ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES

Delivering transformative learning experiences to equip tomorrow’s leaders

MBA FULL TIME
Format: 1 year full-time

The full time MBA programme is ideally suited to students who are seeking a global approach with an African perspective, and are looking to immerse themselves in full-time study. The programme format comprises of an intensive one-year journey from mid-August to mid-May including Core Courses in Terms 1 and 2 and Electives in Terms 3 and 4.

MBA MODULAR
Format: 2 Years Block Release: 20 days of leave per year, partially hybrid

The Modular MBA programme is suited to students who are seeking international insights in an African and South African context and are looking to study part-time over a two year period.

Executive MBA
Format: 2 years part-time: 12 weeks of contact time

An authentic, and joyful executive learning experience for professionals with significant work experience who are looking to develop further as leaders.

PGDip in Management Practice
Format: 1 year: 4 study modules of 8 – 9 days each

Ideal for middle managers looking to further enrich their careers, or junior managers who are ready to accelerate their development.

CEMS Master of International Management
Format: 18 months full-time including 8 weeks internship

This intensive pre-experience programme is the perfect way to upskill and prepare for the international job market.

PGDip in Development Finance
Format: 1 year: 2 modules of 1 – 3 weeks each

A specialised postgraduate programme that provides a comprehensive overview of the exciting and fast-growing industry of development finance.

MCom in Development Finance
Format: 2 years: 2 modules per year of 2 - 3 weeks each

Aimed at those who have a real passion for creating meaningful change and influence through development finance in Africa.

MPhil in Inclusive Innovation
Format: 1 year modular & research dissertation: 4 modules of 1 week each

This programme is for visionaries, changemakers, and individuals who want to innovate to build sustainable solutions for social, economic and environmental challenges.

PhD in Business Administration
Format: 3-4 years: 4 contact weeks in year 1

Aimed at researchers who want to make an original contribution to theory, while also addressing practical organisational or social challenges.

About our Programmes

23 000+

Alumni worldwide

68

Countries represented

47

Exchange partner schools

70+

Visiting academics & executives

50+

years of academic excellence

32

Full-time faculty members

Scholarships available

We understand that funding can be a challenge, and are committed to assisting deserving individuals by offering a number of scholarships each year. Find out more about our scholarships and how to apply here.

Scholarships are available for the following programmes:

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY

Ideas Exchange

 
Geneva Challenge 690
Entrepreneurship & Innovation

GSB MBA Students Win Global Innovation Competition

MBA students from the UCT Graduate School of Business (UCT GSB) have secured first place in the prestigious 2024 Geneva Challenge, an international competition spotlighting innovative solutions to global issues. Their project, "Mntase Cares," tackles South Africa's teenage pregnancy crisis with mobile clinics offering healthcare, education, and telehealth support. This achievement underscores the UCT GSB's dedication to fostering impactful, globally recognised solutions for critical challenges.

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Posted on 22 November 2024 by UCT GSB Press Office
Corporate Knights 2024
Annual Reviews

New ranking places the University of Cape Town’s MBA #7 in the world

The UCT Graduate School of Business’s MBA has ranked #7 globally and #1 in Africa in the 2024 Corporate Knights Better World MBA ranking. This recognition highlights the UCT GSB’s focus on sustainability, complex problem solving, and navigating uncertainty — a growing priority for employers and prospective students alike. With an emphasis on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the UCT GSB’s MBA prepares future leaders to drive meaningful change in a world where impact-driven business is essential.

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Posted on 11 November 2024 by UCT GSB Press Office
Farai Cheryl Shoniwa
Learning & Development

GSB Foundation Launches New Scholarship for Black Women

The Farai Cheryl Shonhiwa (FCS) Scholarship for African Women is a new initiative within the GSB Foundation, celebrating the legacy of Dr Farai Cheryl Shonhiwa. Designed to empower African women, this scholarship provides financial support for the full-time MBA programme at UCT Graduate School of Business. Contributions to the FCS Scholarship will help continue Farai’s vision of fostering leadership and transformative impact across the continent.

