An MBA is regarded as the pinnacle of all degrees in the field of business and management. For good reason too. It’s a challenging qualification that draws on expertise from multiple fields and combines theory and practice. Studying for an MBA degree is a significant commitment, so choosing the right destination and university is important. Have you ever thought about studying for an MBA in New Zealand? If not, it might be time to give it some thought. We tell you why.

Top-class institutions 

New Zealand may be a small country geographically, but its universities enjoy a good reputation globally. According to the QS World University Rankings 2021 eight institutions from the country rank within the top 500 worldwide, with four in the top 300. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021 reflect a similar trend, with four institutions ranked in the top 500. Further, one university, namely the University of Auckland, is in the top 150 globally.

When it comes to studying for an MBA, you won’t be short of quality options either. The University of Otago Business School has one of the top 200 full-time MBA programmes in the world, according to QS. Institutions in New Zealand also enjoy favourable rankings for degrees, programmes and courses in business and management. Five universities have a top 300 ranking globally as per the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021.

Find out more about some of the universities where you could study for an MBA in New Zealand.

Globally accredited degrees

With the reputation of the universities in New Zealand, studying for an MBA degree there comes with global recognition for the qualification. Remember it’s always a good idea to ask any prospective university for the accreditation that they hold, especially for an MBA.

Universities in New Zealand enjoy accreditation from AACSB International, a non-profit organization that oversees the global quality of business education and business schools. Several business schools in New Zealand are endorsed by the Association of MBAs (AMBA), another of the world’s MBA accreditation and membership bodies.

Adding further weight to an MBA degree from a New Zealand university is EQUIS accreditation for several business schools. EQUIS is often considered to be the most rigorous and comprehensive accreditation system globally.

Find out more about the top universities in New Zealand.

New Zealand’s affordability 

Another of the factors in favour of choosing New Zealand for your MBA is its relative affordability. While you may a little bit more for airfare, you’ll save money on tuition with the average cost for an MBA programme between GBP 15,000 and GBP 25,000 per year. By way of comparison, if you studied an MBA in the USA you’d pay on average GBP 45,000 per year for tuition. For the UK this would be in the region of GBP 35,000 per year.

Tuition fees are a critical factor in deciding where you will study, but so is the general cost of living. You will need to consider the additional costs of accommodation, health insurance and general expenses. In New Zealand, depending on the city where you study, you can expect to pay between GBP 8,000 and GBP10,000 per year. This is 30 per cent less expensive than studying in the UK and 50 per cent less than studying in the USA.

Explore how to study in New Zealand on a student budget.

Great study environment 

New Zealand has a reputation for one of the highest standards of living in the world. The Global Peace Index rates New Zealand as the second most peaceful nation on earth. 2021 also saw Auckland rated as the most liveable city on the planet according to the Economist Intelligence Unit. Interestingly New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, also made the top ten on the same list.

As a student in New Zealand, you will be able to enjoy both cosmopolitan city life and famous outdoor life, with breathtaking scenery. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, sport or even surfing, you will find your niche. The country is also known for its commitment to environmental issues, sustainability and green energy. According to a 2017 OECR report, 80 per cent of electricity produced in the country was generated from renewable sources.

Read more about how to apply to a university in New Zealand.

Post-study opportunities 

New Zealand also offers some perks when it comes to life after graduation. If you complete your MBA degree in the country you can apply for a three-year open visa which will allow you to live and work in the country. You also have the option of having your visa sponsored by an employer if you have found work.

Another plus is that employment is relatively low, running between four and six per cent. Opportunities exist across several industries for MBA graduates including in project management, engineering, health services, and information technology. What you earn will depend largely on the field in which you work. For example, graduate starting salaries in business average between GBP 32,000 and GBP 45,000. Naturally, have a prestigious postgraduate degree will put you in a good position to negotiate.

As you can see New Zealand is an attractive proposition for your MBA degree. If you’re still a little unsure and want to continue your research, why not read our take on an MBA vs Master’s degree or the best universities in the world for MBA studies?