Pursuing higher education transcends borders and has become an enriching journey for Indian students. Among the plethora of global options, Canada has emerged as a beacon of opportunity for those seeking to elevate their career prospects through an MBA degree. With its exceptional education system, diverse cultural milieu, and post-study work benefits, Canada stands tall as an appealing destination for Indian students to embark on their MBA odyssey. This comprehensive guide aims to illuminate the manifold facets of pursuing an MBA in Canada. From the allure of the country to top-tier MBA programs, from admission procedures to scholarships, from acclimatizing to a new culture to reaping post-study rewards, we will traverse every aspect of this transformative journey.
Which MBA in Canada would an International student choose in 2023-24 to pursue your career goals? Here we evaluate the schools on the basis of their ranks across FT and QS rankings 2022 and discuss the specifics of applying to the top programs for MBA in Canada in 2023-24.
According to the Financial Times (FT) MBA 2022 Ranking the programs for MBA in Canada are rated as below. There are four MBA in Canada programs which have made it to the FT MBA 2022 rankings.
1. University of Toronto: Rotman School of Management MBA
Rotman MBA deadlines 2024
1. Early Round: September 5, 2023
2. Round 1: October 2, 2023
3. Round 2: January 12, 2024
4. Round 3: March 4, 2024
5. Round 4: April 29, 2024
Rotman MBA Class Profile
● Total Students: 275
● Women: 45% - 123
● Men: 55% - 152
● Age Groups Represented in Rotman MBA Class Profile:
● Average Age: 28
● Range of Age: 23-36
● Average work Ex. - 4 years
● Average Undergrad GPA - 3.6
Rank in 2022 79
Rank in 2021 75
Rank in 2020 94
Three-year average rank 83
Rotman School of Management MBA ranks 1 with an overall score of 68.6 with the constituent scores in Thought leadership as 81.5, Return on investment as 54.7, Entrepreneurship & Alumni Outcomes as 50.7, Employability as 74.3 and Diversity score as 80.6.
This program also ranks in the FT Rankings for MBA in 2022 and according to the evaluation there The Rotman MBA has secured a salary percentage increase of 84% , Salary today of USD 108,003, Career Services rank of 94 with 95% of the students employed at three months and a career progress rank of 63 according to the FT MBA 2022 ratings.
At Rotman School of Management the placements in 2020-21 constituted majorly the Financial Services sector (35.2%), followed by Consulting (16.9%) and Technology (10.1%) being the major contributors. Recruitments in CPG, retail, healthcare, real estate were marginally lesser. In terms of business functions the placements in 2020-21 were 31.1% in Accounting/ finance, 25.8% in strategy function 13.9% in marketing followed by others. Therefore Rotman MBA is clearly a good option for applicants considering these career options.
2. McGill University: Desautels MBA
Rank in 2022 90
Rank in 2021 91
Rank in 2020 91
Three-year average rank 91
Mcgill MBA Deadline
R1 - 1 November 2023
R2 - 15 January 2024
R3 - 15 March 2024
R4 - 1 May, 2024
Mcgill MBA Class Profile
Class size: 65-85
Average GMAT: 675
Average Age: 29
Countries represented: 21
Average years of work experience: 5 ½
International Students: 60%
Nationalities Represented: 30
McGill University, DeSautels MBA in Canada ranks 4 with an overall score of 59.1 with the constituent scores in Thought leadership as 65.9, Return on investment as 55.4, Entrepreneurship & Alumni Outcomes as 56.5, Employability as 58.6 and Diversity as 62.
We saw above that this program also ranks in the FT Rankings for MBA in 2022 and according to the evaluation there The McGill MBA has secured a salary percentage increase of 89% , Salary today of USD 99,002, Career Services rank of 90 with 91% of the students employed at three months and a career progress rank of 87 according to the FT MBA 2022 ratings.
3. Western University: Ivey MBA
Rank in 2022 92
Rank in 2021 97
Rank in 2020 87
Three-year average rank 92
IVEY MBA Deadline
R1 - 10 July 2023
R2 - 18 September 2023
R3 - 6 November 2023
R4 - 8 January, 2024
IVEY MBA Class Profile
● Total students in Class: 168
● Average Age at Entry: 28.5
● Age Range: 24-35
● Average Years of Work Experience 5.5
● GMAT Range in the IVEY MBA class profile: 520-780
● Women in the IVEY MBA class profile: 37.50%
● International students in the IVEY MBA class profile: 44%
IVEY MBA ranks 3 with an overall score of 59.5 with the constituent scores in Thought leadership as 59.6, Return on investment as 42.9, Entrepreneurship & Alumni Outcomes as 57.8, Employability as 67.1 and Diversity as 64.3.
