Are you interested in launching an international management career? Find out how students at The University of Cape Town are achieving this through affordable education
Pursuing a graduate business degree can help you launch an international career and will enhance your career prospects. You’ll develop new skills, enhance your business acumen, and expand your network, but gaining access to these benefits can be expensive.
The average cost of a top MBA in 2022 is $189,000, according to our 2022 Cost of MBA Report, so it’s worth looking for affordable ways to study.
As a developing powerhouse in the business education field, South Africa is an attractive option for both international and domestic students seeking an opportunity to develop a career in international business without breaking the bank.
Joining the program gives you have the chance to learn essential business skills and access a large alumni network spanning 108 nationalities and 70 multinational corporations.
The course is also cheaper than similar degrees in Europe or the US. For African citizens and residents, the course is R220 710 ($12,700). Fees for international students are R331 070 ($19,100), along with a R25 000 deposit ($1,400). This is affordable compared with the UK for example, where courses can cost up to £30,000 or in the US where courses range from $30,000 to $70,000.
Cape Town is also a comparatively more affordable location than other top study destinations. With a lower cost of living than locations such as London or Paris, this can help you keep the cost of your studies to a minimum.
Unlike other degrees where you would typically undertake a CEMS course after your postgraduate studies, MIM students at UCT graduate with a qualification from CEMS, and from UCT. “You get two qualifications for the price of one” says Gadija Allison, program manager for the MIM (pictured).
“This is the kind of degree to do if you want to study international management at a fraction of the cost,” she explains.
Gain access to international networking opportunities
The international focus of the course attracts a diverse cohort of successful students. Whether you are inside or outside of Africa, the blend of nationalities working together at UCT means you can build connections with people from across the world.
“The program is well known in Europe, it connects brilliant students across the world. We had students from Guatemala, Singapore, Germany, to the UK and Russia—it was kind of this global consortium of people,” explains Logan Healy-Tuke (pictured above), a student in the final semester of his CEMS MiM and exchange student at UCT.
Florian Meister (pictured below), soon to be a graduate of the CEMS MIM, chose to do an exchange at the UCT program after studying his MA in Business Administration at the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland. “For me, it was a trisector of having the academic, corporate and social part of studying combined in one program,” he says.
“I really liked the international aspect and going somewhere different to my own city,” he says. He is currently completing his internship with Bain & Company, Switzerland, an opportunity that he feels is largely attributed to the connections he made with partners in multiple countries through the CEMS program.
“Throughout the program there are corporate partners who are seriously interested in your development. The university facilitates these interactions by being connected to leading business schools while having a great academic side.”
Launch an international management career
The program offers real-world experience through an internship with one of CEMS 70 corporate partners. UCT also provides a three-month business consulting exercise with one corporate partner, where you collaborate with your peers to come up with solutions to real business issues.
Logan was motivated to enroll in an exchange at UCT during his MiM because of the school’s international focus and strong job prospects. He felt the course was a compelling opportunity that could help him launch an international career.
Now, Logan is working in the research sector with a venture capital firm while completing the final semester of his dual degree involving the MIM at UCT and a degree with Cornell University in the US.
“The school is so well connected. By well-connected I don’t just mean that it opens doors up. I mean that people want to work with you,” he says. “This is an opportunity for international students to come and really experience business in South Africa.”
Gadija feels that the UCT MIM can help students from all over the world launch their careers. “Europe, USA, wherever you come from: if you want to learn more about Africa, study in an affordable way, and have an internationally recognized education then this is the school for you.”
University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business (UCT)
Konke
Verified
9/06/2023
On Campus
New experiences and new connections
The university is a vibrant environment with a blend of cultures and languages from around the world. The lecturers are world-renowned and give their all in ensuring that the lectures are understandable and engaging. I would definitely recommend a prospective student to enjoy the UCT experience
Asive
Verified
8/04/2023
On Campus
The diversity
You can find people of every race and culture at UCT. This is especially beneficial for students from towns and rural areas. This diversity promotes self-development, foreign language study, courage, and a strong sense of moral principles. There is always academic support available, and students are given the assistance they need to succeed academically. Health care facilities are conveniently located on campus and are all easily accessible at UCT.
Phumzile
Verified
14/01/2023
Online
Great programme
The programme covers all the principles necessary to understand in order excel in your career and workplace. As a computer science graduate, the programme has better prepared me for real life. Not only with programming skills but with an in-depth understanding of the field I am in.
The campus is really beautiful, with a huge aspect of GREEN. There is literally plants everywhere which makes the place looks beautiful and shows the university cares for the environment.
All the students are super nice too!
Sharon
Verified
11/12/2022
Blended
fun
It was great fun and learning experience at the University of Cape Town. I believe it is ranked the top university of Africa because of its extra and exceptional way of learning which start from scratch.
