mba admissions in canada
mba admissions in canada
MBA admissions in Canada are just like the ones that happen in the USA.
Just like in the USA, MBA admissions in Canada are very competitive. Applicants need to have a strong academic background, excellent GMAT scores, relevant work experience, and a clear career goal.
The top business schools in Canada are looking for students who will make a meaningful contribution to their programme both during their studies and after graduation. The quality of an MBA class is not only measured by the academic credentials but also depends on the diversity of perspectives that students can bring to the classroom.
The GMAT is still used for admissions to MBA programs in both Canada and the USA
For most MBA programs you will need to take the GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test. It is a standardized test that evaluates your aptitude in math, reading comprehension and writing skills.
The GMAT is required for admission to both Canadian and American MBA programs. Most business schools accept GMAT scores as part of the application process. They do not accept GRE scores. If you have already taken the GRE, you will have to take the GMAT for admission to business school.
Here are some of the top Business schools in Canada that require a GMAT score:
- Queen’s University Smith School of Business
- Ivey Business School at Western University (formerly University of Western Ontario)
- Schulich School of Business at York University
You can look up other business schools in Canada on this list from Maclean’s magazine: https://www.macleans.ca/education/universities/rankings/. If a school does not require a GMAT score then it probably does not offer an MBA program.
Depending on what time of year you plan to apply for an MBA program, you should begin preparing for the GMAT about 6 months before your application deadline date. Most people who prepare for about 5 months end up with a higher score than those who prepare for only one month or less than one month .
Top MBA programs in Canada do not accept GMAT scores below 600.
The Graduate Management Admission Test or GMAT is the most widely used standardized test of business school applicants. It is used by top business schools all over the world, including Canada.
You should take the GMAT no later than December of the year you apply so there is enough time to retake it if necessary. If you are applying to Canadian schools in January, you should have taken it by October of the previous year.
MBA programs in Canada do not accept GMAT scores below 600 and they average GMAT scores range from 600-640. Top MBA programs in Canada do not accept a score below 600, which puts them above Harvard Business School who has an average score of 590 for their incoming classes.
You will be competing with thousands of international students for a shot at studying in Canada.
You will be competing with thousands of international students for a shot at studying in Canada.
Why are so many international students competing to study in Canada? Here are some of the reasons they cited:
- According to a survey conducted by AIC Education, 70% of participants said they wanted to study abroad because “they felt that an MBA from an overseas university would give them better job opportunities.” (Tulsian, J. “International MBA Programs Get Top Billing in India.” OneMBA, 9 Jan. 2019.)
- Another 40% felt that studying for an MBA at a Canadian university would “[increase] their chances of getting higher pay…by around 25-30 percent.” (Ibid.)
For the most part, schools expect applicants to have GMAT scores between 600 and 750; the lower end of this range is more common among those with undergraduate degrees in non-business programs while those who have been working as professionals typically need to score within the 600–700 range.
You can study an MBA in Canada without first having to complete a four-year undergraduate degree.
You can study an MBA in Canada without first having to complete a four-year undergraduate degree. Students with a college diploma, a four-year bachelor’s degree, or a master’s degree may all be eligible for admission to an MBA program in Canada.
We help students follow all steps of the application process to ensure they’re ready to apply to an MBA program in Canada.
When you work with our MBA admissions consultants, we’ll help you follow all steps of the application process to ensure you are ready to apply. Here are some things we may advise you to do:
- Complete the required GMAT or GRE tests and submit your scores.
- Fill out all necessary forms and submit your application.
- Apply to multiple schools so that you can be sure to get into one. If this is your goal, it’s important that you follow up on your applications as well!
Should you earn an MBA in Canada?
Anyone who is considering studying in Canada has a lot to consider. There’s the question of application documents, the choice of program and school, the type of funding you will need for your degree, and so on. There is also the question of whether or not it makes sense for you to study in Canada at all—do you want to work in Canada after graduating? Are there schools that offer programs similar to those offered in Canada within your country?
The first decision point is whether you want to work in Canada after completing your MBA. If so, there are two considerations:
- Do you currently live in the United States? If yes, then congratulations! You can study and work up to three years (as long as your program is at least eight months) without requiring a Canadian work permit. If no, then you will need a Canadian work permit if you are looking to stay and work in Canada after graduation.
- Where do you want to live? The majority of business schools are located either on the east or west coast; however there are some that call Ontario home. Before choosing an MBA program solely based on location, ensure that it’s an area where would like to spend two years living before beginning your career post-MBA.