We saw above that the IVEY MBA also ranks in the FT Rankings for MBA in 2022 and according to the evaluation there the Ivey MBA has secured a salary percentage increase of 69% , Salary today of USD 114,457, Career Services rank of 79 with 94% of the students employed at three months and a career progress rank of 65 according to the FT MBA 2022 ratings.
According to the school's latest placement reports the pre MBA industries of employment for the incoming class of Ivey MBA 2021 have been majorly financial services and consulting at approx 22% - 25%, followed by CPG, Energy and Technology at 7% and engineering, healthcare, marketing etc at around 4%.
In terms of placements according to the IVEY MBA placement report for the class of 2021 the post MBA the industries which majored are consulting (30%) Financial Services (29%), technology (12%) followed by CPG, food services, manufacturing etc.
Considering the functions recruited for at Ivey MBA 2021 26% was consulting in management or strategy, 16% in leadership development programs, 5% in business development , internal corporate strategy, 4% operations, financial advisory consulting, investment banking, product management etc.
59% of the recruitment was driven by the school provided resources or avenues while 34% of the recruitment was driven by the student efforts according to IVEY MBA class of 2021 official placement reports.
4. Queen's University: Smith MBA
Rank in 2022 99
Rank in 2021 100
Rank in 2020 NA
Three-year average rank NA
Queens University, Smith MBA ranks 2 with an overall score of 60.2 with the constituent scores in Thought leadership as 47, Return on investment as 57.4, Entrepreneurship & Alumni Outcomes as 42.9, Employability as 70.9 and Diversity as 68.6.
Queens University, Smith MBA in Canada also ranks in the FT Rankings for MBA in 2022 and according to the evaluation there the Smith MBA has secured a salary percentage increase of 79% , Salary today of USD 103,126, Career Services rank of 64 with 98% of the students employed at three months and a career progress rank of 89 according to the FT MBA 2022 ratings.
5. York University Schulich MBA
Schulich MBA Application Deadline
1. January 2024 Intake: R3 - 14 September, 2023, R4- 12 November 2023
2. September 2024 Intake:
R1 - October 4, 2023
R2 - January 17, 2024
R3 - April 17, 2024
R4 - June 19, 2024
Schulich MBA Class Profile
Average Age 32
Average Years of Work Experience 5
Average GMAT 640
GMAT Range 550-770
Average GPA 6.44
Graduating Class Size 402
Male Students* 62%
Female Students* 38%
6. UBC Sauder MBA
Ranks 6 with an overall score of 57.9 with the constituent scores in Thought leadership as 64.3, Return on investment as 57.7, Entrepreneurship & Alumni Outcomes as 51.7, Employability as 54.9 and Diversity as 70
UBC Sauder MBA Deadline
1 September, 2023
17 October, 2023
9 January, 2024
12 march, 2024
UBC Sauder MBA Class Profile
Class Size - 103
Average years of work experience - 6
Candidates with international work experience - 52%
Average age - 30
7. Alberta MBA
Ranks 7 with an overall score of 51.8 with the constituent scores in Thought leadership as 59.1, Return on investment as 50, Entrepreneurship & Alumni Outcomes as 39.6, Employability as 52.8 and Diversity as 59.1.
Alberta MBA Deadline
January 2024 Intake - November 1, 2023
Sep 2024 Intake - March 1, 2024
Alberta MBA Class Profile
Total number of students across all MBA programs: 500
Average Age: 29 Years
Women: 35%
Countries Represented: 14
Average Work Experience: 6 Years
Average Undergrad GPA: 3.35
Average GMAT: 630
8. Concordia, John Molson MBA
Ranks 8 with an overall score of 49.3 with the constituent scores in Thought leadership as 44.3, Return on investment as 59.3, Entrepreneurship & Alumni Outcomes as 38.7, Employability as 48.1 and Diversity as 57.9
9. Hec Montreal MBA
Ranks 9th with an overall score of 46 with the constituent scores in Thought leadership as 57, Return on investment as 36.7, Entrepreneurship & Alumni Outcomes as 37.6, Employability as 46.5 and Diversity as 59.
