23 Best Business Schools in Canada for 2024

Business school graduates are known to be some of the top earners in Canada. According to the Bank of Canada, post-secondary education can lead to higher pay in any field. 

Pursuing a job in business is an exciting endeavor, but it all starts with choosing the right business school. Thankfully, 5 of the top 100 universities in the world are located right here in Canada. Even better? Many of the best business schools are right here, too. 

The best business schools in Canada offer awesome programs, fair tuition, and great teachers. They offer graduates the chance to get the education they want, in the way they want it. 

Here, we’ll break down the best business schools in Canada for all types of business careers so you can choose the right one for you.

The Best Business Schools in Canada 

1. Best Business Diploma: Robertson
2. Best Undergraduate Business Degree: Ivey Business School 
3. Best Online Master of Business Administration (MBA): The Sandermoen School of Business
4. Best Business School Without GMAT Requirement: Rowe School of Business
5. Best Culturally Diverse School Environment: Desautels Faculty of Management
6. Best Programs for Women: Rotman School of Management
7. Best Affordable MBA: Faculty of Business Administration
8. Best Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence: Smith School of Business
9. Best Degree with a Sustainability and Social Impact Concentration: Sauder School of Business
10. Best Experience for Francophones: HEC Montréal

To determine the best business schools in Canada, we analyzed the most popular schools, looked at the reviews, and organized our results based on important applicant criteria. In our opinion—combined with research—these schools meet those student needs.

Of course, students want a school that can lead them to employment opportunities. But our list also reflects the best business schools for student life, desirable location, unique programs, and qualified teachers.

Let’s dive into the best business schools in Canada so you can make a decision. Your future career in business starts here.

1. Robertson College

Best Business Diploma

Robertson College has been educating students in Canada for over 100 years. Its programs give students the necessary skills and knowledge to compete for in-demand business jobs.

New learners or folks who want to advance their careers should consider Robertson College. A streamlined business program is great for those seeking faster employment.

Business programs include: 

• Accounting and Payroll Administrator
• E-commerce Professional
• Business Administration
• Dental Office Administrator
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management

 

All Robertson programs are delivered online, so students can study on their schedule. Students can rely on an education that doesn’t stop them from working and living. Best of all, the business programs are reviewed by industry professionals and delivered by qualified instructors. 

Average Tuition: $$

Best Features

• Workforce Team support
• Practicum experience
• Flexible online programs
• Most programs take less than a year to complete 

 

2. Ivey Business School, University of Western Ontario

Best Undergraduate Business Degree

Ivey’s Undergraduate Business Degree is a good option for students who have already completed two years of any Undergraduate program. Known as the “2+2 program structure,” students can enroll in Ivey’s two-year Undergraduate program after learning for two years at another University.

Ivey Business School also offers a wide range of business education, including MBA and Ph.D. programs. Writers will appreciate the Ivey Business Journal, which has been publishing articles since 1933. 

Average Tuition: $$$$$

Best Features

• “2+2 program” for Undergraduate Degrees
• Wide range of programs
• The Ivey Business Journal

3. The Sandermoen School of Business, University of Fredericton

Best Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)

The University of Fredericton (UFred) provides online programs for various subjects, including Business. Students can earn an MBA, Executive MBA, Associate Degree, and more.

The UFred MBA program is a great option for those who want to earn a Master’s Degree online. Since students can work and study, they get the opportunity to immediately apply their knowledge in the workplace.

Average Tuition: $$$$

Best Features

• Fully online MBA
• Small class sizes (25 maximum)
• Nine program specialization options

4. Rowe School of Business, Dalhousie University

Best Business School Without GMAT Requirement

Established in 1818, Dalhousie University has been educating Canadians for over 200 years old. The University continues to grow and diversify its programming. One of the school’s highlights is the Rowe School of Business. 

The Rowe School of Business is a great option for business students who want to skip the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) test requirement. If you’re applying for the June 2023 intake, they have waived the need for taking this standardized admissions test. 

Average Tuition: $$$$$

Best Features

• No GMAT requirement
• Hands-on learning opportunities
• Full-time and part-time options

5. Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University

Best Culturally Diverse School Environment

McGill’s business school is called Desautels Faculty of Management. While McGill is located in Montreal, the school provides English-language programming. You don’t need to learn French to earn an Undergraduate Degree, MBA, or Ph.D. from McGill.

International students should consider Desautels Faculty of Management. Students come from over 150 different countries. This makes for an exciting and culturally diverse school environment. 

Average Tuition: $

Best Features

• Large international student population
• English-language programs
• Affordable

6. Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto

Best Programs for Women

If you want to live and work in Toronto, consider the Rotman School of Management. Rotman is the business school of the University of Toronto. Alongside a wide range of full-time programs, they offer flexible MBA programs for working professionals.

