from narrow-banded specialist careers into general management and leadership.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
This is a selected entry qualification. This means there are a number of extra requirements you must meet.
To enter the Executive Master of Business Administration programme you will:
- have been awarded or qualified for a relevant bachelor's degree, or equivalent; and
- have at least seven years business experience, at least three of which must be at management level.
You will be selected into the qualification on the basis of the selection process.
Documentation and interview
You need to supply the following documentation with your application:
- copies of official transcripts of all previous university and/or professional qualifications
- a full CV showing at least seven years' work experience including at least three years of management level experience;
- a comprehensive statement of personal goals including aspirations and expectations
- you may be asked to take part in a selection interview or provide additional information for the selection panel
- a passport-sized photo for identification purposes.
The work experience requirement ensures that you are able to contribute significantly to group discussions and debates from a position of experience and knowledge. Consequently, if you do not have such experience you are unlikely to be considered for entry.
Application closing date
Applications for this qualification close on 16 February 2024 for domestic students and on 6 January 2024 for international students.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with a class of Honours.
- Look for information under ‘Student Progression’ in the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
- Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
If you are unable to complete your EMBA within the two years and six months completion period, you will not be eligible for the award of Honours.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
Maximum time limits for completion
There are time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations or this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Structure of the Executive Master of Business Administration
The Massey EMBA is for full-time working executives and managers who want to study part-time with a convenient schedule that requires only 10 weekend class attendances. It is usually completed well within 24-months, but can be extended to accommodate individual circumstances. Ten weekends of courses are completed over fewer than fifteen months, followed by an Applied Business Project and a portfolio course (no class attendance required). Weekend courses are held at the Auckland Albany Campus or at an Auckland Airport Hotel venue for those flying in and out. This is a nationwide programme that networks NZ leaders from all sectors and regions.
You should plan on a minimum of 1- 1½ hours study per weekday, 2-3 hours study per weekend day and online group meetings, in addition to the weekend classes.
International study tour
A unique aspect of the Massey EMBA is the ten-day international study tour. This trip takes place in the second year of your study. You will gain invaluable experience of international business operations, economic and social frameworks. Typically, there are two tours that students can select from each year.
Courses and specialisations
Key terms
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Credit summary
240 credits
- Compulsory courses – 240 credits
- Attend contact workshops, block courses, field trips/study tours, workshops, tutorials as required.
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Compulsory courses (Choose 240 credits from)
Course code: 115709 Applied Personal Leadership 15 credits
An advanced-level study of leadership theory and practice. The course provides a particular focus on preparing students for senior leadership roles.
View full course detailsCourse code: 115725 Leadership and People 15 credits
A study of organisational behaviour theory and practice in the contemporary environment. The course provides a particular focus on the fundamental knowledge and skills involved in management, leadership and teamwork.
View full course detailsCourse code: 115726 Marketing 15 credits
A study of the marketing function in business, including a range of marketing tools and techniques and their application to marketing situations.
View full course detailsCourse code: 115728 Contemporary Strategy 15 credits
This course examines the purpose, processes and practices of strategic planning and execution in organisations. Contemporary strategic challenges are examined.
View full course detailsCourse code: 115732 Operations and Logistics 15 credits
This course examines the operations management function and its links to organisational strategic objectives. This course explores how organisations can leverage their operational capabilities to create value and achieve competitive advantage.
View full course detailsCourse code: 115735 Applied Business Research Methods 15 credits
This course provides students with an applied understanding of the role and techniques of business research.
View full course detailsCourse code: 115775 Business Law for New Zealand and International Contexts 15 credits
A study of the business law systems and rules applicable in NZ and selected international jurisdictions.
View full course detailsCourse code: 115821 Strategic Management and International Business 30 credits
This course requires students to integrate and apply knowledge from diverse business functions to enhance understanding of business models and value creation in global business.
View full course detailsCourse code: 115822 Applied Business Project 30 credits
Independent business project on a topic approved by the EMBA Director, directed towards the improvement of business practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 295701 Managing Financial Decisions 15 credits
Critical examination of the context, process, and implications of integrated management of financial decisions at an executive level.
View full course detailsCourse code: 295702 Applied Global Governance and Responsibility 30 credits
A reconciliation of global best practices in governance and ethical decision-making with corporate reality, and including a practical assessment of boards in varied organizational structures and settings.
View full course detailsCourse code: 295703 Portfolio I - Global Management 15 credits
A collection of reflective evidence-based learnings in contemporary work environment/s.
View full course detailsCourse code: 295704 Portfolio II - Global Leadership 15 credits
A collection of reflective evidence-based learnings in relation to leadership practice in contemporary work environment/s.
View full course detailsFees and scholarships
Tuition and non-tuition costs for the Executive MBA
The 2023 programme tuition fee for domestic students is approximately $47,700. Tuition and non tuition fees can be covered by student loan www.studylink.govt.nz if you are eligible. Please allow $5000 for the international study tour in the second year.
The 2023 tuition fee for international students is approximately $70,000. Please allow $5000 for the study tour in the second year. The visa you request will determine if you need to pay one year of fees or both years together.
The tuition fees include ebooks and study materials.
Please note that the total fees for the qualification are indicative only, as course fees can increase each year.
You can find details of Student Services fee for block courses on the non-tuition fees page. International students also need look at the international student insurance fees tab.
Scholarships related to this programme
- Sir Alan Stewart Postgraduate Scholarships
- New Zealand Institute of Management Foundation Scholarship
- FUJIFILM Business Innovation Postgraduate Bursary
- Fujifilm Business Innovation Scholarship for Women
- International Student Scholarship
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
If you have studied less than 60 credits previously, the New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Fees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
No matter which industry you are in, the Massey EMBA can help you progress into senior leadership and management roles faster.
