Canadian MBAs have recently gained recognition, making Canada one of the top three places in the world to pursue an MBA. Rotman School of Management, Smith School of Business, Schulich School of Business, and Desautels Faculty of Management are among Canada’s top MBA schools.
For Indian and international students, tuition fees at Canada’s top MBA programmes range from CAD 20,000 to CAD 130,000. However, after factoring in other costs such as living fees, books, and supplies, the entire cost of getting an MBA from one of Canada’s best universities varies.
In this blog, we compare the top MBA colleges in Canada and provide information on the most popular B-schools for MBA programmes.
1. Requirements for Pursuing an MBA in Canada
The eligibility criteria for admission to top MBA programs in Canada can differ based on the specific college and program prerequisites. Below, we outline the fundamental criteria typically adhered to by students aspiring to pursue MBA programs at Canadian universities:
- Attain a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, meeting the minimum GPA stipulated by the respective university.
- Acquire relevant work experience in alignment with program requirements. (You can also check for MBA colleges in Canada without work experience.)
- Obtain a valid score on standardized tests like GMAT or GRE.
- Provide evidence of proficiency in the English language through scores on tests such as TOEFL, PTE and IELTS Score for Canada.
2. Top MBA Colleges in Canada
The following is a comparison of the top MBA colleges in Canada based on cost, GMAT score, location, and MBA programme type:
| Sr.no | Colleges | Tuition Fee | GMAT Score | Location | Type of MBA Program |
| 1. | The University of Toronto – Rotman School of Management | $131,120 | 670 | Toronto | Full time, Part-time, Executive, and dual degree |
| 2. | Queen’s Smith School of Business | $102,100 | 654 | Kingston | Full time, Part-time, Executive, and dual degree |
| 3. | Western University – Ivey Business School | $120,500 | 680 | London | Full-time, Executive, dual degree |
| 4. | McGill University – Desautels Faculty of Management | $99,500 | 675 | Montreal | Full time, Part-time, Executive, and dual degree |
| 5. | York University – Schulich School of Business | $106,900 | 660 | Toronto | Full time, Part-time, Executive, and dual degree |
| 6. | UBC Sauder School of Business | $90,057 | 650 | Vancouver | Full-time, Part-time, dual degree |
| 7. | Alberta School of Business | $60,000 | 650 | Edmonton | Full time, Part-time, Executive, and dual degree |
| 8. | Concordia University – John Molson School of Business | $41,500 | 640 | Montreal | Full time, Part-time, and Executive MBA |
| 9. | HEC Montréal | $54,000 | 625 | Montreal | Full time, Part-time, and Executive MBA |
| 10. | Rowe School of Business | $82,205 | 550+ | Halifax | Online, corporate residency, Dal MBA |
3. Canada’s Top MBA Schools
Here are MBA colleges in Canada, as determined by a variety of factors, including academic reputation, faculty quality, and alumni employment outcomes.
3.1. Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
The Rotman full-time 2-year MBA programme is one of the best MBA colleges in Toronto with diverse programmes. Its campus lies in the heart of downtown Toronto, a major commercial and financial centre.
Bloomberg’s Best Business School for an MBA in Canada rates it third. The GMAT average score is 670. In 2021, an MBA graduate’s total base income will be CAD 87,000. Here’s a quick rundown of the programme:
| Duration | 20 Months |
| Class Size | 275 |
| Average GMAT Score | 670 |
| Tuition fees (International Student) | $103,001 |
| Teaching Approach | A model-based problem-solving approach |
| Average Salary including bonus | $87,000 |
| Popular Industry employment | Finance |
| Essay questions | 1 written and two video essay |
3.2. Smith School of Business at Queen’s University
The 12-month Smith School of Business curriculum employs a flexible and highly tailored approach, allowing you to tailor the programme to your specific professional objectives. An MBA graduate from Smith may expect to earn around CAD $92,084 on average. Queen’s University’s MBA programme is one of the top MBA colleges in Canada and has a small class size of 88 students, with an average GMAT score of roughly 654. Here’s a quick rundown:
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Class Size | 88 |
| Average GMAT Score | 654 |
| Tuition fees (International Student) | $102,100 |
| Teaching Approach | Blend of -Experimental, simulation, and case studies |
| Average Salary including bonus | $92,084 |
| Popular Industry employment | Consulting |
| Essay questions | 1 written and two video essay |
3.3. The Ivey School of Business at Western University
The Ivey MBA is a full-time, one-year programme that begins in March and is one of the best MBA programmes in Canada. The case study method is used at the Ivey MBA programme, as it is at HBS. Over 300 cases are presented to students each year, which helps to reflect the challenges and complexities of real-world business in the classroom.
An MBA graduate’s average income is CAD 117,997, while the average GMAT score for the incoming class is 680. Here’s a quick rundown of the MBA programme:
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Class Size | 161 |
| Average GMAT Score | 680 |
| MBA Canada fees (International Student) | $120,500 |
| Teaching Approach | Case-based approach |
| Average Salary including bonus | $117,997 |
| Popular Industry employment | Consulting |
| Essay questions | 2 written and 2 video essay |
4. Affordable MBA Programs in Canada
Canada provides various MBA options for those seeking to pursue a degree without incurring substantial expenses considering the cost of living. Here are some of the most affordable MBA colleges in Canada, including options for those looking to study without the GMAT requirement:
| University | Fee |
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | $36,947 |
| University of Saskatchewan | $68,190 |
| University of Ottawa | $68,000 |
| Concordia University | $47,900 |
| Simon Fraser University | CAD 63,320 |
| University of Calgary | $25,293 |
| Vancouver Island University | CAD 51,408 |
5. Part-time MBA Programs at Leading Canadian B-Schools
For individuals who may not have the flexibility or resources for a full-time MBA, there are attractive part-time alternatives available. Here are some part-time business programs offered by renowned Canadian universities:
| School | Program | Tuition Fee | Course Duration |
| University of Alberta | Executive MBA | CAD 83,197 | Up to 6 years |
| Rotman School of Management | Morning and Evening MBA | CAD 136,410 | 32 months |
| Queen’s University | Accelerated MBA for Business Graduates | CAD 81,920 | 12 months (1 year) |
These part-time MBA programs cater to diverse needs, allowing individuals to pursue their MBA aspirations while accommodating their schedules and financial considerations.
FAQs
1. In Canada, how long does an MBA last?
In Canada, an MBA is a two-year curriculum. However, some universities offer expedited MBA programmes that last less than a year. For example, Ivey Business School provides an eight-month to one-year accelerated MBA programme.
2. Why should you study for an MBA in Canada?
The following are the top five reasons to get an MBA in Canada:
- 1. Low tuition costs
- 2. Excellent quality of life
- 3. Post-graduation employment permit scheme in Canada
- 4. Top MBA programmes in Canada with a high international ranking
- 5. Society with a Multicultural and Diverse Population
3. Is it possible for me to pursue a specialised MBA degree in Canada?
Yes. Students interested in pursuing a management degree in Canada might go for a standard MBA or a speciality degree in marketing, consulting, finance, and other fields.
4. Are there universities in Canada that offer scholarships for MBA students?
Yes, here are some universities in Canada that offer scholarships for MBA students:
- The University of Canada West
- University of Toronto
- Saint Mary’s University
- Alberta School of Business
- McGill University
- Haskayne School of Business
- Smith School of Business
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