Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Specialise in Global Business for your Master of Business Administration at Massey
International trade is the lifeblood of the New Zealand economy, and we recruit many migrants into the country. Being competent in operating globally is a valuable skill, for which there are significant management opportunities within New Zealand and overseas.
In the Master of Business Administration MBA (Global Business), you will gain management competence in the fields of importing/exporting/global market development, supply chain and trade relationships. Teaching delivery is led by an experienced global company CEO.
As part of the programme, you will also work on a real-life management project for a firm either in New Zealand or overseas, where international marketing opportunities are created. Good project performance will add to your marketability as an MBA graduates when you showcase the New Zealand-based work experience you get as part of the MBA in your job interviews.
This specialisation is only available on the Auckland Campus and online. The other online option is Digital Transformation, taught online only. If you are looking for on-campus options, you can select Business Sustainability or Global Business specialisations. You also have the option of an MBA without specialisation.
World-Class Online Learning
You'll have access to world-class online technology 24/7 and engaging learning methods. This includes online classes and team-meetings, along with forums and group-work. This allows you to network with and learn directly from your peers and faculty.
Find out more on the Master of Business Administration page.
Insights
The QS World University Ranking by Subject ranks Massey in the top 400 universities worldwide in this subject area. Shanghai Ranking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023 ranks Massey in the top 201-300 universities globally.
Our AMBA (Association of MBAs) 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 programme: EMBA
If you have 7+ years full-time work experience (with three of those in management) and you are looking for executive face-to-face learning over 10 weekends in less than two years, consider our Executive MBA programme.
A Master of Business Administration in Global Business is a good fit if you:
- have three or more years full-time work experience and would like to progress into leadership and management roles
- would like to study online or would like to complete an MBA full-time in only one year in Auckland
- are interested in developing cutting-edge skills that are valuable to firms with global interests
Planning information
If you study full-time, you’ll take 180 credits over a period of 12 months or 60 credits in each of semester one and two and 60 credits in summer school.
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.
To complete the Global Business specialisation you must pass 60 credits in Global Business which includes two courses (15 credits each) plus the Action Learning Project (30 credits).
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 be 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.
Courses you can enrol in
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.
Core courses for the Master of Business Administration
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Master of Business Administration core courses
Global Business courses
Part One Subject courses
Course code: 115793 Global Business credits 15
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 detailsCourse code: 115796 Designing Globally Competitive Products and Services credits 15
An applied and experiential study of innovative products and service design to achieve differential advantages for trading in global markets.
View full course detailsPart Two Subject course
Course code: 115812 Action Learning Project credits 30
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 detailsEntry 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 Master of Business Administration you will:
- have been awarded or qualified for a relevant bachelor’s degree, having achieved at least a B- grade average in the highest level courses, or equivalent
- have completed at least three years of relevant postgraduate practical work experience
- have been selected into the qualification on the basis of selection process which may include a written application, references and practical exercises.
Application closing dates
There are three intakes each year.
First intake application closing date
- International students: 20 January 2025
- Domestic students: 17 February 2025
Second intake application closing date
- International students: 19 May 2025
- Domestic students: 16 June 2025
Third intake application closing date
- International students: 15 September 2025
- Domestic students: 13 October 2025
Documents you need to provide
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 three years work experience
- an application statement covering the supplied questions (video or in writing)
- a passport-sized photo for identification purposes.
Application statement
Questions to address in your application statement (video or written):
- Compared with other choices you considered for your studies, what made you choose Massey?
- Why have you chosen to do an MBA at this stage in your career?
- How will you draw on your unique skills and experiences to contribute to your cohort’s MBA experience?
- There will be group work during your studies. Tell us about the ways you have managed to perform in groups previously.
- The MBA will require substantial work in class and out of class. In the past, how have you managed your time to be effective?
- 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 are able to contribute effectively and participate from a position of experience and knowledge. This means that when you have fewer than the required 3 years of 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.
Fees and scholarships
Master of Business Administration tuition fees
- The estimated domestic MBA online tuition fee for 2025 is NZ$50,333 with completion within two years.
- The estimated domestic offshore MBA online tuition fee for 2025 is NZ$43,768 with completion within two years.
- The estimated onshore full-time international tuition fee for 2025 NZ$61,450 with completion within one year.
- The estimated offshore online international tuition fee for 2025 is NZ$56,510 with completion within two years.
The above do not include non-tuition fees and living costs. International students also need look at the international student insurance fees tab.
Please note that the total fees for the qualification are indicative only, as course fees can increase each year.
The fees include ebooks and study materials.
Scholarships and awards opportunities
Find out more about scholarships and awards
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
Domestic students may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your tuition fees and non tuition fees.
If you have studied fewer 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
Scholarship and award opportunities
Search our scholarships and awardsFees 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 in which industry you have worked and which prior qualification you hold, the Massey Master of Business Administration MBA can help you progress into leadership and management roles quickly, and in many sectors, whether in private business, government or non-profit entities.
As a practically trained, globally competent MBA graduate, you are considered a generalist manager and can position yourself for leadership roles across the board in New Zealand or overseas.
The MBA is specifically designed for emerging managers and leaders who want to broaden their career opportunities by combining a specialist undergraduate degree with a broad and widely applicable MBA qualification. With its strong practical focus, the Massey MBA builds on your previous work experience and adds new relevant learnings you can instantly apply at work. This will be a tremendous advantage when you apply for management and leadership positions.
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 MBA, you can access our MBA alumni network for your professional networking. It also offers opportunities to pursue more learning which will assist you with remaining current as a manager and leader.
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
The the Massey MBA we keep classes to small sizes, and our staff are very approachable and care about your career aspirations. The MBA programme is distinguished by its faculty of practicing academics who bring a wealth of industry experience and academic expertise to their teaching.
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 MBA application and visa application can be processed in time. The Massey Business School has 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.
Accreditations and rankings
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Massey Business School is rated in the top 5% of global business colleges by AACSB International.
QS Ranking - Business Management Studies
Massey University is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 400 universities for business and management.
ShanghaiRanking – Business Administration
Massey University is ranked #2 in New Zealand for business administration by ShanghaiRanking.
Related study options
Business Sustainability – Master of Business Administration
With Massey’s Master of Business Administration MBA (Business Sustainability), you’ll develop leading-edge business skills that are closely connected to business practice including business risk and innovation management.
Digital Transformation – Master of Business Administration
With the Master of Business Administration (Digital Transformation), you’ll develop leading-edge business skills that are closely connected to business practice. You are then competent to help businesses advance to a digitally-focused environment.
Without Specialisation – Master of Business Administration
The Massey University Master of Business Administration (MBA) gives you the flexibility to design your studies to perfectly fit your interests.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz