GIBS Post Graduate Diploma (“PGDip”)
The GIBS PGDip covers the fundamentals of general management principles and is an NQF 8 accredited qualification which is considered the start of your MBA journey.
Why this programme is right for you
The PGDip is an excellent choice for those who want to advance in their career, improve their leadership skills, and gain a deeper understanding of business practices, while broadening their perspective on the global landscape.
Who should study the PGDip programme?
It is ideal for mid-career professionals who aspire to transition into higher management roles, as well as entrepreneurs seeking to scale their ventures or executives who want to refine their strategic acumen. This programme is particularly well-suited for experts in specific functional areas of business who wish to move into leadership roles that demand general management knowledge to lead a division or an entire organisation.
How will you benefit from doing a PGDip?
Gain a comprehensive understanding of key business concepts. Fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making through case studies, simulations, and real-world projects, it provides extensive networking opportunities, allowing graduates to connect with peers, alumni, and industry professionals.
PGDip to MBA
Students must complete all requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration with a specialisation in General Management- the PGDip- with a 60% average to be eligible to gain access to the GIBS MBA course.
If you have a relevant cognate NQF level 8 qualification in Business Administration or General Management from GIBS or any other institution, you can directly apply for the MBA. However, if you already have a non-cognate postgraduate qualification, you can apply for applicable credits only after you are accepted into the PGDip. For further information, please contact the admissions team.
Application Dates
Round 1: 13 July 2024
Round 3: 26 September 2024
Acceptance into the GIBS MBA Programme is reviewed on a round-by-round basis, we highly recommend you apply as early as possible. No late applications will be considered.
Minimum Requirements
Completed degree/ SAQA accredited NQF 7 qualification.
-
- Minimum of five years’ work experience, at least two years of which must have been at the management level.
- Postgraduate level of intellectual ability (as assessed via the GIBS Entrance Test).
- Leadership potential (in accordance with your experience, references and application essay).
- Good English language skills to have the ability to articulate your arguments verbally and in written format.
- Matriculation certificate level competence in mathematics.
- Competence in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and a web browser
- For the “PGDip”/MBA being delivered in KZN, applicants should see their future in the manufacturing sector, whether in a manufacturing plant, manufacturing-related facility, or a private or public sector support agency.
Should you not hold a degree or a SAQA-accredited NQF 7 qualification, you will be required to complete the GMAT test. The GMAT is facilitated by an external company and the minimum score required for your application to be considered is 550. The deadline to submit GMAT results is 26 September 2024.
For more information on GMAT and prep classes, please click here.
International Students/Foreign Qualifications:
Applicants who hold a foreign qualification need to send their qualifications to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for evaluation before applying to GIBS. We require the SAQA certificate to verify the NQF level of your qualification. Visit saqa.org.za or email: saqainfo@saqa.org.za
Applicants from Non-English speaking countries will have to complete an English Proficiency Test.
Fees
Global module fee: US$ 3000 – US$ 8400
The fee is dependent on destination
Invoice end of April 2026, payable end of May 2026
No payment plan
Global module fee is payable in Rands at the retail foreign exchange rate at the end of April 2026.
The Global Module is a compulsory module to be completed in your MBA programme phase, comprising an international trip to understand the key teachings of international business. You will be given several countries to choose from and the cost will depend on the chosen destination. The details of this module will be provided in year two.
GIBS does not charge VAT on tuition fees and all prices are subject to change.
Note: No payment can be made against a quotation and you can only receive a tax invoice once you have been officially accepted onto the programme.