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The South African Business School’s Association (SABSA) has put forward a proposal to the Council for Higher Education (CHE) which would see its member schools implementing higher entry requirements for the Masters of Business Administration (MBA).
 
“After extensive consultation and discussion, all 18 members of SABSA have unanimously accepted the proposal to set a standard for the MBA that exceeds the world norm and positions South African MBA graduates as superior to many international MBA graduates,” says SABSA president, Tommy du Plessis.  
 
According to the proposal SABSA members will work towards implementing minimum admission requirements for the MBA qualification that include:  
·       A four year Bachelor’s degree; or
·       A Post-graduate Diploma (Business Administration) at Level 8; or
·       An applicable Honours degree; or
·       A RPL process (candidates admitted according to a RPL process cannot comprise more than 10% per intake), plus
·       Any additional admission requirements set by the individual business school.
 
This will enhance existing formal entry requirements which currently include a combination of an undergraduate degree; work experience, in particular, at the management level; and selection tests such as the GMAT.
 
“The move towards implementing higher entrance requirements for the MBA is an historic and exciting development for business schools in SA,” says Du Plessis.  “We hope that this will relieve any doubt over the standing of the MBA in South Africa.”
 
He adds that the MBA remains one of the most sought-after degrees by businesses around the world as it comprises research, practical experience and well astheoretical components.
 
“The more stringent entrance requirements will ensure that MBAs closely mirror the purpose, characteristics and admission requirements of other Masters degrees in South Africa,” says du Plessis.  “We believe this proposal will meet the requirements of the CHE as part of the Higher Education Qualifications Framework (HEFQ) of 2008.”
 
Many SABSA member schools are already accredited by international accreditation agencies such as the European Foundation for Management Development <http://www.efmd.org/>  (EFMD); the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Association of MBAs (AMBA).  The proposed new entrance requirements will further enhance the quality of business education provided in South Africa.  
 
A number of SABSA member schools already have, or are currently developing post graduate diplomas in business administration for students who may not qualify in terms of the proposed new, higher entrance requirements for the MBA.  
 
“At the same time as ensuring that the South African MBA remains globally recognised, business schools recognise that they need to cater for a wide range of students who are looking to further their careers through business education,” says du Plessis.   
 
He adds that SABSA continues to engage with the CHE on the issue of enhancing the reputation of the South African MBA both locally and internationally as a professional Master’s degree.