MBA in Canada involves a one- to two-year degree program which offers good returns on the investment. Some universities have accelerated MBA programs that can last for less than just a year. Similarly, the part-time programs in some schools can last for up to 32 months. The best MBA colleges in Canada charge tuition between CAD 22 000 and CAD 120 000. This is not in addition to such costs as books, supplies, medical, living, among others. The colleges are relatively affordable with multicultural exposure, world-class resources, and the convenience of getting a legal working status.
Those who choose to study an MBA in Canada are faced with two options and they include either pursuing a general MBA or doing a specialized program in subject areas like finance, marketing, or consulting. There are numerous cities in Canada where one can choose to study for the MBA program in Canada. These cities include Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Ottawa.
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With the current uncertainty around the H-1 visa program in the United States, Canada has become the next available option for those who wish to study abroad. For one to pursue an MBA in Canada, he or she must possess a relevant bachelor’s degree obtained from an accredited institution as well as a good IELTS score. Some colleges in Canada grant admission to candidates based on the GMAT score and their work experience.
For you to be on a safer side, check the website of the individual colleges for more information on the kind of program they run, the duration, and what it takes to pursue the program.
Requirements for MBA in Canada
For you to study an MBA in Canada, you must have applied to a Canadian university before applying for a study permit. The most common admission requirements include:
- Relevant undergraduate degree
- Work experience
- TOEFL or IELTS scores
- A good GMAT score.
The application process can be lengthy and so, to be on the safer side, it is better you apply as early as 15 months. The required documents include:
- Transcripts
- English proficiency in IELTS or TOEFL
- Proof of work experience
- Proof of financial capability
- Statement of purpose
- Documents related to visa.
Below are the top 20 MBA colleges in Canada:
- The University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management
The MBA program at the Rotman School of Management is a full-time program that runs for two years. It is one of the highest and most divergent programs that could be found in Canada. The average GMAT score for this program is 670. It has a curriculum divided into core courses and elective courses with areas of interest in consulting, global management, health sector management, brand management, business design, investment banking, risk management, and financial engineering.
- McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management
This school offers students the ultimate flexibility options in program length with 12, 16, 20, and 28 months. The average GMAT score for the program is 670. The MBA program is redesigned to provide global perspectives for students who wish to take over the reins of power in the future. Some essential parts of the McGill MBA program include experiential learning, case studies, real business projects as well as international study trips. There are five key subject areas and up to two specialization areas where students can choose from. They include global strategy and leadership, entrepreneurship, business analytics, marketing and finance.
- York University’s Schulich School of Business
The Schulich MBA program gives room for students to switch between full-time and part-time programs at any of the campuses in uptown and downtown Toronto. The average GMAT score in the college is 660. Students participate in the strategy field study, a two-term consulting project, as the capstone of the program. The aim of the strategy field study is for students to assess the organization and its environment and present the recommendations to senior management of the organization. There are about 25 study areas of specialization and some of them include finance, business consulting, international business, strategic management, health industry management, and marketing.
- Western University’s Ivey School of Business
This is a one-year full-time program that commences in March. It is delivered using the case study approach, with students going through over 300 cases per year. The average GMAT is 660. Students are encouraged to think of business challenges outside of the normal function-based approach. Students also work in teams in order to refine their assessments of the case studies, ideas, and plan of action. They also take part in class discussions, debating, and learning from one another.
- HEC Montreal
HEC Montreal offers a one-year full-time MBA program with a fully integrated learning approach. A hands-on business consulting project which helps the students to gain practical experience is integrated into the program. The class is small in size with an average year of the students being 31 and 7 years of work experience. There are three phases of the program which are acquire business fundamentals, develop individual competencies and apply knowledge and skills. The school is popular among French speakers.
- Queen’s University’s Stephen J.R. Smith School of Business
The school is located between Toronto and Montreal, just around the US/Canada border. There are varieties of options available to students and they include consulting, finance, healthcare management, and many more.
