Located in London, Ontario, Ivey Business at Western University is a powerhouse of innovation and leadership. Renowned for shaping global business minds and pioneering entrepreneurs in business, Ivey stands at the forefront of business education, where bold ideas meet real-world impact.

What Sets the Ivey Business School Apart? 

The Ivey School of Business offers an Accelerated MBA (AMBA) program where learners can earn an MBA in 14 to 18 months while working, designed for professionals with prior business education and work experience.

Launched in 2019, the AMBA program is a blended online MBA built for working professionals in the Greater Toronto Area that combines online learning with live in-class sessions. Teaching the same core components as Ivey’s year-long, on-campus MBA program, the blended program aims to give more flexibility to professionals who want to balance working while pursuing their MBA and can’t make a full-time move to Western’s primary campus in London, Ontario. A GMAT score is not required for the AMBA program.

Beginning with a week-long residence in London, Ontario, the interactive online portion allows students to complete their studies in a flexible format at their own pace, alongside a monthly three-day weekend (Friday to Sunday) at Ivey’s outpost campus in Toronto. The program culminates in an international study trip.

The Accelerated MBA offers two district pathways: direct entry for those who have an undergrad business degree and a Graduate Diploma in Management pathway for non-business graduates. Business grads can apply directly and start in November, while non-business grads can qualify through a part-time Graduate Diploma in Management that starts in May.

Most entrants to the program have between two and 10 years of full-time post-undergraduate work experience, with about 86 percent of students in the program having the title of manager or above. The average class size is 58 students, and the average total compensation among  Ivey MBA class of 2024 graduates is $119,443, which includes base salary, signing bonus, and other guaranteed compensation.

At Queen’s University, students pursue academic excellence, but they also develop meaningful relationships that last a lifetime through a substantial network of groups and clubs associated with their respective programs. Included in those groups is an extensive international exchange program, ensuring a well-rounded education from this globally ranked university. When you graduate, you will join the Smith School of Business alumni network of more than 28,000 graduates around the world.

What Sets the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University Apart? 

Smith’s Accelerated MBA is a synchronous, remote program designed to deliver the full in-person MBA experience while allowing students to study and work in their home city. Courses are taught live via Queen’s dedicated interactive teaching studio, with students participating either through Boardroom Learning Centres in major Canadian cities or virtually from anywhere else in the country.

Students based in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Mississauga, Markham, Calgary, Edmonton, or Vancouver are assigned to Boardroom Learning Centre teams, while those outside these markets join fully virtual teams. Learning teams of 6 to 8 students are formed at the start of the program and remain together throughout, intentionally designed to reflect diverse professional and personal backgrounds.

Smith provides the technology, software, and coaching required to support high-performance virtual collaboration, including a customized online platform for real-time discussion, team work, and ongoing communication with professors and peers. Virtual networking is a core element of the program, supported through employer roundtables, one-on-one networking opportunities, and other career-focused events.

Classes are held every other week, all day Sunday and Monday morning, using real-time videoconference technology. The program also includes three on-campus sessions in Kingston, Ontario, accounting for approximately 50 percent of total class hours: a two-week Opening Session in January, a one-week Global Business Session in the spring term, and a one-week Strategic Marketing Session in the winter term.

The program is designed for professionals with a minimum of two years of work experience, though students average seven years of experience, including three years in management or team leadership roles. Approximately 29 percent of students come from banking and financial services, and cohort sizes are larger than many online MBAs at 120 students per class. Among the Smith MBA class of 2024, graduates reported an average total compensation of $139,825, including base salary, signing bonus, and other guaranteed compensation.

Fully accredited by the Province of New Brunswick since 2007, and by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), University of Fredericton attracts students from across Canada and around the world who are in the early stages of their business career and looking to take their credentials to the next level.

Based in Fredericton, New Brunswick, the university boasts extensive experience delivering online education, with faculty averaging 11 years of experience, specifically in teaching remote learners. Notably, UFred does not charge international students more than Canadians, which has helped the relatively young university build a global footprint and alumni network.

What Sets the University of Fredericton Apart?

The online MBA and Executive MBA are UFred’s flagship programs, accelerating career growth for professionals across Canada through its entirely-virtual programming specifically designed with flexibility in mind. The two programs reported 97 and 99 percent retention for the 2023-24 academic year, respectively, and collectively graduated 455 learners that year.

UFred has four core pillars to its expert approach to online education: live virtual classes, collaborative group work, an online campus environment for students and professors to connect (including office hours), and a virtual library. With multiple start dates each year, the part-time, fully online MBA program offers 11 specialty streams for students to choose from, including Innovation Leadership, Artificial Intelligence Leadership, and Business Analytics Leadership, each comprising 14 courses in total.

