FAQs
SELECTION TESTS
Which selection test should I take – the GMAT or SHL?
USB accepts both. Both tests measure language skills, verbal reasoning, numeri¬cal reasoning and learning potential. However, the SHL also includes an occupational personality test. Both tests are recognised internationally. The SHL selection test is usually the preferred option for most students who hold a degree recognised by Stellenbosch University. No preparation is required for the SHL.
THE MBA PROGRAMME
When are exams/tests held? How many tests/exams are there?
Students are assessed on a continuous basis. Each module has a minimum number of assessments based on the number of credits for that module. The final perfor¬mance mark therefore includes, among others, online assessments, class tests, group work, individual and group assign¬ments, class participation and presenta¬tions.
Why do the MBA’s admission require¬ments include a minimum number of years of work experience? Why is this applied so stringently?
Firstly, relevant work experience of at least three years (if you have a recognised bach¬elor’s degree or equivalent) or six years (if you have a national diploma or equivalent) is a requirement of USB’s international EQUIS accreditation. Secondly, collabora¬tive learning – where students learn from each other – forms an important part of USB’s MBA. The expertise, depth and value that each participant brings to the class depend largely on authentic work experience.
What is the format of an exam/test – e.g. multi-choice questions (MCQs), essays, case studies? Will students have access to past test/exam papers?
Tests focus primarily on the application of knowledge and insight to business prob¬lems. Hence, most tests are open-book and require the analysis of problems or cases. In the assessment of pre-reading, closed-book tests may be used. In web-based assessments of pre-reading multiple-choice questions are frequently used, but this may not exceed 20% of the grade of a subject. Many lecturers make past test papers avail¬able as a learning resource.
I have completed a Management Development Programme with USB-ED / Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management at XYZ. Will I be exempted from part of the MBA programme?
The focus of the MBA programme is on collaborative learning. Every participant brings certain expertise to the class – some through formal learning, others through informal learning. If the most knowledge¬able persons were to be exempted from classes, the learning experience for the whole class will be impaired. Thus, as a general principle, no exemption is granted. In a limited number of special cases, for example where an MBA student transfers from another university to USB, or the content of a USB-ED programme is identi¬cal to the MBA content, exemption could be considered. Applications will only be considered after the applicant has regis¬tered for the MBA programme.
Does USB assign mentors to students?
Yes, but on a volunteer basis only. USB alumni offer to mentor students during their studies and to provide career or industry advice. This service is offered in associa¬tion with USB’s Alumni Relations Office and Career Services Office.
What facilities are available for academ¬ic assistance besides the library?
Academic assistance is offered via a web-based learning environment, a PC lab with various software and database resources, syndicate groups (dedicated study groups), informal learning groups and a bulletin board.
How do syndicates (dedicated study groups) function in terms of discussions, assignments and other group work? How much does syndicate work count towards the final mark? Can syndicates commu¬nicate electronically to get work done or is it compulsory for syndicates to meet physically between modular blocks?
This will depend on each lecturer and on the subject – as some subjects require a substantial amount of group work, while others require limited group work. The weight varies from 0% (no group work) up to 40%. It is imperative that MBA students can communicate electronically to work on their assignments. There is no need to meet physically between modular blocks.
When will we receive our books and course material for the MBA programme?
As soon as you have been admitted to the MBA programme, you will be requested to pay a deposit. Books and course outlines will be provided to students during the orientation period at the beginning of the programme. Modular students will receive new course material at the end of every modular block for the following block. For part-time and full-time students the study material will be made available at the end of each term.
APPLICATION PROCESS AND CLOSING DATE
When is the closing date for applications?
The closing date for the January and February intakes of the MBA is 30 November. The closing date for the May intake of the one Modular MBA is 15 April. However, we will do everything possible to accommodate applications submitted after the closing date.
What if I don’t have a study permit yet?
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BURSARIES
Are bursaries available?
A limited number of bursaries are available through USB, the USB Busary Fund, Stellenbosch University and the National Research Foundation. Find more information here.
CAMPUS
Is accommodation available on campus?
Yes, there is a comfortable lodge and restaurant on the Bellville Park Campus, which is ideal for short-term accommodation. However, this will probably be too expensive for longer stays. For other accommodation options, such as rooms and flats, contact your course administrator. Once you have been admitted on the MBA and your deposit has been paid, the relevant course administrators will give you guidance in finding accommodation.