Why You Should Consider MBA In Canada? Best Guide

Why You Should Consider MBA In Canada? Best Guide

Are you considering to study MBA in Canada? If yes, you have made the right decision. Every year thousands of students from all over the world apply to various colleges and universities to study MBA in Canada. So, why is Canada the most popular choice among international students for MBA? One of the most prominent reasons is the top-class quality education provided by the colleges and universities to study in Canada from Nepal.

Why Study MBA In Canada? Top Reasons

Some of the reasons why International students prefer to study MBA in Canada are:

  • Affordable Tuition Fees. MBA course in Canada is considered to be more affordable than studying MBA in other countries like the USA, UK, and Australia. Along with the tuition fees, the cost of living is also comparatively lower in Canada.
  • Quality Education. World-class education provided by the colleges and universities in Canada is another reason why international students choose to study MBA in Canada. Business schools in Canada also offer excellent infrastructure, exposure, and scholarships.
  • Global Ranking. Many prominent business institutions in Canada are featured in well-recognized global rankings such as Academic Rankings of World Universities, QS Research, and Times Higher Education. As per QS MBA rankings (2020), 5 business schools in Canada make it to the top 100 list. An overall of 18 business schools from Canada made it to the top 240 rankings for Global MBA.
  • Good Employment Opportunity. International students completing their MBA from colleges and universities in Canada claim that they are offered jobs from the best companies in Canada. Thus, the students enjoy a good return on their investment.
  • Safety. When asked why choose Canada to study, 90% of the students reported that they prefer to study in Canada because of the sense of safety and security the country provides. Statistics by Numbeo reveal that Canada’s safety index (62.42) is much higher than the safety indices of another popular study abroad destinations such as the US (49.99), UK (57.9), and Australia (57.94).

How much does it cost to study MBA in Canada for International Students?

Cost to study MBA In Canada

As mentioned earlier, the cost of studying for an MBA in Canada is considered to be much more affordable compared to studying MBA in other countries. However, the tuition fees depend on the university and program you choose to study. According to Statistics Canada, the average MBA Tuition fee in Canada for international students was CA$17,744 in 2019/20, which is approximately US$13,437.

As is the case worldwide, executive MBA programs are generally the most expensive, averaging around CAD $56,328 (~US$42,657), while regular MBAs cost CA$27,397 (US$20,747) on average. With the use of tools provided by the Council of Ministers of Education, international students can quickly calculate the costs of studying at different universities in Canada, as well as get guidance on the documents needed to apply. You can calculate the cost of studying in Canada here.

Here are some of the universities in Canada and their tuition fees,

Top MBA Business Schools with MBA Fees in Canada

College/University Duration Course Fee
Rotman School of Management 2 Years $ 84,028
York University – Schulich 2 Years $ 99,400
Queen’s Smith School of Business 1 Year $ 71,445
University of Alberta 20 Months $ 53,392
McGill Desautel 20 Months $ 89,000
UBC Sauder 16 Months $ 60,440
HEC Montreal 1 Year $ 33,200
Ivey Business School 1 Year $ 101,500

Similarly, the Government of Canada and the colleges and universities in Canada provide various scholarships to international students with outstanding academic performance.

Top 10 MBA Colleges In Canada

Here are some of the top MBA Colleges in Canada as follows:

  • Rotman School of Management – University of Toronto
  • Desautels Faculty of Management – McGill University
  • Schulich School of Business – York University
  • Ivey Business School – University of Western Ontario
  • Sauder School of Business – University of British Columbia
  • Queen’s School of Business – Queen’s University
  • HEC Montreal
  • MBA at Alberta School of Business – University of Alberta
  • Beedie School of Business – Simon Fraser University
  • Edwards School of Business – University of Saskatchewan

Rotman School of Management – University of Toronto

Rotman School of Management

The University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management is one of the best colleges for MBA in Canada. The Rotman full-time 2-year MBA Program is one of the largest and most diverse programs offered in Canada. The college ranks #3 for Bloomberg Best business schools for an MBA in Canada.

