Why Do An MBA In South Africa? Top MBAs, Fees & Scholarships

Doing an MBA in South Africa comes with a number of advantages—not least the fact that programs here cost a fraction of those in Europe or North America.

The best business schools in South Africa tend to place strong focus on sustainable business practices, creating managers with strong leadership who are primed to drive economic growth in Africa. 

Here's all you need to know about the top MBAs in South Africa. 

Best MBA Programs In South Africa

According to the Eduniversal ranking, the best MBA program in South Africa can be found at the University of Stellenbosch Business School in Cape Town. It’s a triple-accredited program that has featured in the global QS and Times Higher Education rankings.

Second on the list is the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business. It’s currently ranked 7th in the world in the Corporate Knights Better World MBA, and has previously ranked 5th in the world for value for money in the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking.

Although both of these programs are located in Cape Town, you’ll find high-quality degrees across the country. For example, there’s Wits Business School in Johannesburg, the Gordon Institute Of Business Science in Pretoria, and Nelson Mandela University Business School in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth).

Our list of the 10 best MBA programs in South Africa goes into more detail about each program.

MBA Requirements In South Africa

MBA degree requirements in South Africa vary from university to university, but tend to have several aspects in common.

Most programs will require a bachelor’s degree (NQF Level 8) or equivalent. You’ll also need at least three years of management experience under your belt, or four years of other relevant work experience.

South African business schools will also require proficiency in English and solid test scores in entrance exams. The most commonly accepted exams are the GMAT and NMAT, but some schools may have their own tests.

You may also be required to provide a written essay detailing your reasons for applying, together with employer references. The second stage of the application process is normally an interview with the school’s admissions team.

Read: Why Do An MBA In Dubai? Best MBA Colleges + Jobs & Salary Prospects

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MBA Fees In South Africa

On the face of it, tuition fees for South African MBAs are among the most affordable in the world. An MBA in South Africa Tuition can cost cost anywhere between R90,000 ($5,000) and R350,000 ($19,000). Given that an MBA in the USA can cost over $200,000, it’s easy to see why South African MBAs are generally considered good value for money.

However, it’s worth noting that many schools in South Africa charge higher tuition for international students. For instance, at the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business, African students pay a total of R344,860 ($18,400) in MBA tuition. International students on the other hand pay R687,000 ($38,000). Not every school will make this distinction, but it's still something to be aware of if you’re an international student.

Of the programs on our top 10 South African MBAs list, the cheapest MBA in South Africa is the fifth-ranked Nelson Mandela University Business School, with a total tuition fee of R138,890 ($7,650). Again, this price only applies to African students, and fees are higher for international students—though the exact price isn’t stated on the school website.

MBA Scholarships In South Africa

MBA scholarships in South Africa are typically offered by private institutions. Some universities have alumni-funded scholarships available, but it’s not as common.

Given that there’s no central organization responsible for scholarships in South Africa, it’s best to do your own research at the schools you’re thinking of applying to.

For example, there is a specialized facility at the University of Cape Town called the Bertha Centre. They offer a scholarship that covers the full or partial tuition costs of the MBA program at UCT GSB.

You might also want to speak with the admissions team directly to see if there are any scholarship opportunities available at your school.

MBA Graduate Jobs In South Africa

Data on post-MBA salaries and jobs in South Africa is fairly limited. However, there are a few surveys and reports that give us some clues about the market.

A survey conducted by MBA.co.za found that the average pre-MBA salary of the 467 respondents was R297,731 ($16,400). Their current average salary was R560,285 ($31,000). That means most respondents were able to double their salary with an MBA.

The survey also found that the most common job titles of MBA graduates included director, senior manager, consultant, and general manager. This suggests that an MBA in South Africa does indeed lead to managerial level and even C-suite positions.

According to figures from PayScale, the average salary of an MBA graduate in South Africa is R847,000 ($53,000).

However, the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2021 reported that UCT GSB MBA graduates were earning an average salary of R2,242,086 ($123,600) - considerably higher than the other reported figures.

So although it’s difficult to pinpoint the average MBA salary in South Africa, it does seem safe to say that your salary and seniority will both increase as a result of getting one.

Should You Earn Your MBA Degree in South Africa?

There are many attractive qualities of pursuing an MBA in South Africa: unique, hands-on experience, a focus on leadership and sustainability, and the ability to tailor your degree to the improvement of the African economy. If that speaks to you, then we recommend learning more!