Master of Business Administration – MBA

Fast-track your career with an MBA closely connected to business practice. It will equip you with globally relevant skills, practical experience, and the confidence to accelerate your career – locally and worldwide.

Type of qualification
Master's degree
Level of study
Postgraduate 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.

More about study levels

NZQF level 9

Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.

Find out more about NZQF levels

Time to complete
1 year full-time (180 credits)
Part-time available
International students

International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.

Definition of New Zealand citizens and residents

Open to international students on campus in New Zealand
Note:
Three intakes per year (March, July, November). Selected entry qualification.

Study a Master of Business Administration – MBA

Massey University’s MBA is built around you – your goals and your future. The full-time (1 year) on-campus programme taught in Auckland is an immersive experience that gets you into the workforce fast

Real world application

You’ll learn from industry experts, senior executives, and globally experienced faculty who bring real-world insight into every lesson. Our MBA features:

  • Current business case studies and live challenges
  • Consultancy projects
  • Guest speakers from across New Zealand 
  • Assessment via practical, business-focused projects (no exams)
  • Learnings grounded in the latest global research and trends.

Specialisations 

Add a competitive edge to your MBA with one of three in-demand specialisations:

  • Global Business 
  • Business Sustainability
  • Digital Transformation

You have the option to customise your MBA without a specialisation if that better suits your goals.

International recognition

Massey’s business qualifications are internationally recognised

  • Top 300 globally – Shanghai Ranking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024
  • AACSB ranks Massey in the top 5% of business schools in the world
  • Accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA)

AMBA accreditation is recognised by employers and industry as a mark of quality and excellence.

Your Massey MBA will help you to:

  • Make a meaningful impact on business and society
  • Think critically and lead with integrity in a global, diverse environment
  • Master cross-functional and strategic decision-making
  • Stay career-ready and committed to lifelong learning

Related qualification: EMBA 

Are you a senior professional with 7+ years’ work experience and at least 3 in management? Our Executive MBA could be your next step. It's delivered face-to-face over just 10 weekends in under 2 years.

Find out more about the Executive MBA

International students

New Zealand offers a supportive and welcoming environment for international students. Massey is rated 5-Star Plus by QS World University Rankings and is known for approachable staff, small classes, and faculty who bring industry expertise to their teaching.

Upon completion of your MBA study, you can apply for a 3-year post study work visa (conditions apply). Post-study work visa application

Important for international students on campus:

A MBA is a good fit if you:

  • Have at least 3 years of relevant postgraduate work experience
  • Are ready to fast-track your degree with a full-time MBA in just one year

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific requirements

Third intake application closing date:

  • International students: 15 September 2025
  • Domestic students: 13 October 2025

First intake application closing date:

  • International students: 15 December 2026
  • Domestic students: 23 February 2026  

Second intake application closing date:

  • International students:  27 April 2026
  • Domestic students:  22 June 2026  

Documents you need to provide

With your application, you need to supply the following documentation:  

  • copies of official transcripts of all previous university and/or professional qualifications 
  • your CV showing at least 3 years’ work experience 
  • an application statement covering supplied questions 
  • a passport-sized photo for identification purposes.  

Application statement 

Questions to address in your application personal statement:  

  1. Compared with other choices you considered for your studies, what made you select Massey? 
  2. Why have you chosen to do an MBA at this stage in your career?
  3. How will you draw on your unique skills and experiences to contribute to your cohort’s MBA experience?
  4. There will be group work during your studies. Tell us about the ways you have managed to perform in groups previously.
  5. The MBA will require substantial work in class and out of class. In the past, how have you managed your time to be effective?
  6. What are your career plans following your MBA graduation and how will the MBA help you achieve them?

Work experience

The work experience requirement ensures that you can contribute effectively to group discussions and participate from a position of experience and knowledge. This means that when you have less than the required 3 years’ work experience, we are unlikely to consider you for this MBA. 

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 Distinction or Merit. 

Prior learning, credit and exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:

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 for 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 Master of Business Administration

Structure of the Master of Business Administration

If you study full-time, you will take 180 credits over a period of 12 months.

If you study part-time, you’ll take 180 credits over 2 years and have up to 5 years to complete your study. 

This is a parts-based qualification. For progression to Part Two you must have achieved a B- grade average across the courses completed in Part One.

You may enrol in this qualification with or without a specialisation.

To complete a specialisation in the Master of Business Administration you must pass 60 credits in the specified area which includes 2 specialisation courses plus the Action Learning Project in that specialisation area.

The MBA must be completed within 5 years subject to any visa restrictions.

Courses and specialisations

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

180 credits

Completing without a specialisation

  • Part One core courses – 90 credits
  • Part One electives from the Part One Schedule – 30 credits
  • Part Two core courses – 30 credits
  • Part Two project – 30 credits

Completing with a specialisation

  • Part One core courses – 90 credits
  • Part One  courses from specialisation list – 30 credits
  • Part Two  core courses – 30 credits
  • Part Two project from a subject Schedule – 30 credits

Requires:

  • Completion of Parts One and Two
  • Compulsory courses
  • An Action Learning project
  • Attendance at contact courses, block courses, field trips, studios, workshops, tutorials as required.

A specialisation (subject) is optional and requires 60 credits. Includes an Action Learning project (30 credits) on the subject.

There are regulations around completion of Part One before progressing to Part Two.

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.

Part One Core courses (Choose 90 credits from)

Choose 90 credits from
Course code: 115764 Leadership and Teamwork 15 credits

Applied and experiential study of leading and working in teams, and the interpersonal communication skills required to be successful.

View full course details
Course code: 115765 Managing People and Organisations 15 credits

Applied study of the behaviour and management of people and organisations in the contemporary business environment.

