MBA programme for international students

Canada has slowly and gradually emerged as an ultimate destination for international students. Around a lakh students visit the country to study from India every year. It offers education, diverse cultural experiences, and career opportunities, closely following the USA as a preferred study abroad location.

International graduates in Canada have excellent job opportunities as universities boast links to more than 5,000 global collaboration agreements. Canadian business programmes have recently gained importance, making Canada one of the top three countries in the world for obtaining an MBA. More than 40 institutions and colleges currently offer the degree.

An MBA degree from a Canadian business school can be an excellent investment for those seeking to advance their careers. While tuition fees for these programs range from around C$30,435 to C$31,856, it's necessary to keep in mind that other expenses like housing, books, and supplies can add to the overall cost. These costs will vary depending on the location and the specific program. However, the investment may pay off in the long run, as many MBA graduates in Canada receive job offers within three months of graduation and have an average starting salary of C$51,946. It's not surprising that Canada is a popular destination for MBA students, given its high-quality programs and strong job prospects. According to the 2023 Times university rankings, the top 5 universities in Canada for an MBA are:

University of Toronto- Rotman School of Management

The University of Toronto consistently ranks as one of the top universities for MBA studies in Canada and worldwide. Located in the heart of Toronto, the University of Toronto offers a dynamic and ingenious learning environment for aspiring business leaders.

The Rotman School gives students a well-rounded education in business, focusing on problem-solving, critical thinking, and leadership skills. In addition to its strong academic program, the university is known for its diverse and engaged community of students, faculty, and alumni. Its global perspective attracts students from around the world.

The requirements to enrol in a full-time MBA program at the University of Toronto as an international student,

l A minimum GPA of 3.0

l Requires a minimum score of 550 in GRE/GMAT

l Two years of experience are required.

l IELTS score of 7.0 & TOEFL iBT score of 100 overall

The University of British Columbia- Sauder School of Business

The University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business is well-regarded internationally. The school offers a range of MBA programs, including a full-time MBA, an executive MBA, and an MBA in entrepreneurship. These programs are highly regarded and have a strong reputation for producing successful business leaders.

In addition to its MBA programs, UBC Sauder is known for its research and teaching in sustainability and entrepreneurship. UBC is an excellent choice for those seeking a top-ranked MBA program in Canada.

To be eligible to join the Sauder School of Business as an international student, one may be required to meet specific criteria. These could include:

l A minimum 65%/B+ average

l Requires a minimum score of 550 GMAT & 310 on the GRE

l Two years of experience is required.

l IELTS score of 7.0 & TOEFL iBT score of 100 overall

McGill University- Desautels Faculty of Management

The Desautels Faculty of Management at McGill University is in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It is a top international business school known for its academic programs and reputation for excellence. The program provides students with a comprehensive and practical education in business and management, focusing on real-world applications.

The curriculum offers an integrated, interdisciplinary model that combines research, practice, and teaching. Desautels's faculty comprises highly qualified and experienced professors who are experts in their fields. The university includes roughly 40,000 students, 24% of whom come from over 150 countries.

Criteria for acceptance into the university's full-time MBA program for international students:

l A minimum GPA of 3.0

l Two years of experience are required.

l IELTS score of 7.0 & TOEFL iBT score of 100 overall

McMaster University-DeGroote School of Business

McMaster University, known as the hotbed of discovery and innovation, is located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The university's DeGroote School of Business's mission is to foster interdisciplinary thinking and evidence-based management to transform business and society. Its vision is to be globally recognised as a leader in research, teaching, and community-building, particularly in healthcare management and digital transformation management.

The university values bold, interdisciplinary thinking and the creation and application of evidence-based knowledge. It is dedicated to cultivating human potential and is known for its ground-breaking approaches to teaching and learning and its world-class, interdisciplinary research.

Conditions for admission to the full-time MBA program at McMaster University:

l Recommended B average (equivalent to a McMaster 8.0 GPA out of 12) or higher

l One year of experience is required.

l IELTS score of 7.0 & TOEFL iBT score of 100 overall

University of Montreal-HEC Montreal

HEC Montreal is part of the Université de Montréal, one of the largest university complexes in North America and is known for its robust research programs. The business school is known for its multilingual and multicultural environment and world-class professors, who help incubate talent and accelerate ambitions.

HEC Montreal is triple-accredited by AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS and consistently appears in rankings such as Forbes, Times Higher Education, Canadian Business, Poets and Quants. It has a long list of illustrious graduates, including Nobel Prize winners and international leaders. It is in Montreal's vibrant, multicultural city, known for its cultural vitality, safety, and low cost of living. Factors considered when evaluating applications from international students for the full-time MBA program at HEC Montreal:

l A minimum GPA of 3.0

l Requires a minimum score of 570 in GRE/GMAT

l Three years of experience is required.

l IELTS score of 5.0 & TOEFL iBT score of 72 overall

Conclusion

In summary, pursuing a Master's in Business Administration at a top university in Canada can provide high-quality education, valuable networking opportunities, and the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today's competitive business environment. With their strong acceptance rates and competitive GMAT scores, these top 5 business schools in Canada are excellent choices for those looking to take their careers to the next level.

(The author is the Director - ESS Global)