Should I get an MBA in Canada?

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Should I get an MBA in Canada?

by CollegeStation » Tue Mar 10, 2020 1:29 am
After having spent considerable time in Canada, I have had the opportunity to learn about its education system and interact with many business school graduates. University of Toronto’s Rotman School, Western University’s Ivey Business School, and Queens University’s Smith School of Business are generally considered the top schools. All of them are located in Ontario, and feature state-of-the-art campuses in downtown Toronto; Ivey and Smith have satellite campuses in which they run EMBA, Accelerated MBA and other executive and Masters programs. I have had the privilege of visiting the facilities of each one of these schools, which, by any global standards, are topnotch. Other well-reputed schools outside of Ontario are McGill in Montreal, and University of British Columbia in Vancouver.

With respect to the quality of education, curriculum and instruction, I was impressed with how responsive and current the Canadian system is. All Schools offer an array of specializations and concentrations, and boast star faculty, whose published books have made way into classrooms even at top American programs. The Schools also feature well-known research institutes and innovation hubs that are at the forefront of new-age thinking, such as AI. One such lab is the Creative Destruction Lab. Housed within the Rotman School, it is a dream workspace for budding entrepreneurs wishing to incubate and commercialize their ventures.

Location is definitely an advantage at many of these schools. Toronto is a fast growing commercial and tech hub. It is home to large multinationals, many startups, and the financial industry, all of which are a stone’s throw from these campuses. As examples, Rotman is within minutes of Mars Discovery District, the largest urban innovation center in the world, and Ivey’s downtown campus is located inside the Exchange Tower at Kings Street. It can’t get any better than this!

My goal from these articles is to answer the question in an unbiased way so that you can make the best decision for yourself, given your circumstances and future goals. Lately, interest in Canada has risen, in part due to insecurity associated with post-MBA work authorization in the US, and relatively easier routes to Canadian residency. I hold a Diploma in Canadian Immigration and can well comprehend the attraction of a global and multicultural ticket. A two-year program in Canada gives you a work-permit for three years, or in other words, makes you eligible for the Post Graduate Work Permit Program, which is a path towards residency. Further, any Master’s degree from Canada will give you additional points on your Express Entry application, making education a worthwhile endeavor if residency is your goal.

Having said that, in Canada, post-MBA salaries are lower, and the exchange rate is weaker. If you check placement reports of Canadian business schools, the average starting salaries are lower than those posted by their American counterparts; $80k to 90k Canadian is nowhere near $140+ American posted this year by some top US schools, especially if you take into account exchange rates. Reported Canadian salaries may also be slightly inflated because American companies, such as consulting firms and tech giants, pay higher than domestic companies to maintain parity across borders. Also, it is no surprise that in Canada, underemployment is high. Studies have also indicated that first generation immigrants face challenges, and make lower than local residents, although in the long run these gaps taper; I have interacted with many immigrant professionals making upwards of 300k.

So should you get an MBA in Canada? Absolutely! We have worked with many candidates who are now in business school, or settled in Canada, and all of them are very satisfied with their decision. Many of them have made it to multinationals and other top companies, which would not have been possible without a top academic program. I continue to maintain that education is the best route to the Canadian dream as time spent in University gives you exposure to the market and helps build important connections, both important for your job search. Given the effects of Globalization, and Canada’s growing position, this may very well be the right time for a Canadian degree. In a few years, as Canadian firms make way into the rest of the world, the stamp’s brand equity is likely to be comparable to that of top American schools.

For now, in case you weigh the possibility of residency and a great education over short-term salaries, consider Canada. On the other hand if you want a stamp from a top global brand, one you can flash today anywhere in the world, consider the US or Europe (I would argue that all top schools provide a great academic experience, and a multicultural environment).

Please feel free to reach out to me in case you have any questions.
Former Sr. Associate Director and Alumnus, Indian School of Business.
Founder, CollegeStation.in

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Re: Should I get an MBA in Canada?

by dejaolsone » Sun Apr 11, 2021 8:00 pm
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Canadian Business magazine actually has a brilliant breakdown of the top ten MBA schools in terms of return on investment. Here is a brief summary of some of Canada’s more notable programs and their respective return on investment (measured by tuition cost vs immediate salary increase upon graduation):

McGill comes in at #1 in the ROI department which is not surprising considering their sterling reputation. While Canadian Business reports that the cost of an MBA there is considerable at $65,000, in 2011 their grads saw an astounding salary increase of 129% to an average of $112,000. This definitely made me sit up and take notice. The school also notes that several opportunities to study abroad are available.

Studying an MBA at Dalhousie University will provide you with more than just a smattering of East Coast charm and people skills. Their graduates go from $33,000 upon entry to an average of $67,000 for an increase of 103% for those of you keeping track at home. The school pointed out that in 2011 over 80% of the graduating class were offered jobs before graduating.

If you’re an Ontario person and don’t mind driving a little within the GTA then DeGroote business school based out of Hamilton offers a respectable 91% ROI. Tuition will cost $35,225, but the exiting salary is over $66K.

If tuition is a major factor for you that consider the University of Saskatchewan’s Edwards School of Business. Students entered the school with an average salary of $40,000 and left around $72,000 mark, but the most impressive thing is that this world-class education only costs $24,520.

One final option that is fast gaining traction in the Great White North is going online to get your MBA. I can vouch for the flexibility of online courses being a major positive, especially when you are trying to work at the same time. The MBA program at Athabasca University is one of the leaders in this field with over 900 current students and boasts that it was the first online MBA in the world. This program costs a very competitive $44,000.

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Re: Should I get an MBA in Canada?

by nina211 » Fri Sep 10, 2021 2:35 am
Hii,
yes of course you can get but after clearing the entrance test, because the degree is ok but if you fail in the entry test you can not get a chance an MBA, so get ready for the entry test read , and get a chance.

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Re: Should I get an MBA in Canada?

by Indrayani23 » Tue Mar 28, 2023 4:51 am
Yes! Of course! Canada is an excellent destination to consider. Canada is home to some of the world's top business schools and offers a diverse range of MBA programs. Here are some reasons why you should consider getting an MBA in Canada:

High-Quality Education:
Canadian business schools are globally recognized for providing high-quality education. Many of the top business schools in Canada are accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, or AMBA, which are recognized accreditation bodies for business schools worldwide.

Global Recognition: An MBA degree from Canada is globally recognized and highly valued by employers worldwide. Graduates from Canadian business schools are highly sought after by leading organizations due to their high-quality education and diverse experience.

Multicultural Environment: Canada is known for its multicultural environment, with a diverse population of people from various ethnicities and cultures. Studying in a multicultural environment can help you develop a global mindset, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication skills, which are highly valued by employers.

Networking Opportunities: Pursuing an MBA degree in Canada provides excellent networking opportunities. You will have the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, alumni, and peers, which can help you build valuable connections and broaden your professional network.

Job Opportunities: Canada has a strong and growing economy, with various job opportunities available in different sectors. An MBA degree from a Canadian business school can enhance your career prospects, providing access to high-paying and rewarding job opportunities in various industries.

So, pursuing an MBA degree in Canada is an excellent choice if you are looking for high-quality education, global recognition, a multicultural environment, networking opportunities, and job opportunities. With the diverse range of MBA programs offered by Canadian business schools, you can choose a program that aligns with your career goals and aspirations.
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