Student
Verified
5/12/2022
On Campus
Best Experience
The greatest thing about UCT is the amount of diversity - there are people from all over Africa and usually there are exchange students and just foreigners. The fact that it is also the top university in Africa is telling.
Thuli
Verified
3/12/2022
Online
Best Short Courses
I recently complete the UCT marketing short online course in partnership with Getsmarter. I had a fantastic experience. I would recommend this to anyone. It take Up to 3 month to complete the course. There is a variety to chose from. It is great to help you advance in your career but it will not take years to complete. Great way to equip yourself in different areas and definitely worth the money you spent. Great tutors as well
Kagiso
Verified
30/11/2022
Blended
Top Notch
This is the best university ever. The students' wellbeing are their top priority. During the fire that occurred at the campus, resulting in facilities such as res and libraries badly burned. The university took it upon themselves to sent us to private accommodation where they paid for our stay. I will never forget that experience and will always be grateful for what UCT has done!
Student
Verified
30/11/2022
On Campus
Amazing Experience
I started my journey at the university of Cape Town in 2019, as a foreign students I can say it was accommodating and not even a day did I feel discriminated. It has good facilities and ranked one of the best university in South Africa. The fees are expensive though especially for foreign students
Student
Verified
17/06/2022
Online
Brilliant for FM career
The courses were interactive and the lecturer and support staff were supportive. There was a wealth of knowledge in the casework and the outcomes were realistic and relevant to the industry. The assessments were clear and unambiguous.
Lianyang
Verified
26/01/2024
On Campus
prestigious reputation
UCT is a prestigious institution known for its high academic standards, research excellence, and contributions to the global academic community. The university has a diverse and experienced faculty, many of whom are renowned experts. UCT's campus is located on the slopes of Table Mountain, offering stunning views and a picturesque environment for students to study and socialize. The school is also a hub for research and innovation. contrary to that, UCT's tuition and living costs can be a barrier for some students, and financial aid options may be limited for international students. While the campus is generally safe, certain areas around the university may have safety concerns, requiring students to be mindful of their surroundings. Some undergraduate courses at UCT may have large class sizes, which could impact individualized attention and student-faculty interaction.
Richard
Verified
6/02/2024
On Campus
Transformative community
My overall experience has been exceptional, One of the highlights of studying at UCT is the university's renowned academic reputation. The stimulating and challenging courses provided by passionate and knowledgeable professors have allowed me to expand my knowledge and explore various fields. UCT boasts a plethora of student clubs, societies, and sports teams that cater to diverse interests. This has enabled me to pursue my passion for music by joining the university's orchestra and collaborating with fellow musicians. The campus facilities are well-maintained and modern, offering state-of-the-art libraries, laboratories, and recreational spaces. The university's commitment to sustainable practices is also commendable, with initiatives such as recycling programs and eco-friendly buildings. In terms of support services, UCT has an extensive range of resources available to students. Finally, UCT's location in the vibrant city of Cape Town adds another dimension to the student experience.
Joyful
Verified
2/04/2024
On Campus
Academic excellence and student wellness
UCT is a place I feel at home. As a first year international student I thought it was going to be difficult for me to adjust to university life but this place proved me wrong. Through it's mentorship program life becomes easier as one will have someone as a mentor. This is something that made my learning easy. Travelling around the campuses and residences is easy using UCT shuttle buses. The main campus is situated just below a mountain and this provides a beautiful view of nature.
Nomthandazo
Verified
5/06/2024
On Campus
Overall experience
There's best university to be at,the location, we have awesome views and also the university of cape town has been rated as the top university in Africa and truly they deserve it, academics it might be challenging by actually worth it and its easier for one to get opportunities and also we have wide range of academic support from the school
Student
Verified
29/07/2024
Online
The tutors gives great examples
I would definitely recommend them. The classes are a great group where you are supported and you can get help whenever you are stuck.
The courses are greatly planned and you will grow into your major in no time.
Bafana Owen
Verified
11/11/2024
On Campus
Beautiful university
The university is located at a beautiful city, the city of Cape Town, which gives the university stunning views from all over the university campus. The facilities are also good. They have beautiful cafeterias and libraries. To top it off, it’s close to the beach, so after you’re done with studying for the day, you can go cool off at the beach!
Tatenda
Verified
21/11/2024
Online
Culture Diversity
UCT is a safe space, type of University, very diverse in culture and promotes inclusivity. I got to experience and see several cultures on campus and this enabled me to learn different cultures and appreciate them as well. It promotes inclusivity in that it allows students to freely express who they are , and not be judged while at it, this was through the different societies on campus, that one could freely join with no restrictions. All religions were fully accommodated, and I very much loved that. In a nutshell, like I said earlier UCT is Safe space type of University.
