The MBA is the acronym for Master of Business Administration. It is a postgraduate degree issued by a business school or a university after the completion of a specialized study program in the field of business. Canada offers a wide range of high quality MBA programs at affordable prices. In addition, international students can enjoy the country’s multicultural life while pursuing their studies. In this post, we will take a detailed look at MBA in Canada. After reading this, most of your questions regarding an MBA in Canada will be answered. Let’s get started.

MBA In Canada: All You Need To Know

What is an MBA?

An MBA is a business management degree that can be earned at a university or business school. MBA programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to run a successful business. MBA students will learn the fundamental concepts of business management, including accounting, finance, marketing, human resource management, and business strategy. In addition, MBA students can put their knowledge into practice in a professional context through internships and research projects.

Thus, an MBA is a great way to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the business world.

MBA programs in Canada are generally divided into four categories: co-op programs, full-time programs, part-time programs, and online programs. Students can choose the type of program that best suits their personal and professional circumstances.

Co-operative programs offer students the possibility of alternating between periods of study and work in a company. This allows students to gain hands-on experience while continuing their education.
Full-time programs are for students who want to focus entirely on their studies and not work for the duration of the program. These programs are generally more expensive than co-op or part-time programs, but they provide students with a higher level of education.
Part-time programs are designed for those who have professional or personal obligations that do not allow them to complete a full-time program. These programs allow students to take their courses online or by correspondence, allowing them to work and study at the same time.
Online programs are for students who prefer to learn at their own pace and not be restricted by on-campus class schedules. These programs are generally less expensive than other program types and can be completed in less time.

Why study for an MBA in Canada?

An MBA is a great way to improve your management skills and develop new knowledge. MBA programs offer solid theoretical training as well as practical opportunities to put your management skills to the test. MBA students in Canada will have the opportunity to work with renowned professors and access state-of-the-art facilities. In addition, MBA students will benefit from an international experience thanks to the many study abroad opportunities offered by Canadian universities.

Students will also have the opportunity to develop their leadership and management skills through the many extracurricular activities offered by the universities.

How much does an MBA in Canada cost?

An MBA in Canada costs around $60,000. This includes tuition, book and material costs, and travel and accommodation costs. Students can expect to spend around $2,000 per month on housing and food. International students must also pay visa fees and medical insurance.

The total cost of an MBA in Canada can therefore vary between $60,000 and $80,000.

The cost of an MBA in Canada is competitive with the United States and the United Kingdom. The average tuition fee for an MBA in Canada is $41,000 per year.

Where to study for an MBA in Canada?

Canada is a top destination for MBA students, offering excellent teaching quality and a wide range of program options. MBA students in Canada can choose from a variety of programs offered by top universities in the country. Canadian universities offer MBA programs tailored to the needs of international students and allow them to prepare for an international career. MBA students in Canada also benefit from a large network of alumni and professionals, allowing them to connect with potential employers globally.

There are many options for studying for an MBA in Canada. Business schools offer high-quality MBA programs across the country. Students can choose to do an MBA online or in person, depending on their preference. Business schools also offer graduate programs in business management, which are a great option for those looking to improve their management skills.

What are the benefits of an MBA in Canada?

An MBA is a business management degree that can open doors to a career in the business world. The benefits of an MBA in Canada are numerous. In addition to providing excellent management training, an MBA in Canada can help you develop a network of professional contacts and gain valuable international experience. Additionally, MBA students in Canada have access to scholarships and financial aid that can make the program more affordable. International students also have access to postgraduate scholarships. These scholarships are offered by different Canadian universities and government agencies. Students can also apply for scholarships offered by private companies and non-profit organizations.

What are the disadvantages of an MBA in Canada?

An MBA in Canada is a great way to stand out in the job market. However, there are a few downsides to consider before making your choice.

First of all, the tuition fees are quite high and can be difficult to pay if you do not have a scholarship or financial aid.

Also, MBA programs are usually very demanding and can take a lot of time and energy.

It can be difficult to find a job after getting your MBA in Canada, as the competition is fierce.

The cost of living in Canada is high, which can make it difficult to pursue an MBA.

International students often find it difficult to adjust to Canada’s cold climate.

The official languages of Canada are English and French (French is mostly spoken in the Quebec province), which may pose difficulties for students who aren’t native speakers of English/French.

Which are some of the best Business Schools in Canada?

