Study MBA in Canada
Learn everything you need to know about studying MBA in Canada, like top universities, costs and career prospects here and get end to end expert guidance from us.
MBA (Masters of Business Administration) is one of the most popular and high-demand courses all over the globe. Canada houses the top global-ranking universities that offer comprehensive MBA courses.
With an average GMAT score of 550-720, students can pursue MBA courses in Canada and get an option to choose among the top 40 universities of the country. Read on to learn all you need to know about the MBA courses offered in Canada.
Why Study MBA in Canada?
Canada is the hub for business studies for multiple reasons. The degrees offered in Canada are recognised by top universities and companies internationally. However, the benefits do not end at that.
Following are the reasons why you must choose Canada for your MBA Degree:
- Canada is home to the top-rating universities that offer comprehensive MBA programmes.
- Students from across the world can gain multicultural exposure in Canada.
- Students get multiple opportunities like working on or off campus while pursuing their degrees and the diverse job market in the fields of finance, technology, and healthcare.
- When compared to the other top countries that offer MBA courses, Canada is way more affordable and thus, it is economical for students from different backgrounds.
Overview of MBA Programmes in Canada
To meet the demand and interests of the students pursuing MBA courses in Canada, international universities in Canada offer different types of MBA programmes, like:
Full-time MBA
In full-time MBA, students are exposed to an integrated curriculum curated by top professional faculties that intends on offering world-class education to the students. The course is 1-2 years long and the students have to study full-time. This type of MBA leaves no room for the students to do any part-time work or job while pursuing their degree.
Part-time MBA
The duration of a part-time MBA is comparatively longer and is a suitable option for working professionals as it offers the time to work part-time while pursuing your MBA degree in Canada. The duration of this programme can range from 3-5 years which may vary according to the university.
Executive MBA
With a duration of 13 months, executive MBA is for students who wish to gain practical knowledge of the course while studying it. It offers practical corporate experience thus ensuring both personal and professional grooming of the students.
There are different specialisations that are offered under the MBA programmes in Canada, like:
- MBA in General Management
- MBA in Entrepreneurship
- MBA in Finance
- MBA in Economics
- MBA in Business (Others)
- MBA in International Business
- MBA in Supply Chain
Top Canadian Universities for MBA Programmes
There are more than 40 universities in Canada that offer great MBA programmes to international students. However, based on the global ranking, let us look at some of the top Canadian universities for MBA courses:
| University Name | QS MBA Ranking 2026: Canada |
|---|---|
| Rotman School of Management - The University of Toronto, Toronto | #1 |
| Desautels Faculty of Management - McGill University, Montreal | #2 |
| Ivey Business School - Western University, London | #3 |
| Schulich School of Business - York University, Toronto | #4 |
| UBC Sauder School of Business - University of British Columbia, Vancouver | #5 |
| Alberta School of Business - University of Alberta, Edmonton | =6 |
| John Molson School of Business - Concordia University, Montreal | =6 |
| HEC Montreal, Montreal | =6 |
| Haskayne School of Business - University of Calgary, Calgary | =9 |
| DeGroot School of Business - McMaster University, Hamilton | =9 |
Admission Requirements to Study MBA in Canada
The following are the eligibility requirements to get admission in a good MBA programme in Canada:
- Students must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
- A minimum score of 74% in the bachelor’s or equivalent CGPA (3.0 out of 4.0) is required.
- GMAT score of 550+ and equivalent GRE scores.
- English proficiency tests like 7.0 in IELTS Academic or 100 in TOEFL iBT are required.
- 2 to 3 years of work experience is mandatory for enrollment in Canadian universities.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) /Personal Essay of 500-1000 words.
- Around 3+ Letters of Recommendation, both academic and professional LORs.
- Canada Student Visa details.
- A well sought CV or Resume.
- Personal interview with personnel from the admission team is held.
How to Choose the Right Business School in Canada?
When moving to study abroad for higher education, it is necessary that you analyse every aspect of the country and the programme you have chosen.
