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MBA in Canada without GMAT: Fees , Top Colleges & Admission Requirements

MG
Manu Garg • 8 Mins read • 2 Aug 25
MBA in Canada without GMATMBA in Canada without GMAT

Wondering about pursuing an MBA in Canada without GMAT? Canada hosts some top MBA colleges in the world, offering quality education as well as global career opportunities. To get admission to an MBA in Canada, a high GMAT score is often required. So, is it mandatory to participate in the GMAT exam? The answer is NO!

Top Universities in Canada, including Queen's University, York University, and Lakehead University, have waived the GMAT requirement. This move now attracts several students thinking of pursuing studying Masters in Canada. Continue reading this article as this will navigate you through the MBA in Canada without GMAT, top universities, fees, salaries, admission requirements, etc.


MBA in Canada Without GMAT: Quick Highlights

The table below shows a quick overview of the MBA courses in Canada without GMAT.

Particulars 

Details 

Course Name 

MBA

Course Duration 

1 to 2 Years 

Course Type

  • Full-time
  • Part-time

Eligibility 

A GPA of 3.0 or above in the bachelor’s degree

Work Experience 

Required (2 years or above)

Top Universities 

  • 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)

Intakes 

  • Fall (September)
  • Winter (January)
  • Summer (May/June)

Top Entrance Exams 

IELTS or TOEFL

Coat of MBA In Canada Without GMAT 

CA$ 30,000 to CA$ 115,000

Salary 

CA$ 80,000 to CA$ 120,000

Top Recruiters 

Deloitte, McKinsey & Company, RBC, Google, Shopify, etc.


Why Choose an MBA in Canada Without GMAT?

Below are some key reasons to pursue MBA in Canada without GMAT exam.

  • Time Saving: To study MBA abroad, you have to spend months on the GMAT exam. By going with this option, you can simply save time skipping the GMAT exam.
  • Affordable Programs: MBA in Canada Without GMAT has a lower tuition fee when compared with the traditional GMAT-based MBA programs in Canada.
  • Globally Recognised Degrees: The top Canadian Universities offering MBA without GMAT offer globally recognised degrees with strong networking opportunities.
  • Post-study Work Opportunities: After completing the course, candidates are eligible to apply for post-study work opportunities in Canada. This helps them in gaining experience and shaping their careers.


Best Universities for MBA in Canada Without GMAT

Over 20 universities in Canada offer MBA programs without GMAT scores. The table below shows the top 10 Universities in Canada for MBA without GMAT.

Top Universities 

QS World Ranking 2025

Tuition fees 

Smith School of Business, Queen's University

13

CA$ 102,100

Schulich School of Business, York University

17

CA$ 112,250

HEC Montréal

35

CA$ 49,000 to 50,000

Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto

39

CA$ 120,680 to 138,441

Ivey Business School, Western University

49

CA$ 83,250 to 123,500

John Molson School of Business, Concordia University

51

CA$ 45,000 to 50,000

Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University

66

CA$ 99,500

Alberta School of Business, University of Alberta

96

CA$ 55,000 to 60,000

Sauder School of Business, UBC

101-110

CA$ 95,000 to 105,000

University Canada West

108

CA$ 35,100


MBA in Canada Without GMAT: Eligibility Criteria

The table below shows the admission requirements for studying an MBA in Canada without GMAT.

Qualification 

Details

Educational Qualifications 

A bachelor's degree with a high GPA

Work Experience 

2 Years of prior work experience

English Language Proficiency 

International students are required to submit IELTS/TOEFL scores.

Interviews 

Some institutes may conduct interviews as well.


MBA in Canada Without GMAT: Application Process

The table below shows the step-by-step guide to apply to the top Canadian universities offering MBA without GMAT scores.

  • Research and Shortlist Universities: Identify top Canadian universities offering MBA programs without GMAT score. Consider checking their eligibility, specialisations, and admission process.
  • Prepare Documents: Collect all the required documents as per the University-specific guidelines.
  • Apply Online and Pay Fees: Apply through the University's official website and pay the required fees to apply.
  • Attend Interview (If Required): If required, attend the interviews. Some universities, like Ivey Business School and Schulich School of Business, may conduct interviews.
  • Receive Admission letter: Wait for the application verification and selection letter from the University.
  • Apply for Visa: As soon as you receive the section letter, apply for the Canadian student visa and board a flight to Canada before the commencement of the classes.


MBA in Canada Without GMAT: Documents Required

The following is the list of documents required to apply for a GMAT waiver-off program in Canada.

  • Academic Transcripts 
  • Work Experience Proof(Experience letters, offer letters)
  • English Language Proficiency Test Scores
  • Statement of Purpose 
  • Letters of Recommendation 
  • Resume 
  • A valid Passport 
  • GRE scores(optional)


MBA in Canada Without GMAT: Visa Application Timeline

The table below shows the visa application timelines for an MBA in Canada without GMAT. 

Particulars 

Details

Processing Time 

8-16 Weeks.

Application Deadline 

Based on the session. Usually August for the fall(September) session. 


Top Entrance Exams for MBA in Canada Without GMAT

An MBA in Canada without GMAT requires exams, including an English language proficiency test, and a bachelor's degree with a strong GPA. Apart from these standard exams, some universities may require GRE scores as well. The table below shows the top entrance exams for popular MBA programs in Canada without GMAT.

