A Master in Business Administration is among the most highly sought-after courses, overseas. Canada is among the top study-abroad destinations for studying for an MBA. The best MBA schools in Canada teach MBA programs , which offer students a good return on investment. With state-of-the-art facilities, top-notch faculty, and opportunities to gain international exposure, Canada has world-renowned Business Schools.
Canadian universities have a rich academic legacy, and their MBA courses help students build strong business acumen and equip them with the necessary skills required to excel in the corporate world. One can seek admission to an MBA program in Canada, through several rounds between September and May. In this blog, we will get a basic understanding of what Canada has to offer international students, who wish to pursue an MBA.
Types of MBA in Canada
Let us first see, what types of MBA programs can you enroll yourself in Canada. Based on your needs, interests, and qualifications, there are various types of MBA in Canada. These are:
Full-time MBA course is for 2-3 years. It is meant for students who wish to gain management knowledge and enter the job market. Students who may need a prior understanding of the business discipline, usually opt for this course.
Part-time MBA programs take around 3-6 years to complete and are ideal for individuals who may be working or can’t attend a full-time regular MBA course due to some commitments and responsibilities. Classes usually take place in the evening or during weekends.
Executive MBA courses (13 months) are designed to cater to the needs of professionals with a significant amount of work experience who wish to step into senior management and higher-level positions. It is suitable for people who plan to work while studying and wish to gain practical corporate knowledge. You get to work on your leadership qualities and get experience in handling the corporate sector in real time.
International MBA programs are the ones that certain universities in Canada offer, by collaborating with other universities abroad. These might consist of a student exchange program, field study, integrated curriculum, or a collaboration project. It is for 20-28 months.
Additionally, international students can also enroll in dual MBA degree programs i.e. a combination of law, pharmacy, engineering, etc. in Canada. There are also several online MBA courses available.
Best MBA Colleges in Canada
Canada is home to some of the best universities in the world, which consist of the Best Business schools, known for their vast variety of academic programs, and industry-relevant curriculum. The best MBA schools in Canada are:
Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
Ivey Business School, University of Western Ontario
Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University
Schulich School of Business, University of York
Smith School of Business, Queen’s University
HEC Montreal
Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia
John Molson School of Business, Concordia University
Alberta School of Business, University of Alberta
DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University
Now, we will get to see what type of MBA courses are offered by the above-mentioned Business Schools in Canada that make them suitable for international students.
1. Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
The Rotman School of Management was established in 1950. It is the graduate business school of the University of Toronto. It is located in Ontario, Canada. Rotman is considered to be among the best MBA schools in Canada. It was the first to come up with the idea of having video essays in its admission process. Its critically acclaimed self-development Lab and flexible internship program are what make it so popular among B-schools in Canada.
Students interested in pursuing an MBA from Rotman School can select from the following:
Full-Time MBA (2 years)
Morning MBA or Evening MBA (3 years part-time)
Executive MBA (1 year) program for senior managers.
Global Executive MBA delivered in partnership with SDA Bocconi in 6 key international business centers.
Global Executive MBA in Healthcare and the Life Sciences.
You also get the option to combine your MBA degree with another course at the University of Toronto. The most prominent course is the Full-time MBA program (2 years) that includes 16 months of study and 4 months of paid internship. You get to choose from 100 elective courses and focus on learning two MBA emphases. It costs CAD 139,140. The Rotman School for Management also offers one exceptionally bright student with the Joseph L. Rotman Scholarship which covers the full tuition value.
Specializations – Brand Management, Business Design, Consulting, Financial Reporting, and Analysis, Funds Management, Global Management, General MBA, Health Sector Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Investment Banking, Leadership and Change Management, Process and Supply Chain Management, Real Estate, Risk Management, and Financial Engineering, Sustainability.
Interested applicants should have a minimum experience of 2 years , and must submit 2 professional references to the university. They also need to submit a 500-word essay , which talks about their ‘spike factor.’ This means, that you have to write about what makes you unique how your values are aligned with the Rotman community, and how you will contribute to the Rotman School of Management. If you wish, you can also upload 1-3 of your ‘spikiest’ pictures to the supplemental items section of your application. Apart from this, there is a video interview, in which you need to answer 2 questions along with a timed written response (10 minutes in length).
2. Ivey Business School, University of Western Ontario
Situated in London, Ontario, Canada, the Ivey Business School is a part of the University of Western Ontario. It was built in 1922. Its 1-year full-time MBA course has been ranked NO.1 in Canada for nine consecutive years, as per the Bloomberg Businessweek. It costs CAD 123,500. Ivey’s case-method approach has been designed to deliver a career-focused curriculum.
Students get to enroll in the two-week Pre-Ivey Preparatory Knowledge Program, which covers essential topics like economics, finance and accounting, and quantitative analysis. You also get to benefit from Ivey’s MBA Admissions Podcast , which features insider tips and expert advice from students and recruiters.
