Why is Canada so enticing for international MBA students? Read up

MBA (or Master of Business Administration) is a course that requires significant future investment since it will prepare you for more than just analysing a spreadsheet or leading a team. It is a program that can open doors to a whole new world of opportunities. With Canadian MBA programs aiming to develop the necessary skills required to successfully deal with real-world business challenges, pursuing MBA from Canada can be a life-changer.

Why pursue MBA in Canada

Canada gives you more than just one reason to pursue your MBA. Some of these include:

  • Globally ranked institutions:

    As per QS MBA Rankings, Nine Canadian universities are ranked in the top 150 global universities for MBA*

  • Promising course option:

    A Canadian business degree is counted among the top 10 subjects with the highest graduate salaries

  • Flourishing financial sector:

    The financial services sector is quite strong in Canada. It grew around 11.6% in the past decade (2007-2017), indicating that MBA graduates have higher employment opportunities in the sector in Canada

  • Post-study work opportunities:

    With the Canadian government encouraging various SMEs and start-ups to build themselves, there are increased work opportunities for MBA graduates

  • Easy to settle:

    With friendly work policies, Canada is highly preferred by all international students who desire to settle with a work permit

Types of MBA in Canada

The Canadian institutions offer many types of MBA degrees to suit the needs, interests, and requirements of various international students. Some of them are listed below:

1. Full-Time MBA: It’s required to understand the diversity of the Canadian workforce and let the student successfully enter the job market as a leader. Usually, the duration of this program is one-two years where the students can choose to study full-time.

2. Part-time MBA: This MBA program is relatively for a longer duration in contrast to a full-time MBA. It’s more suitable for working professionals who plan to complete their degree while working part-time.

3. International MBA (IMBA): This brings the business insights from some of the top world-class faculty with an opportunity to work with the global industry leaders. In this, international students are exposed to global experiences via international field study, integrated curriculum, global courses, many other modes. The duration of the program is usually 20-28 months.

4. Executive MBA: It’s designed for students who plan to work while studying and want to gain practical corporate knowledge along with classroom experience. Generally, the duration of the program is 13 months and results in manifold personal and professional growth.

In addition, international students can plan for joint MBA degrees i.e., a combination of pharmacy, law, engineering with global affairs and dual degrees i.e., MBA or Joint degree or MBA/MFA/MA) in Canada.

Eligibility criteria to pursue MBA in Canada

While each institution will have their own set of entry criteria for MBA programs, here are the most common requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised institution. While most institutions ask for a 4-year bachelor’s degree, some may also accept 3-year degrees

  • Relevant work experience in any related field. Institutions prefer students with a minimum of 12 months of work experience

  • English language proficiency tests scores (such as IELTS)

  • Although, it’s not mandatory but a good GMAT score can land you in a top Canadian institution

Cost of studying MBA in Canada

To study MBA in Canada, the average tuition fee ranges between $30,000 – $40,000, which is considered affordable than other study abroad countries. Typically, completion of an MBA degree takes about two years.

Career prospects

The quality of education offered in Canada opens up multiple avenues for MBA students in respect to promising job opportunities.

  • Finance and Consulting:

    Financial services firms and consulting entities remain the major recruiters of MBA students. This is why many international students prefer to pursue MBA in Finance in Canada

  • Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs):

    These are the biggest hiring sectors of business school graduates. Graduates who undergo any specific training in the management sector and are willing to explore further learning and exposure opportunities are preferred over others

  • Technology:

    With technology sector at an all-time high, technology-based firms offer the most enticing career choices to MBA graduates

MBA graduates who successfully complete a two-year master’s program from a Canadian university are entitled to receive a three-year work permit to work in Canada and draw an indicative average salary between $88,000 - $98,000 per annum.

Every year, half a million international students choose to study in Canadian colleges or universities due to visa flexibility and internship opportunities with reputed management firms. If the opportunity of pursuing an MBA excites you then feel free to get in touch with our international education experts who are happy to guide you through.

*Sources: https://www.educanada.ca/live-work-vivre-travailler/student-life-vie-etudiant.aspx?lang=eng

https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/mba-rankings/global/2020