Best MBA programs in Canada

The Best MBA Programs in Canada

Canada is not an exception when it comes to the fact that business administration ranks as one of the top career paths for students [insert link to top fields of study in Canada article] around the world. Many international businesspeople and students come to Canada to continue their education and help advance their careers through the country’s top-notch MBA programs and access to major international hubs, including Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.

Canadian universities offer a wide range of MBA opportunities, so with so many world-class programs to choose from, where do students begin their search? This might be a good place to start: we’ve compiled a list of Canada’s best MBA programs for…

...the price

While MBAs are among the most popular degrees, they can also be the most expensive master’s programs a student can enroll in. Of course, financial aid and scholarships are often available to those who qualify, but for many, these either aren’t an option or don’t cover enough of the tuition cost to allow students to attend a given program. Luckily, schools like the University of New Brunswick offer an affordable, highly rated MBA program.

The University of New Brunswick’s (UNB) MBA program lasts just under two years, spanning 20 months in which students complete 18 courses. The unique and professional program requires students to strengthen and hone their leadership skills and ability to think critically, while providing them with the tools to make effective decisions within a dynamic and ever-changing business environment.

Students enrolling in UNB’s MBA program can choose between one of two campuses: Saint John or Fredericton. The university boasts a history dating back to 1785 and offers students a low student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1 – something many of the larger public universities in the country are unable to provide. It is also considered Canada’s most entrepreneurial university, which is of course a major advantage to students seeking a degree in business administration.

Learn more about University of New Brunswick’s MBA program here.

...the large campus student

Many students, especially when they enter into a new environment, prefer to blend in with their surroundings. Large campuses and student bodies allow those pursuing MBA degrees in Canada the chance to meet thousands of fellow students from around the world and figure out the new day-to-day life by learning the societal ebbs and flows. While many universities in Canada can offer this, one of the best is York University.

York University’s Schulich School of Business is Canada’s preeminent MBA Program according to The Economist, Forbes, CNN Expansion, and more. The program provides its students with a pivotal combination of classroom learning centered around fundamental and advanced management concepts with real world experience, including a six-month strategic consulting project where students work with real clients on real business problems and solutions.

With a student body of over 50,000 and an alumni population 5 times bigger, York University is the third largest university in Canada. A global center for research and teaching, York leads the way in discovery and innovation. Home to over 1400 researchers, its world-class students and teachers are dedicated to take on challenging topics that push boundaries, anticipating society’s changing needs.

Learn more about York University, Schulich School of Business’s MBA program here.

...the small campus student

Some students, rather than incorporate themselves into a program surrounded by thousands of other students, prefer the comfort that can come with a smaller institution. Feeling that they are a part of a more tight-knit community is more important to them than blending into the crowd or having a larger network. If this sounds like you, the University of Northern British Columbia’s (UNBC) MBA program might be for you.

The MBA Program at UNBC covers the major disciplinary areas of business, ranging from strategy and economics to organizational behavior, marketing, and operations management. Students will build a broad knowledge base and learn the skills required for roles in senior management. The program is designed to be completed in 21 months – separated into 5 semesters and located on one of two campuses.

With just over 4,000 students attending its campus in northern British Columbia, UNBC is one of Canada’s best small universities. The school provides outstanding graduate learning opportunities that explore cultures, health, economies, and the environment. One of BC’s research-intensive universities, UNBC brings the outcomes of its teaching and research to the world.

Learn more about University of Northern British Columbia, School of Business’s MBA program here.

...the name recognition

In the world of business, there is no doubt that networking is one of the most significant tools a professional can have. It can give them the edge over competition in the hiring process, introduce new opportunities, and inspire new solutions to challenges. A university with a trusted program and familiar name can be the first step to this network, and when it comes to Canada, no school is as renowned as the University of Toronto.

University of Toronto’s first-year students of Rotman School of Management’s MBA program take two core and two shorter terms, with an emphasis on developing understanding in all the functional areas of business. In their second year, MBA candidates can choose from 14 majors and more than 90 elective courses. Throughout the 20-month program, students will benefit from close proximity to and tight relationships with Toronto's financial district and professionals.

Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto has become Canada’s leading institution of learning, discovery and knowledge creation. As one of the world’s top research-intensive universities, students have the opportunity to learn from and work with preeminent thought leaders through our multidisciplinary network of teaching and research faculty, over 500,000 alumni and partners.

Learn more about University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management’s MBA program here.

...You

This part is where you come in. Weighing the pros and cons, strengths and weaknesses, focuses and emphases of different universities can be a challenging task. Be sure to consider your top priorities – whether you want to study for one year or two, what your budget looks like, and where you would like you see yourself post-graduation – before making your final decision and sending in your applications.

It’s a big decision, but whatever you choose, the breadth and quality of MBA programs in Canada provide the perfect place to begin or continue your career once you’ve completed your chosen MBA program.