Canada is the third largest host country for foreign students, after the United States and Australia. They are mostly distributed in three provinces: Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. The country’s business schools are internationally renowned and their tuition fees are often more advantageous than those of American business schools. This partly explains the enthusiasm of International students for Canada.

HEC Montreal, University Of Montreal

Montreal is both the largest city in Quebec and the most international: approximately 30% of its population is made up of immigrants. More than half of Montrealers can speak both English and French. In 2019, the QS Best Student Cities ranking ranked Montreal as the best city in North America for international students. Attached to the University of Montreal (UdeM), HEC Montreal is the 45th best business school in the world, according to the KUBS Worldwide Business Research Rankings 2019 ranking.

The University of Montreal is the fourth ranked university in Canada according to the Figar ranking. It is possible to follow courses in French, English, and Spanish. The French and French-speaking Belgians benefit from the same tuition fees as Canadians not resident in Quebec: 10,000 Canadian CAD per year. For other international students, the fee climbs to $29,500.

Several Quebec business schools also offer training in English and French, such as the School of Management Sciences (ESG) of the University of Quebec In Montreal (UQAM). Tuition fees are the same for Quebec residents and International French speaking students: 4,650 Canadian CAD for one year of MBA (Master of Business Administration). The business schools of Concordia and McGill universities offer courses in English.

HEC Montréal is the best management school in Quebec, and the second in Canada, according to the 2019 KUBS ranking.

The Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto

In Ontario, a province bordering Quebec, is the largest city in the country with approximately three million inhabitants: Toronto. This is where some of the largest business schools in the country are located. In the QS 2021 ranking (World University Rankings by Subject), the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto is the top ranked business school in Canada, ahead of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and McGill University in Montreal.

According to the KUBS (Worldwide Business Research Rankings) of 2019, the University of Toronto is considered to be the eighth best business school in the world, and the first in Canada. However, it is much more expensive: approximately 60,000 Canadian CAD are required for the first year of MBA.

The University of British Columbia

British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost English-speaking province, is also home to some very good business schools. Vancouver, the third largest city in the country after Toronto and Montreal, also benefits from a continental climate, with much milder temperatures than in the east of the country. The setting is particularly idyllic, as Vancouver is located between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains. Several business schools provide internationally recognized training: the Beedie School (Simon Fraser University, or SFU), the Sauder School (the University of British Columbia, or UBC), or the private university Canada West. However, the prices are higher than in Quebec schools (about 50,000 Canadian CAD).

Canada represents for many international students the opportunity to live the North American experience while integrating an education within a welcoming country recognized in the world for its academic excellence.

Joining a Business School on the other side of the Atlantic means choosing to turn your career towards the international and towards a large number of opportunities in the West.

Joining an MBA program in Canada

Canada has been able to quickly integrate MBA programs into its business schools, and today it is one of the best destinations for this type of training. Many establishments offer programs that hold the top positions in the world rankings, and Canadian MBA graduates are among the managers receiving the highest salaries on average upon graduation.

Most Canadian Business Schools today have an international influence on the same level as the best American Business Schools, and they are in direct competition to recruit the best international students.

The uniqueness of Canadian MBAs

Apart from a salary level and a very high integration rate for Canadian students on leaving their MBA, Canada also has the particularity of having many MBA students pursuing their studies in the framework of a Ph.D.

These students then become researchers in the field of media, commerce, or even finance. It should be kept in mind that “doctoral students” with a Ph.D. are much more valued in Canada than in other countries. Attitudes are generally very different and companies are much more looking for the profiles of doctoral students, whereas in numerous countries, the added value of a “Ph.D.” is often poorly perceived.

International recognition of Canadian MBAs

Canadian MBAs should be put on the same level as American MBAs for their recognition on the international job market. Salary levels as well as the integration rate of graduates are generally similar, in particular thanks to the very close relationship maintained by Canadian Business Schools with companies with international influence.

The structure of Canadian MBAs

Canadian MBAs cover all the different types of programs available, namely full-time, part-time, online or for professionals. The courses are spread over periods of between 10 months and 2 years depending on your choice, although the MBA of reference remains the original full-time MBA in two years.

A unique feature of Canadian universities is to offer combined programs in 4 years allowing both to obtain an MBA and also a second specialization in a more or less related field. These include the fields of medicine, law, agriculture, and engineering.

When should you submit your application for a Canadian MBA?

