According to the QS World University Rankings of 2018, seven of the world’s top 150 universities are based in Canada. The high standard of living, safety, quality education, multicultural exposure, and friendly post-graduation work permits make Canada a favorite among international students. The scope and opportunities for an MBA graduate are immense here as the top multinationals are eager to hire fresh international graduates with good management and leadership skills. Now that the stage has been set and we already know why studying MBA in Canada is a great option, let us understand what the eligibility for MBA in Canada is.
Admission to any of the top B-schools can be a daunting task if the requirements for MBA in Canada are not known. It needs a lot of planning from the student’s side to ascertain how to prepare for the eligibility tests and how to meet the various general eligibility criteria as set by different Canadian universities.
Canada is one of the top study destinations for international students. Pursuing an MBA degree from the country can open various career pathways for students, allowing them to explore high-paying job roles. Some of the top reasons for studying MBA in Canada are
Prominent Universities:
Most of the top universities for MBA in Canada get featured in notable global rankings such as QS Research, Academic Rankings of World Universities, and Times Higher Education.
The top Canadian business schools for MBA in Canada are-
If you aspire to pursue an MBA in Canada, you would be glad to know that Canada offers a pool of affordable options for university fees. The tuition for MBA in Canada ranges from INR 23 lakh to INR 70 lakh. Not just this, the cost of living is affordable when the returns you get in the future are assessed.
Quality Education
One of the important reasons for pursuing an MBA in Canada is its quality of Education. Being home to top business schools like Rotman school of management ( QS Global MBA Rankings 42) offers a unique learning experience to students through their updated curriculum. Apart from the curriculum, Canada’s wide range of scholarships to international students makes it a preferred choice.
Value for your Money
Studying for an MBA in Canada allows you to widen your career prospects. The top business schools in the country make your Education worthwhile by focusing on both practical and theoretical learning. The investment to return ratio is relatively high when compared to other countries. One can earn around CAD 1,33,000 (INR 78,19,781) or higher than this per year after completing MBA in Canada.
Compared to the US and UK, with all the facilities available at a very cost-effective expense, Canada is considered to be a good option for pursuing MBA. Given below are the top colleges of Canada where one can pursue both full-time and part-time courses-
University
MBA Courses
Requirements
University of Western Ontario (Ivey Business School)
MBA (Ivey)
Executive MBA
Accelerated MBA
PhD. MBA
GMAT score range: 520-760
York University (Schulich School of Business)
MBA, iMBA (York)
Executive MBA
MBA/JD (MBA/Juris Doctor)
Post-MBA Diplomas
GMAT score range: 550 – 800
Average GPA: 3.3/4.0
University of Toronto (Rotman School of Management)
MBA (U of T)
Skoll BASc/MBA
JD/MBA
Master of Global Affairs (MGA)/ MBA
Part-time MBA
Omnium Global Executive MBA
GMAT score range: 550 – 780
McGill University (Desautels Faculty of Management)
MBA (McGill)
Professional Part-time MBA Program
Law MBA Program
MD MBA Program
McGill-HEC Montreal Executive MBA
McGill-HEC Montreal Executive MBA
GMAT score range: 670
Overall GPA: 3.3/4.0
University of British Columbia
(Sauder School of Business)
MBA (UBC)
Part-time MBA
International MBA
EMBA in Health Care
Joint MBA/JD
Joint MBA/MAPPS
Average GMAT score: 650
Average GPA: 3.3/4.0 or 76%
Queen’s University (Queen’s School of Business)
MBA (Queen’s)
Executive MBA
Cornell-Queen’s Executive MBA
Accelerated MBA for Business Graduates
Average GMAT score: 651
HEC Montreal
MBA (HEC)
EMBA
Average GMAT: 630
Average Tage-Mage scores: 345
University of Alberta (Alberta School of Business)
MBA (UofA)
Part-Time Evening MBA
Executive MBA
Fast Track MBA for Business Graduates
Ft. McMurray MBA
Average GMAT score: 630
Average GPA: 3.4/4.0
Simon Fraser University
(Beedie School of Business)
Full-Time MBA (SFU)
Part-Time MBA
Executive MBA (EMBA)
EMBA in Aboriginal Business and Leadership
Management of Technology MBA
Average GMAT score: 630
Average GPA: 3.4/4.0
General Eligibility Criteria
An MBA is a big investment, both in terms of finances and time, for a bright future. Start your journey right with a curated guide to meet the eligibility for an MBA in Canada for Indian students and other international aspirants. Every university or college has one thing in common with regard to the admission process, and that is the general eligibility criteria for seeking admission to an MBA degree in Canada. Here are the general eligibility requirements for MBA in Canada:
1. International students need to have a full-time bachelor’s degree or equivalent, from a recognized university or college. There is no hard and fast rule regarding the stream.
