MBA admission is set by each business school, not nationally. The schools checked ask for an NQF level 8 qualification (an honours degree or postgraduate diploma), several years of relevant work experience and an admissions test, with essays, referee reports or an interview as part of selection. The MBA itself is a Master’s degree at NQF level 9.
Because it is a postgraduate qualification, your matric results are not the entry criterion. The examples below are the UCT Graduate School of Business (GSB) and Wits Business School; confirm any other school directly.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- Qualification: an NQF level 8 qualification at both UCT GSB (Bachelor Honours or Postgraduate Diploma) and Wits
- Work experience: UCT GSB asks for at least three years of relevant experience and that you are 25 or older; Wits asks for at least four years of post-university experience
- Admissions test: UCT GSB accepts the GMAT, Executive Assessment or GRE; Wits accepts the GMAT, NMAT or the WBS Admissions Test
- Selection: UCT GSB modular applicants submit two referee reports and three essays, and selected applicants are interviewed
- Alternative route: UCT GSB accepts applicants without an NQF level 8 qualification through Recognition of Prior Learning with a Portfolio of Learning
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The UCT GSB full-time MBA requires an NQF level 8 qualification, a Bachelor Honours degree or a Postgraduate Diploma. Candidates without one may apply through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) by compiling a Portfolio of Learning, and RPL candidates usually need seven or more years of work experience.
The Wits Business School MBA requires an NQF level 8 qualification, at least four years of post-university work experience, an acceptable GMAT or NMAT score or the WBS Admissions Test, and mathematical competence equivalent to matric.
The MBA is registered as a Master’s degree at NQF level 9. The SAQA record for the University of Pretoria MBA (SAQA ID 97397, 186 credits) lists the Council on Higher Education as quality assurance functionary.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
There are no school subjects or APS requirements for an MBA. What counts is the level of your prior qualification on the National Qualifications Framework, your work experience and your admissions test result.
Wits requires mathematical competence at matric level. Other schools set their own rules, so ask about bridging or numeracy requirements.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications usually include proof of your qualification, your work experience and an admissions test result. Specific documents differ by school:
- UCT GSB: an official GMAT, Executive Assessment or GRE score
- UCT GSB modular: two referee reports and three essays
- UCT GSB RPL applicants: a Portfolio of Learning
Check the school’s admissions page for the full document list.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Selection goes beyond meeting the minimums. At Wits, admissions officers shortlist applicants to take the admissions test. UCT GSB modular selects applicants for interview. Closing dates and intakes differ between schools and formats (full-time and modular), so check your intake year with the school.
The UCT GSB modular MBA uses the same age and experience wording as the full-time programme. Requirements at other schools such as GIBS, USB, UKZN and Nelson Mandela should be confirmed with those schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for an MBA in South Africa?
Typically an NQF level 8 qualification, several years of work experience (three at UCT GSB, four at Wits), an admissions test and a selection process of essays, referee reports or an interview. Requirements are set school by school.
What NQF level is an MBA?
An MBA is a Master’s degree at NQF level 9. Entry usually requires NQF level 8.
How much work experience do I need for an MBA?
UCT GSB asks for at least three years of relevant experience and that you are 25 or older. Wits asks for at least four years of post-university experience. RPL candidates at UCT GSB usually need seven or more.
Can I do an MBA without an honours degree?
UCT GSB accepts RPL applicants without an NQF level 8 qualification, who compile a Portfolio of Learning. Check with each school whether it offers an equivalent route.
Which admissions test do I need?
UCT GSB accepts the GMAT, Executive Assessment or GRE. Wits accepts the GMAT, NMAT or the WBS Admissions Test.
Confirm requirements with the individual business school, which sets and publishes its own entry criteria. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.