The Rotman MBA curriculum is divided into core courses (that are spread out over the first year) and elective courses. Students can choose from up to 90 elective courses and 15 majors in the second year to tailor their MBA program. The cost of tuition is $120,680 for the program. The cost of living for the two years of the program is approximately $30,000 per year. 

Desautels Faculty of Management – McGill University

Desautels facaulty of management

The MBA program at Desautels Faculty of Management by McGill University was ranked No. 1 in Canada by Wall Street Journal, and No. 7 in Bloomberg BusinessWeek ranking 2019 – 2020. MBA at the Desautels Faculty of Management offers flexibility in program length.

MBA students can choose from 12, 16, 20, and 28-month options.The MBA curriculum in this college is divided into four different phases, namely, Laying Foundations, Integrating Disciplines, Specializing, and Experiential Learning. The cost of an MBA in this college is $ 78,600 for 16 months program.

Schulich School of Business – York University

Just like the Desautels Faculty of Management, the Schulich School of Business also provides a flexible MBA program. Students can choose to pursue a full-time or part-time program. MBA students at Schulich School of Business can choose from over 15 areas of specialization. Some of the most popular specializations are finance, business consulting, international business, strategic management, health industry management, and marketing.

Schulich-School-of-Business-study-in-canada

As per the ranking provided by The Economist, the Schulich School of Business ranked No. 1 in Canada and No. 12 in the world among schools outside the US in the 2019 global MBA ranking. MBA at this college is a 16 to 20 months program and the cost is approximately $ 51,000 for the first year.

Ivey Business School – University of Western Ontario

Ivey university in canada

Ivey Business School is one of the most prestigious business schools for MBA in Canada. Some of the MBA programs offered at the Ivey Business School are HBA (Honours Business Administration), MBA (Ivey), Executive MBA, Accelerated MBA, MSc in Management, Executive Development, and Ph.D. MBA.  MBA at Ivey Business School ranked at No. 60 in the QS Ranking 2019 (USA and Canada region), No. 94 in the FT Global MBA rankings 2019, and in No. 56 in the Bloomberg Businessweek World ranking. The cost of an MBA at this college is $ 83,250.

Sauder School of Business – University of British Columbia

Sauder school of business

The Sauder School of Business in Canada is a leading academic business school that is well known for its worldwide reputation for excellence in research. The school offers more than 20 programs to the students, of which their MBA program is most popular among business professionals.

A full-time MBA at Sauder School of Business is a 16-month program that mainly focuses on experiential learning opportunities, global immersion, and personalized leadership development that will gain the confidence to innovate on the world stage. The cost for a full-time MBA for international students is $ 83,263. The school ranked 1st in Canada for Business and Economics by Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020.

Queen’s School of Business – Queen’s University

Queens University- mba in canada

Established in the year 1919, the Queen’s School of Business is one of the best colleges for MBA in Canada. The college is well-known for providing the most prestigious undergraduate business programs in Canada. MBA programs available at the Queen’s School of Business are categorized as Full-Time MBA, Executive MBA – The National Program, Executive MBA Americas – Queen’s Partnership, Accelerated MBA for Business Graduates. The School ranked in the 18th position on QS Ranking 2013 (USA & Canada Region) and on the first position in the BusinessWeek (2012) in Canada ranking.

HEC Montreal

HEC Montreal - mba in canada

The HEC Montreal is the first business school in Canada. It is also one of the first schools to obtain the three most prestigious accreditations in its field: AACSB International, EQUIS, and AMBA. The HEC Montreal College for MBA in Canada houses one-third of international students and also, 40% of their professors are from all over the world. Because of this, the college favors a multilingual approach to business education, offering bilingual (French and English) and trilingual (French, English, and Spanish) bachelor’s degrees, and graduate degrees both in English and in French.0

The total cost of a full-time MBA at HEC Montreal is approximately $ 54,000. With regard to its rankings, the college ranked on the 101st position in the QS Ranking 2019 Global MBA Ranking.