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Posted on 29 October 2024 by UCT GSB Press Office
Adele
Learning & Development

Learning and Leading: Adele's journey through the PGDip in Management Practice

Adele De Vos-Porthen’s journey with the UCT GSB’s Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice (PGDip MP) is a testament to the power of determination and the value of higher education. Navigating the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process, she turned potential barriers into stepping stones, embracing every learning opportunity with enthusiasm and dedication. Emerging with newfound skills, insights, and confidence, Adele not only reshaped her own personal and professional trajectory but also delivered immediate and tangible benefits to her employer.

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Posted on 22 October 2024 by UCT GSB Press Office
FT EMBA Rankings 2024
Annual Reviews

UCT GSB’s EMBA ranked 31st globally for Overall Satisfaction by the Financial Times

The UK’s Financial Times has ranked the UCT GSB's EMBA programme among the best in the world for alumni satisfaction in its 2024 rankings, with over 92% of alumni expressing satisfaction with their degree. This achievement places the GSB's EMBA in the FT's global Top 100 and highlights the School's dedication to delivering world-class education at the very highest levels.

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Posted on 16 October 2024 by UCT GSB Press Office
Impact Investing_690_345
Emerging Market Business

How the rules that govern our economies can change

Impact investing offers a promising solution to address the world’s social, environmental, and economic challenges. By merging financial returns with measurable positive impacts, it’s reshaping how we think about investment. However, achieving the balance between profitability and true societal impact isn't always easy. This article delves into the complexities of impact investing and how we can rethink the rules to build more sustainable economies.

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Posted on 9 October 2024 by Daniel Steenkamp
Prodigy
Learning & Development

UCT GSB Welcomes Prodigy Finance's Blended Finance Programme

Prodigy Finance has launched a groundbreaking Blended Finance programme aimed at providing African students with greater access to international education. This initiative aligns with the UCT Graduate School of Business's mission to empower Africa’s future leaders, offering an innovative financing solution that breaks down financial barriers and fosters diverse, globally minded leadership across the continent.

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Posted on 30 September 2024 by UCT GSB Press Office
CEMS report 1
Management Fundamentals

Three lessons for employers from the CEMS The Future-Forward Workforce report

The CEMS Master in International Management programme is a launchpad to an international career. But these careers are evolving as new generations of graduates with new attitudes and ideas are entering the workforce. We take a look at the findings of a recent CEMS workplace research report, and what it means to future leaders and their employers.

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Posted on 30 August 2024 by UCT GSB Press Office
CEMS Neelo 1
Learning & Development

From Botswana to South Korea: Neelo Gopolang's CEMS MIM journey

Neelo Gopolang shares her experience of embarking on the CEMS Master in International Management at the UCT Graduate School of business – from navigating global business challenges through cultural understanding to highlighting the value of learning from successful entrepreneurs and leaders in other countries.

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Posted on 14 August 2024 by UCT GSB Press Office
EMBA QS 2024
Annual Reviews

UCT GSB’s EMBA Programme ranks #1 in Africa in QS rankings

The UCT Graduate School of Business is proud to announce that its EMBA programme has achieved the top spot in Africa and the Middle East in the 2024 QS Executive MBA Rankings. This prestigious ranking confirms the GSB’s commitment to providing not just excellence in business education but truly transformative leadership development.

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Posted on 22 July 2024 by UCT GSB Press Office
Innovation
Leadership & Ethics

UCT GSB's Executive MBA programme finalist in prestigious Evidence-Based Leadership Development Award

The UCT GSB’s EMBA programme was one of five finalists for the prestigious Evidence-Based Leadership Development Programme Award by the Academy of Management’s Management Education and Development Division – a testament to the UCT GSB's commitment to excellence in leadership education.

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Posted on 11 July 2024 by UCT GSB Press Office
satish-antony_new
Learning & Development

The UCT GSB EMBA: a personal metamorphosis

Satish Antony [EMBA 2022] shared his deeply personal journey of growth and professional development through UCT Graduate School of Business's Executive MBA program, highlighting how the program broadened his horizons, challenged his assumptions, and proved the importance of self-awareness for effective leadership.

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Posted on 27 June 2024 by Alumni Relations Dept
Cassim Motala_690_345
Learning & Development

Cassim Motala: Game Changer

As a student at the UCT Graduate School of Business, Cassim Motala (MBA, Class of 2004) helped to shape not just the structure and delivery but the ethos of the School’s MBA programme. As an alumnus, he continues to push for the programme to be as progressive and relevant as ever

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Posted on 5 June 2024 by Alumni Relations Dept
Ntando Dladla 690.2
Learning & Development

How I launched an international career with CEMS MiM

UCT Graduate School of Business alum Ntando Mdladla tells us about the School’s award-winning CEMS Master in Management specialising in International Management programme, which is designed to launch ambitious young graduates into international internships at blue-chip multinationals all over the world. The UCT GSB is the only business school in Sub-Saharan Africa to offer this course.

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Posted on 11 April 2024 by UCT GSB Press Office
Tsitsi_1
Learning & Development

How an Inclusive MBA in Cape Town inspired Tsitsi Hatendi-Mtika (MBA 2014) to Change the Finance Industry

Tsitsi Hatendi-Matika chose the MBA at the UCT GSB to help her broaden her career horizons in finance. Now it’s helping her change the industry for the better.

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Posted on 25 March 2024 by Alumni Relations Dept
EMBA FT Rankings
Annual Reviews

UCT GSB's Executive MBA Ranked Top 4 Globally for Diversity

The latest Financial Times Executive MBA rankings have been released and the UCT Graduate School of Business’s EMBA Programme has once again made the Top 100 – the only African business school to appear on the list. Moreover, it is in the top five globally for women’s representation.

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Posted on 4 December 2023 by UCT GSB Press Office
Corporate Knights 2024 preview
Annual Reviews

What the UCT GSB Better World Ranking reveals about the changing role of the MBA

The UCT Graduate School of Business is firmly guided by its values, which recently resulted in a Top 40 position in the prestigious Corporate Knights Better World MBA ranking – making it a world leader in principled and impactful education

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Posted on 10 November 2023 by UCT GSB Press Office
CEMS Report leading for future of planet PIN
Leadership & Ethics

A new model of collective business leadership and a shift to generational strategic thinking are essential to avert environmental catastrophe

New CEMS report sets out recommendations for globally responsible business leaders, educators and young professionals

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Posted on 28 October 2022 by UCT GSB Press Office
Nicholas Biekpe pin image
Learning & Development

Professor Nicholas Biekpe inducted into prestigious UCT College of Fellows

Induction into the UCT College of Fellows is one of the highest accolades an academic staff member can receive. The fellowship is a reward to academic staff members for their years of commitment and dedication to their work.

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Posted on 25 October 2022 by UCT GSB Press Office
FT EMBA Ranking 2022
Learning & Development

UCT GSB’s Executive MBA ranked among top 20 in the world for student satisfaction

Newest Financial Times ranking shows the Executive MBA at the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business (UCT GSB) among the best of the best in alumni satisfaction and prior work experience, making it once again the only African programme to earn a spot on the prestigious list.

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Posted on 19 October 2022 by UCT GSB Press Office
Shadi Lekgoathi
Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Don’t let finances get in the way of your MBA dream

Attending business school can be an expensive and time-consuming undertaking, so you need to make sure it’s aligned with your purpose and your purse. Two recent UCT GSB graduates tell us how scholarship funding helped them.

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Posted on 27 July 2022 by UCT GSB Press Office
Career Leadership Centre
Learning & Development

How students can take charge of their own development through the Career Leadership Centre

UCT GSB students are empowered to navigate their own career advancement with first-class career development tools and direct contact with influential industry players and corporates keen to recruit from their ranks

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Posted on 27 July 2022 by UCT GSB Press Office
Kurt De Bique PGDip alumnus profile
Learning & Development

Helping African leaders stand out and stand tall

When Kurt De Bique went to university 20 years ago, he thought he wanted to be a lawyer. But a powerful interest in people and what drives them led to a career switch to HR, which has seen him make a major contribution in the boardroom – rather than courtroom.

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Posted on 21 July 2022 by UCT GSB Press Office
Rankings 2022
Learning & Development

UCT Graduate School of Business ranked in the top 50 globally by the FT

Latest ranking of customised programmes from the Financial Times shows the University Cape Town Graduate School of Business is leading in Africa.

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Posted on 15 June 2022 by UCT GSB Press Office
George Koshy
Learning & Development

In search of purpose

With people quitting their jobs in greater numbers than ever, professional executive, team and board coach George Koshy shares from his own journey of ‘purpose finding’– and how he is empowering individuals, teams and organisations to find their purpose.

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Posted on 9 June 2022 by UCT GSB Press Office
Sean Sean
Learning & Development

Lessons Learnt: Advice for starting your career

Not many people can say they had to choose between completing their MBA and coaching the national female volleyball team, but Sean Lewis' career journey has been anything but linear. From high school teacher to working at Africa's leading premier ICT solutions services provider, and completing his EMBA along the way, Lewis has plenty of advice to share with graduates and career changers.

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Posted on 9 June 2022 by UCT GSB Press Office
Three top tips for acing the GMAT test
Learning & Development

Three top tips for acing the GMAT test

There is no shortage of advice on how to prepare for the GMAT exam – the often daunting test that opens the door to the most prestigious MBA programmes around the world – but taking advice from someone who’s cracked it themselves is a good place to start.

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Posted on 11 April 2022 by Shivani Ghai
EMPLOYEES CAN STILL LEARN FROM ONE ANOTHER IN A HY
Learning & Development

Top tips to ensure employees can still learn from one another in a hybrid world

Two-thirds of professionals fear that a hybrid workplace will damage their ability to learn from colleagues – global survey

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Posted on 24 January 2022 by UCT GSB Press Office
UCT GSB Turret
Learning & Development

UCT GSB MBA ranks top in Africa on sustainability performance

UCT GSB MBA ranks top in Africa on sustainability performance

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Posted on 11 November 2021 by UCT GSB Press Office
EMBA alumnus Christophe Viarnaud
Learning & Development

Powering the continent’s growth through collaboration with entrepreneurs across Africa

EMBA alumnus Christophe Viarnaud is a man on a mission. The French national has made South Africa not only his home, but a country in which his passion for entrepreneurship and education has launched the ventures of scores of bright start-ups across the continent.

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Posted on 30 July 2021 by UCT GSB Press Office
Steven van Rheede
Learning & Development

MBA alumnus puts lockdown to good use

Steven van Rheede was part of the 2020 MBA class that, three months into the programme, quickly had to shift their studies online; it bore some unforeseen benefits, he says.

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Posted on 30 July 2021 by UCT GSB Press Office
Bathabile Mpofu media
Learning & Development

Combining passion with purpose to improve science education for all

Bathabile Mpofu is passionate about empowering young people to become scientists, and with her business, Nkazimulo Applied Sciences, she aims to demonstrate to high school learners the beauty of science in an exciting, hands-on way.

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Posted on 30 July 2021 by UCT GSB Press Office
Kosheek Sewchurran Can we risk our society’s futur
Leadership & Ethics

Can we risk our society’s future on a system that produces the leadership we experience?

The events of the past two weeks have brought into sharp focus the devastating results of selecting leaders based on popularity over other criteria. To avoid shipwrecking our country, it’s time to design a better system of stewarding our collective needs.

