Top Universities In Canada for MBA: Fees, Eligibility, & QS Ranking

An MBA earned in Canada can serve as a launch pad for a fruitful business career. When it comes to MBA programs, Canada is always among the top destinations for international students. There are a few reasons behind this. Canadian universities are highly respected academically, and many of their business schools are globally renowned for excellence. Studying for an MBA in Canada also puts one into a multicultural environment. The universities in Canada represent their own identity which is well known for being welcoming and diverse. Here, students have chances to meet others from different countries hence acquiring knowledge that matters.

To help guide you through your journey to study MBA in Canada, we have prepared this comprehensive guide.

Best Universities to Study MBA in Canada

Several world-class institutions of higher learning offer great MBA programs across the country. Below are some of the best contenders:

QS MBA (Global) Ranking 2024	University Name	QS MBA Ranking 2024
#40	Rotman School of Management (Toronto)	#1
#73	Desautels Faculty of Management (McGill)	#2
#74	Richard Ivey School of Business (Western)	#3
#89	Sauder School of Business (UBC)	#4
#92	Stephen J.R. Smith School of Business (Queen’s)	#5
#98	Schulich School of Business (York)	#6
#121-130	Alberta School of Business (Alberta)	#7
#131-140	John Molson School of Business (Concordia)	#8
#151-200	HEC Montreal (Montreal)	#9
#151-200	DeGroote School of Business (McMaster)	#10

1. University of Toronto (Rotman School of Management)

Toronto’s bustling metropolis is home to the University of Toronto Rotman School Of Management, which is synonymous with extraordinary business education. Its MBA program has brought it great esteem and its strategic position in the vibrant commercial and financial centre of the country gives its students an edge over others in terms of access to industries. With a remarkable program structure aimed at developing talents and encouraging innovation, Rotman allows their graduates to be well-prepared for success in the ever-changing world of business thereby guaranteeing a bright future after graduation.

2. McGill University (Desautels Faculty of Management)

The Desautels Faculty of Management at McGill University is a respected institution known for its quality business education. Based in Montreal, Quebec, offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs, one of which is the highly prestigious Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) program. The Desautels emphasizes innovation, leadership and a global mindset to enable students to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in today’s fluid business environment. The faculty consists of prominent scholars and industry leaders who offer an enriching education that combines cutting-edge research with practical insights. Desautels is widely recognized since it has developed a strong reputation through its vibrant community of learners and various options for students to choose from.

3. Western University (Ivey Business School)

On a global scale, Western’s Ivey Business School is recognized for its outstanding business education programs. Among the leading academies in matters of business, Ivey School stands out as an iconic model. The school has in place a large alumni network comprising more than twenty-three thousand professionals from 98 nations nurturing a mixed-up community of leaders. Admission to some of its prestigious coursework like an MBA can only be secured after successful completion of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), hence showing its commitment to academic rigour and quality. It maintains this standing by attracting international students due to being one of Canada’s best places for MBAs and maintains an ambience conducive to experiential learning that brings about transformational experiences.

4. University of British Columbia (Sauder School of Business)

The MBA program at Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia is a very enriching one with its academic rigour and collaborative team environment. This means that students in this MBA program have the necessary support to navigate their way through the program successfully and confidently. UBC Sauder has always been recognized for its dedication to business research excellence and so it stands as North America’s sixteenth-best university that shapes up future business kingpins and fosters industry innovation.

5. Queen’s University (Smith School of Business)

For an enriching MBA experience, Queen’s University Smith School of Business features a mixed teaching approach that integrates experiential training, simulations and case studies, thereby developing both technical skills and interpersonal abilities. The institution is famous for its integration; it permits customization through specialized tracks like sustainable finance options and certificates on social impact, as well as practical involvement such as single project courses and a student-run hedge fund that ensures a universal education leading to different career paths.

