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Canadian universities and colleges have some of the best business programs in the world. The reputation of Canadian business schools has been elevated to such high regard that the first three schools mentioned on this list are among the top 100 business schools in the world according to QS Rankings.
Doing your MBA or a business program at any of the schools listed below will make you a highly sought-after candidate for any job opening in Canada.
The borders and gates to Canada’s post-secondary institutions officially open perennially in October. If you are interested in applying, we recommend you start the process as quickly as possible.
A pathway toward permanent residency status exists after graduating from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Here is a rundown of the best business schools in Canada that you can apply to should you be interested in starting a career in the country in the long term.
Top 7 Business Schools in Canada
While rankings vary based on the factors considered, we can confidently say that the schools listed below are amongst the very best in the world. Different higher education media publications that focus on university rankings also have different requirements for their rankings. The following is a cross-referenced list of the best business schools in Canada.
1. Ivey Business School - Western University
Widely regarded as Canada’s most prestigious business school, Ivey is ranked 87th in the world's top 100. Graduates of this business school generally have the highest yearly average salaries in Canada among business school graduates, as multiple Canadian financial institutions consider a degree from Ivey Business School to be a badge of excellence.
Established in 1922, the school established Canada’s first MBA and Ph.D. business programs. With a maximum capacity of 1,300 undergrad students, it is not hard to understand the prestige of the beautiful campus. About 30% of the classes are international students from over 30 countries.
It is an adamant school to get into, with an 8% acceptance rate. This is because the administration doesn’t only take grades into account but your extracurricular activities too. Due to this, we recommend joining a few clubs or societies as soon as possible.
2. McGill University
McGill’s business program carries significant weight. Generally ranked within the global top 100 of business schools, the average salary of their alumni three years after graduation is among the highest in Canada.
The school is in the French province of Quebec. However, despite being called the Desautels Faculty of Management, you don’t have to speak French to be accepted as a student. Most courses are offered in English, including the one or two-year full-time MBA program.
Demand for admission into one of Canada’s business schools has increased, especially for the ones that are highly ranked. As such, we recommend submitting your application to your school of choice as soon as possible to increase your chances of being accepted for study.
3. Rotman School of Management - University of Toronto
Established in 1950, the Joseph L Rotman School of Business Management is currently ranked among the top 100 business schools. A third of the school's student body is made up of international students from over 26 countries.
With a wide variety of undergrad programs and famously thorough MBA programs that require a four-year undergrad degree, you will emerge from this school equipped with the tools to become successful in the corporate world.
This business is highly competitive, and the acceptance rate falls just under 20%. Over half of the current MBA class are foreign students, so if you possess stellar academic credentials as an international student, there is a fairly significant chance that you will be accepted.
4. University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo, located in Ontario, does not have a dedicated business program. Still, it does offer unique interdisciplinary business programs that are among the most highly regarded within Canadian higher education circles. The business programs, in particular, are very popular among aspiring tech entrepreneurs, spurred on by the city of Waterloo’s growing technological innovation.
An interesting example of their differentiated interdisciplinary business programs is the Honors in Arts and Business Programs. These programs allow students to pursue double majors that make them marketable in the working world. The university also has a co-op program with over 6,900 companies, allowing students to gain invaluable work experience during and after graduation.
5. Schulich School of Business - York University
One of Canada’s most prominent up-and-coming business schools, this institution is a great place to learn the skills and techniques to guide you through the business world. The school offers exclusive admission to only 252 new enrollments every year. Therefore when you apply you need to make sure your application presents you in the best light as it concerns your educational credentials.
Schulich’s reputation as an institution for business education has risen steadily towards the top, with some publications such as The Economist, Forbes, Corporate Knights, and CNN Expansion ranking it as the best business school in Canada.
6. Smith School of Business - Queen's University
Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario is a favorite amongst the international student community. With an acceptance rate of 42% and foreign students making up 12% of the total enrolment, the highly reputable university now has a business school that is highly sought after .
While these figures may seem low, the school has approximately 24,000 students, of which close to 3,000 come from 114 foreign countries. The maximum class size is about 80 students in BCom classes, and the school offers numerous cooperative opportunities for students who want to expand their professional skills.
7. Sauder School of Business - University of British Columbia
This prestigious school in beautiful British Columbia offers undergraduate and graduate courses to approximately 4,000 students annually. The programs offered are usually described as rigorous and relevant for the business world and 23% of the school’s student body comprises international students.
Its ranks of illustrious alumni have over forty thousand international students who have all passed through the doors of the business school and have gone on to become valuable assets and members of the various business institutions that they serve.
How to Get a Canada Student Visa
The first step is to apply to a school of your choosing. Remember that hundreds more schools in Canada offer business programs. Hence, you need to make your choice after careful consideration and with the highest amount of confidence. Ensure the school you apply to has Designated Learning Institution (DLI) status from Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
It would also be most beneficial to you to choose a school that offers programs that will allow you to be eligible for a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) so that if you so choose, you can stay on and work in Canada after you graduate, and even become a permanent resident.
The following are the basic eligibility requirements for a Canadian study permit.
- Get accepted to a Designated Learning Institution
- Take a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) test
- Make sure you have a valid travel document and arrange your proof of financial support
The services of a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) will prove to be providential in guiding you through the entire process of obtaining a study permit. To expedite the process both for yourself and your RCIC, you can use the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Calculator here on our site to assess your eligibility here on our site.
The Benefits of Student Life in Canada
Get to Enjoy a Renowned Quality of Life
Be a beneficiary of Canada’s high standard of living. International students have the same rights and freedoms protecting all Canadians: having respect for human rights, equality, diversity, and a peaceful, stable society. According to the most recent U.S. News & World Report, Canada ranks third globally for quality of life.
Dynamic and High-quality Education Options
Choose from more than 8,000 colleges and 16,000 university programs as outlined in Universities Canada. 7 Canadian universities rank among the top 200 globally according to Times Higher Education.
A Diverse and Welcoming Education System
Canada is open, safe, and culturally diverse. Feel free to be at home in its communities and classrooms. Canada has 250 ethnic origins and over 200 international languages, according to Statistics Canada.
Highly Affordable
You can access scholarships and work opportunities to assist in the pursuit of your education. A lot of programs offer co-op placements and internships for hands-on work experience during the period of your studies.
Long-Term Educational Returns
Procure an excellent return on investment using the internationally recognized qualifications that you obtained in Canada. Regardless of whether or not you choose to stay in the country after completing your studies, your Canadian education and network will prepare you for the future.
Unforgettable Experiences
Canada's rich culture, social life, adventure opportunities, and four seasons await you with pleasurable experiences. Regardless of where you settled in Canada, vibrant communities and spectacular landscapes await your exploration.
FAQs
What is the Best Business School in Canada?
The best business school in Canada will be highly dependent on your criteria and subjective needs. Still, generally speaking, the Rotman School of Management, The Smith School of Business, Ivey Business School, and the Schulich School of Business are considered the best business schools among Canadian universities according to Course Compare.
What is the Most Affordable Business School in Canada?
The most affordable business school in Canada is also highly dependent on your subjective criteria and needs. However, Edwards School of Business, Memorial University of Newfoundland Business School, and the University of Victoria Business School are generally considered some of the most affordable business schools according to UniSearch.
Which Business School in Canada has the Best Employability Rate?
According to Quacquerelli Symonds, the Smith School of Business, Rotman School of Management, Ivey Business School, and Desaults Faculty of Management has the highest employability rates for their graduates.