MBA at Alberta School of Business – University of Alberta

alberta school of business

The Alberta School of Business is a publicly funded research-intensive institution that has been consistently ranked in the top 50 publicly-funded universities for research by the Financial Times of London. MBA degree from the Alberta School of Business represents a significant achievement and valuable credential for anyone seeking to advance their career with a focus on business issues.

The 20-month full-time MBA program at the Alberta School of Business is unquestionably challenging, inspiring, focused, effective, and “real world”. The total cost of a full-time MBA at the Alberta School of Business is $16,520 for international students. The college ranked on 109th position the QS Ranking 2019 World University Ranking.

Beedie School of Business – Simon Fraser University

beddie school of business - mba in canada

Based in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, the Beedie School of Business has obtained a reputation for producing global-class research for the knowledge economy through dynamic teaching and learning settings. The MBA program at the Beedie School of Business is designed especially for early to mid-career professionals and entrepreneurs who are ready to push themselves to their highest potential and move their careers to the next level. It is a program that consists of 12 months of academics plus a required four-month work term. The tuition fee for MBA for international students is $55,825 CAD.

Edwards School of Business – University of Saskatchewan

Edwards school of business

The Edwards Master of Business Administration program is a transformational experience that focuses on team building, leadership, and business strategy. This program will teach you people skills of management such as how to manage, how to communicate effectively, and how to lead.

The students develop management skills that are both integrative and strategic, gaining a deeper understanding of organizations and their local and global contexts. Graduates then enter their professional endeavors with confidence, integrity, and accountability. Faculty and colleagues within the Edwards MBA program will become valuable business contacts and life-long friends.

Popular Specialization to Study MBA In Canada: MBA Courses in Canada

So, now you are well aware of some of the best colleges for MBA in Canada. Along with choosing the college, you should also have a very informed decision while choosing your course specialization. If you have already considered your area of specialization, then you can research further requirements. If not, here we present you with some of the popular specializations to choose from while studying MBA in Canada.

Popular Specialization to Study MBA In Canada:

  • MBA in Finance
  • MBA in International Business
  • MBA in Business Management

MBA in Finance in Canada

MBA in Finance in Canada is preferred by students who are interested in analyzing and interpreting economic trends, financial markets, assets, liabilities, and investments. The total MBA course duration in Canada is about 12 to 20 months. Below are some of the top universities in Canada for MBA in Finance:

mba in finance
  • University of Toronto
  • University of British Columbia
  • McGill University
  • Queen’s University
  • Universite De Montreal

It will cost around $ 35,000 to study MBA in finance in Canada. To be eligible to apply for MBA in Finance in Canada, the applicant must have completed their undergraduate degree from an accredited university/ institution with prerequisite classes in fields like business statistics, financial theory, business finance, etc. Also, the applicants must have scored a minimum GPA of 2.0.

MBA in International Business in Canada

Some of the best colleges and universities in Canada offer MBA in International Business. The program is available as a specialization in MBA from Canada, as an MSc degree, or as a mainstream MIB degree. Pursuing MBA in International Business in Canada will cost you around 27,000 to 68,000 CAD. Below are some of the top universities in Canada for MBA in International Business:

  • University of Alberta
  • Western University
  • Queen’s University
  • University of Victoria
  • York University

MBA in Business Management in Canada

MBA in Business Management in Canada is a general Management course that is designed to educate business students in areas such as Finances, Human Resources, Marketing, Strategy, and Operations Management. Colleges and universities in Canada are much known for their first-class education for MBA in Business Management.

