Why study an MBA in Canada?

From general and executive MBAs to MBAs focusing on specific subjects – the business courses on offer in Canada give students variety, quality and a truly international learning experience.
 
Canada has traditionally been a small player in the MBA market, with most students opting to head to the brighter lights of the US. However, the recent global economic crisis has actually helped MBA study in Canada, with students attracted by the financial stability, economic prudence and relaxed immigration rules.

What international MBA programs are offered in Canada?

Studying an international MBA program in Canada will take between ten months and two years to complete and will fall in one of three categories: generalised, specialised or combined.

Generalised degrees are typically two years in length and cover the basics of business in the first year, with students choosing to concentrate in a specific area in the second.

Specialised degrees are often one year or less and give students the chance to become experts in their particular field of study. Combined degrees last up to four years and allow students to simultaneously get their degree in business and another field, for example business and architecture or business and law.

Some of the core modules you can expect to take will include areas such as marketing, accounting, management, finance, entrepreneurship, international management and leadership. These classes will give you a solid base from which to build your MBA.

Immigration and visas in Canada

Most foreign nationals will need a study permit to study an international MBA program in Canada and others may need to apply for temporary residence in Canada.

Generally people taking an MBA program in Canada that lasts less than six months will not be required to gain a student visa. Regardless of whether or not you need a permit everyone must demonstrate:
 

• Acceptance from a university or educational institution in Canada.
• Ability to pay tuition fees, living expenses and return fares to their home country.
• Satisfy health requirements.
   

You can find out more about students visas and immigration in Canada at Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s website.

What are the costs of studying for an MBA in Canada?

MBA tuition fees in Canada average out at around CDN$10,000-25,000 per year of study, depending on the business school and type of MBA you choose to study. You should expect to pay significantly more for executive level MBA programs.

Working in Canada

In order to undertake temporary work during your graduate program in Canada you will need to obtain a work permit. These are usually issues after a temporary offer of employment has been confirmed by the Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC).

To work in Quebec a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) may be needed from the Quebec government. 

Some positions although they do need a work permit, do not need confirmation from the HRSDC. You will need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada and to receive any government services.

You can apply for a SIN by submitting your application to a local Service Canada Centre after arriving in Canada. You can find the location of offices on the Service Canada website.

What to do next

If you would like more information on choosing and applying for an MBA program in the Canada, sign up to our Free Application Service. We’ll get in touch with you with information tailored to your requirements, including advice on the best business course for you.