The Rotman School of Management stands out because of its Initiative for Women in Business, which includes a collection of programs designed and delivered for women by women. They even offer unique women-only gym hours, recreational activities, and more.

Average Tuition: $$$$$

Best Features

• Initiative for Women in Business
• Women-only programming
• Wide range of programming options

7. Faculty of Business Administration, Memorial University

Best Affordable MBA

Memorial University is located in Newfoundland and Labrador, a beautiful island in eastern Canada. The provincial government subsidizes Memorial’s tuition, which means they have some of the most affordable business school tuition in Canada — and one of the most cost-effective MBAs in the country.

Their MBA program is available for both full-time and part-time students. While they don’t offer online programming, Memorial University is a great option for students who want to live in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Average Tuition: $

Best Features

• Low tuition costs
• Small class sizes
• AACSB International Accreditation

8. Smith School of Business, Queen’s University

Best Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence

Located in Ontario, the Smith School of Business is the business school for Queen’s University. They’ve been providing Undergraduate Business Programs since 1919, making them one of Canada’s oldest business schools.

Alongside Degree opportunities, they offer a Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence (MMAI). This program is great for professionals with an Undergraduate Degree interested in pursuing AI technology.

Average Tuition: $$$$$

Best Features

• Rich school history
• AI Master’s Program
• Research Degrees

9. Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia

Best Degree with a Sustainability and Social Impact Concentration

Located on Canada’s east coast, the Sauder School of Business (University of British Columbia) prides itself on progressive and diverse programming. They focus on giving students professional skills that reflect diversity, equity, and inclusivity.

Sauder’s Bachelor of Commerce Degree allows students to pursue a Concentration in Sustainability and Social Impact. Courses cover topics from business ethics leadership to corporate responsibility. It’s a great option for socially minded Degree students.

Average Tuition: $$

Best Features

• Socially responsible programming
• DEI initiatives
• International MBA Program

10.HEC Montréal

Best Experience for Francophones

Founded in 1907, HEC Montréal has a historic presence in Canada. They provide in-person and hybrid learning options for a range of programs. Students have full-time and part-time options for pursuing Master’s and Ph.D. business programs.

Francophones will appreciate this mainly French-speaking school. There are English options, but many of the business programs are designed for french speaking students. This is a great option for students who want to immerse themselves in French culture.

Average Tuition: $

Features

• French-first programming
• International exchange programs
• European internship opportunities

 

Additional Best Business Schools in Canada 

There are still some great schools worth mentioning. We wanted to highlight the above schools based on important criteria we know students look for. These next schools are on our list because they have solid reputations nationwide and offer students great business programs.

1. Alberta School of Business, University of Alberta
2. Goodman School of Business, Brock University
3. Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary
4. Sprott School of Business, Carleton University
5. John Molson School of Business, Concordia University
6. Asper School of Business, University of Manitoba
7. DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University
8. Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa
9. Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University
10. Ted Rogers School of Management, Toronto Metropolitan University
11. Peter B. Gustavson School of Business, University of Victoria
12. Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business, University of Waterloo
13. Schulich School of Business, York University

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Largest Business School in Canada?

The largest business school in Canada is the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics. They have around 6,000 students enrolled in their business school.

What Is the Hardest Business School to Get Into in Canada?

Acceptance into a business school depends on your grades and the particular program you are pursuing. Entrance requirements can be different depending on your program and school of choice.

York Schulich School of Business is said to be very difficult to get into, with an acceptance rate of only 27%. The University of Ottawa is even more difficult, with an acceptance rate of just 24%.

Do You Need GMAT for Business School in Canada?

You don’t always need a GMAT for business school in Canada. This standardized test is mostly required for applicants pursuing MBA programs. It’s less likely you need a GMAT to earn a Diploma, Certificate, or Degree. Some schools have started to waive them, so be sure to check individual school requirements. 

What Is the Best Business Course to Study in Canada?

The best business course to study in Canada is the one that enriches you and gives you the skills needed for your dream job. Our programs are designed to meet industry demands so our students can find meaningful careers in Canada.

Some of the most in-demand business jobs in Canada are:

• Marketing Associate
• Business Development Associate
• Business Analyst
• Supply Chain Manager
• Information Systems Manager

 

Robertson diploma programs give students the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue these careers faster. For example, you can earn a Logistics and Supply Chain Management Diploma in less than a year. Our courses are flexible so students can study for school without needing to quit their day job. 

Earn your Business Administration Diploma in less than a year. Move towards a future in Canadian Business today with Robertson College.