MBA in Business Management is a 1-2 year degree program. According to the Financial Times MBA Rankings 2020, only three business schools in Canada for MBA made it to the top 100. Also, an overall of 18 business schools from Canada made it to the top 240 rankings for Global  MBA.The cost of pursuing an MBA degree from these prestigious business schools ranges from 16,000 to 80,000 USD. Below are some of the top universities in Canada for MBA in International Business:

MBA in business management
  • University of Toronto
  • McGill University
  • University of Western Ontario
  • Queen’s University
  • York University

Types Of MBA In Canada

Here are some of the types of MBA in Canada:

Types of MBA in Canada:

  • Full-Time MBA
  • Part-Time MBA
  • International MBA
  • Executive MBA

Full-Time MBA

A Full-Time MBA in Canada is a degree in general business management that is focused on providing insight on how business functions and how business leaders rise to meet an ever-changing set of circumstances and challenges. Major course components in the MBA program will include finance, marketing, strategy, human resources, and operations management. A full-time MBA degree from Canada is recognized all over the world.

Full-Time MBA in Colleges/Universities in Canada:

College/University Duration
Rotman School of Management 2 Years
IVEY Business School MBA 1 Year
York University – Schulich Full Time  2 Years
HEC Montréal 1 Year
McGill Desautel 20 Months
UBC Sauder 16 Months
University of Alberta 20 Months

Part-Time MBA

Part-Time MBA in Canada is designed for individuals who aspire to advance their respective academic and career credentials thereby opening up further graduate-level study and/or employment opportunities but who want to remain in full-time employment while they learn. The program will expose participants to a broad understanding of key business functional areas and their interdependence, with the aim of creating graduates who possess the ‘broad-based, senior-level strategic approach to business decision-making.

Part-Time MBA in Colleges/Universities in Canada:

College/University Duration
Rotman School of Management 32 Months
Queen’s Smith School of Business Accelerated MBA 1 Year
York University – SchulichInternational MBA 20 Months
University of Alberta – Part-Time MBA Maximum 6 Years
University of British Columbia 28 Months
Saint Mary’s University 40 Months

International MBA

The course for the International MBA in Canada is focused on helping students master the global issues that businesses face all throughout the world and not just domestically. Keeping this in mind, many of the programs are designed to focus on different cultures and different nations. While professional and modular programs offer flexible scheduling options, most international programs will require your undivided attention because of where the instruction is delivered.

International MBA in Colleges/Universities in Canada:

College/University Duration
Brock University 16 Months
McGill University – MBA Japan 2 Years
Queen’s University – Cornell International Executive MBA 17 Months
University of British Columbia 2 Years
University of Toronto  3 Years
Vancouver Island University 12 Months

Executive MBA

Executive MBAs (EMBA degrees) are practice-oriented graduate business degrees, typically aimed at senior business people who plan to share their experience with peers and advance to the highest levels. EMBA degrees at international business schools offer specializations such as International Business, Information Technology Management, Leadership, Human Resource Management, e-Commerce, or Marketing.

Executive MBA in Colleges/Universities in Canada:

College/University Duration
Simon Fraser University – Beedie School of Business 20 Months
Athabasca University 24 Months
Concordia University 20 Months
Queen’s University 15 Months
Saint Mary’s University 2 Years
University of Alberta 2 Years

How to apply for MBA studies in Canada? Admission Requirements

Every year thousands of students from all over the world apply for MBA in Canada. In the case of international students, they need to meet various requirements in order to be eligible to apply for an MBA degree in various colleges/universities in Canada. Some of the primary requirements for MBA in Canada admissions include a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized institution and a GMAT score between 500-600. In some cases, GMAT is not mandatory for MBA admissions in Canada. Here we’ll provide you the details:

Eligibility Criteria For MBA In Canada 

Here are the eligibility criteria for MBA in Canada:

University UG Degree Requirement Language Scores
Rotman School of Management 8.0/10
7.5/10 (for IIT graduates)
IELTS: 7.0
TOEFL: 100
McGill University Relevant bachelor’s degree IELTS: 7.0
TOEFL: 100 (iBT)
600 (pBT)
Ivey Business School Relevant UG degree IELTS: 7.0
TOEFL: 100 (iBT)
Smith School of Business 75% (B+ on grade scale) IELTS: 7.0
TOEFL: 96 (iBT)
Schulich School of Business UG degree (B+ grade) IELTS: 7.0
TOEFL: 100 (iBT)
Alberta School of Business 80% or more IELTS: 7.0
TOEFL: 100 (iBT)
Sauder School of Business B+ grade IELTS: 7.0
TOEFL: 100 (iBT)