2. An MBA is a professional program that imparts experiential and practical learning to students. Therefore, international students with work experience are preferred. It gives them an extra edge and sets them apart from students without any work or industrial exposure. It is a known fact that students with prior work experience are preferred. The work experience should be relevant to the specialization of the MBA degree.
3. A good GMAT score is an important criterion that international students need to fulfill. It is an eligibility criterion set by the top-ranked Canadian universities.
4. To get admission to any reputed B-school or university, students need to appear for English proficiency tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. A good score will help students get admission to reputed and leading business schools.
How to Apply for an MBA in Canada?
To apply for an MBA program in Canada, you can simply visit the website of the University you want to apply to and fill out the application form for the program.
The documents that you will need to complete the application process are
Educational mark sheets
GMAT test scores
English language proficiency test scores (IELTS and TOEFL)
Work experience letters
Statement of Purpose
Letter of recommendation ( academic and professional)
Eligibility for MBA in Canada – List of Important Documents
The application process for an MBA in Canada is time-consuming, so students must make sure that they start the process at least 15 to 18 months before the beginning of their target session. He/she must be aware of all the requirements for MBA in Canada for international students. The application forms for different B-schools are available on the official university websites. Along with the application form, students need to attach all the original copies of documents as required by the university/college for admission.
Different types of MBA in Canada and Their Durations
Full-time MBA
An MBA program from Canada prepares a student to enter the job market as a leader. The duration of a full-time MBA program is 2 years and it is an offline mode of study. It can be pursued by students who have a recognized graduation degree from any authorized university.
Part-time MBA
The part-time MBA degree in Canada is of at least 8 months and can go up to 2 years. The duration of the course varies for different B-schools. This can be pursued by international students who are doing an MBA along with part-time or full-time jobs.
Executive MBA
Designed for executives and those with a managerial level of experience, the duration ranges from 13 months to 24 months for this type of course. This program helps professionals brush up on their managerial skills.
Exams required for MBA in Canada
There are few compulsory examinations that form a significant part of the eligibility criteria. To study in Canada, the most important exams are TOEFL, IELTS, GMAT, GRE, and PTE.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standardized test to measure the English language ability of non-native speakers wishing to enrol in English-speaking universities. It tests proficiency by measuring the level of English in all aspects, such as writing, speaking, reading, and listening. It is one of the most popular and preferred language tests accepted by reputed colleges and universities in Canada.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally accepted English language proficiency test. It has two types: academic and general. All four aspects of the English language, such as writing, speaking, reading, and listening, are tested for non-native English speakers.
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is an examination to test analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills in written English for admission to a graduate management program, such as an MBA program. A GMAT score is an important eligibility requirement that should be met by every international student aspiring to study an MBA in Canada.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills for higher education degrees and courses.
For international students, Canada offers a promising education system that allows them to work and settle there. This opportunity, with some of the global brands and multinationals, attracts several MBA aspirants from all over the world.
A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is a 500-1500 word application essay that you provide to the University’s admissions committee. An SOP outlines an applicant’s motivation for applying to a specific university and course.
