Top 10 Universities for MBA in Canada

If you are seeking the best MBA universities in Canada with detailed insights into fees, eligibility criteria and more, look no further! This article not only lists the top MBA universities in Canada but also provides well detailed information on the MBA fees for the listed institutions. 

Over the past few decades, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program has emerged as one of the most sought after choices of study for international students. Often seen as a relatively affordable alternative to studying in the US, Canada has succeeded in solidifying itself as a prime destination for MBA programs across the globe. MBA is the most demanding course that students and professionals prefer to level up their careers. Studying MBA will only be beneficial, if you choose the best business schools in Canada. 

Table of Contents

• What is an MBA?

• Why study MBA in Canada?

• Eligibility Criteria to pursue an MBA in Canada

• 10 top MBA colleges in Canada

• Top specializations in MBA

• How to Choose your MBA Specialization

 

What is an MBA?

An MBA stands for Master of Business Administration. It is a postgraduate degree that qualifies an individual in business management, by providing advanced and thorough training. There are many benefits to obtaining an MBA such as; new job opportunities and career paths are open to you; your professional skills improve which means your earning potential also increases and your professional network expands making you enjoy greater job security. There are also career opportunities and jobs for MBA holders in every industry. You will find MBA graduates in healthcare, government, consumer goods; in big companies, startups, small and mid-size enterprises(SMEs). 

Why Study MBA in Canada?

Canada stands out as an ideal location for pursuing an MBA degree from internationally renowned universities, making this dream a reality for many. There are numerous reasons why you should study in Canada, but to mention only a few. Canada has; 

• A comprehensive curriculum covering managerial economics, organizational strategy, information systems at your disposal.

• Diverse students from various backgrounds, fostering a socially inclusive environment. 

• Good employment opportunities with global brands 

• State of the art infrastructure 

• Access to the industry’s top players, with scope for internships at reputed firms

• Access to global alumni and industry networks for career opportunities.

• High standard of living 

• Flexible length of 12 months or 20 months option (includes internship).

• Data-Driven leadership skills with the ability to make informed decisions, drive organizational success, and earn recognition.

• Option to stay after study and work, thanks to liberal visa options a.k.a Post Study Work Visa. 

 

Eligibility Criteria

To gain admission to these prestigious institutions, prospective students need to meet specific eligibility criteria, including competitive GMAT scores. Listed below is a set of requirements you will need when applying into any of the schools. 

• Bachelor's Degree; You should have completed your bachelor's degree. Keep your transcripts ready along with your CV, Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation, and scores of all necessary tests, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• English Language Proficiency; Students who are not natives of Canada must qualify for a standard English proficiency test such as IELTS or TOEFL.
• Relevant Work Experience; Since an MBA is a professional degree, some work experience is preferred for admission into the best business schools Many MBA programs in Canada value applicants with relevant work experience. 
• GMAT Scores; To boost their chances of getting selected at the best business schools in Canada, students must also aim to qualify for the Graduate Management Assessment Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) exam. The minimum score expectations may vary by university and programs.

Top 10 MBA Colleges in Canada

We have curated this detailed list based on the QS Global MBA Rankings 2024 and the institutions that are most preferred by students. We have also included universities and colleges in Canada that offer MBA at an affordable rate for your perusal. 

• Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. 

• Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University

• Ivey Business School, Western University.

• UBC Sauder School of Business.

• Smith School of Business at Queen's University. 

• Schulich school of Business 

• Alberta School of Business

• John Molson School of Business

• HEC Montreal

• Dalhousie University 

 

Serial Number	QS Global Ranking	University
	40	Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
	73	Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University
	74	Ivey Business School, Western University
	89	UBC Sauder School of Business
	92	Smith School of Business at Queen's University.
	98	Schulich school of Business
	121 - 120	Alberta School of Business
	131 - 140	John Molson School of Business
	151 - 200	HEC Montreal
	151 - 200	Dalhousie University

 

1. Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto 

The Rotman School of Management is dedicated to the ambitious goal of ranking amongst the world's top business schools. The program targets innovation combined with management training, equipping the students to be savvy with cutting edge technology. At Rotman, you have the freewill of choosing if you are able to do a full-time MBA, morning and evening MBA, and an executive MBA. You can decide to specialize in programs such as business design, financial reporting and analysis, and brand management. 

