Since MBA is a big stepping stone for advancing your career, pursuing your MBA from an international B-school of repute is surely worthwhile.
Canada is one of the top choices for MBA applicants worldwide. Next only to the USA, it is the second most sought-after destination among Indian applicants looking to study abroad. Apart from a highly competitive curriculum, most top business schools in Canada provide you access to world-class infrastructure and an opportunity to learn from acclaimed faculty.
You can also get numerous networking opportunities and internships at top companies to gain hands-on learning experience. Besides, students can access friendly visa opportunities to work and permanently reside in the country after completing their MBA from Canada.
With so many advantages, it is not surprising that countless applicants head to Canada every year for an MBA education. Naturally, the competition is intense among MBA aspirants to secure a seat in an MBA program in Canada. As a result, you’re supposed to have a good application profile with a strong GMAT score.
However, many B-schools allow pursuing MBA in Canada without GMAT for international students. Let us delve deeper to find out the details.
Is GMAT Compulsory for MBA in Canada?
As a general rule, MBA applicants must submit GMAT scores for admission to most Canadian B-schools. However, some Canadian Universities and B-schools allow admission to their MBA program without the GMAT score. You can pursue either an executive MBA where previous work experience is a pre-requisite or an MBA without GMAT and work experience in Canada from these B-schools.
Following are some reputed B-schools that offer MBA without GMAT in Canada.
- Thompson Rivers University
- DeGroote Business School, McMaster University
- Lakehead University’s Faculty of Business Administration
- Queen’s University’s Smith School of Business
Please check the concerned B-school’s official website to know the GMAT waiver’s conditions. However, you should note that some global companies may ask for GMAT scores during recruitment. So, it is advisable to secure a valid GMAT score at later stages even if you secured admission without a GMAT.
Requirements for MBA in Canada Without GMAT for International Students
Each Canadian University may have different eligibility criteria for an MBA without GMAT. However, the following are some common requirements for MBA in Canada without GMAT for international students.
1. Good GPA in Bachelors
If you plan to enter any of the good universities in Canada for MBA without GMAT, you should aim for a good GPA in Bachelors. A GPA score of at least 3.5 or more can significantly boost your admission chances. Apart from a good GPA, a strong academic background dotted with academic achievements and awards is desirable.
2. Strong Resume
International students applying to top universities in Canada for MBA without GMAT must build a robust resume. You can build a strong resume by adding the following points.
- Include details regarding every internship you did during your undergraduate.
- Highlight the skillsets you acquired until now.
- Describe various roles and responsibilities you undertook after your under graduation.
- Highlight both academic and professional achievements in the right places.
- Provide information regarding any community development work you undertook.
3. Work Experience
A good work experience can often add a lot of value to your resume in the absence of a GMAT score. International students seeking admission to MBA colleges in Canada without GMAT scores should have relevant professional work experience, ideally 3- 5 years.
Some B-schools can allow MBA applications with lower or even no work experience, provided that the students have strong academic accomplishments to cover for the low work experience.
4. Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose ( SoP) can be a part of the admission essays or a separate application component. It is an opportunity for applicants to demonstrate their overall thoughts behind pursuing MBA to the admission committee.
Additionally, you can state your academic and professional accomplishments and future career plans in your SoP. A well-written SoP can significantly tilt the admission committee in your favor. Therefore, pay attention while writing your SoP if you plan to apply to MBA colleges in Canada without GMAT.
5. Letter of Recommendation
A strong letter of recommendation from your previous employer can help you secure admission without meeting the GMAT requirements in Canada. Many top universities in Canada for MBA without GMAT would consider your application if you can submit 2-3 recommendation letters from globally reputed employers.
6. English Language Proficiency
International students from non-English speaking backgrounds should have a valid TOEFL/ IELTS score. This requirement is for both types of applicants- those with a GMAT score and those applying for an MBA in Canada without GMAT and work experience.
Top business schools usually ask for an IELTS score of 7 or a TOEFL score of 100.
7. CFA Exams
University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management is one of the top business schools in the world. It asks for a minimum GMAT score of 550. However, applicants who have passed CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Level III examination will get GMAT waivers.
Lazaridis School of Business & Economics of Wilfrid Laurier University also offers GMAT waivers to International applicants who passed CFA Level I examination.
Steps to Apply to MBA Colleges in Canada Without GMAT
Students applying to MBA colleges in Canada without GMAT should follow the steps given below.
1. Check Out the B-School’s Official Website
Not all Canadian B-schools offer GMAT waivers. So, check out the eligibility criteria given on the B-school’s website before moving forward. A list of such B-schools is compiled earlier in this post.
2. Apply Online
Create your online application profile and begin your application process.
3. Academic Transcripts
Upload copies of all your mark sheets and undergraduate certificates.
4. Essays
Submit essays as per the requirement of the B-school. Most B-schools ask to submit 2- 3 essays. However, check the B-school’s website to know the actual number of essays and the topics. Essay questions can cover the statement of purpose discussed earlier.
5. Letter of Recommendation
Submit letters of recommendation as discussed in the earlier section of this post
6. Admission Interview
This is the last step of the admission process, where the admission committee invites selected applicants for an admission interview. If selected, the school will notify you of your selection. You can apply for the student visa after getting confirmation about the application.
Application deadlines for admission to MBA colleges in Canada without GMAT
Following are the application deadlines followed by most Canadian business schools.
| Intakes | Programs | Application Deadlines |
| Fall (September) | All types of MBA programs | September- December |
| Winter (January) | Selective courses | January-May |
| Summer | Short-term programs | May-August |
Disclaimer: These are just estimated deadline dates. Check the B-school website (where you wish to apply) for their specific dates.
Canada has a booming economy with many global companies across various industries. Therefore, pursuing an MBA from Canada can open floodgates of opportunities for you. Since it is now possible to secure MBA admission in Canada without a GMAT score, you should grab this opportunity to begin fulfilling your Canadian MBA dreams.
FAQs related to MBA in Canada Without GMAT Score
1. What are the other business management degrees I can pursue without GMAT?
Apart from MBA, you can pursue a range of Master’s degree programs from Canadian universities. For instance, some universities and B-schools offer Masters in Business Analytics Canada without GMAT. Similarly, there’re many other useful courses that you may choose to pursue.
2. Is it worth pursuing an MBA in Canada without GMAT and work experience?
It is recommended to have a strong GMAT score and a few years of work experience before doing an MBA. However, many good colleges today offer MBA in Canada without GMAT and work experience. So, if you’re confident of your growth prospects, you can always go for it.
3. Is it costly to pursue MBA in Canada without GMAT?
The cost of doing an MBA in Canada depends on the B-school you choose, not the GMAT score. However, a good GMAT Canada can definitely help your case when you’re eyeing that scholarship. Especially if you’re looking to bag a merit-based scholarship, I would recommend that you submit your GMAT scores as well, even if you fit into the profile of someone who doesn’t need it.
