Admission to the MBA programme is highly competitive and selective. While it is undoubtedly difficult to gain access to the programme, the rigorous selection procedure ensures that drop-out rates are kept to virtually nil. Students can rest assured that their fellow students will be challenging, stimulating, highly competent and competitive individuals with solid intellectual ability.

Selection Criteria

All applicants are required to write the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). The GSB is the only business school in South Africa that insists on GMAT as a criterion for entry, believing that it is an important international benchmark and points to problems that a student is likely to encounter especially on the quantitative course.

The GSB offers a five-day GMAT Preparation Course to help students prepare for both the verbal and numerate aspects of the test.

• Other criteria
• Work experience, background, occupational career pattern, letters of reference by employers and other qualified referees will also be considered as part of an application. These criteria may, from time to time, override the GMAT score. Admission to the programme is also guided by considerations such as whether the applicant will make a contribution to the programme as well as benefit from it.
• Work experience
  • Applicants would preferably have work experience. In addition The GSB will assess:
  • Personal strengths such as ideas, talents and motivation for graduate business education.
  • Interpersonal skills, maturity, realism, ambition and sense of purpose.
  • Intellectual ability and academic achievement.
• Qualifications
  • Applicants should have an undergraduate degree or an equivalent qualification recognised by the University of Cape Town Senate. Examples include membership of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and Chartered Institute of Secretaries (CIS). In certain cases, non-degreed applicants may be considered. If an applicant does not have a degree, they are required to have a record of career achievement and proven academic ability. Their application should include a case study - details of which are provided during the application process.
• Fluency in English
• Applicants whose mother tongue is not English may be required to produce a TOEFL certificate to verify fluency in English.
• Interviews
• Interviews will be conducted once all documentation and tests have been completed. Central Admissions will liaise with applicants in this regard. If the GSB is not able to arrange for an applicant to be interviewed personally, particularly in the case of overseas applicants, a telephonic interview will be arranged. Applicants must advise Central Admissions of any extended travel plans and contact telephone and/or fax numbers for the duration of the application process.
• National Benchmark Test
  All applicants are required to write the National Benchmark Test (NBT). This UCT-developed test provides additional insight into the candidate's verbal and quantitative abilities, and is assessed in conjunction with the GMAT results and other indicators.
  
  Please click here to visit the National Benchmark Test website. Follow the steps to book and pay for your test(s) as well as further information on test venues and times.
  
  The National Benchmark Test can only be written at the nominated venues throughout the year. Please ensure that you book your NBT test early as places are limited at the venues. No application will be reviewed without having received the NBT results.
  
  You must pay the testing fee as soon as you have registered and received your unique EasyPay number.
  
  The testing fee is R50 per test PLUS R10 registration fee, i.e. If you are required to write the AQL only, then you must pay R50 for the test and R10 administration fee (R60). If you are required to write both the AQL and CAMP (Maths) then you must pay R100 (R50 per test) plus the R10 administration fee (R110). The testing fee is not refundable.
  
  Required test paper to be written: Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy (3 hours) AND Mathematics proficiencies (3 hours).
  
  The National Benchmark Test scores must be received by the School before closing date. Scoring of the NBT takes approximately 2 weeks
  
  Closing Dates:
  • MBA - 31 October 2010
  • Executive MBA - 31 December 2010

  Please contact Lynn de Villiers (lynn.devilliers@gsb.uct.ac.za) if you live outside of South Africa to arrange for the NBT to be written or if you have any other queries.

Application Checklist

An application will not reviewed until all required materials are received by Central Admissions. Applicants are also urged to submit their application as early as possible during the year preceding the academic year for which they are applying. Applicants must submit the following documents with their application:

1. The relevant forms

Application forms can be obtained by downloading them here or by contacting Central Admissions and requesting an application pack.

2. Official transcripts of all academic coursework

Certified copies of the following items should be enclosed with each application pack:

1. Full transcript(s) of degree results; degree certificate(s); and proof of equivalence to a South African degree (see section on international students)
2. In the case of non-degreed delegates: School leaving certificates, indicating grades achieved. Any other significant qualifications obtained. (Not computer user courses).

Central Admissions will request academic transcripts for UCT graduates. Section F of the UCT1 form must be completed. Non-UCT graduates must include copies of their academic transcripts as the GSB cannot obtain these on their behalf.

It will not be possible for original documents to be returned. Please therefore submit certified copies of the documentation required including diploma transcripts, partially completed degrees or any courses completed which may be used in support of an application. Each page must carry an original stamp from a Commissioner of Oaths (or equivalent). Photocopies of previously certified documents are not acceptable.