Documents Required to study MBA In Canada:

It is a well-known fact that students are required to submit various documents during the admission process for colleges/universities in Canada. Here is a detailed list of documents required to be submitted while applying for an MBA in Canada:

  • Transcript. While applying for MBA in Canada, students are required to submit their academic transcripts. International students can submit scanned copies of their official transcripts online.
  • Resume. MBA applicants are also required to submit a resume highlighting their academic qualifications and employment history.
  • Letter of Recommendation. It is mandatory to submit your Letter of Recommendation while applying for MBA in Canada. The letter should be provided by the person who has been responsible for evaluating the candidate’s work performance and potential. 
  • Statement of Purpose. Applicants should also submit a statement of purpose through which they can describe why are should be considered for the program they’ve applied for. Writing a strong statement of purpose is very crucial for the admission process.
  • Language Test Scores. Applicants are also required to submit their English language proficiency scores through GMAT/GRE scores.
  • Work Experience. If required, applicants will have to demonstrate their professional work experience of at least two years.

For more details:- Everything You Need To Know About Canada Student Visa

MBA in Canada Without GMAT

Even though GMAT scores are mandatory for getting admission for MBA in Canada, there are some of colleges/universities in Canada that do not require you to submit GMAT scores. Below are some of the schools in Canada that does not require GMAT scores for college/university admission in Canada:

  • Queen’s University Smith School of Business
  • Schulich School of Business – York University
  • Lakehead University Thunder Bay and Orilla, ON
  • Thompson Rivers University Business and Economics
  • New York Institute of Technology, Vancouver, BC
  • Smith School of Business at Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario
  • Ivey Business School, Western University, London, Ontario

MBA in Canada without Work Experience

Most of the colleges and universities in Canada demand work experience of 2-3yrs in order to get admission for MBA. However, there are few colleges/universities that do not require work experience for MBA admissions. Here are some of them:

  • New York Institute of Technology, Vancouver Campus
  • Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia
  • Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia
  • The Sprott School of Business, Ontario
  • University of Windsor
  • Brock University’s Goodman School of Business
  • Rowe School of Business

Letter of Recommendation for MBA in Canada

A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) or Letter of Reference (LOR) is demanded by colleges/universities for Canada for MBA admissions. So, what is a LOR? It is a letter that recommends a student, employee, colleague or co-worker. This letter is a great way to showcase the positives and most impactful information about the applicant from the eyes of their supervisor/mentor/superior/guide/faculty.

The applicant will need to provide the academic letters of recommendation if they are applying for undergraduate and graduate degrees like MS in Data Science, MS in Computer Science, etc.

Here is our detailed blog on How to write a Letter of Recommendation.

Statement of Purpose for MBA in Canada

The applicants for MBA in some colleges and universities in Canada will require to submit a Statement of Purpose (SOP) while submitting their admission documents. An SOP is usually about a 1000-word long essay. Special attention must be given while writing an SOP as it plays a major role in your application getting accepted or rejected.

Here is the detailed blog on How to write SOP for Canada Student Visa.

Cheapest MBA In Canada For International Students

cheapest college in canada

Many international students choose to study in Canada with regard to its low tuition prices, ease and comfort of living, and great reputation of the universities. If you have a limited budget and need to choose a university in Canada will low tuition fees, then this list of 10 cheap universities in Canada will be very useful for you.

Most Affordable MBA Colleges in Canada:

  • Memorial University of Newfoundland
  • Université Laval
  • Carleton University – Sprott School of Business
  • HEC Montréal
  • Ryerson University – Ted Rogers School of Management
  • Concordia University – John Molson School of Business
  • Saint Mary’s University – Sobey School of Business
  • The University of Alberta – School of Business
  • Simon Fraser University – Beedie School of Business
  • University of Calgary – Haskayne School of Business

MBA Scholarship in Canada for International Students

The majority of Canadian Universities and Colleges provide various scholarships to international students.  Students are provided with various types of scholarship awards, grants, or bursaries to finance their education by the government of Canada and many post-secondary institutions. In order to apply for scholarships, you need to understand the application process and stick to the deadline specified by the granting institution or organization.

