University of the Witwatersrand - Wits Business School

Wits Business School (WBS), part of the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, offers postgraduate management education shaped by global standards and African relevance. Its curriculum blends advanced theory with applied learning to prepare leaders for complex and dynamic markets. The school’s distinctive academic identity is built around five themes: African context, South African context, sustainability, entrepreneurial action, and critical engagement, ensuring students gain both strategic insight and practical understanding.

WBS’s international orientation is strengthened through exchange programs, global partnerships, and a diverse faculty. Its AMBA-accredited MBA and research-driven programs uphold stringent quality benchmarks, supported by ongoing reviews and national quality assurance bodies. This combination positions WBS as a leading institution developing globally minded leaders equipped to contribute meaningfully across African and international business landscapes.

WBS supports strong career outcomes through a robust corporate network and active alumni community. Its practical teaching model enables graduates to excel in strategic, managerial, and leadership roles across industries. Close industry links create pathways to internships, job placements, and collaborative projects that help students transition into new sectors or accelerate existing career trajectories. Employers value the school’s focus on applied problem-solving and contextual business insight.

The WBS alumni network extends across Africa and beyond, offering mentorship, professional forums, and long-term engagement opportunities. Graduates benefit from global exposure, cross-cultural competencies, and African business acumen—skills increasingly sought by multinational enterprises. The MBA’s Global Study Tour further strengthens international connections, allowing students to build durable networks across multiple continents.

WBS stands out for its combination of international academic standards and African-centered relevance. The school’s AMBA accreditation ensures global recognition, while its thematic focus on African and South African markets equips graduates with contextual knowledge rarely emphasized in traditional Western MBA programs. This dual advantage positions students for leadership roles in emerging markets and multinational organizations operating across the continent.

The MBA’s Global Study Tour, strong industry ties, and case-based learning enhance practical readiness. Purpose-designed facilities, professional learning spaces, and comprehensive student support systems differentiate WBS from institutions using general-purpose infrastructure. Graduates emerge as ethically aware, sustainability-driven leaders prepared to address contemporary business challenges.

WBS drives educational innovation by embedding sustainability, entrepreneurial action, and critical engagement into the core curriculum. This approach prepares graduates to address environmental, social, and economic challenges simultaneously, treating sustainability as a strategic advantage rather than a compliance requirement. The emphasis on entrepreneurship encourages students to build ventures or champion innovation within established organizations.

The school’s global outlook is enhanced by diverse faculty and international partnerships, fostering thought leadership with African relevance. Digital transformation—including smart classrooms and blended learning—expands accessibility for working professionals. Facilities such as the Donald Gordon Auditorium underscore the institution’s commitment to high-quality learning environments and future-focused business education.

What are the MBA admission requirements? Applicants must demonstrate management potential and meet the minimum work experience threshold: three years for full-time study and four years for part-time formats. Additional academic prerequisites vary and should be confirmed directly with the admissions office.

What accommodation options are available? International students can stay in secure, fully furnished apartments at U House or Wits Junction, both offering private amenities, internet access, and 24-hour security.

How does the WBS MBA differ from global programs? Its unique African business focus, sustainability orientation, and Global Study Tour distinguish it from Western-centric MBAs, offering both relevance and global competitiveness.

WBS seeks applicants with proven professional experience and readiness for advanced study. Admission cycles typically run annually, and competition for full-time places is high, making early application advisable. The campus is located at 2 St David’s Place, Parktown, approximately 1.5 kilometers from the main Wits University grounds, providing convenient access to wider institutional resources.

International students can secure housing through U House and Wits Junction, both offering modern amenities and reliable security. Financial support is available through university scholarships and government funding schemes for eligible South African students. Prospective applicants may contact the school via telephone at +27 11 717 3544 and are encouraged to explore the online 360° campus tour.