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The Best MBA Universities in Canada

Posted 26 April 2023 MBA

A Masters in Business Administration (MBA) degree is among the most sought-after qualifications in the world. Canada has increasingly become a favourable study-abroad destination, especially for the MBA degrees that its top universities offer, and Canada's best MBA programs are known for providing high-quality education and practical experience needed to excel in the business world.

A Canadian MBA degree is recognised globally and is highly valued by employers around the world. Graduating with the latest skills and knowledge through the top-ranked MBA programs, International students also get the golden opportunity to apply for a post-study work&nbsp ;visa, allowing them to stay in the country for up to three years. The educational aspect, along with Canadian work experience, makes it much easier for people to apply for permanent residence status in the country. So, it can be said that if you want to learn from globally renowned universities, get international work experience and settle in one of the thriving economies, studying MBA can be your best option, especially if you have a business and entrepreneurial mindset.

If you want to study at the top Canadian MBA universities, book a free consultation with SI-Canada today to start your application. 

best mba canada

Top 10 MBA Degrees in Canada

1. University of Toronto (Rotman School of Management)

Among the top-ranked Canadian universities, the University of Toronto is known for imparting high-quality education. The Rotman School of Management at U of T offers a range of MBA programs, including the full-time MBA, Global Executive MBA for Healthcare and the Life Sciences, Rotman-SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA and a One-year Executive MBA.

The class options include morning and evening classes, enabling students from various professional backgrounds to take the course. The programs have been designed to give students a transformative learning experience and help them gain critical thinking and decision-making skills. Experiential learning opportunities are also incorporated into the programs, apart from opportunities to study abroad at different campuses. 

2. Western University (Ivey Business School)

The Ivey Business School at Western University develops leaders who think globally and address critical issues. The school has the following options- Full-time MBA, Accelerated MBA, MBA Direct for HBAs, and Executive MBA - and the action-oriented learning experience at the university has been designed to accelerate the success of students in the real world. Courses engage in Case-Method learning, which instils powerful decision-making skills among students that stay with them long after they have graduated. The program's curriculum is strongly focused on the practical application of the learnings, giving students the perfect opportunity to gain relevant skills. 

3. McGill University (Desautels Faculty of Management)

McGill University's Desautels Faculty of Management offers specialised courses in the business field, including the MBA, Executive MBA, and a Joint program in Management and Law. The courses are designed according to the latest skill sets needed by the job market. Students can go for flexible specialisations to personalise their degrees and gain a competitive edge. The MBA program at Desautels not only teaches the basics of all business courses but also incorporates subjects like AI, data analysis, financial technology, and design thinking, giving students a chance to stay ahead in the global business world. 

4. Queen's University (Smith School of Business)

Queen's University Smith School of Business is a top-ranking business school in Canada, offering degree programs and professional development courses. The programs deliver relevant knowledge and skills to students so that they go through the journey of personal development while pursuing their education. The school has a rich portfolio of options wherein students can go for general management courses or specialised and professional courses, or research-based programs. The Full-time MBA degree is one of the best options offered by the school, having a holistic approach towards the whole learning process. 

5. University of British Columbia (Sauder School of Business)

The University of British Columbia is the old est educational institution in the province and is among the most prestigious Canadian universities. Through the Sauder School of Business, UBC offers various options to pursue MBA. The main Master of Business Administration course at UBC Sauder is a 16-month full-time program designed for high-achieving and ambitious students who want to realise their full potential. According to Maclean's University Rankings of 2023, the MBA program is ranked #1 in the Business Programs in Canada. Students get the relevant knowledge and are given hands-on experience through internships, live case competitions and case studies. 

6. York University (Schulich School of Business)

York University is Canada's third-largest university, with over 55,000 students, and The Schulich School of Business equips its students with specialised knowledge and leadership skills to gain a competitive advantage. The Schulich MBA has been ranked #1 by The Economist, Forbes and CNN Expansion. Students get the chance to switch between full-time and part-time enrolment, and they can also accelerate their MBA to complete the degree in eight months with advanced standing. The curriculum involves classroom learning with real-world experience, allowing students to gain important skills by doing strategic consulting projects during the program. 

7. University of Alberta (Alberta School of Business)

The most prominent educational institution in the province of Alberta, U of A, has a wide range of courses in multiple disciplines. Through the Alberta School of Business, the university offers MBA degrees in varied forms, including full-time courses, part-time courses, a Fast-track MBA program, Executive MBA and Online MBA. The university has world-class faculty that equips students with the relevant skills and knowledge they need to advance in their careers. The most popular among these courses, the full-time MBA program, has been designed to cater to students who need the flexibility to study a wide range of career tracks and go for combined degrees. The course also involves the Experiential Learning aspect and a chance to have international exposure during the program. 

8. Concordia University (The John Molson School of Business)

A popular public research university located in Montreal, Concordia University is among the largest universities in Canada. The John Molson School of Business is recognised by some of the best business school rankings. It is also accredited by the Association of Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Students have the option to take up the full-time course or the part-time variation. The school has internationally renowned faculty members, many of whom are successful in the business world. Career Management Services by the university enables students to get the right guidance when looking out for jobs after graduation. 

9. University of Montréal (HEC Montréal)

A prestigious French-language public research university that is located in Montreal, the University of Montreal has a wide variety of educational programs in various fields. Through the HEC Montreal, the university offers MBA degrees in full-time and part-time variations. The full-time MBA is a one-year program that is ranked among the best globally, according to major ranking systems. Students get to broaden their management skills through courses in Strategy & Leadership and in Strategy & Sustainable Development. The university also gives an option to learn French during the program, enabling students to explore Quebec's business culture and advance their careers in the province. 

10 - Dalhousie University (Rowe School of Business)

Dalhousie University is a research-intensive university that was established in 1818. The Rowe School of Business at the university offers three MBA degrees giving students a choice in driving their career development. All the programs are delivered by award-winning faculty members. The curriculum involves relevant, practical and experiential real-world learnings that enable students to apply their knowledge and skills in their jobs after graduation. The Corporate Residency MBA program features a paid work term with a Canadian employer, giving students the perfect opportunity to gain real-life business experience. The education at Rowe School of Business allows students to have unique learning experiences and also gives them the opportunity to network with the business community. 

Study for an MBA in Canada

Begin your application to study for an MBA by arranging a free consultation with SI-Canada today.

Universities featured in this article:

  • University of Toronto
  • Western University
  • McGill University
  • Queen's University
  • University of British Columbia
  • York University
  • University of Alberta
  • Concordia University
  • University of Montreal
  • Dalhousie University
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Amanpreet KaurInternational Business Management (May 2024 intake)

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