10. Dalhousie (Rowe) MBA
Ranks 10th with an overall score of 44.5 with the constituent scores in Thought leadership as 43, Return on investment as 59.6, Entrepreneurship & Alumni Outcomes as 39.1, Employability as 35.4 and Diversity as 61.3.
Considering the rankings from another point of view or perhaps the most important point of view for an applicant being the "Employability", the top programs for MBA in Canada for 2022-23 can be rated as follows as per the scores achieved in the QS Global MBA Rankings Canada 2022:
Rank 1 - Rotman School of Management with an employability score of 74.3
Rank 2 - Queens Smith School of Business with an Employability score of 70.9
Rank 3 - Western University IVEY MBA with an Employability score of 67.1
Rank 4 - Mc Gill Desautels MBA with an Employability score of 55.6
Rank 5 - York University Schulich MBA has an employability score of 55.6
Rank 6 - UBC Sauder MBA has an employability score of 54.9
Rank 7 - Alberta School of Business with an employability score of 52.8
Rank 8 - Concordia University, John Molson MBA with an employability score of 48.1
Rank 9 - HEC Montreal MBA has an employability score of 48.1
Rank 10 - McMaster University DeGroote MBA has an employability score of 43.2
Top 10 MBA in Canada programs as per QS Global MBA Rankings: Canada 2022 are as below. It is interesting to note here how the QS Global MBA rankings 2022 have been evaluated. Criteria such as Employability has the largest weightage of 40%, next comes return on investment which amounts to 20% followed by Entrepreneurship and alumni outcomes & Thought leadership each constituting 15% to the ratings and finally Class & Faculty diversity accounts for 10%.
Share your profile to discuss as to which is the MBA in Canada suited for your goals.
FAQs
How much does MBA cost in Canada for Indian Students?
The average cost for MBA in Canada for Indian students is 40 lakhs. If you are taking admission to a tier-1 college, it will cost around 50-70 lakhs, and tier-2 colleges cost around 35 lakhs.
Is it good to do MBA from Canada for Indian students?
Candidates with an MBA degree from Canada are likely to earn 84,900 to 141,400 CAD per year. Canada has great business schools with the world’s best faculties.
Is MBA Canada difficult?
The admission process is highly competitive. Secure more than the minimum requirements and focus on the interview process.
Is GMAT compulsory for MBA in Canada?
Some colleges have compulsory rules for submitting GMAT scores. However, some colleges do have GMAT exemption rules, but they have other requirements to fulfil instead.
Secure your spot at a top MBA program. Partner with GOALisB for expert admissions consulting.
Global MBA Resource Guide: Choose the Right MBA Pathway for Your Career
Embarking on an MBA journey requires a clear vision of your career path and program preferences. This guide categorizes resources by region, providing insights into top programs, application tips, and specialized guidance for making informed choices.
1. Key Resources for MBA Admissions
Start here to understand the essential elements of applying for an MBA abroad, with expert insights on preparing for the application journey:
2. MBA Programs in Australia
Australia is known for its high-quality education, strong connections to the Asia-Pacific market, and vibrant international student community:
3. MBA Programs in Canada
Canada’s stable economy, quality of life, and work visa options make it a favored choice for international MBA applicants. Dive into the details of leading Canadian programs:
Broader Canadian MBA resources:
4. MBA Programs in Europe
Europe offers diverse MBA programs, often structured in a one-year format, appealing to those seeking a rapid and culturally enriching MBA experience:
5. MBA Programs in Germany
Germany’s reputation for engineering and manufacturing excellence extends to MBA programs, especially for those pursuing careers in these sectors:
6. MBA Programs in Singapore
Singapore’s strategic position as a business hub in Asia makes it an attractive destination for MBA candidates with a regional focus:
Comparative guide:
MBA in Canada vs. MBA in Singapore
7. MBA Programs in the United States
As the home of the MBA, the U.S. offers unparalleled program variety, networks, and access to global business giants. Here’s a look at some top U.S. programs:
Additional U.S. MBA resources:
8. Additional Resources for MBA Applications
Beyond selecting a program, these specialized resources will help refine your MBA application strategy:
Further reading: