HOW TO COMPLETE YOUR MBA APPLICATION

Now that you’ve decided to take the next step, this is what you need to know about applying for the MBA at the UCT GSB. 

Initially, you will progress through a pre-application manager which you will receive as a unique link via email once you have enquired or applied on our site. This is an important first step before your application begins, to set you up with UCT GSB’s admissions team; your support along the way.  
 
If you would like to prepare in advance, please refer to these guidelines: 

PREPARE

Please collate the following documents or speak to the necessary parties in order to make your application process more efficient. 

• Update your CV
• Prepare three motivational essays.
   The topics include:
  • How will your classmates (individually and during group work), and the UCT GSB more generally, benefit from having you on the MBA programme? 
  • How would you define a “successful” MBA experience for you personally? What is it about the GSB’s MBA programme that makes you think it’s best positioned to work with you to achieve that success?
  • The MBA programme is time consuming and pushes you emotionally and intellectually. From your research of MBAs and the GSB’s MBA in particular, what specific changes do you foresee needing to make to deal with these pressures effectively? Respond to this question in the light of your own personal strengths, weaknesses and motivations. 
• Think about who you would like to complete two evaluators forms. Approach two individuals who know you in a professional context, and who are not family members, to complete the confidential evaluator’s forms.
• Take the GMAT.  All MBA applicants are required to write the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and obtain an acceptable GMAT score. A GMAT score of 550 will ordinarily be required. If you haven’t taken it already, you will need to indicate this in your application process or supply the date you plan on taking the assessment.
  • Please note: We don’t run the GMAT testing process. It is administered by a third party and there is a cost associated with the assessment. You can, however, do a preparation course through the UCT GSB to gain a competitive advantage.  
  • In registering for the GMAT, please complete the section which authorises GMAC to send a copy of your result directly to the Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town; our code number is 0837.
• If you have not completed a Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma or a cognate Bachelor’s Degree equivalent, at level 8 through relevant work experience, you can apply through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) route and submit a Portfolio of Learning (POL) assessment form in the portal.
• Applicants whose mother tongue is not English will be required to produce a TOEFL certificate to verify fluency in English.

Once you’ve been through the pre-application manager, you will be prompted to complete and submit your UCT online application here, in order to create your official student record. 

For this step, you will be required to submit certified copies of your identity documents, certifications and a sponsorship letter, if applicable. This is also your introduction to the UCT, which will include personal particulars, motivations, linguistic competencies and your work and academic history. 

Pay your administration fee in order to cover the administrative costs of your application.

Please note: Your application fee is non-refundable. 

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