Location; Toronto

Course Duration; 20 months 

MBA fees; CAD$ 138,410 

Scholarship Opportunities; some are available, such as; 

• Rotman African and Caribbean Business Club (RACBC) Scholarship - $20,000

• the Rotman Family Healthcare Scholarship

• Joseph L. Rotman Scholarship - full tuition

• Entrance awards - $10,000 to $90,000. 

Requirements; 

• Bachelor's Degree

• GMAT or GRE score 

• Minimum work experience of 2 years

• Interview (video)

• IELTS or TOEFL score 

 

      2. Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University

McGill University is popular for their diverse and collaborative learning environment. The MBA program offered by McGill is renowned globally as one of the most internationally recognized and dynamic degree programs. The management faculty at the university holds the coveted EQUIS( European Quality Improvement System) accreditation, which is highly commendable. Before applying, you should know they have curricular options such as full-time MBA, executive MBA and MBA law.

 

Location; Montreal, Quebec 

Course Duration; 12 months

MBA fees; CAD$ 99,500

Scholarship Opportunities; 

• Adam Dinkes MBA leadership awards - $10,000

• Rio Tinto - Richard Evans Graduate fellowships - $20,000

• Daniel Galvao Leadership Awards - $10,000

Requirements; 

• Bachelor's Degree

• GMAT or GRE score 

• Minimum work experience of 2 years

• Reference Letter 

• IELTS or TOEFL score 

• Essay

 

3. Ivey Business School, Western University 

Ivey Business School is known for its  global excellence, training students with real-world skills. At Ivey Business School, students can enroll for full-time MBA or executive MBA. 92% of MBA seeking employment received atleast 1 job offer within a few months of graduation. 

Location; London, Ontario

Course Duration; 12 months 

MBA fees; CAD$ 126,600 

Scholarship Opportunities; 

• MBA indigenous Entrance Scholarship - $10,000

• Rise awards in Resilient Leadership for Indigenous Students(MBA) - $22,500

Requirements; 

• Bachelor's Degree

• GMAT or GRE score 

• Minimum work experience of 2 years

• 2 Reference Letter 

• IELTS or TOEFL score 

• Application fee of $150 

 

4. UBC Sauder School of Business

The Sauder School of Business Is committed to nurturing future business leaders by offering top tier education to its students. Sauder school boasts of an inclusive student body, international exposure and a close knit community of alumni members spread globally. Their MBA program includes four specializations; finance, project and service management, technology and analytics leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship. You can specialize in any MBA program of choice. 

 

Location; British Columbia, Vancouver

Course Duration;  16 months 

MBA fees; CAD$ 94,559

Scholarship Opportunities; 

• Hoegg Family MBA scholarship  - $25,000 

• Early entrance Scholarships (MBA)- $1.500

• International Talent's Scholarship - $10,000-$60,000

Requirements; 

• Bachelor's Degree

• GMAT(550) or GRE(I55) score 

• Minimum work experience of 2 years

• 2 Reference Letter 

• IELTS or TOEFL score 

• Application fee of $150 

 

5. Smith School of Business at   Queen's University

Smith School of Business affiliated with Queen's University, ranks high as one of the top MBA schools in Canada for international students. The first undergraduate degree program in Canada came from Smith School and they have long since maintained their reputation. The full-time MBA program at Smith's will help improve your technical and management skills. The program also welcomes new intakes in both January and September. You have the option to choose your specialty. 

Location; Kingston

Course Duration; 12 months 

MBA fees; CAD$ 105,100

Scholarship Opportunities; 

• General Entrance Scholarships  - $10,000 - $70,000  

• Named Scholarships

• Fellowships - $5,000 - #20,000

Requirements; 

• Bachelor's Degree

• GMAT or GRE score 

• Minimum work experience of 2 years

• 2 Reference Letter 

• IELTS or TOEFL score 

• Application form

• Interview 

 

6. Schulich School of Business 

Schulich School of Business has been granted the honor of the No.1 position by Forbes, Economists and CNN expansion for its quality MBA program. The school has several campuses across the world and the various business specializations allow you to choose your precise area of interests. They have also a global alumni numbering over 3000.