- University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business
The school is designed for students with a global sustainability mindset. It has been ranked in the ‘Global Green MBA’ listing from Corporate Knights magazine. Students usually find work in Vancouver’s technology sector.
- Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business
The program lasts for 16 months for full-time studies and 36 months for part-time. The top placement industries include technology, financial services, health care / pharmaceuticals and consulting.
- University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business
The MBA program in the school focuses on Global Energy Management and Sustainable Development. It is one of the top schools placed in Canada’s energy industry. However, it is more than just energy as it offers different specialty areas, ranging from finance to real estate studies.
- Saint Mary’s University’s Sobey Business School
The program runs for 16 months with 18 courses, six electives and 54 credit hours. In the summer before the commencement of the program, students are expected to participate in online prep courses which include mathematics for managers, accounting and economics.
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- University of Alberta’s Alberta School of Business
The program is completed over 20 months and is a 60- credit program. Approximately 40 students study core courses and 25 partake of elective courses. Students can follow one MBA Career Track which includes energy finance, public sector, healthcare management, real estate studies, and more. Students can get involved in the MBA association or partake in the MBA games outside the school.
- Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business
This is the largest business school in Western Canada. Various undergraduate and postgraduate business programs are offered in the school. The average age of students in the school is 27.5 and must have five years of work experience. The average GMAT is 630.
- The University of Saskatchewan’s Edwards School of Business
The Edwards School of Business focuses on developing an integrative and strategic approach to management while gaining a deeper understanding of organizations and their local and global concepts. Team building, leadership, and business strategy are the core focus areas of the program and it lasts for 12 months or 36 months. The average GMAT is 560, the average age is 30 and the average work experience is six years.
- The University of Northern British Columbia’s School of Business
The program is designed for mid-career management professionals who work full-time while undergoing their business management programs. The classes are taken for just one weekend per month and run for over 21 months. Applicants without undergraduate degrees are considered by the school and students are allowed to design their own programs to be either course-based or project-based. Classes commence in September.
- The Trinity Western University’s School of Business
The school focuses on value-based education and business fundamentals. In addition, it offers an international business MBA that can be completed in Tianjin, China, or its campus in Langley. Canadian students have the opportunity to gain international exposure through a three-week study program in Europe and it involves meeting with company executives. The program comprises both full-time and part-time studies.
- Vancouver Island University’s MBA
The school offers a dual-degree program and a single-degree program. It does not require any GMAT though it provides a supportive environment for candidates with no business background before the commencement of regular classes. Some students complete a four-month internship with a written report about the company sponsoring the work placement.
- The Thompson Rivers University’s MBA
The program offers a flexible environment for students. Students can pursue an online program, study on the campus or arrange to do both of them. The admission process is also open for all, irrespective of your previous experiences. GMAT score is not also required. Both general and research-stream MBA is offered in the school.
- University of Manitoba’s Asper School of Business
The students enrolled in this school can take classes on one of three timetables in the afternoons and evenings running from Monday to Thursday; as well as all day on Saturday and Sunday or Saturday and Sunday mornings. The school provides a mentorship program for students. The areas of specialization include finance, health administration, leadership, management, marketing, and more.
- University of Fredericton’s Sandermoen School of Business
All business classes at Sandermoen are delivered online and aimed squarely at working professionals. The areas of focus include business analytics, global leadership, human resources, real estate, and social enterprise leadership.
- The Brock University’s Goodman School of Business
Students who applied for this program are not required to have any work experience. In addition, the school makes provision for MBA candidates to gain exposure to the business world. The school also operates the Goodman Consulting Group which employs students to serve as management consultants to businesses and organizations in the area. The program involves both full-time and part-time students. The areas of specialization include business analytics, combined CPA/MBA, finance, human resources, operations management as well as marketing.
You can see that the best school of business in Canada for you is solely dependent on what you need. There are several other schools in Canada. All you need to do is to make your choice and go to the school’s website for more information.
Good luck.