Program 

University Name

Top Exams/Eligibility 

One-Year Executive MBA

University of Toronto (Rotman)

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent, Minimum GPA 3.0/mid-B average
  • English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS if required)
  • Rotman Executive Diagnostic Test (EDT)

Executive MBA

Concordia University (John Molson)

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent (exceptions for extensive experience)
  • English Proficiency Tests 
  • GMAT may be waived for strong academic credentials

Executive MBA (Bilingual)

McGill University (Desautels) & HEC Montréal

  • Bachelor's degree (exceptions for exceptional candidates)
  • English or French proficiency

Executive MBA (Accelerated)

Ivey Business School (Western University)

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent
  • English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS if required)
  • Interview 


MBA in Canada Without GMAT: Cutoff

The table below shows the minimum scores required in the English language proficiency tests for top Universities in Canada offering MBA without GMAT.

Top Universities for MBA in Canada Without GMAT

Minimum Cutoff

Smith School of Business, Queen's University

IELTS: 7

TOEFL: 100

Schulich School of Business, York University

IELTS: 7

TOEFL: 100 (23 in each section)

HEC Montréal

IELTS: 7-8

TOEFL: 94-114

Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto

IELTS: 7 (6.5 in each section)

TOEFL: 100

Ivey Business School, Western University

IELTS: 7

TOEFL: 100

John Molson School of Business, Concordia University

IELTS: 7

TOEFL: 95

Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University

IELTS: 7

TOEFL: 100

Alberta School of Business, University of Alberta

IELTS: 7

TOEFL: 100

Sauder School of Business, UBC

IELTS: 6.5

TOEFL: 100

University Canada West

IELTS: 6.5

TOEFL: 88


MBA in Canada Without GMAT: Syllabus

The table below shows a detailed overview of the key MBA programs in Canadian universities without GMAT.

Program 

Details

One-Year Executive MBA

  • 13-month program integrates Leadership strategy
  • Real-world business skills.

Executive MBA

  • 20 months (15 months classroom)
  • Part-time
  • Focus on leadership, innovation
  • Global business.

Executive MBA (Bilingual)

  • 15 months
  • Partnership between McGill & HEC
  • Bilingual (English/French) 
  • Focus on leadership and strategy.

Executive MBA (Accelerated)

  • 15 months
  • Case-based
  • Designed for mid- to Late-career professionals
  • Modular format


MBA in Canada Without GMAT: Electives & Specializations

The table below shows the key electives and specialisations available in MBA without GMAT in Canadian Universities.

Elective & Specialisation

Finance

Marketing

Human Resources

International Business

Business Analytics

Operations Management

Entrepreneurship

-

-


MBA in Canada Without GMAT: Scholarships

The table below shows the key scholarships available for international students pursuing MBA in Canada.

Scholarship Type 

Benefits 

Rotman Entrance Scholarship

Up to CA$ 30,000/₹ 1.83L (varies; some cover full tuition for exceptional candidates)

Ivey Business School Scholarships

CA$ 10,000–65,000/₹ 61 K-3.95 L (varies by award)

MBA Foundation Study Grant (UCW)

Partial tuition fee coverage

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

CA$ 5,000–15,000/₹ 30,000-92,000 (per session or annually)

IGSES Scholarship

CA$ 6,000/₹ 37,000 annually

Global Affairs Canada – Study in Canada Scholarships

Tuition, living expenses, travel, health insurance (varies)


Cost of Living in Canada 

Students can refer to the table below for the estimated monthly cost of living in Canada.

Expense Type 

Expected Monthly Expenses

Accommodation (Rent)

CA$ 500-600

Food

CA$ 400

Utilities 

CA$ 100

Internet 

CA$ 10-40

Personal Expenses 

CA$ 50

Entertainment

CA$ 100


Career Scope After MBA in Canada Without GMAT

There is an immense career score in Canada after completing an MBA degree. After completing an MBA degree in Canada students can either pursue for higher studies or doctoral courses or can sit for the placement and interviews. Some of the key roles in which one can get placed are:

  • Finance Manager
  • Business Analyst
  • Marketing Manager
  • Project Manager
  • Human Resource Manager


MBA in Canada Without GMAT: Salary Package

The table below shows the salary package that is offered to students after completing an MBA from Canada.

Job Roles 

Salary offered 

Finance Manager

CA$ 94,000–120,000

Business Analyst

CA$ 80,000–110,000

Marketing Manager

CA$ 80,000–100,000

Project Manager

CA$ 80,000–110,000

Human Resource Manager

CA$ 44,000–84,000


Frequently Asked Questions


Ques: What are the top MBA programs in Canada without GMAT requirements?

Ans: To pursue top MBA programs in Canada without GMAT, one has to secure a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, prove their English language proficiency through IELTS/TOEFL, and hold a relevant work experience of 2 years or more.


Ques: What are the best affordable MBA programs in Canada without GMAT for international students 2025?

Ans: Some of the top MBA programs for International students in Canada without GMAT include:

  • 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


Ques: What is the average tuition fees for MBA programs in Canada without GMAT?

Ans: The average tuition fees for MBA programs in Canada without GMAT is around CA$ 30,000 to CA$ 115,000. 


Ques: Is it possible to get an MBA in Canada without a GMAT in 2025?

Ans: Yes, there are a number of universities in Canada offering executive and accelerated MBA programs without GMAT. To compensate for this requirement, candidates have to show a high GPA in a bachelor’s degree and work experience in the relevant field.


Ques: What are the scholarships available for MBA programs in Canada without GMAT for 2025? 

Ans: There are several scholarships available for MBA programs in Canada after GMAT some of them include. 

  • Rotman Entrance Scholarship
  • Ivey Business School Scholarships
  • MBA Foundation Study Grant (UCW)
  • Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
  • IGSES Scholarship
  • Global Affairs Canada – Study in Canada Scholarships