Specializations – Finance, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Corporate Strategy and Leadership, and International Management.
To be eligible, you need to have at least 2-10 years of work experience, after your graduation and need to submit a CV and two professional references . In the online application, you also have to answer two questions each in essay and video format. You are required to appear for an interview if your application is selected.
Ivey School of Business also has other MBA programs like: Accelerated MBA for Business Graduates, MBA Direct for Ivey HBAs , and an Executive MBA. To get a scholarship, you must complete the Scholarships section within Ivey’s online MBA admission form. These are merit-based scholarships worth CAD 10,000 to CAD 70,000.
3. Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University
The Desautels Faculty of Management was created as a part of McGill University in 1906, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. McGill Full-time MBA has been ranked No.1 in Canada for Overall Satisfaction as rated by the alumni, according to the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking, 2024. The course is meant for the early to mid-career students who wish to work gain a higher position within their company, or want to upskill, or become an entrepreneur.
The curriculum covers essential themes like Managerial Economics, Operations Management, Organizational Strategy, Information Systems, Marketing Management, etc. As a part of the course, career coaches are assigned to students who guide them throughout the process. You also get to choose the duration of your course in the form of 12, 16, or 20-month options.
Sp ecializations – Global Strategy and Leadership, Finance, Business Analytics, and Marketing.
Tuition Fees – CAD 105,500 + MBA International Study Trip- CAD 3,000
To apply for this course, you need to have at least 2 years of work experience in a relevant field, after your graduation. You also need to submit essays and LORs. The admissions authorities pay keen attention to your extracurricular interests. Students can also avail of various merit-based awards and scholarships ($10,000-$30,000) , offered by McGill University. Apart from this, the Desautels Faculty of Management also offers a joint program in management and law (4 years), the McGill-HEC Montreal Executive MBA program (15 months), and McGill’s MBA Japan program.
4. Schulich School of Business, University of York
Formed in 1966, the Schulich School of Business is situated in Toronto, Ontario. It was the first business school in Canada to introduce an International MBA and Kellogg-Schulich Executive MBA programs. Working Professionals can also enroll in Schulich’s Weekend and MBA
courses. What makes it a popular choice among B-schools in Canada is its two-month strategic consulting project, which allows students to work with clients on real business problems and solutions. The Schulich MBA program is best known for its flexibility, as it allows students to switch between full and part-time enrollmen t, in which they can either take classes in the Keele campus or at the satellite campus in downtown, Toronto.
Specializations – Accounting, Arts, Media, and Entertainment Management, Business and Sustainability, Business Consulting, Entrepreneurial Studies, Finance, Financial Risk Management, Financial Services, Global Mining Management, Global Retail Management, Health Industry Management, International Business, Marketing, Operations Management and Information Systems, Organization Studies, Real Estate and Infrastructure, Social Sector Management, and Strategic Management.
Schulich B-school offers two fellowships worth CAD 20,000 to eligible incoming MBA students. They will also get access to the exclusive leadership program, including an all-expenses paid retreat by ROMBA (the world’s largest gathering of LGBTQ+ business students and alumni). As part of its application process, Schulich requires students to have at least 2 years of work experience post-degree and submit an updated resume, two LORs, and essays (2 written, 1 timed written, 2 videos).
Full-time Tuition Fees – CAD 123,732
5. Smith School of Business, Queen’s University
The Smith School of Business affiliated with Queen’s University was founded in 1919. It is located in Kingston, Ontario. It teaches a variety of MBA courses such as:
Full-time MBA (12 months)
Executive MBA- The National Program (16 months)
Executive MBA Americas- a Cornell-Queen’s Partnership (18 months)
Accelerated MBA for Business Graduates (12 months)
As per the Financial Times, Global MBA 2024 rankings, the Smith School of Business, MBA program is ranked No.1. in Canada. Irrespective of the specialization you choose, students have to study the mandatory Individual Project Course. The 1 year full-time MBA course allows you to work with an existing company to handle real-world business situations. You also need to come up with the idea of a venture of your own, which can be launched as a start-up with the help of the Smith School of Business.
Specializations – Consulting, Digital Transformation, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Finance, Management Analytics, Marketing & Sales.
Cost – CAD 110,000
The Smith School of Business has several scholarships available for its Full-time MBA students, valued at $1.6 million. To seek admission here, you need to submit a resume, a cover letter, outlining current responsibilities and assignments, career accomplishments, reasons for applying for a Full-time MBA and your professional and personal goals, and two professional LORs. In addition to this, you need to answer 2 video questions, 1 written response, and appear for an interview.
