What are the Best Marketing Schools for International Students Studying in Canada?

All businesses rely on marketing to succeed. Whether it be through traditional advertising campaigns, digital virality or word-of-mouth, marketing is how consumers find the products and services they need to make a positive change in their lives. The ever-expanding digital landscape means that there are plenty of opportunities for international students interested in a career in marketing, with studies showing the number of Canadian marketing-related job openings has increased by over 63% in the past six months alone.

For international students looking to step into one of the fastest-growing career sectors, enrolling at one of the best marketing schools in Canada can provide the knowledge and credentials needed to succeed.

The Best Schools for Studying Marketing in Canada

University of Alberta - Alberta School of Business: Bachelor of Commerce with a Major in Marketing

The University of Alberta in Edmonton is ranked one of the top five schools in Canada. Over 9000 international students from more than 130 countries are enrolled at UofA. There are scholarships, awards and tuition guarantees available specifically for international students, helping people committed to studying at a world-class school.

The Alberta Business School has been in existence for over 100 years and offers one of the largest BComm programs in Canada. When students major in marketing, they gain their education through a mix of in-class lectures and practical experiences in a variety of environments, including opportunities for co-op learning.

University of British Columbia - Sauder School of Business: Diploma in Marketing & Sales Management

UBC is the oldest university in British Columbia, with over 18,000 international students currently enrolled. With two campuses in Vancouver and the Okanagan Valley, students can get a great education in one of the most beautiful areas of Canada. It is frequently ranked as one of the top three universities in the country.

As part of the Sauder School of Business, UBC offers a Diploma in Marketing & Sales Management. A three-year program, its part-time schedule is perfect for students looking to learn at one of the best business schools in Canada on a flexible schedule. Focusing on real-world case studies, students will leave the course with practical knowledge of the modern marketing industry. Those who complete the program will receive both the UBC Diploma in Marketing and Sales Management and the Certified Marketing Executive® professional designation from Sales & Marketing Executives International (SMEI).

Concordia University - John Molson School of Business: Bachelor of Commerce with a Major in Marketing

Formally established in 1974 in Montreal, Concordia University traces its roots back to 1896. It has been ranked the best university in Canada established in the past 50 years. There are more than 10,000 international students from 150 countries enrolled at Concordia. The university makes resources available to help international students feel welcome in the school and the city.

Students can enroll in undergraduate programs at the John Molson School of Business to earn a BComm degree with a major in marketing. Over 3-4 years, students cover all aspects of marketing through a highly customizable course schedule. Students can also join the marketing co-op program that offers the opportunity to undertake paid work terms lasting 12-16 weeks. This balances in-class learning with practical experience in real marketing environments.

Dalhousie University - Rowe School of Business: Bachelor of Commerce with a Major in Marketing Management or Marketing Logistics

Students can earn a great education and enjoy Canada’s beautiful east coast at Dalhousie University in Halifax. The top-ranked university in Atlantic Canada, Dalhousie is currently home to 4,500 international students making up nearly a quarter of the student population. The school is proud that they are a top 10 school in Canada for graduate employability.

Through the Rowe School of Business, Dalhousie offers a BComm program with two majors: Marketing Management and Marketing Logistics. Both are offered as a co-op program, allowing students to gain real experience in the marketing industry as they continue to learn in class.

University of Manitoba - Asper School of Business: Bachelor of Commerce with a Major in Marketing

The University of Manitoba is the oldest university in Western Canada, educating students at the Winnipeg campus since 1877. There are over 5,500 international students enrolled at UofM, and the school is committed to providing resources through its International Centre to help students from outside of Canada. It is home to the Asper School of Business, which is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) - recognition shared by only 5% of business schools worldwide.

UofM students can earn a BComm degree with a major in marketing. The 4-year program provides comprehensive education on all facets of marketing and also offers co-op and international study options for students to gain valuable practical experience. The school is proud to report that 91% of students who complete a marketing major are employed after graduation.

McGill University - Desautels Faculty of Management: Bachelor of Commerce with a Major in Marketing

As the oldest post-secondary school in Montreal, McGill University has been welcoming students to a beautiful city for over 200 years. Frequently ranked as one of the best universities in the country, McGill boasts a diverse student population with 41% being born outside of Canada.

Students at McGill can earn a Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) undergraduate degree with either a major or concentration in marketing through the Desautels Faculty of Management. This provides the opportunity to hone key marketing skills while also studying in other worthwhile areas. With the stated goal of balancing theoretical and practical learning, McGill helps aspiring marketers gain class-based knowledge and real-world experience.

University of Toronto - Scarborough: BBA Specializing in Management and Marketing

School For Continuing Studies: Marketing Certificate

The University of Toronto is frequently ranked in the top three universities in Canada, and one of the best in the world according to the 2023 QS World University Rankings. UofT is very popular with international students, with more than 27,000 people from 168 countries currently enrolled.

On their Scarborough campus, U of T offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a specialization in management and marketing. For students not interested in a full BBA program, there is also a Marketing Certificate Program through the UofT School For Continuing Studies. These give students the options to create the right program that meets their needs and learn comprehensive skills at a world-class learning institution.

York University - School of Administrative Studies: Bachelor of Commerce with a Major in Marketing

York University is the third largest university in Canada, educating students from its Toronto campus since 1959. York has been named as one of the top 40 schools in the world for their commitment to further the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by the 2023 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. More than 10,000 international students from 172 countries are enrolled at York. The school proclaims their commitment to helping international students adjust to their new environment through dedicated workshops and other resources.

Through the School of Administrative Studies at YorkU, students can earn a BComm degree with a major in marketing. During a 4-year undergraduate program, students complete core courses to build a strong foundation in all areas of marketing, before they can select specific courses for the final years of the program. There are also Graduate-level and certificate programs, providing flexibility options to fit the educational needs of each student.

As businesses of all types try to adapt to a constantly changing digital media landscape, it means that there are numerous opportunities for professionals who know how to market products and services. Studying at one of the best marketing schools in Canada will give students the combination of classroom knowledge and practical experience to step into the industry and find great career opportunities.

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