M.B.A from Carleton University

Carleton University Master of Business Administration (International Development Management) is a 16-month, full-time graduate degree designed for professionals committed to international development. The programme combines business management with international affairs and public policy expertise.

• You’ll need GMAT 550+, 73% – 76%, and strong English proficiency to apply.
• International annual tuition fee: CAD 46,374.48 (INR 31.53 Lakhs). 
• One intake: September (Fall) 

This is Canada’s first MBA concentration specifically in international development management, which bridges business discipline with nonprofit and government sector expertise.

• Carleton’s approach integrates three schools: Sprott Business, Norman Paterson International Affairs, and Public Policy Administration.
• Ideal applicants are mid-career professionals (2+ years) seeking to lead development programmes, manage NGO operations, or drive impact-focused enterprises.
• If you lack 2 years’ experience, you’ll complete a mandatory 16-week internship during the programme.
• 91% employment rate within one year of graduation for school MBA graduates.
• AACSB accreditation (held by fewer than 5% of global business schools).

Also Check:

• Carleton University Admission Requirements
• Cost of Living at Carleton University 

Carleton University MBA International Development Management Fees 2026

International tuition for the MBA is approximately CAD 46,374.48 annually (INR 31.53 Lakhs). 

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of CAD 1 = INR 68.09 as of June 2026. 

Check Out: Cost of Living in Canada for International Students

Carleton University MBA International Development Management Admission

The MBA admits new cohorts once yearly (Fall intake only for international students). Admission is competitive and rolling, meaning applicants are reviewed as soon as all materials arrive. Previous intakes filled quickly.

Academic eligibility: a 4-year bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.33 (equivalent to B grade), 73% – 76%. All applicants must submit GMAT scores (minimum 550/800) – no exemptions are granted. If you hold a bachelor’s from a non-English-speaking country, you’ll need English language proficiency test scores.

• GMAT minimum 550/800 is mandatory for all applicants, regardless of work experience.
• GRE is accepted as an alternative to GMAT (provide equivalent score conversion).
• Work experience of 2+ years is preferred but not mandatory; without it, you complete a 16-week paid internship during the programme.

English Language Proficiency

If your bachelor’s degree was not completed in an English-speaking country within the past three years, you must submit scores for one of the following tests. All scores listed are minimum requirements; meeting these thresholds does not guarantee admission.

​Tip for Indian Students: IELTS 6.5 is typical for Indian MBA applicants; TOEFL 87 is slightly more rigorous. Most Indian students use IELTS as their primary test. Duolingo is not listed by Carleton; stick to the four tests above.

Carleton University MBA International Development Management Scholarships

Scholarships for international MBA students are limited to outstanding applicants. Carleton does not publish specific scholarship names or amounts for the MBA concentration; instead, funding is offered as admissions awards to top-ranked candidates during the admission decision. Automatic consideration occurs when you apply—no separate scholarship application needed.

Exact scholarship amounts for this MBA are confidential. Historical data suggests merit awards for MBA students range from CAD 2,000 to CAD 8,000 (INR 1.36 Lakhs to INR 5.45 Lakhs), though this varies annually. Teaching Assistantships and Research Assistantships may be available but are not guaranteed; contact the MBA office to inquire.

Limited federal and provincial scholarships (e.g., Ontario Graduate Scholarship) are available for Canadian permanent residents and citizens; international students are ineligible for these. Some international development organisations provide sponsorships for MBA students; check with your employer or development sector employer.

Scholarship Reality: Expect to fund roughly 80–90% of the cost yourself. Scholarships are highly competitive and apply primarily to top 10–15% of admitted cohort. Plan your finances accordingly.

Carleton University MBA International Development Management Salary

MBA graduates from Carleton’s Sprott School achieve strong employment outcomes. Programme-specific salary data for the International Development Management concentration is unavailable; school-level data serves as a proxy. However, development-sector roles typically carry lower starting salaries than finance or consulting roles.

Source: Carleton Sprott School of Business Graduate Employment Report (2022); PayScale Canada MBA salary data (2023); Glassdoor and development organisation hiring benchmarks.

Employment rate for Carleton MBA graduates is 91% within one year of graduation. Take-home salary varies by province (tax rates range 20–53%), employer, and role level. Calculate your net income using the Canada Revenue Agency tax calculator. Development-sector roles prioritise mission impact over salary; many graduates accept 10–20% lower salaries to work with NGOs or UN agencies.

Carleton’s MBA in International Development Management is ideal if you want to combine business rigour with genuine impact in the development sector. The 16-month, full-time immersion builds management skills while keeping you grounded in real-world development challenges through coursework, case studies, and internship placements. Cost is high (INR 51–56 Lakhs total), but alumni employment at 91% and average starting salaries in development roles (INR 40–55 Lakhs) support a reasonable ROI over a 15-year career arc. Strong visa pathways and AACSB accreditation make this an accessible gateway to Canadian permanent residence.