GIBS MBA (manufacturing focus)

The Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS) is a not-for-profit, manufacturing-focused business school based in Kloof, Durban. Established in 2018, TWIMS was created to strengthen Africa’s manufacturing leadership, competitiveness and industrial capability. As a centre of excellence for industrial education, applied research and executive development, the institute is focused on equipping current and future leaders to drive sustainable, inclusive industrial growth across the continent.

In partnership with the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), TWIMS delivers the GIBS MBA with a manufacturing focus. The MBA is offered in a blended mode, online and through campus activities. TWIMS also supports GIBS’ Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (manufacturing focus), which serves as a pathway into the MBA. These qualifications combine the academic depth and global standing of GIBS with sector-specific learning designed for the realities of modern manufacturing. The curriculum includes specialised areas such as future manufacturing, green manufacturing, lean operations and supply chain management and African trade and industrialisation.

TWIMS Manufacturing Ambassador Scholarship (MAS)

TWIMS is acutely aware of the complex operating environment facing South African based manufacturers and acknowledges that many deserving individuals are unable to pursue the GIBS MBA (manufacturing focus) due to financial constraints. In response to this challenge, TWIMS is honoured to announce that it is now able to offer such individuals the opportunity to apply for the Manufacturing Ambassador Scholarship. As the result of a generous endowment from the Toyota South Africa Educational Trust, TWIMS will be able to fund up to 10 Manufacturing Ambassador scholarships annually from 2021. The scholarships will cover up to 50% of the PGDip and up to 70% of the MBA student tuition, global module expenses, and residency costs at TWIMS during block release and exam periods.

Scholarship Details for 2027

• A maximum of 10 Manufacturing Ambassador Scholarships will be awarded in 2027.
• The scholarship covers:
  • 50% of tuition, textbooks and residency costs during block-release and exam periods in the PGDip year
  • 70% of tuition, textbooks and residency costs during block-release periods in the MBA year, including 70% of the cost of the compulsory global module.
• Residency benefits are subject to the domicile of the scholarship recipient.
• The total value of the MAS is substantial. Scholarship recipients are required to fund the balance of their fees either personally or through their employers.

TWIMS MAS Qualification Criteria

• Only South African citizens may apply for the scholarship.
• Applicants must complete the GIBS application process and be accepted onto the GIBS PGDip and/or MBA.
• Scholarships will be granted to deserving candidates with a demonstrated commitment to African industrialisation.
• Scholarship recipients are required to operate as “goodwill” ambassadors of both TWIMS and the GIBS MBA (manufacturing focus).

TWIMS MAS Application Process

• Prospective students must first apply to GIBS for admission to the GIBS MBA (manufacturing focus). This process is completely independent of TWIMS and the cost is for the applicant’s own account.
• Once the GIBS application is complete, MAS applications need to be made via the online application form on the TWIMS website. Please note TWIMS will not accept emailed or physical scholarship applications.
• The MAS application includes:
  • A 500 word motivational letter giving your reason for applying for the scholarship; explaining how you identify as a manufacturing ambassador; and outlining how you aim to address manufacturing challenges in Africa or South Africa as an organisational leader.
  • A curriculum vitae to be completed online according to the standard format. The CV includes educational qualifications, work experiences and details of outreach and volunteer work.

TWIMS MAS Adjudication Process

The TWIMS Scholarship Adjudication Committee will adjudicate all applicants based on the following criteria:

• Scores from the GIBS MBA (manufacturing focus) application process (40% weighting; with requirement that the minimum GIBS scores are achieved)
• Strength of curriculum vitae (40%)
• Strength of scholarship motivational letter (20%)

Applicants are not permitted to engage with adjudication committee members. Any direct contact with adjudication committee members by applicants will result in immediate disqualification.

All scholarship recipients will be notified as to whether they have been successful or not by the 11th of December 2026.

Acceptance of the MAS Award

Successful candidates will have until the 15th of January 2027 to accept the scholarship.

Scholarship recipients will need to sign a scholarship contract indicating their adherence to scholarship rules and associated obligations.

Critical Dates for 2027 Applications

• Deadline for MAS applications is 00:00 (midnight) on the 20 November 2026.
• Deadline for applications to the GIBS MBA (manufacturing focus) is 17:00 (close of business) on the 11 February 2027. However please note that scholarship applicants need to apply to GIBS prior to the MAS application deadline to be considered for the scholarship.