The second type [separate] is offered by Auckland and Waikato universities. Diploma and/or Certificate participants are required to complete their programs prior to being considered for admission to the MBA. [Waikato will allow their Bachelor of Management Studies (Honours) students to proceed to their MBA without first completing their Diploma.]

The third type [customized] is offered by Canterbury and Otago universities and allows potential MBA candidates who do not already hold a tertiary qualification to enrol in diploma courses that may be given credit within their MBA programs. Candidates relinquish the pursuit of their Diploma when they are admitted to the MBA.

The stair-cased designs allow the institutions to confirm the appropriateness of candidates before admitting them to their MBA program or ultimately granting the degree. This is especially true in the second and third types where academic performance in the earlier steps or units is considered when candidates wish to pursue the MBA. Students are required to have a "B" to "B+" average on previous certificate/diploma study within the institution.

In total, approximately 228 faculty members teach on the nine MBA programs in New Zealand.* Reportedly, the largest number (43) teaching on a New Zealand based program is at AUT. The Southern Cross MBA has the smallest (15).

The hours of instruction (contact hours) or the structured time available for students to interact with faculty is the most expensive component of most programs. Massey reported the largest number of contact hours (610) while the distance learning program (Southern Cross) reported the smallest number.(150)

* Previously, Henley Management College offered tutorials in New Zealand and was included in this Guide. At this time, local tutorials are not offered by the Henley Management College, which offers an online MBA.

© Mitchell Boock & Associates