A perfect SOP should reflect your personality and provide your target university with an understanding of your reason for following that particular stream, your future plans after completing your course, and other topics not covered in your academic documents.
A Letter of Recommendation (LOR), which you give to the universities as part of the application process, should certify and evaluate your candidacy by individuals who have evaluated you or your abilities in a professional or academic setting. A LOR should always be modest as well as provide details to the university’s admissions committee about your skills, academic records, talents, certificates, and so on. Top Canadian institutions have strict requirements for application documentation such as letters of recommendation, resumes, essays, and statements of purpose. As one of the five characteristics that universities look for in a possible candidate, it plays a critical role in highlighting your profile in front of the admission committee.
For testing the skills and knowledge of MBA applicants, most Canadian and international colleges require GMAT scores. Nonetheless, certain Canadian colleges and business schools admit applicants without GMAT scores. However, many of them have extra prerequisites, such as two to three years of professional experience or particular TOEFL scores. Candidates may also be required to have a minimum GPA.
MBA in Canada without Work Experience
Overall proportions of those who attend business school have shifted dramatically over time. B-schools in Canada place a greater emphasis on potential than on performance. It shows they’re interested in what you can do, not just what you’ve done previously.
So if you’re an undergraduate hoping to study an MBA in Canada with no prior work experience, these are the eligibility criteria you must meet in order for your background to work out.
If you want to advance your career by pursuing an MBA without work experience in Canada, the following are the only requirements:
A bachelor’s degree from a reputable university is required.
To demonstrate your English competence, you must obtain a competitive TOEFL/IELTS score.
A high GMAT score is required.
Without job experience, an MBA can help you get a head start in your career. The biggest benefit of starting early and getting an MBA without prior work experience is the ability to quickly shift and adapt to new situations. Another thing that working professionals find difficult is deciding whether to leave their jobs and return to school. Aside from the loss of income, leaving a job feels like a career setback.
Following is the list of colleges offering MBA without work experience:
University
Province
Fees(in CAD)
New York Institute of Technology
Vancouver
31,920.00
Thompson Rivers University
British Columbia
45,908.00
Cape Breton University
Nova Scotia
18,515.00
Carleton University
Ontario
60,000.00
University of Windsor
Ontario
11,550
Brock University
Ontario
32,550
Dalhousie University
Nova Scotia
82,205
Source- University Website
In general, an MBA in Canada without prior work experience is a fantastic option. However, one’s choice is influenced by personal preferences, specialization, and budgetary restrictions. Otherwise, rest confident that earning an MBA from a Canadian university is a sensible decision.
Scholarships & Eligibility for MBA in Canada for Indian Students
To make their Education affordable, students often look for scholarships that can fund a part or whole of their program. Some of the best scholarship options for Indian students in Canada are as follows:
Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program ( OGS )
Ontario Graduate Scholarship offers 22 merit-based scholarships to students in all academic fields. The province allocates the awards to universities that specify the number of awards they might offer to their students annually.
Students who wish to pursue a master’s degree or a two-year course in Ontario province can apply for this scholarship program.
Eligibility Criteria
You must have enrolled in any of the universities in Toronto
The length of your course should be two-year
You must hold an A– Average (Ontario equivalent of 80%) in both the years of full-time study.
You must be familiar with the English language at the time of application.
The amount awarded is INR 3 76684 per semester.
Ivey MBA Scholarship
The Ivey MBA scholarship is fully funded and awarded every year to students enrolling in the MBA Program at the Ivey Business School.
Eligibility criteria
Students applying for this scholarship are selected based on their GMAT score, academic grades, professional experience, and leadership skills.
The amount awarded – The scholarship amount ranges from INR 7,53369 to INR 48 96898.
half of the MBA tuition fee.
Alberta MBA Scholarships
University of Alberta’s business school offers a wide range of scholarships ( 49 to 50 in total) to international students. These scholarships cover the entire tuition fees of the MBA program.
The University of Alberta offers the top scholarships are the Claude Winspear MBA Award, Michael Lang MBA Award, and AIMCo MBA Award.