Location; Toronto 

Course Duration; 12 months

MBA fees; CAD$ 28,057

Scholarship Opportunities; 

• The Goldberg leadership award for Excellence - $40,000  

• Scotiabank Scholarship in International Business - $20,000

• Robert Krembil Scholarship of Merit - $40,000

Requirements; 

• Bachelor's Degree

• GMAT or GRE score 

• Minimum work experience of 2 years

• 2 Reference Letter 

• IELTS or TOEFL score 

• Essay

 

7. Alberta School of Business

Alberta School of Business is renowned as one of the top 10 MBA Colleges in Canada. They have succeeded in maintaining their reputation in the business education scene. Alberta School also offers MBA programs such as full-time, part time, executive, fast track and online. The duration and requirements of these programs vary. Among its offerings, the school provides core MBA courses along with an internship program designed to enrich students' experiences. 

Location; Alberta 

Course Duration; 20 months 

MBA fees; CAD$ 65,000

Scholarship Opportunities; 

• Entrance Awards  - $15,000  

• UAlberta MBA Scholarship 

Requirements; 

• Bachelor's Degree

• GMAT or GRE score 

• Minimum work experience of 2 years

• 2 Reference Letter 

• IELTS or TOEFL score 

• Essay

 

8. John Molson School of Business

John Molson School of Business affiliated with Concordia's University is recognized as one of Canada's leading institutions for MBA education. The MBA program offers international students hands-on experience by offering case studies, internships, networking opportunities and so much more. The 61,000 plus alumni members scattered globally, add to your networking advantage. 

Location; Montreal 

Course Duration; 20 months 

MBA fees; CAD$ 47,900

Scholarship Opportunities; 

• Bank of Montreal - Pauline Vanier MBA fellowship

• Michael Murray MBA Entrance Award 

• Scotiabank MBA in-course fellowship  

Requirements; 

• Bachelor's Degree

• GMAT or GRE score 

• Minimum work experience of 2 years

• 3 Reference Letter 

• IELTS or TOEFL score 

• Application fee - CAD$100 

      9. HEC Montreal

HEC Montreal holds the significance of being Canada's first business management school. This school is known for innovative teaching and experiential learning methods. HEC Montreal MBA scholars have a 98% employment rate post graduation. Being a bilingual learning institution also signifies inclusivity and a collaborative learning environment.

Location; Montreal, Quebec 

Course Duration; 12 months 

MBA fees; CAD$ 59,000

Scholarship Opportunities; Admission scholarships are available and are awarded to applicants who demonstrate exceptional academic records. 

Requirements; 

• Bachelor's Degree

• GMAT or GRE score 

• Minimum work experience of 2 years

• IELTS or TOEFL score 

• Pass one of the admission test 

 

10. Dalhousie University 

Dalhousie University is a research-oriented institute with contemporary infrastructure, state of the art lab and studios. It is renowned as an internationally benchmarked premium business school ranking among the world's top-tier institutions. The University produces highly motivated graduates, early career professionals and well grounded leaders with refined managerial qualities. 

Location; Nova Scotia 

Course Duration; 20 months

MBA fees; CAD$ 53,111

Scholarship Opportunities; 

• Douglas C. Mackay Scholarship  - $5,000 - $10,000

• Dalhousie CRMBA Promise Scholars Program - $20,000

Requirements; 

• Bachelor's Degree

• GMAT or GRE score 

• IELTS or TOEFL score 

• Proof that you are a high potential career launcher 

• Minimum work experience of 2 years

Top Specializations MBA

The MBA program offers a variation of specialization fields. These are some of the top MBA specializations in the world; 

• Business Analytics

• Finance 

• Marketing 

• Information Technology

• Economics 

• Consultant

• Real estate 

• International Management

• Strategy 

• Entrepreneurship 

 

How to Choose Your MBA Specialization 

As much as your interests, strengths and career objectives are relevant, there are other factors to put into consideration when selecting an MBA specialization. Some of the guidelines to consider are; 

• Salary scale

• Scope and demand 

• Tuition fee and ROI of the program 

• Job Opportunities and growth

• Availability of excellent resources 

• Social status 

• Research Facilities

• Availability of internships and placement options