Below is a generic requirement as well as tips for applying for an MBA program in Canada. To get specific information about a particular school please see the list at the bottom of the page.
Basic Requirements and Tips
· Completion
of any 4 year bachelor degree Or completion of a 4year degree in bachelor of Business Administration or Bachelor of Commerce
· GMAT
or GRE required by most schools.
· English
Proficiency test required if language of study is not English
· Letters
of Recommendation (Reference Letter)
· A Statement of Interest
· A
B-average (73% or CGPA 3.0/4.0 or second class upper division) and above in the
final 2 years of university study
· Work
Experience – two years and above
· An
interview after submitting application
· Degree
and Transcripts should be in original language of study with translation or
interpretation attached.
· Most
applications are completed on the school’s website.
· Some
schools have an online MBA option.
· Some
schools customize your MBA program to meet your flexibility. For example,
part-time, full time and accelerated programs.
· Meeting
all the requirement does not a guarantee a spot. Admission is highly
competitive with most applicants exceeding the requirement expectation. For
example, 5–10years work experience, high GMAT/GRE scores, excellent career
achievements, etc.
· Due
to the competitive nature, it is recommended that you work with two or more
schools for admission success.
· Settling
back into school after years of working can be a little challenging. Make lots
of friends and get mentor-ship from experienced students. Once you build your
new routine, you will settle in good.
· You
may find that you have more free time than you would typically do at work. For
example, 8 am – 4 pm work hours versus a 2 hour lecture. Use your time wisely
and prioritize what matters you the most.
Bachelor
Degree Requirement and Transcripts
Some MBA
programs may accept low university grades provided the candidate has many years of work experience, career achievements and a very high GMAT or GRE
score.
The
candidate must show proof of graduation i.e. certificates, degree, letter from
department of study, etc.
Although
the minimum average is 73%, selected candidates typically sit higher than 73%.
Your
transcripts should reflect High School (secondary school) and
University study.
Some schools
make exceptions for candidates with a 3-year degree.
Certain
schools have an MBA program with limited spots for foreign students. Make sure
to apply early to secure a spot.
GMAT/GRE
Most applications are not considered without a GMAT or GRE score.
Look for
your institution code on the school’s website to send your result.
Accepted
GMAT score sits at 550 and above while GRE is the 50th percentile
and above. The higher your score the greater your chances of admission.
English
Proficiency Test
You will
need English Proficiency Test if the primary language of instruction at your
school is not English.
Make
arrangements with your testing institution to send your English Test results
directly to the institution you are applying to.
See below
for English Test agencies. Make sure to check with your school first to confirm
which test is accepted for MBA admission.
Minimum
requirements
TOEFL: 600
paper based; 100 internet based
IELTS: 7.0
with 5.5 on each band
PTE: 68
CAEL:
minimum 60 in each subtest
MELAB:
minimum of 85
Letters
of Recommendation (Reference Letter)
Some
schools require two letters of recommendation while others specify three
letters of recommendation.
It is
typical for the school to request that the letters be written by an academic referee and a work supervisor. i.e. one letter from academic referee and one
letter from work supervisor Or one letter from academic referee and two letters
from work supervisors.
The candidate’s
academic, managerial, communication as well as administrative performance will
be evaluated when the letter is received. The reference letter should focus on
your work ethic, your strength as well as character.
Candidates
with excellent career achievements and work experience are highly considered.
Don’t
forget to include your supervisor’s contact information.
Statement
of Interest or Intent
Keep it
concise and 1 - 2 pages if you can.
You should
describe your uniqueness – academic, managerial, communication, administrative,
leadership, maturity, ambition, motivation, etc.
Your focus;
· Why
you chose the program?
· Describe
your short and long term goals
· How
the strength of the program lines up with your vision
· What
will you contribute to the program?
· What
are you are looking to gain at the end of the program?
· How
does the program fit in with your career goal?
· Do
you enjoy working with others or individually?
Work
Experience – Resume/CV Details
Resume
should reflect;
·Professional,
managerial, technical work experience
·Time
lines
·Full
time continuous work /part time work
·Employment
duties
·Education
·Volunteer
experience
·Promotions/accomplishments
·Extracurricular
activities and hobbies
·Where
you have the most exposure
·Level
of responsibility and specific duties
The
candidate will bring leadership, accountability, people skills, and self-discipline
as well as project management skills to the learning environment.
Typically
two years of work experience is the minimum required but most candidates possess
more than two years of work experience.
Very few
schools require no work experience.
Admission
Interviews
One or more interviews will be conducted in person or virtually using technology like Skype.
I would take it as a professional job interview. Look your best and go in prepared.
List of
schools with MBA program
The following link should take you directly to the particular MBA program website of your school of choice.