Eligibility criteria
Valid GMAT score
High GPA (3.5 or above)
Academic merits
Work experience
The amount awarded is INR 75 336 to INR 7.53369
Sauder School of Business Scholarship
Sauder School of Business offers various scholarships for international students applying for MBA programs. These scholarships include the Accelerated Career Scholarship and Global Business Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship.
Eligibility criteria
You must have an excellent academic record
You must clear the entrance exam for the scholarship
Students with leadership skills and previous business experience have high chances of getting selected for the scholarship. The amount awarded to the students under this scholarship ranges between INR 5,92217 to INR 23,68870.
Some of the scholarships offered by Sauder School of Business are
Asia Top Talent Scholarships
South & Latin America Top Talent Scholarships
Europe Top Talent Scholarships
The Middle East & Africa Top Talent Scholarships
Canada Top Talent Scholarships
Rotman School of Management Scholarships
University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management offers fully-funded MBA scholarships for students in Canada. Rotman offers 14 scholarships. The amount of the scholarship ranges between INR 5,92217 to INR 14,80543.
However, students get financial benefits through each of them.
Eligibility criteria: You must be enrolled in the MBA program of Rotman School of Management
What is PGWP (Post-graduation work permit) in Canada?
MBA graduates in Canada after receiving final marks in their degree programs have 180 days to apply for a post-graduation work permit. International students need to have an MBA degree from a recognized college or university under the government of Canada to apply for the same. Students can be eligible if their study permit or visa is valid at some point during the 180 days period after the results are declared. Students pursuing an MBA degree of at least 8 months and a maximum of 3 years are eligible for a post-graduation work permit.
International students with a visitor card or a student visa can apply for a PGWP after completion of their MBA degree from any recognized Designated Learning Institute (DLI). With a PGWP, an international student can work as a permanent employee for any employer in Canada. The work permit after completion of a degree is one of the reasons why students from across the globe visit Canada for an MBA degree. The scope of work opportunities and global exposure is vast with a PGWP.
An opportunity to apply for permanent residency in Canada is also possible for international students who have completed an MBA degree through the Express Entry Program. For more details regarding permanent residency eligibility, students can consult the counselors of upGrad Abroad.
Yes, Canada is an ideal destination for pursuing an MBA degree. The country’s quality of education, top business schools, affordable tuition fees, and value for money are the major factors that attract international students from all over the world.
How do Indian students get admission for MBA in Canada?
Students need to fulfill specific admission requirements to get an MBA in Canada. These requirements include a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or education institution, previous work experience, English language proficiency test (IELTS or TOEFL), Statement of Purpose, and at least two letters of recommendation. GMAT is mandatory for most universities, but there are some universities where it is exempted. Apart from all these requirements, one needs to show the bank statement to support your stay in Canada.
Can I study MBA in Canada without work experience?
Although most of the top Canadian business schools require students to have work experience of at least two to three years, there are some schools where you can apply for an MBA program even if you lack it. Some of these schools are Rowe School of Business, Dalhousie University, and Goodman School of Business, Brock University.
How much does it cost for Indian students to study MBA in Canada?
The cost of studying for an MBA in Canada differs with different Universities. On average, the cost falls somewhere in the range of INR 12 lakhs to INR 77 lakhs.
What is the qualification required for pursuing an MBA degree in Canada?
Students applying for an MBA program must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with GMAT scores.
Rakhee Talukdar is an edtech expert with five years of experience in the education technology sector, focusing on K-12 and higher education systems in various countries, including Canada, USA, Finland, France, and Germany. Her background includes founding a startup and working with early-stage educational ventures, giving her a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities within these educational landscapes. Additionally, Rakhee specializes in helping students craft compelling Statements of Purpose (SOPs) for studying abroad, leveraging her insights into different education systems to guide students in articulating their academic and professional goals effectively. Her comprehensive knowledge and strategic approach make her a valuable resource for students navigating their educational journeys and financial planning.
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