Transcripts being sent to the Graduate School of Business direct from an academic institution should be requested timeously so as not to delay the application process.

Please do not include other extraneous material like reports, thesis documents, projects, etc, with an application pack - they are not required and will not be considered during the review process.

3. Results of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

4. Results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if English is not a first language

5. Two referee reports

Reference report forms are contained in the application pack and should be completed by two individuals who know the applicant in a professional context and who are not close family members. These must be returned to Central Admissions, sealed in the supplied pre-paid envelope. Where necessary, these may be faxed directly by referees to save time. (+27 (0)21 421 5693) General references/testimonials are NOT required.

6. Two passport sized, black and white, head and shoulders photographs

7. A non-refundable application fee

A non-refundable MBA application fee must accompany each application: R550 if resident in any of the Southern African Development Community (SADC); US$150 if resident elsewhere. Cheques should be crossed and made payable to UCT Graduate School of Business. An application received without this fee cannot be processed. Please do not put cash into an application pack.

Application Deadlines and Procedure

For further information please contact:

• Central Admissions - The Graduate School of Business
• University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701
• Tel: +27 (0)21 406-1338/9 or 406-1175 or 406 1491
• Fax: +27 (0)21 421-5693
• E-mail: info@gsb.uct.ac.za  

LEARNING APPROACH

Graduates will attest to the fact that the GSB’s learning processes are transformative.

The GSB’s approach to learning is to encourage participants to question and debate the material that is offered to them and to apply it to real-life situations.

One important facet of the GSB's approach to learning is the immersion process. The integrated campus of the GSB, with its sophisticated learning environment and on-site accommodation and hospitality facilities, allows students to spend every day in an intense atmosphere of study, debate and camaraderie.

Students are provided with relevant learning materials before the course starts along with a detailed course outline and schedule of readings and cases. Additionally, they are given access to a web-linked publications database and “Instructor,” the GSB’s tailor-made e-learning platform.

The material is studied in three distinct stages:

Private preparation
Before arrival at the GSB, and during late evenings and early mornings throughout the programme, students are expected to read all prescribed material in order to grasp and evaluate the workplace experience.

Syndicate groups
Students then meet with their syndicate group, where the readings and cases are discussed. This consolidates and enhances students’ understanding through discussion with equally experienced colleagues.

Plenary session
Plenary sessions are held in a "lecture theatre," although the process cannot be viewed as a traditional lecture. Lecturers provide focused inputs, but also invite questions and discussion, and here the student is regarded as an expert as well. The level of debate is high, and there is no room for didactic "teachers" and infallible gurus. Instructors are there to be challenged and critical faculties are honed in on in an electric atmosphere where the sharing of ideas, experiences and knowledge is encouraged.

What sets the GSB MBA apart from its competitors is its processes. The interactions in the classroom and the intense engagement between faculty and students along with the rich social life and engagement with the community combine to make the MBA an unforgettable learning experience.

A variety of teaching methods are used on the MBA, enabling students to grasp the ideas and translate them into practical action. Classroom methods, which include lecturing, interactive class discussion, exercises such as role-playing, audio-visual presentations, individual and group presentations and guest lectures, are combined with practical engagements with real businesses as well as other individual and group learning opportunities.

To accommodate for fewer contact hours on the modular MBA programme the learning process includes innovative and supportive methodologies.The MBA learning experience is built around four key principles:

• Immersion: Classroom, individual and group activities are combined in tight sequence, necessitating a high degree of engagement between students and faculty. This compresses many of the key challenges of a career into a short and intense period of learning, reflection and action that helps to equip students to manage under pressure.
• Group work: Much of the course work on the MBA is carried out in groups which helps prepare students for the challenges of managing and being part of a team. The groups facilitate the development of skills such as team-building, communication, delegation, negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Application: Exposure to real-world issues is a key part of learning at the GSB and helps students to synthesise their learning. MBA students apply their knowledge through site visits, company-based projects and the company analysis project. Many electives on the MBA, particularly the entrepreneurial electives, also require students to consult to companies and other organisations.
• Support: Mechanisms are in place to support students. Lecturers are readily accessible to help with both academic and personal development. Additional learning support is provided to Modular MBA students through a dedicated student learning support facility. The support network extends beyond the MBA programme, to include partners and families of students.

Assessment

Assessment takes place in a number of ways. Core courses involve a group project and individual assignments as well as, with some variation among courses, a mid-term and final examination. Elective courses typically involve a group project and an examination or term paper.Group projects are assigned a grade for each participant, taking into account the relative contribution of that person to the group's work.At least half of the examinations and assignments in each course and elective are externally examined.

