Introduction

Pursuing an MBA can be an excellent way to accelerate your business career. The MBA degree provides advanced training in areas like finance, marketing, and management, along with opportunities to develop soft skills and professional networks. While the GMAT exam is a common requirement for MBA applicants, many leading business schools in Canada do not require GMAT scores for admission.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top options for GMAT-waived MBA programs in Canada. You will learn the key benefits of pursuing an MBA in Canada, see a comparison table of the top GMAT-waived programs, and get an in-depth look at the admissions requirements, costs, and outcomes for these programs. Whether you are an international or domestic student, this guide will equip you to find the best MBA program in Canada that fits your needs and career goals.

What is the GMAT and Why Do Schools Waive It?

The GMAT, which stands for Graduate Management Admission Test, is a standardized exam used by many business schools worldwide in their MBA admissions process. It aims to measure quantitative, verbal, analytical writing, and integrated reasoning skills. The GMAT is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).

While the GMAT has been an MBA admission staple for decades, a growing number of business schools are waiving the requirement altogether. There are several reasons an MBA program may waive the GMAT:

• To increase application numbers – By removing the GMAT hurdle, schools are able to attract more MBA applicants domestically and internationally.
• To diversify the student body – The GMAT has biases that favor native English speakers and those with access to test prep resources. Waiving it allows schools to consider qualified candidates from more diverse backgrounds.
• Focus on other markers – Schools develop holistic admissions looking at factors like work experience, undergraduate grades, interview performance, essays, and references instead of over-relying on GMAT scores.

Given these motivations, it is no surprise that leading Canadian business schools including McGill, York, Simon Fraser, and more have instituted GMAT-waived admission policies, making them more accessible to aspiring MBA students worldwide.

The Benefits of Pursuing an MBA in Canada

There are many excellent reasons to consider an MBA program in Canada, including:

• High-caliber education – Canadian business schools are world-renowned, with schools like University of Toronto, McGill, York and Queen’s placing highly in global MBA rankings. The quality of education rivals top US programs.
• Lower costs – Canadian MBA tuition fees are generally lower than top American degrees. For international students, lower costs of living also help reduce expenses.
• Immigration prospects – Graduates of Canadian MBA programs are eligible for 3-year post-graduation work permits and can qualify for permanent residency and citizenship.
• Multicultural hubs – Cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal have vast diversity, opportunities to learn cross-cultural skills, and large alumni networks.
• Bilingual opportunities – Many programs, especially in Quebec, offer courses in both French and English, allowing students to become bilingual.

With lower barriers to entry without the GMAT, combined with Canada’s high life quality, diversity, and stability, the case for pursuing a Canadian MBA has never been stronger.

The Top GMAT-Waived MBA Programs in Canada

Here is a comparison of the leading Canadian university MBA programs that do not require GMAT scores for admission:

University	Location	2023 FT MBA Rank	Work Experience Required
McGill University – Desautels Faculty of Management	Montreal	#66 globally	2 years
York University – Schulich School of Business	Toronto	#89 globally	2 years
University of British Columbia – Sauder School of Business	Vancouver	#95 globally	2 years
Simon Fraser University – Beedie School of Business	Vancouver	#96 globally	None
Concordia University – John Molson School of Business	Montreal	N/A	2 years

As you can see, these GMAT-waived options include some of the top globally ranked MBA programs in Canada. Note that work experience requirements vary, with some schools like Simon Fraser accepting exceptional students directly after undergraduate studies.

Let’s take an in-depth look at a few of these outstanding GMAT-waived MBA programs in Canada’s leading business schools.

Detailed Program Profiles

McGill University – Desautels Faculty of Management

Location: Montreal, Quebec

2023 FT MBA Ranking: #66 globally by QS

Work Experience Required: 2 years

Tuition: $66,078 CAD for Canadians / $92,536 CAD for international students

McGill’s Desautels Faculty of Management offers an extremely prestigious MBA experience. The 21-month full-time program begins with an integrated core curriculum covering all major business disciplines. Students then choose from concentrations like Finance, Analytics, Strategy & Innovation, and Global Sustainability.

The school reports that 90% of recent MBA graduates received job offers within 3 months, with top employers including McKinsey, BCG, Morgan Stanley, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. McGill’s MBA job placement record reflects its reputation as Canada’s #1 school for recruitment.

With a waiver of the GMAT and more emphasis put on GPA, interview, work experience and references, McGill provides an accessible path to one of the world’s leading business schools.

York University – Schulich School of Business

Location: Toronto, Ontario

2023 FT MBA Ranking: #89 globally by The Economist

Work Experience Required: 2 years

Tuition: $62,500 CAD

Schulich offers one of the most affordable top 100 global MBAs in Canada. This 16-month program has an innovative curriculum that integrates three distinctive themes: strategic thinking, internationalization and experiential learning.

