university of pretoria mba

Last Updated on December 24, 2022

GIBS Business School

The University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) is a leading business school in the heart of Illovo, Johannesburg, close to the Sandton business hub. We offer academic programmes as well as a wide range of executive courses which can be custom-designed to suit specific company needs. GIBS is a faculty of the University of Pretoria.

Our core focus as a School is equipping general managers to start and run successful organisations in our African context. We believe the ability to lead and manage complex organisations in the volatile environment we face at this time is a key driver of African prosperity and growth. Over the years we have consistently focused on ensuring that any management education experience at GIBS, on any programme, be it a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree or a customised in-company programme, effects positive behavioural change through the acquisition of knowledge and changing mind sets. Impact is core to how GIBS programmes are designed, delivered and assessed, and students are equipped to take up the reins of leadership to successfully propel business forward in the context of a dynamic and changing world environment. We pride ourselves on producing leaders who can proactively manage cross-functional teams, who understand diversity, who appreciate the societal impact of business and who engender a sustainable approach. These leaders are agile, inclusive and global in their thinking and attitudes; but their roots are firmly in Africa.

Anchored in this core philosophy, the business school’s authentic learning approach has yielded dividends within a relatively short period of time, garnering global recognition from organisations like the UK Financial Times, which since 2003, has ranked GIBS among the Financial Times‘ top 50 business schools for Executive Education Open and Custom Programmes. Our GIBS MBA is ranked among the top 100 business schools globally in the Financial Times Executive MBA Rankings.

We work with more than 6 000 executives, managers and scholars every year across multiple countries. From our world-class campus situated in the heart of Johannesburg, one of the greatest African cities, to our internationally-orientated faculty and associates, as well as our varied participant-centred learning methodologies, we aim to offer students a transformative learning experience. We promise that you will walk away from a GIBS programme a more educated, well-rounded and effective leader than when you first arrived.

As an organisation which strives for action, impact and effectiveness, it’s significant that GIBS focuses less on marketing campaigns and bold promises than it does on consistently meeting – and exceeding – expectations as we strengthen our efforts to be the leading business school, not only in South Africa, but on the continent. That’s the essence of this dynamic business school: Being in the driving seat. Taking opportunities. Fulfilling the needs of society by moulding the leaders of tomorrow. Remembering the past, but always looking forward.

Overview

Application Dates

Applications Open: 1 June 2021
Applications Close: Round 1: 15 July 2021Round 2: 26 August 2021Round 3: 30 September 2021 Final Close: INTENSIVE ONLY: 26 August 2021Final Close: KZN ONLY: 25 November 2021 

Acceptance into the GIBS MBA Programme is reviewed on a round by round basis, we highly recommend you apply as early as possible. No late applications will be considered.

Minimum Requirements
  • Completed degree/ SAQA accredited NQF 7 qualification;
  • Minimum of five years’ work experience, at least two years of which must have been at management level;
  • Postgraduate level of intellectual ability (as assessed via the GIBS Entrance Test)
  • Leadership potential (in accordance with your experience, references and application essay)
  • Good English language skills to have the ability to articulate your arguments verbally and in written format
  • Matriculation certificate level competence in mathematics
  • Competence in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and a web browser
  • For the PGDip/MBA being delivered in KZN, applicants should see their future in the manufacturing sector, whether in a manufacturing plant, manufacturing-related facility, or a private or public sector support agency.

Should you not hold a degree or a SAQA accredited NQF 7 qualification, you will be required to complete the GMAT test. The GMAT is facilitated by an external company and the minimum score required for your application to be considered is 550.  The deadline to submit GMAT results is 30 September 2021.

Fees

Total tuition fees: R348 933(For 2 years – excludes global module)
Application fee: The fees below correlate with the application closing dates and are non-refundable (payable upon application).
Round 1: R2 000 (Early bird)Round 2: R3 000 Round 3: R4 000Deposit: R17 000 (non-refundable, payable on acceptance to the PGDip/MBA to secure your place, offset against cost of 1st year tuition)
Global module fee: US$ 2700 – US$ 7230 (Invoiced in year two, based on exchange rate).

Doctoral Programme (DBA/PhD)

Enhancing business thought-leadership and best-practice in the context of a dynamic continental and global market.

With an urgent mandate for businesses across the African continent to address the opportunities and challenges that managers and leaders face in this unique environment, it is critical to continually develop new ways of thinking and approaches to problem-solving that are relevant to the context in which these businesses operate.   

The Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) Doctoral Programme is aimed at developing the required knowledge and business leadership skills that enable high-performing individuals to contribute to business thought-leadership that will drive growth on the African continent. As an ideal opportunity for senior professionals who are dedicated to contributing to the knowledge-base from which business decisions are made, scholars can play their part in shaping the future of business on the continent and in the global dynamic context.

The Doctoral Programme aims to help scholars find solutions to real-life challenges faced by businesses and their leaders by using a combination of in-depth research and practical application, underpinned by academic rigour and critical thinking. Learning methodologies are further entrenched in theories and models of practice.

The programme is designed to meet the needs of the mature, self-motivated scholar. It provides a blend of individual and peer interactive learning challenges that stretch and test scholars’ potential. As an outcome, the successful scholar will be equipped to create scientifically grounded knowledge and contribute to positive business results through intellectual leadership.

We look forward to welcoming you to be a part of this vibrant and growing community of scholars.

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