Following is the list of things that must be considered to choose the right business school in Canada for MBA course:
Financial aspects
- You must inquire about the cost of living in the area around your preferred business school to estimate the finances before moving abroad. Choose the university that meets your placement expectations and your financial budget.
Length of the programme
- You must look into the duration of your programme, to know if the programme is full-time or part-time. This will help you plan your stay and other activities in the country accordingly.
Location
- Always know about the surroundings of your college, and the location in which you are going to stay. This will help you assess the safety of the location and plan the transport accordingly.
Faculty
- You must look through the list of faculty for your programme on the official website of the university to ensure that the teachers are well-trained and can deliver quality education, thus helping you achieve your goals.
How Much Does it Cost to Pursue MBA in Canada?
The average cost of an MBA course when pursued in Canada can range from CA $70,000 - $130,000 in the first year of study. Some universities in Canada may charge more than CA $110,000 per annum as the tuition fees in the first year of study.
The amount charged in Canada is way more affordable than in countries like the USA, UK, and Australia. To calculate the total expense of studying MBA in Canada you must add on the cost of living in the country, in which the accommodation charges can vary from CA $1,000 - $2,000 per month, living cost can range from CA $22,000 - $34,000 per annum.
Among the important costs that international students must account for includes health insurance that can go up to CA $600 - $1,000. Other charges that may be applicable, if you are planning to study MBA in Canada are standardised tests, application fees, Canada Visa fees, GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate), and one-way airfare to Canada.
MBA Scholarships in Canada for International Students
International students who find the tuition fees of MBA courses in Canadian Universities hefty and unaffordable, can avail some of the below mentioned popular scholarships:
| Scholarships | Description | Eligibility | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broker Fish International Student Scholarship | Merit-based scholarship | Students from any nationality enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited university. Applicants must submit a 500 - 1,000 word essay on the "Importance of International Health Insurance" | CA $1,000 |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship | Merit-based scholarship | Foreign student in an Ontario university with a legal permit to study. A– Average (Ontario equivalent of 80%) in 2 years of full-time study before being awarded. Proof of English proficiency. Registered full-time in a graduate degree programme at a participating Ontario university. | CA $5,000 per term for up to 3 consecutive terms or CA $15,000 for one year |
| Rotary Foundation Scholarships - Global Grants | Need and merit-based scholarship | Graduate students studying abroad in the humanitarian cause of Rotary, like promoting peace, fighting disease, supporting education, protecting the environment, saving mothers and children, etc. | CA $30,000 and can be used for tuition, room and board, international travel and visa expenses. |
Career Prospects and Salary after MBA in Canada
After completing your MBA from Canada, you can get plenty of attractive job opportunities that pay off well. Some of the job profiles with their respective salaries are as follows:
| Job Roles | Average Annual Salary (in CAD) |
|---|---|
| Project Manager | CA $95,000 - $120,000 |
| Management Consultant | CA $100,000 - $160,000 |
| Marketing Manager | CA $85,000 - $115,000 |
| Human Resources Manager | CA $110,000 - 130,000 |
| Senior Business Analyst | CA $90,000 - $120,000 |
Sources: Job Bank Canada, Payscale, Glassdoor
Work Permit after MBA in Canada
Students pursuing their MBA in Canada can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) given that their program is at least 8 months long. If the duration of your MBA program ranges from 8 months to 2 years, then a PGWP of the length of your program will be granted to you, whereas to get a PGWP for 3 years, ensure that your programme is 2 years or longer.
Students pursuing a certificate or diploma course will not be eligible for PGWP. The work experience that is gained while working in Canada can be of help in gaining permanent residence in the country.
To conclude, you can pursue your MBA from Canada to get affordable course ranges while being in top business schools. MBA is the most preferred post-graduation course these days, and Canada, the home of business administration studies is the most favourable location to pursue your MBA.
The Government of Canada offers generous scholarships to deserving candidates and supports the startups as well as enterprises by international students, thus opening up brighter future prospects for them. Contact AECC today to ensure your bright future with an MBA in Canada!