In a study conducted in 2020 that tracked the career advancement of Massey EMBA graduates over the past five years, findings showed that 98 percent advanced in their role and 69 percent changed employer. In addition to this, New Zealand Ministry of Education reports show that earnings and employment rates increase with the level of qualification completed.
This puts our 240-credit EMBA graduates ahead of those without a master’s degree. Standard MBAs are only 180-credit qualifications and miss many of the outstanding leadership features of the Massey EMBA.
Our Career Accelerator programme is specifically designed for our MBA and EMBA students. We offer webinars/workshops about online presence, updating your executive CV, and executive interview techniques etc. You will work with an experienced executive career coach on a personalised career development plan with an emphasis on positioning you for company directorships, c-suite appointments, and general manager roles.
Governance New Zealand
Upon completion of the qualification you can gain affiliate membership to Governance New Zealand (with post-nominal letters) without any further qualifying exams, and the Chartered Governance Institute (CGI Global). This is the only MBA qualification in New Zealand to offer these opportunities to stand out among your peers.
Massey Career Centre
Massey Career Centre is here to help you build the skills and knowledge you’ll need in your career. You can access our services online or in person, both while you study and after you graduate.
MBA Alumni Network
After you graduate from the EMBA, we provide you access to our MBA alumni network for your professional networking and opportunities to pursue other life-long learning offerings which will assist you in keeping your currency as a manager and leader.
International students
The EMBA is now open to international students
New Zealand is a great place to study and live. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations, and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
In the Massey EMBA we keep classes to small sizes, and our MBA teaching faculty have extensive international and local experiences. Our staff are very approachable and care about your career aspirations.
As an international student, there are immigration entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so that your EMBA application and visa application can be processed in time. The Massey MBA programmes are the only ones in New Zealand with a Licensed Immigration Adviser on staff, so that you can get the most up-to-date information about your student visa and subsequent opportunities for work visa and residence.
What our students say
“There is a famous quote by Albert Einstein that resonates well with my experience and MBA journey – 'No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.'”
“The MBA for me wasn’t so much about the theory but the overall journey. I gained a network of like minded business people, a space to generate ideas and be challenged, and a platform of general business knowledge to build and grow in my leadership career.”
Accreditations and rankings
Association of MBAs (AMBA)
Massey's MBA programmes (MBA and EMBA) are accredited by the Association of MBAs
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Massey Business School is rated in the top 5% of global business colleges by AACSB International.
CEO magazine MBA ranking
This international magazine for executives ranked Massey's MBA in its top MBA qualifications for 2023.
QS Ranking – Accounting and Finance
Massey is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 250 universities for accounting and finance.
QS Ranking - Business Management Studies
Massey University is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 350 universities for business and management.
QS Ranking - Communication and Media
Massey is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 100 universities for communication and media studies. QS is an organisation that ranks universities worldwide in various topics.
ShanghaiRanking – Business Administration
Massey University is ranked #1 in New Zealand for business administration by ShanghaiRanking.
Related study options
Applied Professional Practice – Bachelor of Business
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Business – Master of Analytics
Gain an industry-recognised and highly sought-after qualification in data analytics. Become a technology leader with the practical skills to innovate and propel businesses forward with data-driven insights.
Business Administration – Postgraduate Certificate in Business
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Business Analytics – Bachelor of Business
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Business and Sustainability – Master of Sustainable Development Goals
This qualification will give you an advanced grounding in the theory, practice, and application of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to business and sustainability.
Certificate in Business Studies – CertBusStuds
Take the first step towards a degree in business with Massey's Certificate in Business Studies.
Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management – GCertEmergMgt
Take your first step towards a career in emergency management with Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management.
Graduate Diploma in Emergency Management – GradDipEmergMgt
Massey’s Graduate Diploma in Emergency Management will broaden your knowledge and skills in emergency management to help develop community resilience.
International Business – Bachelor of Business
Gain the knowledge and skills, critical to business success in times of global challenges.
International Business – Master of Management
Move your career in a new direction with Massey’s Master of Management (International Business). Develop your skills and knowledge related to international business.
Master of Emergency Management – MEmergMgt
With Massey’s Master of Emergency Management, you’ll learn to become a leader in managing emergencies effectively at operational and strategic levels.
Master of Health Service Management – MHSM
Through Massey’s internationally recognised, Master of Health Service Management qualification you’ll gain the expertise to advance your career.
Postgraduate Certificate in Emergency Management – PGCertEmergMgt
Increase your knowledge of emergency management issues, practices, and policies with Massey’s Postgraduate Certificate in Emergency Management.
Postgraduate Diploma in Emergency Management – PGDipEmergMgt
The Postgraduate Diploma in Emergency Management will broaden your knowledge of disaster prevention and management.
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Service Management – PGDipHSM
This qualification is for those already working in the health or disability sector, who wish to advance their knowledge and skills for positions in health service management.
Sustainability – Master of Management
Gain the skills to be an effective manager within a sustainable-focused industry, or bring an increasingly important perspective to any business.
Without Specialisation – Diploma in Business Studies
The Diploma in Business Studies is a flexible qualification that can be completed in one year full-time, and may be a stepping-stone to a Bachelor of Business.
Without Specialisation – Graduate Diploma in Business Studies
Keen to change the direction of your career? Massey’s Graduate Diploma in Business Studies enables you to study another subject without completing a second bachelor’s degree.
Without Specialisation – Postgraduate Diploma in Business
Tailor your diploma to your interests and your lifestyle.
Without Specialisation – Postgraduate Certificate in Business
Whether you’re interested in a specific professional development course, or entry to further study, the PGCertBus offers the flexibility to study in the areas you choose.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz