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The Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Wits Business School (WBS) is one of South Africa’s leading postgraduate business qualifications. It is designed for professionals who want to move into senior management, leadership, consulting, or entrepreneurship roles. The programme is internationally recognised and focuses on both African and global business environments.
The Wits MBA is structured as a part-time programme over two years, allowing working professionals to study while continuing their careers. It combines classroom learning, case studies, research, and practical leadership development.
Wits MBA
The Wits MBA is a general management degree that develops strategic thinking, leadership ability, and business decision-making skills. It is not limited to one industry, which means graduates can work across banking, consulting, government, mining, technology, and healthcare sectors.
The programme is built around five key themes:
- Context in Africa
- Ethical leadership
- Sustainability
- Entrepreneurial action
- Technology and innovation
Students are trained to solve real business problems using data, strategy, and leadership tools. The programme also includes a compulsory applied research project and a leadership development component.
Wits MBA Admission Requirements
Admission into the Wits MBA is highly competitive and requires both academic qualifications and professional experience.
The main entry requirements include:
- An NQF Level 8 qualification (honours degree or equivalent)
- At least 4 years of post-university work experience
- A valid GMAT, NMAT, or Wits Business School admission test
- Basic mathematics competency equivalent to South African matric level
- SAQA evaluation for international qualifications (if applicable)
- English language proficiency for applicants who did not study in English
Applicants may also be required to attend psychometric assessments and interviews as part of the selection process. Wits Business School uses these assessments to evaluate leadership potential and analytical ability.
How to Apply for the Wits MBA
The application process is completed online through the Wits Business School admissions system.
Steps include:
- Visit the official Wits MBA application portal
- Complete the online application form
- Upload academic transcripts and CV
- Submit proof of work experience
- Provide test scores (GMAT, NMAT, or WBS test results)
- Pay the application fee where required
- Attend interviews or assessments if shortlisted
Applications are typically opened several months before the academic year begins, and closing dates depend on the intake format. For example, modular and part-time formats may have different deadlines.
Wits MBA Fees
The cost of the Wits MBA is one of the most important considerations for applicants. The programme is a premium postgraduate qualification and is priced accordingly.
For the standard MBA programme:
- Total tuition fee: approximately R387,420 for the full programme
- Duration: 2 years (part-time study)
- Fees may be adjusted annually depending on university review cycles
This fee covers core modules, electives, leadership development components, and compulsory academic activities such as research work. However, international study tours and additional travel costs may be charged separately depending on the year’s programme structure.
Other MBA variants, such as the Healthcare Leadership MBA, may have different fees, for example around R415,070 depending on specialisation.
Wits MBA Curriculum Structure
The Wits MBA curriculum is designed to build both technical business knowledge and leadership capability. It is divided into core courses, electives, and independent study components.
Core Courses
Core modules cover the main areas of business management:
- Finance and investment decisions
- Strategic management and leadership
- Managerial and financial accounting
- Economics in emerging markets
- Marketing in a digital world
- Entrepreneurship
- Technology and operations management
- Strategic talent management
- Doing business in Africa
- Ethics, sustainability, and governance
These courses provide the foundation for advanced business thinking and leadership decision-making.
Electives
Students must choose three electives in the second phase of the programme. These electives allow specialisation in areas such as:
- Finance
- General management
- Innovation and dynamic economies
- Sustainability management
- Leadership and organisational development
Students may also take electives at partner international business schools depending on availability. Electives only run if there are enough enrolled students, usually a minimum of 25 participants.
Independent Study Components
The MBA also includes major independent learning components:
- Leadership Quest
- Applied Research Project
- Global Business Culture Experience
The research project allows students to apply business theory to real organisational challenges. The leadership component focuses on developing executive-level decision-making skills.
What the Study Format Looks Like
The Wits MBA is designed for working professionals, so it is delivered in flexible formats.
Common study options include:
- Part-time weekday classes (evenings)
- Saturday classes
- Modular block sessions (10 to 12-day teaching blocks)
Most students complete the programme in two years while continuing full-time employment. This structure is intended to balance academic learning with workplace experience.
Key Things to Know Before Applying
Before applying for the Wits MBA, applicants should consider the following:
- Work experience is mandatory and heavily weighted in selection
- Admission tests are required (GMAT, NMAT, or WBS test)
- The programme is academically demanding and research heavy
- Fees are significant and must be planned in advance
- International exposure may involve additional travel costs
Wits Business School selects candidates based on academic ability, leadership potential, and professional experience, not only qualifications. The programme is designed for mid-career professionals who are ready for senior leadership roles.