Top Business Schools in Canada 2025

Top Business Schools in Canada 2025

Studying business in Canada can open many doors. Almost all its business schools offer a high-quality education that can prepare you for global careers. They also focus on teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity. Studying here isn’t just about classes. It’s about connecting with people and building a network.

This guide will walk you through top business schools in Canada and their programs. So, if you’re ready to explore options for a business career, keep reading!

Why Study Business in Canada?

Studying business in Canada is a great choice for many reasons. Canada is ranked 4th globally for education quality. With over 3,000 co-op programs, Canadian universities offer students hands-on experience while they learn.

Top cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver are hubs for business and networking and are home to leading industries. With a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), many internships and career growth opportunities will be available. Additionally, Canada is known for its inclusive and safe environment, ranking 5th globally for quality of life.

Canadian business schools are also popular globally. For example, the Rotman School of Management ranks among the top 20 MBA programs worldwide. Choosing Canada means studying in a peaceful country with excellent education and real-world career opportunities.

Top 10 Business Schools in Canada 2025

According to Times Higher Education and QS World Rankings, Canadian schools consistently rank among the best globally. QS Global MBA Rankings 2025 report highlights Canadian schools among the top 50 worldwide. Here are the Top 10 Business Schools in Canada in QS's 2025 rankings.

1. Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto

Established in 1950, Rotman is a top choice for business education in Canada. Located in Toronto, it benefits from being in the country’s financial hub. It is ranked as the number 1 business school in Canada by QS Global MBA Rankings 2025 and is also recognized globally.

Rotman’s focus on Integrative Thinking sets it apart. Graduates from here have excellent career outcomes. The average salary for MBA graduates is CAD 125,000, one of the highest in Canada.

Its location in Toronto allows students to network with top firms like Deloitte, RBC, and Google. The school has strong ties with these organizations, ensuring internships and full-time opportunities. Over 92.5% of students secure employment within three months of graduating.​

Available Programs:

• Full-time MBA
• Part-time MBA
• Executive MBA (EMBA)
• Global Executive MBA
• PhD Programs
• Undergraduate business program

2. Smith School of Business, Queen’s University

Smith School, founded in 1919, is one of Canada’s most innovative business schools. Located in Kingston, Ontario, it is known for small class sizes and a strong focus on team-based learning. According to the QS Global MBA Rankings 2025, Smith is among the top 50 globally for business studies.​

The school’s MBA program has a remarkable 95% placement rate within three months of graduation. Students benefit from international study options, including exchange programs with 40+ universities worldwide. Smith also offers programs in analytics and AI, preparing graduates for the future of business.​

Smith School graduates earn competitive salaries, averaging CAD 112,000 annually, and work at leading companies like IBM, PwC, and KPMG.​

Available Programs:

• Full-time MBA
• Executive MBA (EMBA)
• Master of Management Analytics (MMA)
• PhD in Business Administration
• Queen’s Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)

3. Ivey Business School, Western University

Ivey, founded in 1922, introduced the case-based learning method in Canada. Located in London, Ontario, it emphasizes practical learning through real-world business problems. The school consistently ranks in the global top 50 for its MBA program.

Ivey offers an intensive and highly regarded one-year MBA program. About 90% of graduates find jobs within three months of completing their degree. The average starting salary is CAD 120,000, making it a great return on investment. Employers like Amazon, McKinsey, and BCG regularly hire Ivey graduates.​

The school’s global opportunities include study trips to Asia, Europe, and South America, ensuring students gain international exposure. Ivey’s leadership focus makes it a top choice for aspiring business leaders.​

Available Programs:

• Full-time MBA
• Executive MBA (EMBA)
• HBA (Honors Business Administration)
• International MBA (IMBA)
• PhD in Management

4. Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University

Desautels, established in 1906, is located in Montreal, a city known for its vibrant culture and diverse industries. Its MBA program ranks it among the top 100 business schools globally.