6. York University (Schulich School of Business)

Being amongst the world’s most dynamic cities and Canada’s business capital, York University’s Schulich School of Business located in Toronto stands as a symbol of management education innovation with an extensive variety of programs that are tailored to develop the business managers of tomorrow. Its strength lies in finance and marketing, thus equipping its students with progressive knowledge and skills for success in contemporary commerce. Importantly, this school provides very good scholarships, where students can obtain up to 85K Canadian dollars worth of financial help. Because it is renowned for having a prestigious MBA program, Schulich is popular among foreign learners who have limited time but still want to receive top-level business education hence making it a dream university for all professional ambitious people around the globe.

7. University of Alberta (Alberta School of Business)

The University of Alberta’s Alberta School of Business is unique as a leading faculty that nurtures vibrant business professionals. The program aims to encourage students’ creativity, accountability and innovation through its curriculum. This means that learners are provided with an arsenal that helps them to dominate in the continuously changing corporate environment. It stresses practical skills development along with theoretical knowledge through a blend of hands-on training, real-life scenarios and interactive lectures. Therefore, when graduates leave this program, they are not only theoreticians but also excellent problem solvers who have enough experience required by their work life.

8. Concordia University (John Molson School Of Business

Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business is one of the leading MBA institutions in Canada, well-known for its commitment to quality and innovation. it is always ranked among the top ten schools according to QS World University Ranking 2024 by subjects, as far as Canadian MBA degrees are concerned, this makes John Molson’s program for MBA a vibrant one that provides students with comprehensive learning. To develop future business leaders who will succeed in a constantly changing marketplace, Concordia’s John Molson School of Business focuses on promoting critical thinking abilities, leadership qualities and global mindsets.

Why Study an MBA in Canada?

This part of the article examines some reasons why you should consider attending the best universities offering this degree in Canada:

It is cheap for international students to study MBA Abroad in this country.

• These are campuses in Canada with dormitories at student-friendly prices.
• There is the opportunity to stay in Canada after one has finished studying.
• Immigration processes may lead to permanent Canadian residency if followed properly by students.
• Quality education is offered to students in MBA Colleges in Canada.
• The most appropriate practical and theoretical skills will be imparted to you.

Eligibility Criteria to Study MBA in Canada

Certain requirements still apply to one who is applying for an MBA in Canada throughout its universities. Here are the general requirements to study MBA in Canada:

• Bachelor’s Degree or its Equivalent in any field of study from a recognized university
• An MBA is a professional course that aims at giving practical and experiential learning; therefore, having relevant work experience gives you an advantage over other candidates. But it’s important to note that work experience is not compulsory, but rather those with Good Work Experience have been seen more often selected.
• Good GMAT SCORES are the prerequisites for admission into top business schools across Canada. For example, the average GMAT score has to be higher than all other aspects before someone can apply for an MBA.
• As an Indian student applying for an MBA program in Canada, you will need an IELTS/TOEFL/PTE score good enough for entrance into a reputable university.

University	GMAT Score	IELTS Score	Average GPA
University of Toronto	672	7	3.6 (91%)
Queen’s University	600	7	3.4 (89%)
Western University	670	7	3.3 (88%)
McGill University	675	7	3.3 (88%)
University of British Columbia	550	7	3.6 (91%)
University of Alberta	550	7	3.5 (88%)
Concordia University	580	7	3.3 (88%)
Dalhousie University	550	7	3.2 (87%)
University of Montreal	625	6.5	3.3 (88%)
McMaster University	600	7	3.7 (92%)

Cost of Studying MBA in Canada 

Tuition fees for MBA programs in Canada vary depending on the university, program format (full-time, part-time, Executive MBA), and your residency status. Along with other living costs,  here is a general range:

