The latest QS World University online MBA rankings showed Otago’s programme was number one in New Zealand.
It was also third in the Asia-Pacific region, behind the Australian Graduate School of Management at the University of New South Wales Business School and the Macquarie Business School in Sydney.
Worldwide, Otago was 51st out of 125 programmes across 27 countries.
The Imperial College Business School, in London, was ranked number one in the world.
Otago’s online MBA was also first-equal in the world for classroom experience, due to its high staff-to-student ratio.
Small class sizes meant students had greater access to excellent staff which ensured a personalised experience.
University of Otago MBA director and executive programmes head Associate Prof Tony Garry said the teachers were experienced facilitators, drawn from three areas — the Otago Business School, other reputable international business schools and consultants or business practitioners.
The QS rankings rated programmes from around the world based on key indicators, including faculty and teaching, class profile, employability and class experience.
Assoc Prof Garry said he was "thrilled" Otago had been recognised again in the rankings.
"The nature of our online MBA means people from all over Aotearoa and the world can experience our engaging and interactive programme.
"We have the very best lecturers, who work hard to ensure our tauira [students] are ready to take their next steps in business."
The Otago MBA curriculum is designed with a strong international focus and an emphasis on managing business in a global environment.
Because of that, students had a variety of post-study options, including going back to their home country, going on to work in a third country, or staying to work in New Zealand.
The programme emphasised practical application of business theories through case studies, live cases and professional consulting engagements, Assoc Prof Garry said.
It meant Otago MBA students were forward-thinking and progressive, committed to hard work and adventure, and valued personal achievement and social responsibility, he said.
The online programme was the first of its kind in New Zealand when it was launched in 2015, off the back of the on-campus MBA programme.