Students attend synchronous virtual classroom sessions once per week for each course, held in the evening between Monday to Thursday, and starting no earlier than 6:30 p.m. EST. The maximum class size is 25 students. Every student completes the program with a capstone project that allows them to deeply research a topic they are passionate about, which can be done remotely or via an international field study trip.

With emphasis on offering an affordable MBA program, in addition to its competitive tuition cost, UFred also offers a pay-per-course model for students. Students typically complete the program in two-to-three and-a-half years. MBA and EMBA graduates from UFred in 2024 saw average compensation of $135,000.

Known internationally as Canada’s first online distance education university, Athabasca University was founded on the premise of openness and flexibility. Whether undergrad or graduate, the university has several ways to learn and pioneered accredited online learning for higher education. It also aims to make it easy for students with previous education to transfer credits, enabling them to complete their degree from a reputable university with more flexibility and potentially lower costs.

What Sets Athabasca Apart? 

Founded in 1994, Athabasca University established the world’s first fully interactive online MBA program. In the 30+ years since it launched, the fully accredited program has grown in prestige and is now recognized globally. It was made explicitly for working business leaders, with an online format developed to be as flexible as possible, accommodating the schedules of those with extensive work travel commitments or working long hours.

Beyond the standard MBA, Athabasca has partnered with leading professional bodies to offer specialized pathways aligned to specific industries. Through its collaboration with the Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL), students can earn both an MBA and the Certified Health Executive (CHE) designation—Canada’s only professional credential for health leaders. Athabasca also partners with Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, allowing accountants to receive transfer credit toward the MBA for Executives, reducing both completion time and tuition costs. In partnership with the Supply Chain Management Association, eligible professionals can transfer up to nine credits, enabling completion of the MBA in Supply Chain Management up to six months faster.

If you already hold a Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Management, or similar business degree completed in the last 10 years, and at least three years of management experience, you may be eligible for the MBA accelerated entry route. If you don’t have an undergrad degree but do have a minimum of eight years of management experience, you can still apply to the MBA for executives program.

The average age of students taking the Athabasca MBA is 41 years old, and 95 percent of students who take the program recommend it. Those who opt for an accelerated approach complete their MBA in as little as one-and-a-half years, while the regular route typically takes two-and-a-half and three years.

McMaster University is one of Canada’s most prestigious institutions. It has grown into prominence in multiple disciplines, thanks in part to generous donations from the DeGroote family to establish the DeGroote Schools of Business and Medicine, respectively. From its campus in Hamilton, Ontario, the university delivers worldwide cited research and welcomes 30,000 students between its on-campus and online programs.

What Sets the DeGroote School of Business Apart? 

DeGroote offers a Blended Learning Part-Time MBA, which provides a flexible learning experience and covers a broad range of topics including finance, marketing, and operations. The program can be completed in 36 months and a GMAT is not required for those who already have an undergraduate degree.

Mirroring the structure of a professional work environment, the blended program is delivered both in-class and online, and is built for students who are working while earning their degree. Half of the program is delivered online; the in-person requirements are only three weekends a semester, at the Ron Joyce Centre in Burlington, Ontario, making it manageable for most working professionals. Students spend an average of eight to 15 hours a week on course work.

A minimum of four years relevant postgraduate work experience is required before applying, but most learners in this program have an average of eight years of work experience. There is an average of 59 students per cohort. Data from DeGroote’s MBA class of 2022 indicate that the average total compensation for MBA graduates is $91,246.

Five Blended Learning Part-Time MBA Entrance Scholarships, each worth $5,000, are available for prospective students who plan to join in the fall of 2026. The selection process for these scholarships is based on an holistic admissions approach—a comprehensive evaluation of applicants’ qualifications. No additional application is required. There is also the DeGroote School of Business Graduate Awards for Indigenous Learners. Up to five awards will be offered each year to include tuition as well as additional related expenses to a maximum of $15,000 per academic year.

One of the oldest universities in Canada, Dalhousie University has grown from a regional educational institution to a globally recognized university. With around 21,000 students across all programs, the university is large enough to have all the resources its students need but not so big that students feel lost in the crowd. The university also attracts students from around the world, making diversity a key element of the Dalhousie experience. Formerly taught under the Rowe School of Business, the MBA program is now administered through Dalhousie’s Faculty of Management.

What Sets Dalhousie Apart? 

Despite being labelled a “blended” program, Dalhousie’s blended MBA or “career advance pathway” is delivered 90 percent online, and time to completion is from as little as two-and-a-half years (up to seven years). This pathway is intended for mid-career working professionals who wish to advance their career and applicants must have more than five years’ relevant professional work experience and reside in Canada. In each of the three academic terms, students choose from a list of wide-ranging courses balancing learning needs with lifestyle and professional responsibilities.