University	Program Duration	Tuition Fees (CAD)	Equivalent Cost for Indian Students
University of Toronto	2 years	1st Year: 67,530	40.92 lakhs
McGill University	12 months / 20 months	102,500Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents: May 1, 2024	62.11 lakhs
Western University	12 months	129,750	78.63 lakhs
University of British Columbia	16 months	99,287	60.17 lakhs
Queen’s University	12 months	110,000	66.66 lakhs
York University	8 months or 2 year	123,732	74.98 lakhs
University of Alberta	20 months	70,000	42.42 lakhs
Concordia University	2 years	51,630	31.29 lakhs
Université de Montréal	1 year	59,100	35.81 lakhs
McMaster University	MBA: 20 months | MBA with Co-op: 28 months (Including up to 12 months work experience)	Full-Time MBA with Co-op Program: 55,500	33.63 lakhs
		Full-Time MBA: 49,300	29.87 lakhs

Why Choose Admissify for Your MBA Application in Canada?

We at Admissify appreciate the fact that there are strategies one has to embrace when one needs to be admitted into the top Canadian MBA programs. Thus our experienced advisors assist you through every stage of the application process commencing with program choices fitting you best to come up with outstanding applications highlighting your strengths and potential.

Included in our services are:

• A personalized selection of programs based on your academic background, career objectives as well as the amount of money you want to spend.
• Efficient advice on how to increase your GMAT or GRE scores.
• Assistance in application essay writing that displays who you are and what you have achieved.
• Mock interviews to help fine-tune communication skills and build self-confidence.
• Support in accessing scholarships and financial aid.

At Admissify, we can increase your chances of gaining admission into your dream MBA program in Canada and taking another step towards a successful business career.

Conclusion

It is important to explore top universities that offer this program in Canada for anyone who is thinking of studying MBA in Canada. Some of the most notable institutions in Canada are the University of Toronto, McGill University and the University of British Columbia which have excellent MBA programs. Understanding tuition fees, eligibility criteria (with GPA, GMAT/GRE scores, work experience), and QS rankings can help future students make well-informed choices about their academic paths.

FAQ’s

How much does it cost to do an MBA in Canada?

For Indian students, the fees for pursuing an MBA in Canada are highly variable, ranging from 30 to 90 lakhs INR per year, inclusive of pre-arrival expenses and tuition fees for MBA programs in Canada. On average, the tuition fees for top-ranked colleges offering MBA programs in Canada range from 20 to 80 lakhs INR.

Who is eligible for an MBA in Canada?

Institutions in Canada often prefer candidates with work experience that falls between three and five years’ duration within any related field. Students are encouraged to have at least one year of working experience. Moreover, Canadian universities may have a minimum entry requirement of IELTS score. Furthermore, GMAT scores between 500 and 700 out of 800 are usually needed for admission into reputable Canadian institutions.

Are MBA programs in Canada obligatory to take the GMAT?

However, there are some exceptions regarding the use of GMAT scores as an admission requirement for Canadian universities. Among them are the University of Canada West, Thompson Rivers University and Lakehead University which has waived away the requirement. This flexibility broadens the range of potential MBA candidates who can now embark on their academic and career paths free from standardized test pressures.

What is the lowest possible GMAT score in Canada?

The expected minimum benchmark for Canadian MBA programmes is usually 550 as a basic guide. Prestigious institutions may ask for much higher standards with scores above 600 being more common. There are also those institutions that admit students with even lower marks that go below 500. Therefore, while 550 can be considered a rough threshold, applicants ought to give careful attention to their desired schools’ specifics because these expectations differ widely depending on an institution’s reputation level and competition in Canadian academia.

What is the minimum mark for an MBA in Canada?

Most business schools in Canada come with a specific minimum GPA prerequisite to get into their MBA programs. Generally, this requirement ranges from 3.0-3.5. This GPA requirement, for example, corresponds to having scored above 70% academically. It also serves as an indicator of how well-prepared academically one is before being admitted and that they have the necessary background for success in an intensive MBA coursework. Thus, achieving or surpassing it forms a significant part of admission for any potential Canadian-based MBA aspirant.