Pursuing an MBA in Canada is a popular choice for both domestic and international students due to the country’s strong economy, diverse business environment, and globally recognized business schools.
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is often a key component of MBA admissions, designed to assess analytical, quantitative, and verbal skills. However, GMAT requirements vary across Canadian business schools, with some requiring high scores, others offering waivers under specific conditions, and a few not requiring the GMAT at all.
GMAT Requirements for MBA Programs in Canada
The GMAT is a standardized test used by many Canadian business schools to evaluate a candidate’s readiness for the academic rigor of an MBA program. Scores typically range from 200 to 800, with most competitive programs expecting scores between 550 and 700. However, the necessity of the GMAT depends on the institution, program type (e.g., full-time, part-time, or executive MBA), and the applicant’s academic and professional background.
Average GMAT Scores
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Top-Tier Schools: Prestigious institutions like the Rotman School of Management (University of Toronto), Desautels Faculty of Management (McGill University), and Ivey Business School (Western University) typically require GMAT scores of 650 or higher. For example, Rotman’s average GMAT score is around 672, while McGill expects around 675, and Ivey around 680.
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Mid-Tier Schools: Many reputable schools accept scores as low as 550–600, such as the John Molson School of Business (Concordia University) and the Haskayne School of Business (University of Calgary).
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Minimum Scores: Some programs accept scores as low as 500, particularly for candidates with strong professional or academic profiles, but competitive applicants often score above the program’s average to stand out.
GMAT Waivers
Several Canadian business schools offer GMAT waivers for candidates who meet specific criteria, such as significant work experience, professional designations, or exceptional academic performance. Waivers are more common for executive MBA (EMBA) programs or accelerated programs for business graduates. Below are key examples:
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Schulich School of Business (York University): The GMAT is waived for the Kellogg-Schulich Executive MBA if candidates meet academic requirements. For full-time MBA applicants, a waiver is possible if they graduated from Schulich’s BBA or iBBA programs within the last five years with a B+ GPA or higher.
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Smith School of Business (Queen’s University): The Accelerated MBA for Business Graduates does not require a GMAT for applicants with a strong undergraduate business degree and two years of work experience. GMAT scores are optional for the EMBA but required for scholarships.
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Ivey Business School (Western University): The GMAT is waived for the Accelerated MBA for HBA graduates with a 78% or higher average. For the EMBA, applicants can submit their résumé for review to determine if a GMAT is required. Waivers are also granted for those with CFA Level I, CPA, P.Eng, LSAT, or MCAT credentials.
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DeGroote School of Business (McMaster University): The Executive Education program does not require GMAT or GRE scores.
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Lakehead University: The MBA program waives the GMAT for applicants who complete the Business Skills Development Program with a minimum 70% average.
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Thompson Rivers University: The MBA program does not require a GMAT, focusing instead on quantitative and computing skills demonstrated through prior work experience or academic performance.
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University of Calgary (Haskayne School of Business): Applicants with five or more years of professional experience and a GPA of 3.3 or higher can apply without a GMAT.
Programs Without GMAT Requirements
Some Canadian universities offer MBA programs that do not require the GMAT, particularly for candidates with strong academic records or professional experience. Examples include:
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Vancouver Island University: The MBA program (14–16 months) does not require a GMAT.
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New York Institute of Technology (Vancouver): Offers Management and Finance MBA programs without a GMAT requirement, provided applicants have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
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University Canada West: Offers an MBA without a GMAT requirement, focusing on a minimum GPA of 3.0 and relevant work experience.
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Telfer School of Management (University of Ottawa): The full-time MBA can be completed in 12 months and may not require a GMAT for certain applicants, though international students may need to provide one.
Other Admission Requirements
Even when the GMAT is waived or not required, Canadian MBA programs emphasize a holistic evaluation. Common requirements include:
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Undergraduate Degree: A four-year bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (B average) or higher, often in a business-related field for GMAT-waived programs.
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Work Experience: Most programs require 2–5 years of relevant professional experience. Executive MBAs often require more (e.g., 5–10 years).
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English Proficiency: International students must submit IELTS (6.5–7.0) or TOEFL (80–100) scores.
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Supporting Documents: These include a Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs, typically 2–3), a résumé, and academic transcripts. Some programs require essays or interviews to assess leadership potential and career goals.
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Alternative Tests: In some cases, GRE scores or other exams (e.g., Executive Assessment for EMBAs at Concordia University) cantyku
System: John Molson School of Business) are accepted in lieu of GMAT scores.
Factors Influencing GMAT Requirements
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Program Type: Full-time and part-time MBA programs often have stricter GMAT requirements than executive or accelerated programs.
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Applicant Profile: Strong academic records, significant work experience, or professional designations (e.g., CFA, CPA) can lead to GMAT waivers.
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Scholarships: Some schools, like Smith and Ivey, require GMAT scores for scholarship eligibility, even if waived for admission.
READ ALSO: GMAT Study Tips for Aspiring MBA Students
FAQs
Is the GMAT mandatory for all MBA programs in Canada?
No, the GMAT is not mandatory for all programs. Many schools, especially for executive or accelerated MBAs, offer waivers based on work experience, academic performance, or professional designations. Some schools, like Thompson Rivers University and Vancouver Island University, do not require the GMAT at all.
What is the minimum GMAT score required for Canadian MBA programs?
The minimum GMAT score varies by school. Most programs accept scores as low as 500, but top-tier schools like Rotman, McGill, and Ivey typically expect scores of 650 or higher. Competitive applicants often score above the program’s average.
Can I get a GMAT waiver based on work experience?
Yes, many schools, such as Haskayne (University of Calgary) and Ivey, offer GMAT waivers for applicants with significant work experience (typically 5+ years) or professional designations like CFA or CPA.
Are there MBA programs in Canada that accept GRE scores instead of GMAT?
Yes, some schools, such as Schulich and Thompson Rivers, accept GRE scores as an alternative to the GMAT. Check with the specific program for their policy.
Does a GMAT waiver affect the quality of the MBA program?
No, programs that waive the GMAT are not necessarily of lower quality. Schools like Schulich, Smith, and Ivey, which offer waivers, are among Canada’s top business schools and maintain rigorous admission standards through other criteria like GPA and work experience.