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Posted on 23 July 2021 by Kosheek Sewchurran
Quad Area - Media
Learning & Development

UCT’s Executive MBA programme is still number one in Africa

The QS 2021 Global EMBA Rankings have ranked the UCT Graduate School of Business’ EMBA programme number one in Africa and 51st in the world. This unique degree transforms executives by putting them into a better relationship with their lived experience to focus solving the complex problems of our times.

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Posted on 5 July 2021 by UCT GSB Press Office
Kosheek Sewchurran We need leaders and managers
Learning & Development

We need leaders and managers who have the skills and moral compass to build a just world

We need leaders and managers who have the skills and moral compass to build a just world

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Posted on 24 June 2021 by Kosheek Sewchurran
Beverly Shrand - Healthy workplaces are foundation
Management Fundamentals

Healthy workplaces are foundational for a healthy society

Business has a critical role to play in fostering diversity and inclusion and building healthier workplaces and societies in the wake of the crisis.

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Posted on 20 May 2021 by Beverly Shrand
Folu Okunade  - solution to Africa’s challenges
Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Tractors may not be sexy but they offer a real solution to Africa’s challenges

As COO at Hello Tractor, a novel mobile platform that connects farmers to tractors as well as agricultural equipment, expertise and financial services, MBA alumnus Folu Okunade is working to connect under resourced farmers in emerging economies to the information age.

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Posted on 6 May 2021 by UCT GSB Press Office
Mutemwa Ushewokunze - UCT GSB graduate
Entrepreneurship & Innovation

UCT GSB graduate is banking on his country’s future

MCom alumnus, Mutemwa Ushewokunze, has returned to Zimbabwe after 20 years abroad, to help take the country’s banking sector to the next tech level.

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Posted on 6 May 2021 by UCT GSB Press Office
Mouna Akefli - Closing the digital divide and embr
Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Taking the road less travelled is a choice we make

MBA alumna Mouna Akefli is not one to conform. Passionate about building a more diverse, inclusive and connected continent, she is determined to shake things up and her role as marketing manager for Ericsson in West Africa and Morocco is giving her new opportunities to do so.

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Posted on 6 May 2021 by UCT GSB Press Office
Jody Delichte  - Freedom and Democracy
Leadership & Ethics

Becoming a businessperson is not a straightforward journey for all

Building business skills to improve livelihoods is increasingly being recognised as a mechanism to lift communities out of extreme poverty. But in many survivalist communities, the principles of business can clash with the existing values of the community.

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Posted on 20 April 2021 by UCT GSB Press Office
Jody - New business skills
Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Rebuilding the SA economy more sustainably — and for greater impact

COVID-19 has devastated the economy, but it has also opened a window of opportunity for businesses to integrate smarter and more sustainable solutions into their day-to-day operations as they rebuild for the long-term.

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Posted on 20 April 2021 by UCT GSB Press Office
Elanca Shelley PGDip - time to leave VUCA world be
Management Fundamentals

It is time we leave the VUCA-world behind

At the risk of drying up the book royalties of hundreds of business authors who have built their careers around it, VUCA is on its way out and a new framework has emerged to replace it.

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Posted on 15 April 2021 by Elanca Shelley
EVAN - MEDIA
Learning & Development

Gearing oneself for a post-pandemic world

Do we ever stop needing to constantly reinvent ourselves? Evan Kagan, who completed his MBA at the UCT GSB in 2010, doesn't think so. But by trusting ourselves, working with our passions, learning and connecting with others, and following the latest industry trends, he believes we can all gear ourselves for the post-pandemic world.

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Posted on 8 April 2021 by UCT GSB Press Office

Upcoming Events

 

Master of Commerce Degree in Development Finance (MDevFin) Info Session

 Wednesday, 15 January 2025
 18:00 (GMT+2)

Join us for a hybrid (in person & virtual) information session about the Master of Commerce degree in Development Finance (MDevFin) at the UCT Graduate School of Business.

Learn more RSVP