Is there any alternative for the GMAT exam for getting MBA admission in Canada? There are some ways to study MBA in Canada without GMAT score. You can either appear for GRE exam or apply to those universities where the GMAT is optional. There are many universities in Canada where you can get admission without GMAT score if your academic performance is good.
Is it possible to pursue MBA in Canada without GMAT? This is a frequently searched question online by aspiring management students. Pursuing an MBA abroad is a smart step to move ahead in your career and Canada is one the best countries to study MBA abroad. Reputed universities, a strong economy and globally recognized degrees are just some of the reasons to choose Canadian universities for higher education.
To get admission to popular MBA programmes in Canada, students need to fulfil the admission eligibility. Getting a good GMAT score is often one of those requirements. So, is it mandatory to appear in GMAT exam? No, there are many Canadian universities that offer admission to MBA courses without a GMAT score. This article will help you to know about this. Let's check!
- MBA in Canada without GMAT: Admission Requirements
- Universities in Canada for MBA without GMAT
- Different MBA Degrees in Canada without GMAT
- MBA in Canada without GMAT and Work Experience
- Cheap MBA Programs in Canada without GMAT
- Cost of MBA in Canada without GMAT
MBA in Canada without GMAT: Admission Requirements
Given below are the admission requirements for those students who want to pursue an MBA in Canada without GMAT exam.
- IELTS or TOEFL scores
- A GPA of 3.0 or above in the bachelor’s degree
- At least 2 years of work experience
- Resume
- Two or more letters of recommendation
- GRE scores
- SOP
Let us go through the admission requirements to study MBA in Canada without GMAT in detail:
- A bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record: While the GMAT might be waived, a strong academic background is still crucial. Many universities consider a high GPA (B+ or equivalent) in the undergraduate degree as a strong indicator of aptitude. Candidates are usually expected to have completed an undergraduate degree from a recognised institution with a competitive GPA, and excellence in their core business courses is a must for an extra edge. Students are required to submit proof of an undergraduate degree in a related field, as specified by the specific university.
- Work experience: Many Canadian business schools that waive the GMAT requirement often emphasise the importance of work experience. Applicants are typically required to have a minimum number of years of relevant professional experience, which varies among institutions. Majority of the Canadian universities require at least 2 years of prior work experience. The CV of students must specify their background experience.
- TOEFL /IELTS: International students are required to submit IELTS or TOEFL scores to prove their English language proficiency. The average IELTS score for an MBA in Canadian universities is 7.
- Letter of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation play a vital role in the application process. They provide insights into an applicant's character, work ethic, and potential for success in the MBA program. Choosing recommenders who can speak to your professional achievements and aspirations is key.
- Interviews: Some institutions may conduct interviews as part of the admission process. This is a chance for the admissions committee to get to know the applicant better and assess their suitability for the program.
It is worth noting that MBA in Canada requirements do not differ much from those of the USA or the UK. Moreover, if an MBA college in Canada does not require a GMAT score, it does not mean that the quality of that college is low. Hence, students must remove this misconception from their minds that only GMAT-accepting colleges are good and that MBA programs in Canada without GMAT are low on quality as some of the top MBA colleges in Canada without GMAT provide excellent career opportunities.
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Universities in Canada for MBA without GMAT
As we have already seen that students can pursue an MBA in Canada without GMAT, it also vital to know which are the universities in Canada for MBA without GMAT. The following points provide a list of MBA colleges in Canada without GMAT:
- Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
- Thompson Rivers University (TRU)
- Vancouver Island University (VIU)
- University of Northern British Columbia
- New York Institute of Technology (NYIT)
- University Canada West (UCW)
- Smith School of Business, Queen’s University
- DeGroote Business School, McMaster University
- Schulich School of Business, York University
- Lakehead University
- Ivey Business School, Western University
- Wilfrid Laurier University, Toronto Campus
- Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary
Different MBA Degrees in Canada without GMAT
Apart from regular/full-time MBA degrees, some universities offer executive MBA in Canada without GMAT for international students. These programs are offered on both a full-time and part-time basis. Some of the MBA programs in Canada without GMAT are:
- Executive and Part-time MBA at the University of Toronto
- Executive MBA at Concordia University
- Executive MBA at McGill University
- Executive MBA at HEC Montreal
- Accelerated and Executive MBA at Ivey Business School
MBA in Canada without GMAT and Work Experience
There are some universities in Canada that offer MBA course without GMAT and require no work experience. In such a case to that university, the applicant must show academic excellence, a great GPA, and an undergraduate degree in the business field. Those students who cannot submit GMAT scores and work experience details can then submit GRE scores. For this, students need to check with the universities that are accepting GRE scores as the substitute for GMAT.
Given below is a list of the universities that do not require GMAT and work experience to study MBA in Canada.
- Thompson Rivers University
- Cape Breton University
- Vancouver Island University
- Lakehead University
- Goodman School of Business – Brock University
- Saint Mary’s University
Cheap MBA Programs in Canada without GMAT
As compared to the USA, universities in Canada that offer MBA programmes are quite affordable. Canadian universities have been ranking well in the international rankings for universities that provide MBA programmes. Since MBA is one of the most prestigious degrees, it can cost more in some Canadian universities. The table given below specifies the universities that offer MBA programs at affordable prices.
| Universities in Canada for MBA without GMAT |
Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| Thompson Rivers University |
CAD 48,064 (Total) |
| Lakehead University |
CAD 32,358 (Per Year) |
| Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) |
CAD 49,738 (Total) |
| USD 53,700 (For 45 Credits) |
Also, Read: Most affordable MBA colleges in Canada
Cost of MBA in Canada without GMAT
The cost of studying an MBA without GMAT in Canada can range from CAD 30,000 to CAD 115,000 per year depending on your MBA programme, university, and residential status. In addition to the tuition fee, students are expected to spend around CAD 19,000 per year for their living expenses in Canada. To reduce the cost of pursuing an MBA in Canada, students may apply for a scholarship and/or work part-time in Canada as international student.
Now that the students are aware of various universities and colleges that offer MBA in Canada without GMAT, they may make an informed decision after visiting the official websites and doing their own research. For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.
Yes, admission into MBA in Canada without GMAT and work experience is possible in some universities. Some of these universities are
- Thompson Rivers University
- Cape Breton University
- Brock University
- Vancouver Island University
The specific prerequisites of the programmes you are interested in should be checked, as admission requirements differ per institution. Instead of GMAT scores and work experience, some Canadian colleges may accept additional criteria, such as academic background, professional accomplishments, and personal statement.
Check the precise prerequisites of the programmes you are interested in as admission requirements for an MBA in Canada without GMAT differ per institution. However, some Canadian universities and business schools may admit students into MBA programmes without the GMAT if they meet additional requirements, such as those related to their academic background, professional accomplishments, and personal statement.
To study MBA in Canada without GMAT
- Students must have good GRE scores
- IELTS or TOEFL scores
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Minimum 2 years of work experience
- Two or more letters of recommendation
- Resume
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GMAT score is a part of admission requirement to study MBA in Canada, but there are many universities in Canada where GMAT score is optional. These universities offer MBA in Canada without GMAT. Universities that provide admission into MBA course without GMAT are
Other than this, there are some other universities. The specific prerequisites of the programmes you are interested in should be checked, as admission requirements differ per institution. You can also enrol in a top MBA programme in Canada with a strong academic record and well-written admissions materials (SOP, LOR, etc.)