The school offers a leadership-focused curriculum that prepares students for senior management roles. Desautels is known for its strong emphasis on sustainability and entrepreneurship. With 94% of graduates securing jobs within six months, it’s a solid choice for career-oriented students.​

Desautels partners with global companies and provides access to Montreal’s booming sectors, such as aerospace, finance, and technology. Its diverse student body adds a rich cultural perspective to its programs.​

Available Programs:

• Full-time MBA
• Executive MBA (EMBA)
• Master of Management (MM)
• PhD in Management
• BCom (Bachelor of Commerce)
• MBA in Global Strategy and Leadership

5. Alberta School of Business, University of Alberta

Founded in 1916, the Alberta School of Business is based in Edmonton. It was the first business school in Canada to receive AACSB accreditation, highlighting its academic excellence. It ranks among the top 5 in Canada for business education.​

The school is well-known for its specialized energy and natural resources programs, leveraging Alberta’s strong industry presence. Graduates enjoy a 94% employment rate within three months and work in the oil and gas, healthcare, and consulting sectors. The average starting salary is CAD 100,000.

Alberta’s close ties with leading companies in the energy sector provide unique internship and co-op opportunities.​

Available Programs:

• Full-time MBA
• Executive MBA (EMBA)
• Master of Science in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• PhD in Business Administration
• Undergraduate Business Programs (BCom)

6. Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia

Sauder, located in Vancouver, is a top business school recognized for its innovative programs in sustainability and entrepreneurship. It consistently ranks in the global top 50 for MBA programs.

The school’s proximity to the Pacific Rim provides networking opportunities with global tech, finance, and trade firms. Its programs include hands-on projects, case studies, and international exchange options. Graduates earn an average salary of CAD 115,000 and work at top companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and HSBC.​

Available Programs:

• Full-time MBA
• Part-time MBA
• Executive MBA (EMBA)
• Master of Business Analytics (MBAN)
• Master of Management in Operations Research and Analytics (MMOR)
• PhD in Business Administration

7. Schulich School of Business, York University

Schulich, established in 1966, is located in Toronto. It ranks #1 globally for its sustainability programs and is a leader in innovative business education (QS Global Rankings 2025). The school offers diverse specializations, including finance, marketing, and real estate.

Schulich graduates have a 93% employment rate within three months and earn an average salary of CAD 110,000. The school’s partnerships with 80+ global institutions ensure a strong international focus, making Schulich ideal for students seeking a global perspective on business.

Available Programs:

• Full-time MBA
• Executive MBA (EMBA)
• Master of Finance (MFin)
• Master of Real Estate and Infrastructure
• Master of Business Analytics (MBAN)
• PhD in Business Administration

8. John Molson School of Business, Concordia University

In Montreal, John Molson is known for its affordability and high-quality education. It ranks among Canada’s top 10 business schools for its MBA programs.​ The school focuses on practical learning through its co-op programs and industry partnerships. Graduates find opportunities in sectors like aerospace, technology, and finance.

Available Programs:

• Full-time MBA
• Executive MBA (EMBA)
• Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)
• BCom (Bachelor of Commerce)
• Graduate Diploma in Business Administration

9. HEC Montréal

HEC Montréal, founded in 1907, is a top French and bilingual business education institution. It ranks globally for its specialized programs in finance and analytics.​ The school’s dual-degree options with international universities provide global exposure. Graduates benefit from high employability rates, particularly in the consulting and finance sectors.​

Available Programs:

• Full-time MBA
• Executive MBA (EMBA)
• PhD in Business Administration
• BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration)
• Master in Management – Finance
• MBA in Global Business

10. DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University

DeGroote, located in Hamilton, Ontario, excels in healthcare and analytics. It was among the first in Canada to offer co-op MBA programs. Graduates earn competitive salaries and have access to a strong alumni network. DeGroote’s focus on innovation and practical learning makes it a strong choice for aspiring professionals.

Available Programs:

• Full-time MBA
• Executive MBA (EMBA)
• Master of Science in Management (MSM)
• PhD in Business Administration
• Co-op MBA Program

Graduate Programs: Specializations and Career Outcomes

Graduate programs in Canadian business schools offer a range of specializations. These include finance, marketing, business analytics, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and management. Specialized programs give students the skills needed to succeed in specific sectors.

For instance, Sauder School of Business offers a Master of Business Analytics. It’ll prepare you for the growing demand in data-driven industries.​

Regarding career outcomes, many graduates from Canadian business schools land high-paying jobs in industries. Many job sectors exist, from finance to consulting, technology, and marketing. Top business schools like Rotman and Ivey boast solid post-graduation employment rates.

The Schulich School of Business is known for placing graduates in top companies worldwide. Specialized master’s programs can offer a direct route to careers in areas like real estate, operations, and management.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students

All Canadian universities offer huge scholarship opportunities to their international students. The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship is a government-funded scholarship. There are also university-specific scholarships and financial aid.

