MBA in Canada without GMAT in 2025

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.

MBA in Canada without GMAT: MBA is the right step to move ahead in your career, however, candidates need to look at various admission requirements for getting admission to a good MBA program. Previously, we discussed the top countries to study MBA without work experience. In this article, we will discuss studying MBA in Canada without GMAT exam. Canada is a sought-after study destination among international students. After the US, it is the most preferred destination among Indian students looking to study abroad. In this article, we will try to clear all your doubts regarding studying MBA in Canada without GMAT.

Most of the business schools in Canada require either GMAT or GRE scores to give admission to the top MBA programs in Canada. However, there are universities and business schools in Canada that do not ask for GMAT scores while giving admission to an MBA degree. However, this option is applicable to those students who have other qualifications that show outstanding academic and professional achievements. Pursuing an MBA doesn't mean that colleges will compromise the quality of education. If a college is not asking for GMAT in that case you need to fulfill the other criteria set by the university for admission requirements.

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.

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)
New York Institute of Technology - Vancouver Campus	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.