The Faculty of Management’s part-time blended online delivery model ensures that you can complete your MBA degree without losing career momentum. Each course includes an in-classroom component where students can take part in one-on-one interaction with instructors and fellow professionals from a range of sectors. Students spend 3.5 days at the end of each term in locations such as Halifax, Toronto, Calgary, or Vancouver, and each program’s capstone course is held during a five-day summer session on Dalhousie’s historic campus in Halifax, Nova Scotia. You only come to class at the end of each course for this ‘intensive’ on campus, including group work and other career services for students.

Educational resources enhance online learning, including readings, videos, discussion posts, blogs, and audio files. Realtime elements include Live Classroom, tutorials, Collaborate Ultra, Adobe Connect and Skype sessions, ensuring rich personal connections with your professors and class participants.

Among Dalhousie Faculty of Management’s MBA class of 2023, students reported a 169 percent increase in average compensation following graduation versus compared to before the program, with an average reported annual salary of $71,320.

Located in Canada’s capital city of Ottawa, Carleton University is a dynamic hub for both research and teaching. Renowned for its excellence in public affairs, international affairs, architecture, and technology, Carleton has built a reputation as a leader in shaping future innovators and changemakers. Students at Carleton’s Sprott School of Business gain a distinct advantage through the university’s extensive partnerships with the federal government, other leading universities, and the private sector.

What Sets the Sprott School of Business Apart?

The Sprott School of Business’s online MBA program, offered entirely online from Carleton University, provides the ability to complete an MBA online in 12-24 months, along with experiential learning opportunities, career-relevant insights, and a supportive environment focused on developing each student’s talents and helping them succeed. These graduate-level programs are designed for students with bachelor’s degrees and at least two years of professional work experience.

The program is primarily asynchronous and self-paced, allowing students to work through materials on their own schedule. Many course outcomes rely on projects and workshops for leadership and career development assignments. Asynchronous courses do not require participation in scheduled meetings; however, students are expected to remain up-to-date with the deadlines and due dates provided by the instructor.

This program is available only to Canadian citizens or permanent residents. A GMAT waiver is available for those who qualify. All MBA students who have less than two years of professional employment experience are required to complete the MBA Internship which is 16 weeks, typically, and consists of full-time hours.

Known for being one of the top universities in the world for agriculture, hospitality, and environmental sustainability research, the University of Guelph brings those strengths into all its degree programs. Over 24,000 students attend the university, between its on-campus and blended online programs, and over 800 faculty conduct thousands of research projects across all departments. The Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics is home to the University of Guelph’s Lang MBA program.

What Sets Guelph Apart? 

Because the MBA program draws from the University of Guelph’s core strengths of agriculture, hospitality, and sustainability, it may not be the best fit for the finance-intensive MBA candidate. However, if you’re looking to apply a business education to work in those specialized industries, Guelph has one of the most competitive programs in the world.

The blended program takes place over two years, primarily online, with an average class size of 60 students. Throughout, students participate in three residential periods on campus, ranging from five to 11 days each. Online learning is complemented by multiple and intense on-campus experiences in Guelph, where students attend the annual Lang Grad Conference. These experiences allow individuals to collaborate, interact and network with peers and faculty to gain the knowledge and skills needed to tackle leadership challenges facing organizations today.

The program has a 96 percent approval rating from graduates, who typically have an average of 10 years of work experience coming into the program. Students report an average salary increase of 26 percent upon graduating from the program, and 96 percent said the program provided a good foundation for further career advancement.

In the heart of Northern Ontario, Laurentian University stands out as a truly “tri-cultural” post-secondary institution, embracing English Canadian, French Canadian and Indigenous traditions. With bilingual instruction woven into its culture and programming, Laurentian offers students an education that reflects Canada’s rich history and diversity. For those learning online, its programs carry the same spirit of openness and community you would find on campus, bringing the welcoming atmosphere Laurentian is known for to its virtual cohorts.

What Sets Laurentian Apart? 

Delivered in either French or English, Laurentian’s online MBA program welcomes people from all over the world. Courses focus on managing complex information systems, business ethics, and operating within a globalized context.

The average online MBA student at Laurentian has 13 years of intermediate-level work experience. Students who have graduated with a business degree from a recognized university, and who meet the eligibility requirements, can receive advanced standing and complete the two-year program in one accelerated year. MBA candidates who hold a minimum of six years of “intermediate” level experience (requiring judgement and originality in the application of knowledge such as president/owner, vice-president, CFO, or CIO) may be admissible without the GMAT.

