FAQs
SELECTION TESTS
Which selection test should I take – the GMAT or SHL?
The USB accepts the GMAT and the SHL. Both tests measure language skills, verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning and learning potential. Both tests are recognised internationally. The SHL selection test is the preferred option for most students who hold a degree recognised by Stellenbosch University.
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 performance mark therefore includes, among others, online assessments, class tests, group work, individual and group assignments, class participation and presentations.
Why do the MBA's admission requirements 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 bachelor's degree or equivalent) or six years (if you have a national diploma or equivalent) is a requirement of the USB's international EQUIS accreditation. Secondly, collaborative learning – where students learn from each other – forms an important part of the 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 (MCQ), essays, case studies? Will students have access to past test/exam papers?
Tests focus primarily on the application of knowledge and insight to business problems. 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 available as a learning resource.
I have completed a Management Development Programme with USB-ED / Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management at University 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 knowledgeable 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 the USB, or the content of a USB-ED programme is identical to the MBA content, exemption could be considered. Applications will only be considered after the applicant has registered for the MBA programme.
Does the USB assign mentors to students?
No. However, alumni will provide practice-based support to students through the USB's Mentorship Programme. This service is offered in association with the USB's Career Services Office. We also try to liaise with students' employers to find mentors in the students' places of work.
What facilities are available for academic assistance besides the library?
Academic assistance is offered via a web-based learning environment, Blackboard; 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 communicate 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. Normally books and course outlines will be provided to students during the orientation period at the beginning of the programme. On receipt of the deposit, students may request that books and course outlines are couriered to them if they want a longer preparation time. 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 as required.
MBA ADMISSION
Can I do an MBA even if I don't have a prior degree?
According to Stellenbosch University's policy framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) a limited number of non-degree students may join graduate programmes. ARPL candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of Full-time work experience, of which at least 5 years should be in management.
GMAT selection test is compulsory and the minimum overall score required is 550.
Stringent assessment criteria will determine whether the applicant possesses the generic competencies that graduates develop during undergraduate learning. An interview is mandatory.
ARPL candidates should follow the normal application process. However, because the candidate's effective learning in the workplace has to be assessed based on his/her work experience, an extended CV is required. The CV must show the candidate's growth over time in the responsibilities associated with successive jobs. The downloadable 
MBA brochure has more details.
Can I transfer credits from subjects I've completed elsewhere?
The nature of an MBA programme is such that a large part of the learning is collaborative learning which takes place in the classroom, and during formal and informal work done in syndicates.
If a candidate with a postgraduate academic qualification in a subject area related to one of the MBA subjects were to receive recognition for that learning and hence not be required to attend the MBA subject, the learning in class would be poorer owing to the absence of this knowledgeable participant. Thus, although the USB supports the principle of recognition of prior academic learning, it is only applied in very selective instances on the MBA programme. In cases of merit, where a candidate transfers from another MBA programme, the USB will acknowledge prior learning experiences for subjects that make up the MBA programme.
Once a student has been admitted to the MBA programme he or she may apply for accreditation of prior learning. In the application the student must indicate which prior learning experiences relate to which MBA subjects. The application must be fully documented, including full course outlines which show the number of SAQA credits, the overall learning outcomes, the number of class contact hours, prescribed textbooks, method and weights of assessment, and topics per class session. Additional work or assessments may be required.
To obtain an MBA degree at Stellenbosch University, a student must be registered for at least 50% of the prescribed residential period for the specific programme at Stellenbosch University. At least 50% of the credits for a specific degree have to be obtained at this University.
How can I make up for my non-mathematical and non-financial background?
If you have a non-mathematical and non-financial background and would like to prepare yourself for MBA subjects such as Statistics, Operational Research and Financial Management, you can prepare yourself by following the five-day MBA Foundation Programme before the start of the MBA.
How will an Open Session (Open Day) benefit me?
The USB hosts several Open Days on campus in Bellville as well as a country-wide and cross-border road show each year. This is the ideal place to obtain answers to your questions and meet USB faculty, support staff and alumni. Click here for the dates and venues.
THE ELECTRONIC APPLICATION PROCESS
When is the closing date for applications?
The closing date for the January, February and March intake of the MBA is 30 October. The closing date for the June intake of the one Modular MBA is 15 April. However, we will do everything possible to accommodate applications submitted after the closing date.
BURSARIES
Are bursaries available?
A limited number of bursaries are available through the USB, the Alumni Association's Future Fund, Stellenbosch University and the National Research Foundation.
CAMPUS
Is accommodation available on campus?
Yes, there is a comfortable lodge with an annexe 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 programme and your deposit has been paid, the relevant course administrators will give you guidance in finding accommodation.