View full course details
Course code: 115766 Managing Financial Resources 15 credits

The study of corporate finance and accounting functions in business, including the analysis, sourcing, and use of funds in the pursuit of organisational goals.

View full course details
Course code: 115768 Marketing Analysis and Strategy 15 credits

A study of marketing strategies, practices and analytical methods, including a range of marketing tools, techniques and research methods.

View full course details
Course code: 115769 Business Economics 15 credits

Study of core micro- and macro-economic principles and how these can be used in a business environment to enable effective decision making.

View full course details
Course code: 115774 Operations and Supply Chain Management 15 credits

This course examines operations management functions and methods in pursuit of sustainable organisational effectiveness.

View full course details

Part Two Core course selection (Choose 30 credits from)

Choose 30 credits from
Course code: 115810 Strategic Business in the Global Market 30 credits

This course includes guided field visits to international businesses. Students integrate and apply knowledge from diverse business functions to enhance their understanding of business models and value creation in global business.

View full course details
Course code: 115811 Strategic Complexities in International Business 30 credits

This course includes a self-initiated study of international businesses. Students integrate and apply knowledge from diverse business functions to enhance their understanding of business models and value creation in global business.

Restrictions: 115810

View full course details

Part One Elective courses for candidates completing without a subject (Choose 30 credits from)

Choose 30 credits from
Course code: 115784 Balancing Innovation and Risk Management 15 credits

An applied and experiential study of the principles and practices that enable leaders to achieve the balance of innovation and risk management that enables resilient, sustainable businesses.

View full course details
Course code: 115791 Digital Transformation 15 credits

Applied study of the use of digital technology to solve business problems and exploit new business opportunities.

View full course details
Course code: 115792 Business Sustainability 15 credits

This course examines business practices that make organisations sustainable and resilient, with a particular focus on how to balance continuous innovation with good governance and risk management.

View full course details
Course code: 115793 Global Business 15 credits

A study of global trade practices and marketing strategies, including a range of trading tools, systems and techniques and their application to international marketing situations.

View full course details
Course code: 115796 Designing Globally Competitive Products and Services 15 credits

An applied and experiential study of innovative products and service design to achieve differential advantages for trading in global markets.

View full course details
Course code: 115799 Digital Design and Disruption 15 credits

Applied and experiential study of how digital technologies have disrupted various industries and how businesses can design digitally based innovations to achieve competitive advantage.

View full course details

Part Two Compulsory course for candidates completing without a subject (Choose 30 credits from)

Choose 30 credits from
Course code: 115812 Action Learning Project 30 credits

Supervised team-based project focused on deliverable improvement of practices in an existing business or development of a new business opportunity, drawing on knowledge from multiple business disciplines.

View full course details

Master of Business Administration subjects

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.

Fees and scholarships

Fees and scholarships

Master of Business Administration tuition fees

Tuition fees vary depending on the mode and start date of study.

Indicative 2026 MBA tuition fees

  • 2026 Domestic on-campus: NZ$52,300 (12 months)
  • 2026 International full-time (onshore): NZ$65,150 (12 months)

Fees include eBooks and study materials but exclude non-tuition fees and living costs. International students also need to budget for insurance.

Please note that the total fees for the qualification are indicative only, as course fees can increase each year. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses. 

Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme

Domestic students may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.

The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Inland Revenue website.

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

Careers and job opportunities

Whether you’re pivoting industries, climbing the leadership ladder, or seeking international career growth, the Massey MBA gives you the tools to succeed. This is a qualification that:

  • Opens leadership and management roles across sectors; business, government, or NGOs
  • Prepares you to be a strategic, adaptable generalist ready for dynamic roles
  • Builds directly on your professional experience with instantly applicable insights

This qualification is tailor-made for early to mid-career professionals looking to supercharge their career trajectories. You’ll gain new skills, sharpen your business acumen, and be ready to step into leadership with confidence.

Massey Career Centre

The Massey Career Centre supports you during study and after graduation. Access online and in-person services to build career skills, confidence, and networks.

MBA alumni network 

Stay connected. Our Massey and MBA alumni network gives you exclusive access to professional events, networking opportunities, and continued learning—helping you stay at the forefront of business leadership throughout your career.

What our students say

“Since starting the MBA I have been promoted twice and have instituted meaningful change within my teams and the greater business.”
Toby Smith
Toby Smith

Master of Business Administration

“Guest speakers help students not only to create meaningful learning connections but also offer real-world practical advice and tips that can go a long way – and of course they are also a primary ground for initiating a network in NZ!”
Tejasvi Dhaky

Master of Business Administration

“Massey University’s MBA program has lived up to its promise of being an adaptable study experience in a comprehensive and structured setting.”
Joel Haerewa

Master of Business Administration

Accreditations and rankings

Association of MBAs (AMBA)

Massey's MBA programmes (MBA and EMBA) are accredited by the Association of MBAs

Learn more

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Massey Business School is rated in the top 5% of global business colleges by AACSB International.

Learn more

CEO magazine MBA ranking

This international magazine for executives ranked Massey's MBA in its top MBA qualifications for 2025.

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2026 Global MBA QS badge

Global MBA

Ranked 10th in Oceania. Ranked 9th globally for Diversity and in the top 100 worldwide for Alumni outcomes.

QS Ranking – Accounting and Finance

Massey is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 250 universities for accounting and finance.

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QS Ranking - Business Management Studies

Massey University is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 500 universities for business and management.

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QS Ranking - Economics and Econometrics

Massey University is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 350 universities for economics and econometrics.

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QS Ranking - Communication and Media

Massey is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 150 universities for communication and media studies. QS is an organisation that ranks universities worldwide in various topics.

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ShanghaiRanking – Business Administration

Massey University is ranked #2 in New Zealand for business administration by ShanghaiRanking.

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