Choosing Canada for your MBA program is a choice I can confirm to you is a great one. For years now, the country has been a darling destination for international students.
This is because of Canada’s friendly environment, high-quality education, and, of course, the chances to work after graduation, which the country is known for.
In Canada, there are many MBA schools. These schools are universities or business schools that offer the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
The best ones among them are:
Best MBA schools in Canada
Each of the schools is open to international students.
1. Rotman School of Management – University of Toronto
This is one of the top business schools in Canada. It is located in Toronto, which is Canada’s largest business city.
- Why choose Rotman? It focuses on leadership and problem-solving.
- How long? 2 years.
- Special feature: You can join business internships and meet big companies.
2. Ivey Business School – Western University
This school is famous for using real-life business cases to teach students.
It’s based in London, Ontario.
- Why choose Ivey? You learn by solving real problems, not just reading books.
- How long? 1 year (fast-track MBA).
- Special feature: High job placement rate.
3. Desautels Faculty of Management – McGill University
Located in Montreal, this MBA school is part of one of the most respected universities in Canada.
- Why choose Desautels? It’s highly international and known for research.
- How long? 1 or 2 years.
- Special feature: You can take international study trips.
4. Schulich School of Business – York University
This school is in Toronto and is known for global learning.
- Why choose Schulich? It has flexible study options and international campuses.
- How long? 16–20 months.
- Special feature: You can specialise in areas like finance, marketing, or healthcare.
5. Sauder School of Business – University of British Columbia (UBC)
Located in Vancouver, Sauder is another top choice for MBA students in Canada.
- Why choose Sauder? Vancouver is a tech and startup hub.
- How long? 16 months.
6. HEC Montréal
This is a French-language business school in Montreal, but some MBA programs are also in English.
- Why choose HEC? It’s known for affordability and strong academic results.
- How long? 1 year.
- Special feature: Ideal for students interested in bilingual education.
7. Alberta School of Business – University of Alberta
Located in Edmonton, this school is well-respected in Canada and focuses on leadership and innovation.
- Why choose Alberta? They have many scholarships for international students.
- How long? 20 months.
- Special feature: Close partnerships with oil, gas, and energy companies.
8. Smith School of Business – Queen’s University
Based in Kingston, Ontario, this school is known for its small class sizes and teamwork.
- Why choose Smith? They are known for their strong alumni network and team-based learning.
- How long? 1 year.
- Special feature: Offers coaching and leadership development.
9. DeGroote School of Business – McMaster University
Located in Hamilton, Ontario, this MBA program is designed to balance business knowledge and leadership.
- Why choose DeGroote? It has both full-time and part-time options.
- How long? 16–28 months.
- Special feature: It s great for students who want to combine work and school.
10. Goodman School of Business – Brock University
This is a smaller business school in St. Catharines, Ontario, known for its student-focused environment.
- Why choose Goodman? Affordable tuition and strong job placement.
- How long? 2 years.
- Special feature: You can choose a co-op MBA (work while you study).
11. John Molson School of Business – Concordia University (Montreal, Quebec)
The John Molson School of Business is one of Canada’s top-rated business schools and is located in Montreal, a city rated for its affordability.
Their MBA program focuses on hands-on learning, leadership, and sustainable business practices.
- Program duration: 16 to 24 months (flexible full-time or part-time options)
- Language: English
- Notable features:
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- Strong co-op opportunities (work placements while studying)
- High return on investment and affordable tuition
- They have a case competition program where students solve real business problems
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Who It’s Good For: It is great for students who are looking for a program with real-world projects and a strong international student support system.
Here is their website: https://www.concordia.ca/jmsb/programs/graduate/mba.html
12. Telfer School of Management – University of Ottawa (Ottawa, Ontario)
Located in the capital city of Canada, through the Telfer MBA, you will gain access to global industries and government sectors.
It’s one of the few schools in the world with triple accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS).
- Program Duration: 1 year (Intensive MBA) or 2 years (Professional MBA)
- Language: English (some French options available)
- Who It’s Good For: This school is for students interested in business, public service, or international trade.
Check their website: https://telfer.uottawa.ca/en/mba/
13. Edwards School of Business – University of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan)
The Edwards MBA is a personalised, smaller program with high faculty-student interaction.
It is located in Saskatoon, a place known for its low cost of living and a welcoming community for international students.
- Program Duration: 12 months (full-time), up to 36 months (part-time)
- Language: English
- Notable Features:
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- Affordable tuition and living costs
- Option to study part-time while working
- The program emphasises management, communication, and business ethics
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- Who It’s Good For: It is good for students who are looking for an affordable, supportive, and smaller university setting.
Check their website here: https://grad.usask.ca/programs/edwards-master-of-business-administration.php
14. Vancouver Island University (VIU) – Faculty of Management (Nanaimo, British Columbia)
VIU has a two-year MBA program that includes a 4-month paid internship.
This allows you to gain work experience while studying.
It’s one of the most affordable MBAs in Canada.
- Program Duration: 20 to 24 months
- Language: English
- Notable Features:
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- Includes a Business Project or internship at the end of the program
- Unique dual degree option: You also get a Master of Science in International Management from the University of Hertfordshire (UK)
- Small class sizes and a scenic campus
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- Who it’s good for: This is for students who want an international experience and strong job preparation.
See their website: https://management.viu.ca/master-business-administration
University of Manitoba – Asper School of Business (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
The Asper MBA is one of the most flexible MBA programs in Canada.
You can customise your MBA by choosing from 9 different focus areas, including marketing, finance, and supply chain management.
- Program Duration: 1–2 years, depending on course load
- Language: English
- Notable Features:
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- Excellent scholarship opportunities
- Co-op work placements and career development workshops
- Great program for those looking to build business careers in Canada’s prairie provinces
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Who it’s good for: Students who are looking for affordability, flexibility, and career support.
Here’s their website: https://umanitoba.ca/asper/programs-of-study/mba
Why choose Canada for your MBA?
International students choose Canada for reasons like:
- High-quality education – Canadian universities are respected all over the world.
- Post-Graduation Work Opportunities – After completing your MBA, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- Immigration pathways – Many international graduates become permanent residents through Express Entry or provincial nomination programs.
- Diverse culture – You’ll study with people from all around the world.
- The country is more affordable compared to the U.S. or the UK. – In Canada, tuition fees are often lower, and the country has a reasonable cost of living.
Conclusion
Canada has some of the best MBA schools in the world, and each school has its own style and strengths, so choose the one that matches your goals, your budget, and your dream career path.
Whether you want to finish fast or study while you work, there’s a school with a program that fits your plan.