MBA in Canada

Why Study MBA in Canada?

Earning an MBA degree in Canada comes with a range of opportunities. For starters, you would be earning an internationally recognized degree. Most of Canada’s top universities rank high in international rankings so you will be part of a well-established university. This leads to the ultimate goal of every student — receiving an education of the highest quality.

You will also have the opportunity to choose between different MBA programs, thus choosing a program that best suits your needs. In addition to quality education, Canada offers permanent residency to international students. Work opportunities are numerous in Canada, and international students report a warm welcome from the locals.

MBA Programs in Canada

Some of the best MBA programs in Canada can be found in the schools below:

1. Rotman Business School
2. McGill University
3. Robert H. Smith School of Business
4. Ivey Business School
5. Schulich School of Business
6. Sauder School of Business
7. Alberta School of Business
8. John Molson School of Business
9. HEC Montreal
10. Dalhousie University

MBA in Canada Program Types

You can find plenty of universities that offer MBA courses full-time in Canada. The full-time type of MBA program takes 1 to 2 years to complete. Some universities offer courses in the evening or on the weekend to suit the needs of working professionals.

Canadian universities have also created part-time MBA programs that adapt to the needs of students who want to work and study at the same time. Part-time MBA programs take from 1 to 3 years to complete.

You can also apply for an EMBA (Executive MBA) in Canada. EMBA programs are designed for current leaders or professionals that are working in managerial posts. Executive MBA programs in Canada typically take 12 to 22 months.

Canadian universities offer online MBA programs as well. The duration of online programs differs between universities, but you can expect an online MBA program to take at least 1 year to complete.

In Canada, you can also complete a dual degree program that leads to an MBA degree. These type of programs can take 3 years to complete.

Top MBA Specializations in Canada

Some of the most common MBA specializations in Canada are:

• MBA in Finance
• MBA in Marketing
• MBA in Human Resources
• MBA in International Business
• MBA in Operations
• MBA in Supply Chain Management

MBA in Canada Eligibility

Requirements for MBA programs in Canada may differ from one university to another. The admission requirements include submitting a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or an equivalent undergraduate degree. You must also submit an official copy of your transcripts and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.

If your native language is not English you must provide proof of English language proficiency. As proof, you can submit scores of TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge Assessment, or CAEL. Your chosen university usually states which exam scores they would like to receive. GMAT scores are also an important factor of MBA requirements. Minimum scores of the GMAT exam depend on the university of your choice.

Part of the admission requirements is having work experience. Depending on the university you are planning to attend, you may be required to have from 1 to 5 years of prior work experience. You must also submit letters of recommendation, and an essay stating why you want to pursue an MBA at that certain university.

MBA in Canada Cost

Canada is the second-largest country in the world, so the cost of an MBA in the country differs from one place to the other, as well as from one university to another. The cost of tuition in Canada is quite high if you compare it with developing countries, but still affordable when compared to the UK and the U.S.

Tuition Fees

The cost of tuition differs depending on the type of university you would like to attend, and the country of your origin. In general, you can expect to pay from CAD 27,000 (USD 21,135) to CAD 61,716 (USD 48,310) per year for an MBA degree in Canada. Although the cost of tuition might seem high, it pays to be part of a globally recognized educational institution.

Once you decide to apply for an MBA in Canada, you can do some research and find which universities meet your budget. The cost of tuition for an MBA degree can be higher in universities that are located in larger cities. Some of the most expensive cities for international students in Canada include Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Victoria, etc.

Living Costs

Canada ranks first in the list of countries with the best quality of life. In general, to cover living expenses such as rent, food, and utilities in Canada, you will need around CAD 10,000 (USD 7,800) to CAD 12,000 (USD 9,360).

Rent will be one of your largest expenses while studying in Canada. However, rent cost mainly depends on the city in which you reside. As usual, living in larger cities will be more expensive than living in smaller or more rural areas. You can expect to pay from CAD 645 (USD 503) to CAD 2,120 (USD 1,655) for rent in Canada, depending on your lifestyle choice (living alone, sharing an apartment, etc).

You will also spend a considerable amount of money on food and other daily expenses — which will cost you between CAD 300 (USD 234) to CAD 885 (USD 690) per month. If you use public transport to get around, a monthly pass can cost you from CAD 64 (USD 50) to CAD 156 (USD 120).

MBA Jobs in Canada

Earning an MBA from a Canadian university means you will learn business fundamentals in some of the best business schools. Ultimately, an MBA in Canada is not only about receiving your degree. Your journey to earning this degree is equally important considering the opportunities you will have along the way.

Your business career will benefit from the internships and various professional workshops that will allow you to connect with alumni and organizations and expand your network. Canada offers international students the opportunity of remaining in the country after graduation so you can choose whether you want to practice your profession in Canada or elsewhere.

Some of the key markets for MBA graduates in Canada can be found in Toronto, Montréal and Vancouver. Toronto is home to Canada’s largest financial sector so it is known for finance jobs.

Average MBA Salary in Canada

MBA graduates in Canada earn an average of CAD 90,000 (USD 70,375) per year. Normally, the salary you will receive will depend on a number of factors. Your MBA specialization, work experience, industry, and the location in which you choose to work all shape your earning potential after graduation.

Fields in which you can find yourself working after earning your MBA degree in Canada include Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, Technology, Consulting, etc. Some of the highest paying recruiters for MBA jobs in Canada include Amazon, HSBC, Goldman Sachs, TD Canada, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, etc.

Careers for MBA graduates in Canada include:

Can I Study MBA in Canada Without GMAT?

Yes, Canadian universities admit students applying for MBA programs without GMAT scores. Given that you meet other qualifications set by your chosen university, you can qualify for admission. The admissions committee usually looks into your work experience, IELTS or TOEFL scores, essay, and interview performance to determine whether you would be a good fit for their MBA program.

The aim of the GMAT exam is to test your analytical, quantitative, writing and communication skills. If your other qualifications can demonstrate you possess these skills there will be no difficulties for you to pursue an MBA in a Canadian university. Note that some universities list GRE scores as part of the admission requirements so you can submit GRE scores as well.

Candian universities that offer MBA programs to students without GMAT scores include:

• Schulich School of Business
• Smith School of Business
• Ivey Business School
• Lazaridis School of Business and Economics
• Thompson Rivers University
• New York Institute of Technology (NYIT)
• DeGroote Business School
• Lakehead University

Can I Study MBA in Canada Without Work Experience?

Yes, you can study MBA in Canada even if you do not have work experience. Although one of the main requirements for MBA programs in Canada is work experience, there are universities that offer MBA programs to students who do not have any. Many universities now are focusing on the current potential of prospective students rather than relying on their previous experience.

You have other alternatives when applying for an MBA program in Canada without work experience. A high GPA, excellent GMAT or its equivalent score, a well-drafted MBA essay, or a great interview performance can secure you a seat at a Canadian university. If your qualifications impress the admissions committee, you can then start your MBA program in Canada.

Pursuing an MBA right after earning your bachelor’s degree will give you an early start to your business career. MBA programs in Canada focus on teaching you business strategies, leadership, planning, and organizational skills which will help you run both small and large businesses.