Significant revision of admissions requirements for MBA

© Denis Ismagilov – 123RF.com

The revision of the degree is a technical issue and South Africa's current MBA continues to be accredited internationally and recognised as being on par with MBAs offered globally.

"South African MBA degrees have always been recognised as a Master's level qualification internationally," says Dr Millard Arnold Executive Director of the South African Business Schools Association (SABSA).

"Hundreds of MBA students, from leading international schools from around the world, receive credit for courses taken at South African business schools every year and South African MBA students are globally accepted in industry and academia."

Whilst the change is the most significant revision of the admissions requirements for the MBA in nearly a decade, it came because of the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework's (HEQSF) revision of the previous 8-level framework to the current 10-level framework. The revision required higher education institutions to modify their existing qualifications and programmes in order to be in compliance. Each business school can choose how it will implement these changes for the benefit of its students. All schools have applied to have their MBA accredited at the new NQF level 9.

"Through SABSA's extensive consultations over the past few years, the education authorities agreed that the level of the MBA would be classified as an NQF level 9 qualifications, in line with the changes made to the NQF framework. Business schools throughout South Africa were required to reapply for MBA accreditation with the Council on Higher Education (CHE) in order to ensure their programmes met the necessary requirements set by the NQF level 9.

"This change means that students intent on studying towards the new NQF level 9 MBA, will now be required to be in possession of an NQF level 8 qualification ie an honours degree, a postgraduate diploma or equivalent qualification prior to gaining admission to the MBA degree programme."

Consequently, some business schools are offering a postgraduate diploma from 2016 for students without such an honours or postgraduate qualification. "It is important that HR Professionals at corporates who financially support MBA candidates take cognisance of these changes in their study policies," Dr Arnold emphasised.

"It is important to note that this does not change the stature or value of an MBA degree that students commenced prior to 2016. In line with the requirements of the CHE, all students who commenced their MBA prior to 2016 were admitted to the correct NQF level based on the original 8-level framework applicable at that time. MBA degrees that commenced before 2016 will still carry the same value and relevance by industry (local and international) and educational institutions."

"In spite of the complexity these changes have added to admission requirements, the MBA remains the most popular postgraduate business degree in South Africa," concludes Dr Arnold.