6. HEC Montreal, University of Montreal
HEC Montreal is a bilingual public business school, situated in Montreal, Quebec, which was established in 1907. It offers an optional Global Immersion program, which forms an essential part of the institution’s full-time MBA course, which is for 1 year. As per Forbes, this course ranks among the best MBA programs globally. As a part of this course, learners get to broaden their management skills in Strategy & Leadership and Strategy & Sustainable Development.
Specializations – Entrepreneurship, Finance, Strategy and Consulting, Markets and Business Intelligence, General Management and Leadership, International Management, and Digital Enterprise.
Students also get to work on a consulting field project and get the option to earn a certification in sustainable development and prepare for PMP ( Project Management Professional) certification . To enrich your experience of studying in Montreal and for better exposure to Quebec’s business culture, students can also learn French as part of the MBA+ option. Due to this, international students can also get a 17-month post-graduate work permit.
Tuition Fees – CAD 62,600
Foreign students can also avail of scholarship amounts up to CAD 15,000. To apply for a full-time MBA program at the HEC Montreal, applicants need to submit a CV , and two LORs, and prepare four video essays. Apart from this, students also need to answer the following questions:
‘In which direction do you wish to take your career by pursuing an MBA at HEC Montreal?’ (Maximum- 500 words)
If you have previously applied for admission, you must also answer this question- ‘ How has your situation changed since you applied last time?’ Explain any change in your professional life, studies, and any volunteering experience. (Maximum- 250 words)
7. Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia
The UBC Sauder School of Business is located in Vancouver and was built in 1956. Its business program has been No.1 in Canada for seven consecutive years, as per the Maclean Magazine. It has several self-development programs for its students, which are under the supervision of the Business Career Centre. Regional Top Talent Scholarships worth CAD 10,000 are given to the MBA students at UBC Sauder, based on their academic performance.
UBC Sauder is one of the few B-schools in Canada that allows students to customize their specialization during the latter half of the 16-month full-time MBA program. The UBC MBA emphasizes climate-centric courses which have been designed to ensure that future leaders and managers understand the impact of climate change on various organizations.
It is ideal for those people who wish to make a career in climate innovation and entrepreneurship, consulting, ESG, accounting, finance, communications, marketing, and reporting. If interested in applying for the full-time UBC MBA , then you need to have at least 2-5 years of work experience and submit 2 professional LORs.
Specializations – Finance, Product and Service Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Tuition Fees – CAD 160.25
Apart from this, UBC Sauder also provides a 24-month part-time Professional MBA course for working professionals. This course has been formed to cater to the needs of working professionals and is aligned with their full-time work schedule. During the 2nd year, learners also get a study abroad opportunity . As a part of this course, learners get access to an 8-day professional residency program , to deepen their network. Applicants need to have at least 7 years of work experience.
Specializations – Finance, Accounting & Information Systems, Marketing & Behavioral Science, Operations & Logistics, Organizational Behaviour & Human Resources, Strategy & Business Economics
Tuition Fees – CAD 157.25
8. John Molson School of Business, Concordia University
Situated in Montreal, Quebec, the John Molson School of Business was created in 1974. As per the Bloomberg Businessweek’s 2024-2025 rankings, its MBA program has been named second best in Canada. Only 39% of an average MBA batch at the John Molson B-school are from Canada, the rest are all international students. It is quite popular for providing students with a convenient class scheduling system, in which they have the option to choose between afternoon and evening classes.
It teaches the following MBA courses:
a) Full-time & Part-time MBA courses can be completed within 2-3 years. It is best known for having a small student-teacher ratio of 30:1. You need at least 6 years of work experience to be eligible for this course. You get to benefit from a strong MBA alumni network and get a Graduate Career Advisor. Students get to customize their curriculum through elective courses by focusing on a specific topic or picking various topics.
You can also be a part of the international student exchange program. All students enrolled in the Full-time/Part-time MBA program will be automatically considered for entrance scholarships, based on academic merit. To apply for this course, you need to have at least 2 years of work experience , post-graduatio n, and have to submit a detailed 2-page CV, a 500-word SOP, and 3 LORs and appear for a video interview.
Specializations – Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship & Family Firms, People & Organizations, Consulting & Strategy, Globalization & Experiential
Tuition Fees – CAD 53,511
b) Executive MBA (20 months) covers fundamental business concepts and consists of an interactive course for applying learned knowledge in a real-life context. To be eligible for this course, you need to have a minimum of 5 years of work experience and submit an SOP and 2 -3 LORs. To write effectively, consult professional SOP and LOR writers.