Students complete core courses in areas like marketing, finance, operations and more before choosing one of five specializations: Finance, Marketing, International Business, Technology Management, or Business Analytics. Dual degree options are also available.

With undergraduate and graduate co-op programs integrated, Schulich provides exceptional opportunities to gain work experience and build career connections. Over 90% of MBAs are employed within 3 months of graduation.

By waiving the GMAT, Schulich removes a key application barrier while still maintaining high admissions standards based on grades, essays, references and interview performance.

Simon Fraser University – Beedie School of Business

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia

Work Experience Required: None

Tuition: $37,000 CAD

Simon Fraser Beedie School of Business offers a unique value proposition among Canada’s leading MBA programs. Not only is the GMAT waived, but Beedie also does not require MBA applicants to have work experience. This allows students to develop business skills and credentials right after completing their bachelor’s degree.

The 12-month full-time MBA curriculum covers areas like finance, accounting, marketing and more, with opportunities for co-ops, exchanges, and specializations. Small class sizes ensure a high degree of personalization.

Graduates move on to careers with companies like Amazon, Deloitte, HSBC, IBM, KPMG and TELUS. With affordable tuition rates, waived GMAT, and no experience required, SFU Beedie removes major barriers to an MBA education.

Part 2: How to Apply and Succeed in a GMAT-Waived Canadian MBA

How to Get Accepted to a GMAT-Waived MBA Program

While top Canadian business schools waiving the GMAT requirement removes a key obstacle for many applicants, admissions into these MBA programs remains highly competitive. You will still need an outstanding application to get accepted. Here are some tips:

Academic Performance – Most schools will want to see at least a 3.0 GPA (B average) from your undergraduate studies, with stronger grades giving your application a boost. High performance in quantitative coursework is viewed favorably.

Work Experience – Although the GMAT is waived, some schools still require 2+ years of professional work experience for MBA admission. Experience demonstrates maturity, leadership skills and readiness for graduate business studies.

Test Scores – In lieu of the GMAT, some schools may consider GRE, LSAT or GMAT scores as part of your application. Scores around the school average can strengthen your candidacy.

Essays – The MBA application essays allow you to showcase skills, fit with the program, career goals and personality. Take time to craft thoughtful, polished responses.

References – Strong letters of recommendation from managers, professors or other influential people in your life provide external validation of your abilities.

Interview – Many schools require an admissions interview. Prepare to impress the interviewer and advocate for yourself.

Generally, applications are due 8-10 months before the MBA program start date. Apply as early as possible rather than waiting for the deadline.

What to Expect as a GMAT-Waived MBA Student

Once accepted into a top Canadian MBA program without needing the GMAT, what can you expect from the student experience?

• Rigorous coursework – Core courses in accounting, finance, marketing, operations and other disciplines will be intensive and quantitative. Electives allow you to specialize.
• Group projects – Teamwork is emphasized to build soft skills like communication, leadership and collaboration.
• Co-op or internships – Many programs provide opportunities for professional work placements, often for international students. You get to apply your new MBA skills in the real world.
• International exchange – Some schools facilitate international exchange semesters with partner business schools around the world.
• Networking – There are abundant networking, mentorship and social opportunities through clubs, events and alumni.
• Recruiting – Career services will help you gain interviews and jobs with top companies. The MBA opens doors to new opportunities.

Overall, Canadian business schools provide an exciting, rigorous and career-focused MBA experience for students from any background able to qualify through the GMAT-waived admissions process.

What About Other Options for International Students?

While this guide has focused on full-time MBA programs not requiring GMAT scores, international students interested in Canadian business education have other options too:

• GMAT-required MBA – Programs like Ivey, Queen’s, Western and HEC Montreal do still require the GMAT but also offer world-class educations. If you have a strong test score, these merit consideration.
• Graduate Diplomas – Some schools offer 1-year graduate diplomas in business that may not need the GMAT and cost less than an MBA.
• Online MBAs – GMAT waivers are common for online and part-time MBA programs, which allow you to work while studying if you already have professional experience.

While alternatives exist, the prestigious full-time, on-campus MBA programs highlighted in this guide offer the most intensive immersive experience and career outcomes.

The Bottom Line: Are GMAT-Waived MBAs Worth It?

In conclusion, for aspiring business leaders looking to study internationally, Canada’s top-ranked GMAT-waived MBA programs offer an incredible opportunity and great value:

Pros

• Save time and money by avoiding the GMAT
• Access top 100 global MBA programs you may otherwise not qualify for
• Immerse yourself in Canada’s multicultural business hubs
• Pay lower tuition as an international student
• Get a work permit and immigration support after graduation

Cons

• No guarantee of admission – applications still competetive
• Potentially less international brand recognition than US schools
• Need to uproot your life and study abroad for 1-2 years

For driven candidates who excel in areas beyond standardized testing, like work experience, grades, interview skills and essays, the top Canadian GMAT-waived MBA programs should absolutely be on your radar. Your future in global business awaits!