BURSARIES AND SCHOLARSHIPS

There are limited funds available to MBA students and in almost all cases, students will need to have made their own funding arrangements.

Applications for funding will only be considered on receipt of a letter of motivation which should include:

• details of any financial assistance already obtained or applied for (even if declined),
• full details of the applicant's personal financial circumstances and anticipated expenses.

If follow-up interviews are required, applicants will be advised by the MBA administration.

Please note that applications for funding will be considered only if a place on the MBA programme has been guaranteed.

INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

The GSB's history, policy and practice are richly infused with the philosophy of internationalism. The School has partnerships with some of the world's leading business schools including a lively exchange programme.

The School has international accreditation from the exchange programme. European Foundation for Management Development - Europe's largest network association in the field of management development. This means that graduates and employers have the assurance that a qualification from the GSB holds its own in the international marketplace.

The GSB is also one of just 21 non-American members of the Graduate Management Admissions Council.

A number of international research opportunities exist at the School. Most notably, the GSB is involved in the influential Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), which is coordinated by the UCT Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the GSB.

Exchange programmes

Students can apply to be selected to spend a semester at an international university. Students typically go on exchange in January after they have completed their course work. Although they do not obtain credits for courses they take while on exchange, they are given a certificate listing the courses attended.

The exchange allows students the opportunity to study and live in a different environment and to gain a fresh perspective on their development.

Students are exempt from educational fees at exchange universities but must take responsibility for their travel, accommodation and other costs.

The GSB also hosts incoming students from its exchange partners. To apply to come on exchange to the GSB please email info@gsb.uct.ac.za for further information.

Click here to view a list of the GSB's current exchange partnerships with international schools.

STUDY ABROAD

The Graduate School of Business at UCT is located in one of the most beautiful cities in the world and is situated close to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa! The full time MBA attracts students from many African countries such as Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe as well as international students from Europe and North America.

The international quality of the MBA programme is underlined by the fact that we are a member of GMAC, we have EQUIS accreditation and were recently placed in the top 100 business schools by the 2005 Financial Times rankings.

The study abroad option allows you to spend three months as part of this MBA programme with credits that are transferable to your own institution provide you are enrolled in a Masters qualification.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Students are recommended to arrive within 1 week to 3 days prior to the beginning of courses.

Application, VISA and registration process:

The average age of our student body is 30 years, with at least 3 years work experience and an average of 7 years work experience. Our expectation is that students coming on a study abroad programme will have a similar profile.

Students for this programme must apply to Central Admissions office and once accepted, we will supply students with a letter offering them a place on the MBA programme, a University of Cape Town application form for completion, and an information pack which would include course information. Click here to download the code tables to be used when completing the application form.

The University of Cape Town is prohibited from registering foreign students unless they are in possession of a valid study permit. Students must apply for a South African study visa/entry permit through the nearest South African Embassy, Consulate or Trade Mission, and should include a copy of the letter offering them a place as a Study Abroad student, together with a brief motivation of their reasons for wanting to study in South Africa. As two months are usually allowed for study permits to be processed students should request the South African authorities to make every effort to expedite proceedings. Students must produce their study permits on arrival. Students who wish to attend the study abroad programme for a period of less than 3 months should have their visitor’s visa endorsed for study purposes.

Language of instruction:
English.

Health care:
Student health services are available, which provide routine health care. We do not have a specific insurance scheme and it would be advisable for students to take out medical insurance themselves, to cover any emergencies which may occur.

Facilities:
Excellent Library services, limited access to 24 hour computer facilities (e-mail, world wide web), a cocktail bar, a self-service restaurant, student bar, a curio shop/business centre – all on the Breakwater Campus. A major tourist attraction, the Waterfront, is on our doorstop and Cape Town’s famous Table Mountain overlooks the School, the City and the Harbour. Students may make use of the University’s sports facilities on the main campus, or private arrangements may be made with the Virgin Active Gym nearby.

Learning expectations/environment:

Class format
Lectures, group work, discussions, case studies, presentations

Attendance
Class attendance is mandatory

Participation
Active participation is encouraged and usually forms part of each student’s grade (10%-20%)

Grading
The final course grade varies from class to class, but may be based on the following: Class participation, individual assignments, group projects, oral and written presentations, mid-term tests, final examination or term paper

Class size
20-70 students per class

For further information please contact the GSB Central Admissions Office:

Tel: +27 (0) 21-406 1338/1339/1175/1491
Fax: +27 (0) 21-421 5693
E-mail: info@gsb.uct.ac.za
Postal address:
Graduate School of Business
University of Cape Town
Private Bag X3
Rondebosch 7701