Canadian business schools do not ask for specific documents during registration, other than those generally requested when sending the file. It is advisable to start the process at least 12 months before the planned start date, as several tests such as the GMAT or the TOEFL must be taken to assess your language level and your thinking and logical skills. Most universities now offer online registration via their portal, making the process easier for international students.

The cost of an MBA in Canada

Canada is a relatively expensive country to study and MBA programs are not known to be particularly accessible. It will therefore be necessary to count between 15,000 CAD to 120,000 CAD per year to join a training course within a Canadian business school, with an average of around 40,000 CAD per year.

The total cost of training depends on many factors, starting with the total duration, the reputation of the program, the host institution, or the specifics of the program.

What is a business school in Canada?

Like their American neighbour, Business Schools are present in each region of the country. With its North American university system, Canada is distinguished by the regional ownership of institutions. However, the business school model is similar throughout the country.

Unlike India, where the top business schools like the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Xavier Institute Of Management (XLRI) are independent organizations, often managed by a private fund or by the Government, business schools in Canada are dependent on universities. Indeed, a Business School corresponds to the faculty of commerce and management of the establishment in question and is directly attached to it.

These Business Schools can also be named under various derivatives: School of Business, Faculty of Management, etc. But the objective remains the same: to provide training at different levels and of different types.

What are the entry requirements for business schools in Canada?

For getting into a Canadian business school, you don’t need any prep classes. Indeed, this exception is very unique because Canada has adopted a simpler system where access to Business Schools can take place at any level of study and even at the end of high school.

Canadian Universities recruit on file. To do this, students must therefore compile their own file grouping together the various requirements of the Business School that interest them. Generally, for international students, it is requested:

English certification (IELTS or TOEFL),
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examination),
Diploma equivalence (Baccalauréat, Bachelor’s degree, etc.) depending on the level of studies requested.

Of course, other documents are to be provided: cover letter, CV, letters of recommendation, personal essay, individual interview, etc. (to be checked according to each establishment for more details).

Canada is a popular destination for students around the world, so quite a strong selection can take place and it is therefore recommended to apply for various programs from different institutions.

What courses are available in business schools in Canada?

In Canada, we find the same system with the diplomas recognized and offered by (almost) all Business Schools around the world:

Bachelor’s degree,
Master’s degree,
MBA

Called Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Management or Bachelor of Business Administration, the Canadian Bachelor’s degree from Business Schools is a generalist with different choices of specializations. Indeed, students can choose from different majors for their courses. These majors are often quite broad but with a focus on a specific area:

Accounting
Business Analytics
Real Estate studies
Marketing
Entrepreneurship and innovation
operations management
Human Resources

This training allows students to acquire basics in the fields of commerce and management while beginning to specialize according to their future projects and personal interests.

There are different types of Master’s degrees in Business Schools in Canada:

Research Masters, whose vocation is more theoretical and for which the writing of a thesis is necessary
Professional Masters, whose objective is more oriented towards practical application.

Professional Masters are often oriented toward a specific discipline while Research Masters are more general (often called Master of Management) with major choices on the same principle as Bachelor degrees.

Of course, Canadian Business Schools offer MBAs (Masters of Business Administration). These courses, numerous and recognized, attract many students.

The objective of the MBA is to develop both theoretical and professional skills in the fields of management and commerce to train experts in their fields. Different formats exist depending on the institution, such as the Full Time MBA (full-time training on campus) or the Executive MBA (training for professionals carrying out a parallel activity).

In Canada, it is not uncommon for students to continue on to the Ph.D. Within Business Schools, the PhD in Management allows students to choose their field of research (Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Finance, etc.) for which they will complete a thesis.

How does the curriculum take place once in a school in Canada?

The course within a Business School in Canada is different depending on the level of integrated studies.

Bachelor’s Degree in Canada:

The Bachelor’s degree lasts for the most part 4 years and offers the first two years a whole range of courses in various imposed fields before letting the student make his choice of course and major for the end of his training. Most of the time, the programs also allow students to participate in a university exchange with one of the establishment’s partners.

Master’s Degree in Canada:

Master’s degrees last 12 months and the course has a different orientation depending on the format chosen. The objective of a research masters is to develop real research work during the course and thus the possibility of continuing towards a Ph.D. thereafter. Some Master’s degrees in finance also offer CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) training in addition to the study program.

MBA in Canada:

MBAs in Canada have different formats to suit students’ needs and career goals. Full-time MBAs offer students many specializations but also the possibility of dual degrees (with another Master’s degree in a business or other field) or the possibility of carrying out an international university exchange within a partner Business School.

