MBA in Canada without GMAT

MBA in Canada without GMAT is a great alternative way for admission to business schools. Admission requirements for an MBA in Canada can be stringent, with a GMAT score requirement of 600. Where grades and work experience might not be a problem, taking an exam, especially one like GMAT, can seem daunting. Fortunately, several top universities in Canada, like York University, Queen’s University, and many more, offer MBA programs where GMAT is not a requirement or is optional.

MBA in Canada without GMAT takes 1-2 years to complete and is available with popular specializations, such as Finance, Marketing, Business Analytics, etc. If you wish to pursue an MBA without GMAT, you have two options:

1. Apply to universities where GMAT is not required
2. Go for universities that waive off the GMAT if your academic scores are high enough

DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, and Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics, University of Guelph, among others, are some universities where a GMAT is only needed if your grades are below the prerequisite or you do not have prior work experience.

For some institutes, like HEC Montreal, you can take a different exam in place of GMAT, like TAGE-MAGE and GRE.

The average annual tuition fees for MBA in Canada without GMAT varies from CAD 36,700 to 112,250 (INR 22 lakh to 68 lakh). The average annual salary graduates earn is CAD 154,400 or INR 93.2 Lakh, indicating a high ROI.

Top MBA Colleges in Canada without GMAT

With the GMAT waived off, the admission process becomes much easier and straightforward, though it remains competitive. While you may not have the option of the best B-schools in Canada, you can still choose between good universities that offer an MBA in Canada without GMAT. Some of these are provided below.

Conditional GMAT Waiver for MBA in Canada

Some universities waive off GMAT only if you meet other requirements, for example:

• At DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, no GMAT is required if your GPA is above a B. A 600 GMAT score is recommended if your GPA is lower than a B.
• Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics, University of Guelph mandates GMAT for applicants from an honors program who do not have the required work experience (3-5 years).
• University Canada West will consider either GMAT, Bachelors of Commerce, GRE, CPA/CA, or 3 years' professional experience with evidence of career progression and/or training from applicants.

Admission to MBA in Canada without GMAT

Detailed admission requirements for MBA in Canada without GMAT is given in the table below.

You’ll have to create a strong application explaining your academic excellence and professional achievements to get a GMAT waiver.

Tips for Admission to MBA without GMAT

When applying for an MBA without GMAT, your application should highlight your prior work experience, achievements and potential through essays and recommendations. Here are some tips to help you get things right:

• Focus on highlighting your professional and academic achievements, creating a strong application.
• Do your research on MBA programs and their selection criteria thoroughly to find one that aligns with your career goals.
• In the absence of a GMAT score, all other aspects of your application carry more weight, including the interview. Prepare well for the interview process beforehand.
• Be clear on your reason for skipping GMAT, and try to show it in a good light.
• If you’re taking alternative exams like the GRE, make sure your scores stand out.
• Pay attention to the admission criteria, and make sure you fulfill all other requirements.

Cost of MBA in Canada without GMAT

Studying in Canada can be expensive, but you’ll receive quality education and a high return on investment. Provided below are the tuition fees for some popular universities in Canada for an MBA without GMAT.

In addition to the tuition fee, studying in Canada includes the cost of living in Canada, which is between 30 and 90 lakhs INR per year. A breakdown of expenses is provided in the table below.

Affordable Universities for MBA in Canada without GMAT

MBA in Canada without GMAT doesn’t have to be expensive. There are some comparatively budget-friendly options, provided in the table below.

Types of MBA in Canada without GMAT

• Full-time MBA: A two-year program including modules like Marketing Management, Economics, Financial Accounting, Operations Management, etc.
• Executive MBA: The program is designed for people with prior work experience, and can take 1-2 years to complete.
• Accelerated MBA Program: One-year MBA is an intensive program for people who want to complete the course in a shorter period of time.
• Part-time MBA: Takes longer than regular MBA, and covers the same modules as a traditional MBA. It is for professionals who want to continue working while they pursue their degree.

MBA Specializations

The common MBA specializations include:

• Finance
• Marketing
• Business Analytics
• Operations and Supply Chain Management
• International Business
• Human Resource Management

Regular MBA in Canada vs MBA in Canada without GMAT

Admission to MBA in Canada is competitive, with or without GMAT. However, the focus of your application shifts in the absence of standardized test scores. Tabulated below are the differences between traditional and no-GMAT MBA programs.

Reasons to go for MBA without GMAT

A traditional MBA has its own advantages, from giving your application an edge (if you have a good GMAT score) to allowing you a greater choice of universities, but an MBA in Canada without GMAT can be considered for these reasons:

• Time Saving: With GMAT waived off, you do not have to need to spend months to prepare for the test, saving you a significant amount of time.
• Cost Effective: Apart from the affordable universities for MBA in Canada mentioned above that you can apply to, not having to take the test saves you money by removing the need for the test fee ($ 275) and prep materials.
• Highlights Professional Achievements: MBA in Canada without GMAT leaves room for focusing on other important aspects of the application like work experience and professional achievements, which can be a great help for some of us who are more job-oriented than studious.
• Reduced Stress: Not taking the GMAT means you are freed of exam anxiety and can focus better on your essays and resume.