Applicants can be admitted to the fully online delivery option for the annual start date in September. With no on-campus requirement, learning from where you are and when you can is truly up to you in this program. This format is ideal for business professionals who need the flexibility of balancing work with personal commitments.

Based in Kamloops, British Columbia, Thompson Rivers University’s (TRU) Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics brings global opportunities to the heart of the interior of British Columbia. With a strong focus on experiential learning and high-quality research, TRU’s online MBA equips students with the skills to thrive in today’s dynamic business world. Graduates emerge ready to lead, innovate and make meaningful contributions in their workplaces and communities.

What Sets the Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics Apart?

TRU MBA students can complete the program entirely online or on-campus, part-time or full-time, or combine course delivery options to fit their needs. (Online courses are only available to students residing in Canada.) Learners also have the choice to complete the program in a one-year accelerated program or over two years through thesis, project course-based options. GMAT scores or professional work experience are not needed for admission.

Starting in September, January, and May of each year, the full-time online program can be completed in as little as 12 months. Small class sizes ensure high quality interaction between students and the instructor. Students are welcome to enrol in a combination of on-campus courses and Open Learning online courses, thanks to TRU’s emphasis on flexibility.

If you have a recognized business degree from an accepted North American institution, you may be able to move directly into year two of the MBA program and complete your degree in just one year.

A global leader in research, the University of Alberta, founded in 1908, is known internationally for excellence in business, health sciences, and engineering. Primarily located in Edmonton, Alberta but with five campuses, it is the fifth-largest university in Canada. The Alberta School of Business, founded in 1916, has grown considerably to become a leading institution of business education and research, and holds the distinction of being the first business school in Canada to earn an accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). About 4,200 students attend the business school each year. Some of the top recruiting companies hiring business grads from U of A include energy sector giants such as EPCOR, Syncrude Canada, ATCO, Enbridge and Suncor. In fact, 28 percent of its MBA grads go into the energy sector.

The University of Alberta also enjoys a 20-year collaborative partnership with the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii). The research centre at the University is a primary driver of Amii’s AI research. The U of A is home to 36 Amii Fellows, 26 Amii Canada CIFAR AI Chairs, and more than 400 undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate researchers working to produce world-leading AI and machine learning advancements across various sectors.

What Sets the University of Alberta School of Business Apart?

The University of Alberta MBA program is designed so that students can complete a mixture of online (synchronous and asynchronous) courses and in-person courses, in a blended model. Built on a foundation of core business courses and more specialized elective courses, the 20-course part-time MBA program is designed to fit around your work schedule, providing the ability to better balance work, school, and personal commitments.

Online courses are offered asynchronously, with course materials and lectures available on demand, meaning you can study and learn when it is convenient for you. In addition to in-person courses scheduled in the evening, there are also one-week and intensive courses offered throughout the program, primarily over the spring and summer terms, with the same contact hours and credit value as the evening courses. Students typically complete the program in three to four years, but you have up to six years to finish the degree.

Among the U of A class of 2024, the average part-time MBA student has nine years of work experience coming into the program. Graduates of the part-time MBA program earn a mean total salary of $116,076.

Every MBA student is automatically considered for entrance awards ranging up to $10,000. Once enrolled in the program, you can apply for scholarships based on academic success, program involvement and extracurricular clubs and activities. These scholarships go up to $15,000.

The University of New Brunswick is Canada’s oldest English-speaking public university, with a history dating back to 1785 and campuses in Fredericton and Saint John known for strong offerings across fields including business, engineering, and computer science. UNB offers a close-knit campus with more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. UNB serves more than 10,000 students and connects more than 95,000 alumni globally, blending long-standing academic rigour with flexible learning pathways. UNB’s business graduates are positioned for leadership roles in fields such as consulting, finance, marketing, operations, and technology.

What Sets the University of New Brunswick Apart?

UNB’s online MBA is a 100 percent online, AACSB-accredited program tailored to working professionals, career changers, and entrepreneurs seeking a flexible, remote graduate business degree without sacrificing academic depth. The program runs across eight semesters (approximately 2.5-3 years on a part-time basis) and offers three start intakes per year—January, May, and September—to support enrollment timing that fits busy schedules.

The curriculum combines foundational business disciplines of finance and marketing with strategic leadership, alongside electives that enable students to tailor their MBA to emerging market needs. Alongside coursework, students benefit from dedicated student success advisors who help guide progress and academic planning. While the program is delivered fully online, UNB emphasizes community, networking, and professional growth through collaborative learning and access to its broad alumni network. There is also a chance to round out your education abroad.

A GMAT waiver is available for qualified applicants.