About the programme
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is an NZQF Level 9 degree at Auckland Institute of Studies (AIS) that trains managers across the business disciplines behind executive decisions. It is worth 180 credits and takes 18 months of full-time study.
The MBA is a professional, practice-oriented degree grounded in theory, applied work and research. It is organised in five stages. Stage 1 consists of four compulsory courses: accounting for managers, decision support tools, management in a multicultural setting, and marketing and enterprise. In Stage 2 students pick a specialisation — International Business, Finance, Marketing, or Operations and Logistics — and take its two core courses. Stage 3 is for electives, Stage 4 is a shared course in global strategy and leadership, and Stage 5 is the completion component.
There are three ways to finish the degree: eleven taught courses ending with applied business research, ten courses plus an internship of at least 300 hours, or eight courses and a dissertation. Integrated Management Learning seminars after Stages 1 and 2 pull the content of individual courses together.
Teaching uses an interactive lecture-and-seminar style in small classes. Staff are chosen for a mix of academic credentials, research activity and current business and consulting experience. The programme places weight on corporate values, professional skill development, strategic thinking and putting new ideas to work.
Classes are held on Saturdays and Sundays, which makes the MBA workable for people in full-time jobs, although AIS notes that it is demanding and needs a significant time commitment. The degree is approved by NZQA and is reviewed on an ongoing basis by international practitioners and academics.
Entry requirements
- English: IELTS Academic 6.5 with no band below 6.0, TOEFL iBT 79 with writing 21 (test format restrictions apply), PTE Academic 58 with no band below 50, or NZCEL Level 5
- A degree or equivalent professional qualification approved by the AIS Academic Board, plus at least two years of relevant work experience
- Or a Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Business at New Zealand pass standard (or another approved qualification), in which case the BUAD920 Internship must be included
What you study
- ACCT801 Accounting for Managers
- BUAD801 Decision Support Tools and Techniques
- MGMT801 Management in a Multicultural Environment
- MKTG801 Marketing and Enterprise
- Stage 2 specialisations: International Business, Finance, Marketing, Operations and Logistics (two courses each)
- FINA903 Financial Risk Management
- OPER903 Supply Chain and Project Management
- BUAD915 Exploring Business Research
- MGMT904 Global Strategy and Leadership (compulsory for all)
- BUAD916 Applied Business Research, BUAD920 Internship or BUAD917 Dissertation
Careers after graduation
- Management roles involving executive-level decision-making
- International business
- Finance and financial risk management
- Marketing and brand management
- Operations, logistics and supply chain management
Post-study work visa
Up to 3 years
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 09/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the AIS website