For the Executive MBAs, the training takes place in parallel with the professional activity of the student who can directly apply the skills acquired within his professional life.

The best business schools in Canada

The Canadian magazine Maclean’s publishes an annual ranking of the best universities. Regarding Business Schools, the top 5 in 2020 are as follows:

University of British Columbia (UBC)
University of Toronto
University of Alberta
York University
Western University

Program accreditations are also an excellent way to find out about the quality of the programs offered in business schools.

The AACBS (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) for example is an indicator listing the best business schools in the world.

What is the cost of studying in a business school in Canada?

Business schools are known to be expensive in Canada and university fees vary by region but also the integrated training.

A Bachelor’s degree costs between 9,000 and 22,000 CAD per year.
A Master’s degree costs between 25,000 and 45,000 CAD per year.
MBAs are the most expensive courses because full-time it can cost between 60,000 and 100,000 CAD.

Joining a Business School in Canada is a real financial investment of which you must be aware, but the diplomas obtained are highly recognized and valued in the Canadian labor market.

What is the average salary upon leaving business school in Canada?

The Payscale company (which specializes in employee compensation and its value on the job market) estimates the average salary of a BCom (Bachelor of Commerce) graduate at 60,000 CAD per year.

For MBA graduates, the average salary is 82,000 CAD per year.

Understanding Tuition Fees at Canadian Universities

According to the Institute of International Education, Canada is the fourth most popular destination in 2019 for international students. Canada gets over 100,000 additional students each year, the country does not however owe its attractiveness to moderate university registration fees.

Indeed, for undergraduate programs, you will have to shell out on average on several tens of thousands of CAD to complete a complete course in Canada And that’s not counting the ancillary costs that can represent a substantial sum.

Canadian VS international students: different registration fees

By browsing the pages of the “Tuition Fees” of Canadian universities, you will be led to see two very distinct categories: the “Canadians or Permanent Resident ” or the “International Students”.

This differentiation is much more important than you might think: it increases the majority of annual registration fees from simple to double, triple, or even quadruple depending on the university. Indeed, Canadian students or permanent residents in Canada pay much lower tuition fees than international students.

York University’s average tuition for most programs for Canadians is around 7,000 CAD. On the other hand, International students have to pay over 32,000 CAD to attend the same programs. In Queen’s University’s Commerce courses, Canadian students need to pay a little over 16,000 CAD on average. International students have to pay more than 50,000 CAD to attend the same courses.

As you can see, the annual fees for internationals can reach up to 4 times the fees for Canadians. This phenomenon has grown over the past decade, where Canadian universities are increasingly dependent on international students to generate additional revenue that will finance education on-site.

Thanks to the ever-increasing appeal of Canada, particularly among students from developing countries, universities are attracting ever more international students and therefore funding.

What are the registration fees for a Postgraduate program in Canada?

The Postgraduate cycle in Canada corresponds to the second university cycle and includes “Master’s Degree” programs in 1 to 2 years and “Ph.D.” programs for post-doctoral research.

Master’s level programs are generally the most recognized in Canadian universities and allow you to specialize in a given field. The university fees associated with them vary enormously, as we will see here.

The data in the table below correspond to the registration fees only for two “Terms” which correspond to one academic year. Canadian universities all list fees per semester and not per year, so we reported it over a full year. If the fees vary between certain programs of the same university, the information below applies to a majority.

University	Master’s Degree Registration Fees
Waterloo	$14,508
Simon Fraser	$3,894
Queen’s	$12,927
Carlton	$15,033
Victoria	$5,074

You will notice that the registration fees for the Postgraduate programs are much lower than their equivalent in the Undergraduate program.

Is it possible to reduce the registration fees for a course in Canada?

There are several solutions to cover tuition fees at Canadian universities, but they are only accessible to very specific profiles or projects.

Canadian scholarships

International students can benefit from scholarships based on merit (Scholarships), their financial conditions (Bursaries), and one or more major projects deserving strong recognition (Awards).

The possibility of working on campus (Work-Study)

University campuses offer dozens or even hundreds of opportunities to finance your studies by working on-site. The offers are accessible to everyone, directly in a dedicated space.

Select the most affordable programs

Canadian universities may have fees that vary greatly from one institution to another for the same training. If the recognition of the diploma is important, you must also choose your program according to your means.