Here is an overview of the scholarships and financial aid available at each of the top business schools in Canada.

Business School	Available Scholarships
Rotman School of Management	Joseph L. Rotman Scholarship Entrance Awards Dean’s Scholars Awards for In-Program Students Graduate Studies Awards John A. Tory JD/MBA Awards Skoll BASC/MBA CIBC Scholarships Jeffrey Skoll Scholarships
Smith School of Business	General Entrance Scholarships Scholarships for Black Students Scholarships for Indigenous Students Women in Leadership Scholarships Dean’s Entrance Scholarships Forté Foundation Scholarship Vector Institute Scholarships
Ivey Business School	Ivey admission scholarships
Desautels Faculty of Management	Multiple Scholarships for International Students
Alberta School of Business	Several Undergraduate Scholarships MBA Scholarships
Sauder School of Business	International Student Scholarship
Schulich School of Business	Schulich MBA Scholarships
HEC Montréal	Performance scholarships Need-based scholarships International scholarships
DeGroote School of Business	Global Business Scholar II Award DeGroote School of Business Dean’s Global Excellence Award

Admission Requirements for Canadian Business Schools

Admission requirements for each Canadian business school vary. But, most schools look for strong academic records, work experience, and leadership potential. The general requirements and process include:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants need a completed undergraduate degree to enrol in an MBA program.
• GMAT or GRE Scores: Most business schools in Canada require GMAT or GRE scores (mostly 630+).  Some may waive this requirement based on your work experience.
• Language Proficiency Tests:  IELTS (7+), TOEFL (100+).
• Work Experience: A minimum of 2-3 years of relevant work experience is usually required for MBA programs. For example, Ivey Business School requires applicants to have at least two years of work experience. Sauder and Rotman have similar requirements.
• Application Form: Fill out your application form and submit it. Online forms are available on each school’s website.
• Essays and Recommendations: You must submit essays and LOR (letters of recommendation).
• Interview: Some business schools might take an interview as part of the selection process.

Post-Graduation Career Opportunities in Canada

Canada has a strong job market, especially for business school graduates. After finishing their studies, international students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This permit lets students work in Canada for up to three years. It’s a great chance to gain work experience and build a professional network in the business world.

Many top business schools offer career services to help graduates land jobs. For instance, schools like Rotman and Schulich have special teams that assist with job searches and networking with top employers. Graduates from schools like Desautels and Ivey are in high demand, and employers worldwide recruit from these top schools.​

Canada's best industries for business grads include finance, consulting, and technology. Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are the big business hubs. The Canadian Job Bank reports high demand for business professionals, especially in finance and consulting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best MBA programs in Canada for international students?

Rotman, Ivey, and Desautels are some top picks. They have great global networks and support systems for international students and offer plenty of opportunities to connect with top employers.

Which are the top undergraduate business schools in Canada for business majors?

Schools like Rotman, Schulich, and Ivey are famous for their undergraduate business programs. They offer excellent courses and have strong reputations in the business world.

What are the top business schools in Canada for master’s programs in business administration?

Top schools include Rotman, Ivey, Desautels, and Smith. They offer excellent MBA programs with various specializations.

Which schools are considered top-rated business schools in Canada?

Rotman, Ivey, Schulich, Desautels, and Queen’s Smith School of Business are highly regarded in Canada. These schools offer top-tier education and global exposure.

What are the top schools in Canada for business degrees, and what specializations do they offer?

You can check out Rotman, Ivey, and Schulich. They offer specializations in fields like finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

Which institutions are the top business schools in Ontario, Canada, for MBA and undergraduate programs?

Rotman and Schulich are both excellent options for business degrees in Ontario. They offer both undergraduate and MBA programs with great faculty and resources.

What are the top 5 business schools in Canada for finance and management?

Rotman, Ivey, Schulich, Desautels, and Smith are well-known for their finance and management programs. These schools prepare students for top roles in these fields.

Where can I find the latest rankings for Maclean’s top business schools in Canada?

Check out Maclean’s official website. They regularly update their rankings for Canadian business schools so that you can get the latest info there.

Conclusion

Canada’s business schools offer international recognition, strong industry links, and diverse programs. All these top business schools in Canada have unique strengths to consider based on your career goals. Studying in Canada can be a powerful step in achieving global business success.

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