Tuition Fees – CAD 85,000
9. Alberta School of Business, University of Alberta
Founded in 1916, the Alberta School of Business is located in Edmonton, Alberta. It is Canada’s 1st B-school to be accredited by the AACSB. It offers the following specializations for all its MBA programs: Energy Finance, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Operations & Business Analytics, Public Sector and Healthcare Management, Strategy & Consulting. The Alberta B-school teaches the following MBA programs:
a) Full-time MBA program ( 20 months)- The mandatory Capstone Project at the end of the course, lets students work with a company so that they can handle critical real-life problems. UAlberta also teaches a part-time MBA course .
Tuition Fees – CAD 57,000 (full-time), CAD 58,000 (part-time)
b) Fast track MBA (10-22 months) course is meant for business graduates who wish to take their leadership skills to the next level. You require a UG business degree, 3 years of work experience , and a GPA of 3.2 or greater , to be eligible for this course.
Tuition Fees – CAD 28, 281.60
c) The Executive MBA (22 months) course is designed for senior-level managers who wish to enhance their organization’s value in a climate of increased complexity and uncertainty in competitive environments. On average, EMBA students have 15 years of work experience.
Tuition Fees – CAD 84,644.30
All students admitted to the Alberta MBA are automatically considered for Entrance awards , worth $15,000. To apply for the above-mentioned courses, you need to have a sufficient amount of work experience , submit a s tatement of intent, 2 LORs , and appear for an interview. UAlberta also provides courses that combine an MBA degree with other disciplines such as medicine, law, engineering, agriculture, forestry, pharmacy, etc. All students admitted to the Alberta MBA are automatically considered for Entrance awards , worth $15,000.
10. DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University
The DeGroote School of Business was built in Hamilton, Ontario in 1952 as one of the faculties of McMaster University. It offers a full-time MBA program (20 months) , which includes an optional 4-month paid summer internship. This program is best suited for individuals with 1-7 years of work experience. What makes this course unique is that it includes an 8-month consulting project which allows students to get an authentic business experience. You get to work with local organizations and industry leaders, which helps you come up with effective business solutions. It sharpens your critical thinking skills, and how to work within a group in a diverse environment.
Specializations – Accounting & Financial Management Services, Finance, Health Services Management, Strategic Business Valuation, Strategic Marketing, and Data Analytics
An in-house career management service organizes company information sessions, mock interview nights, and one-on-one coaching sessions to help you take full advantage of the course. As part of its application process, applicants need to submit a resume, 1 academic, and 1 professional LOR.
Tuition Fees – CAD 113,500
The DeGroote School of Business also provides an Accelerated MBA (8 months- 2 years) , a Blended learning Part-time MBA (36 months) , and an Executive MBA in Digital Transformation (14 months) for individuals with professional experience within 2- 15 years. Students of the full-time MBA course based on their profile are entitled to receive the MBA Admission Awards , which offers scholarships valued between $2500 and $ 3000 .
Documents Required for Studying MBA in Canada
Students who wish to study MBA, need to provide certain documents to the admission authorities of their university in Canada. There might be slight variations, based on the type of MBA course and university you have applied for. However, the common documents which form an essential part of the application process are:
Secondary school-leaving certificate and official transcripts from a recognized institute.
To pursue an MBA, at times a university in Canada might ask you to submit a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant business discipline from an accredited institution/ university.
The minimum GPA obtained might differ depending on the university you are about to study in.
Scores obtained in competitive exams like the GRE and GMAT , assess your personality, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
English language proficiency test scores obtained in exams such as the IELTS, TOEFL, and Duolingo. These scores are required to assess whether you will be able to study in an educational setting where English is the medium of instruction.
Academic documents like an SOP, LOR, Cover Letter, Resume, and research proposal (in case of a PhD) that outline your objective of studying a specific engineering program at a university in Ireland, and how that aligns with your goals and career plans.
To make your application stand out and to write as per the university standards you must seek advice from study-abroad consultants like Contentholic. Their academic writers are known for providing one of the best resumes, cover letters, SOP, and LOR writing services.
Financial Proof showing that you have sufficient funds to cover your educational and other sort of expenses for the duration of your course in Ireland.
Valid Student Visa for Canada and a passport bearing your correct initials and other essential details.
Conclusion
High-quality education, easy visa process, English-taught courses, and well-paid jobs are some of the reasons why Canada is among the most preferred study abroad destinations, for pursuing an MBA. International students get the opportunity to learn from eminent faculty and be a part of a diverse community at the universities in Canada. The B-schools of Canada are famous for their top-ranked MBA programs which cater to the different needs and requirements of its students.
Whether you are a fresher, a recent graduate, or a working professional, Canada has an MBA course for everyone. To study at these top Business schools in Canada , you need to ensure that your application stands out. To get the best guidance when it comes to studying MBA, contact study abroad consultants. We, at Contentholic , assure you that we have one of the best career counseling, visa guidance, SOP, and LOR writing services. Reach out to us and achieve your dream of obtaining an MBA degree from Canada.