Do Canadian universities charge ancillary fees?

The registration fees for the programs are generally not the only fees charged by Canadian universities or related to your course. In addition, there are different types of additional costs:

1. Study books: Each semester, you will need to provide yourself with the appropriate books to follow your course, and these each represents several tens of Canadian dollars per book.

Carleton University estimates the expenditure at 1200 CAD per year, while Simon Fraser University mentions almost 2350 CAD.

2. Health insurance: As an international student, health insurance is compulsory before your departure. You can choose to turn to an insurance agent in your home country or you can also take a police with local health insurance.

3. Registration fees for student associations: Each Canadian university has student associations in which you will most certainly participate. Count between 150 CAD and 250 CAD annually for registration.

4. A multitude of other costs or “Ancillary Fees”: University campuses support many other activities that are often obligatory billed to students.

If we take the example of Queen’s University, we find in particular small costs through sports activities, meals for the most disadvantaged students, psychological support, legal aid, the student life center, etc.

In 2019, Canada attracted more than 435,000 international students to its universities, up 17.5% from the previous year. This allows the country to reach third place in the world in terms of welcoming international students.

A significant proportion of these students join a course at a Canadian university through a university exchange. While being enrolled in a course in their own country, they leave for one or more semesters at a Canadian university in order to develop their profile with international experience while developing their English.

However, Canada is not the easiest destination for university exchanges. So research thoroughly before you sign up for it.

The advantages of a university exchange in Canada

Going on a university exchange in Canada has many advantages compared to enrolling directly in one of the universities. Here are the main reasons that should push you to favor a university exchange:

1. Save the cost of Canadian courses

A university exchange in Canada will only make you pay the registration fees of your establishment in your home country and not those of the Canadian university. Barring exceptions, you thus avoid the Canadian registration fees which generally amount to at least ten thousand euros.

An Undergraduate Course (First cycle) thus costs between 40,000 and 75,000 CAD, while a Postgraduate course amounts to 20,000 to 35,000 CAD on average. So you save a lot of money when compared to a full Canadian course.

2. Leave for a reduced duration in Canada

Going to study in Canada for a complete course represents at least 3 years of undergraduate university studies. A university exchange allows you to take advantage of a shorter experience of 6 months to 1 year, sometimes more suited to your expectations.

3. Benefit from simplified procedures

Educational institutions from most countries send hundreds of exchange students to Canada each year. This allows you to benefit from simplified procedures, where only a few documents are generally required from you.

The only difficulty generally lies in the choice of on-site course modules, which must correspond to the expectations of your establishment in your home country.

4. Enjoy Canadian education and Canadian student life

Whether you are an exchange student or present for several years, going to study in Canada is a unique opportunity to set foot in the Western world, improve your level of English, open doors for you internationally, and discover a completely different academic environment. This is a unique opportunity that should not be missed!

What are the general requirements for a university exchange in Canada?

Each university has its own requirements and methods for selecting students going on exchange. However, in the majority of cases, similar requirements are found:

1. A TOEFL or IELTS English exam

English exams are an international passport to access training provided in English.

Canadian universities have minimum requirements for your level of English to ensure that you are able to follow a course there. University exchange students are also subject to this requirement, and a minimum score of 90 on the TOEFL or 6.5 on the IELTS is generally required.

2. A good academic record

This requirement is generally not explicitly requested by Canadian universities but by your home institution. Why is a good academic record essential? Because Canada is hugely popular among International students and there is very stiff competition.

Thus, universities and schools must find a solution to select students obtaining one of the exchange places available to study in Canada. A good or even excellent academic record is then essential, because you are generally in competition with the best third of the students of your establishment. Canada is now one of the three favorite destinations for International students, and you quickly realize this when faced with competition for limited exchange places.

Some International institutions select students solely on file, while others set up a promotion ranking. The first in the ranking choose the exchange of their choice, and the following choose the remaining exchanges. If you are not in the top half of your school’s ranking, your chances of going as an exchange student to Canada are quite low.

3. Sufficient financial resources

As for the majority of exchanges, international students are asked to prove sufficient financial resources that will allow them to finance their studies on site without any activity or student job. This proof of resources allows Canadian universities to ensure that your financial situation will allow you to live there without difficulty throughout your course.

And that’s usually it! Compared to students wishing to enroll directly in a course in Canada, the procedures and requirements for going on a university exchange in Canada are generally very simple.