The eligibility requirements and application package differs according to the type of scholarship. For example, some scholarships may require a personal essay and/or request references from past teachers or employers. Other scholarships for Nepalese students in Canada may be primarily offered based on academic performance, extracurricular achievements, or other creative skills.

MBA Scholarship in Canada for International Students:

  • Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program
  • Rotman School of Management Scholarships
  • Sauder School of Business Entrance Scholarship
  • Alberta MBA Scholarships
  • Ivey MBA Scholarships
  • Haskayne School of Business MBA Entrance Scholarships
  • Schulich School of Business Scholarships

Another option would be to become a member of the CanadaVisa Study Hub. The CanadaVisa Scholarship Contest gives members the opportunity to win $500. Every month a new member is randomly selected as the winner. The contest is designed to support current international students and post-graduate workers in Canada. The contest is offered in the Study Hub, an online portal that offers a wide range of tools and resources to international students looking to make the most of their time in Canada as international students and graduates.

Here is our Dedicated blog on,

Jobs After MBA In Canada

jobs in canada

The Canadian Job market provides numerous job opportunities in Canada to international students who have graduated from colleges/universities in Canada. You can look for employment opportunities in Canada through websites like Go2HR, Craigslist, Eluta.ca, Indeed.ca, JobBank, WorkBC, etc. Canada provides employment opportunities to international students during their study period as well as after the completion of their college/university.

The Canadian Government provides work permits to international students through which they are allowed to work either on or off-campus. The Canadian job market provides both full-time and part-time jobs in Canada. Working while studying in Canada helps you fund your education and daily expenses.

Scope of MBA in Canada: Top MBA Jobs Salary List

MBA Jobs in Canada Average Salary (CAD)
Management Consultant 88,000
Financial Controller 87,000
Financial Analyst 62,000
Marketing Manager 72,000
The University of Toronto –
Rotman School of Management
CAD 99,419
McGill University –
Desautels Faculty of Management
CAD 87,661
York University –
Schulich School of Business
CAD 93,100
HEC Montréal CAD 80,000
Queen’s Smith School of Business CAD 1,28,681
Alberta School of Business CAD 88,881
Western University – Ivey Business School CAD 1,15,146
UBC Sauder School of Business CAD 83,633
Concordia University – John Molson School of Business CAD 85,259
Goodman School of Business CAD 65,000

Conclusion: Study MBA in Canada from Nepal

CIC Education Hub is an education consultancy in Nepal that guides Nepalese students in finding the best universities in Canada and also assists on how to get a job offer from Canada. The consultancy has a team of experts who have years of experience in visa counseling, documentation, reviewing SOPs, and preparing complete visa applications for Canada.

Thus, these competencies make CIC Education Hub the best education consultancy in Nepal for Canada. Contact us if you are looking forward to studying abroad in Canada from Nepal.

FAQs on Study MBA in Canada from Nepal:

Is it easy to get a job after MBA?

Getting an MBA degree from a college/university in Canada is considered to be an investment as you can earn a good salary. Yes, it is easier to get a job in Canada after MBA from a reputed University with good marks. In order to get a job offer from Canada, you need to have skills or work experience in the areas Canada requires or demands. You can also gain work experience by working while studying in Canada.

What is the Salary of an MBA Graduate in Canada?

The average income of an MBA Graduate in Canada is $32.75 per hour or $63,853 annually. Most experienced professionals earn up to $100,000 per year, while entry-level roles start at $40,000 per year.

Which MBA is in demand in Canada?

Some of the popular MBA specializations in Canada include finance, marketing, human resources, international business, operations, supply chain management, and so on.

How much does it cost to study MBA in Canada for International Students?

Canada has one of the most reasonable MBA tuition rates in the world, with an average cost of between $30,000 and $40,000 per year.