Indian Student’s Guide to Studying MBA in Canada: 2025/26

A master’s in business administration (MBA) is one of the most popular and sought after degrees in the world, as it helps students develop management, administration, and entrepreneurial skills that are in high demand across many industries. This allows MBA graduates to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in sectors such as consulting, general management, finance and accounting, IT services, human resources, and more.

Canada is home to world-renowned universities that offer high-quality MBAs, making the country a popular choice for students from all over the world to pursue their MBA studies. In addition to academic excellence, Canadian universities open doors to valuable professional networking opportunities that can help you in your career.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at how Indian students can gain admission into an MBA in Canada, the best Canadian MBA programmes, the funds required, scholarship opportunities, and salary prospects with an MBA in Canada for Indian students.

Why Study an MBA in Canada?

With high living standards, superior-quality education, and lucrative career prospects, Canada is one of the top study destinations for Indian students. Here are some reasons why Canada is especially suited for Indian MBA students.

• World-class education: Ten Canadian universities are ranked in the top 200 global universities for MBA in QS Global Rankings 2025, providing high-quality MBAs accepted all over the world.
• Diverse specialisations: From finance to sustainability, Canadian universities offer tailored specialisations to suit your academic and career ambitions.
• High graduate employment rates: With MBAs granting a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) that allows you to stay in Canada for three years, your chances of securing employment in Canada are very high. Almost 90% of international students in Canada were employed within three years, according to a government analysis of the 2020 graduation cohort.
• Permanent Residency (PR) options: After acquiring your PGWP, you can pursue TEER 0 (management jobs) or TEER 1 (professional jobs that require a degree from a University) work, which allows you to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada under the Express Entry system.

Canadian universities offer high-quality MBAs with diverse specialisation options and lucrative post-study work opportunities. The United States is also home to some of the world’s best universities offering MBA programmes. So, what could make Canada an even better option for Indian students? Let’s take a look.

MBA in Canada vs MBA in USA

Both the USA and Canada offer excellent MBA programmes with international recognition for Indian students. Here’s why you may want to choose Canada over the USA for your MBA studies:

• Duration

MBA programmes in the United States typically take two years to complete, while some MBAs in Canada have shorter durations, ranging from 12 to 16 months. This allows you to complete your degree faster and pursue employment options locally in Canada or internationally.

• Cost

MBA programmes are slightly more affordable in Canada. Tuition fees for MBA programmes in US universities typically range from US$50,000–100,000 (INR 43–86 lakhs) while Canadian universities offer MBA programmes from CA$40,000–80,000 (INR 34–69 lakhs).

• Job opportunities

Both the US and Canada offer diverse career opportunities for MBA graduates as both countries house a large number of global firms. However, Canada has a strong graduate employment market and more accommodating immigration regulations for Indian students.

• PR pathways

In the US, MBA graduates can only get temporary residence for up to one year through Optional Practical Training (OPT), while Canada offers a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) that allows MBA graduates to remain and work in the country for three years.

Shorter durations, lower costs, friendlier immigration regulations, and easier PR pathways make Canada an ideal destination for Indian students looking to pursue an MBA. Next, let’s take a look at the different types of MBAs in Canada that Indian students can pursue.

Types of MBA in Canada

Universities in Canada offer different types of MBA programmes to meet the demand and interests of international students. The three main types of MBAs that Indian students can pursue in Canada are:

• Full-time MBA

This MBA programme typically lasts one to two years, and allows you to build a complete understanding of business and management. However, you won’t have any time to pursue part-time work or career opportunities while pursuing this type of MBA programme.

• Part-time MBA

Canadian universities offer part-time MBA programmes lasting two to four years. This type of MBA is ideal if you are a professional who wants to earn an MBA while continuing to work.

• Executive MBA

The Executive MBA (EMBA) curriculum places a particular focus on developing your strategic thinking and decision-making skills. EMBA programmes in Canada are typically part-time programmes, allowing you to continue working while earning your MBA.

The different types of MBA programmes offered by Canadian universities give you the flexibility to pursue your MBA, whether you are a working professional or a full-time student. Next, let’s take a look at the criteria you need to meet as an applicant from India to be accepted into an MBA in Canada.

MBA in Canada for Indian Students: Eligibility Criteria

Indian students must meet specific academic and language requirements to be eligible for an MBA in Canada. While individual universities may have particular requirements, the following requirements are standard across most institutions.

Do you need work experience to study an MBA in Canada?

Since MBAs are generally targeted at professionals who have some level of experience in business administration, you may need at least two years of experience to meet the admission criteria for most MBA programmes. While you can apply to certain MBA programmes in Canada without work experience, universities usually give preference to candidates who have work experience.

Canadian universities also offer MBA programmes that don’t require prior work experience, particularly for recent graduates with strong academic credentials or leadership potential. Checking the specific programme requirements thoroughly before applying can help you choose the best-fit programme. If you need assistance researching programmes and applying to Canadian universities, you can book a free counselling session with a StudyIn higher education counsellor.

Meeting the academic and work experience requirements of MBA programmes in Canada is just one part of your study-abroad journey—choosing a university to study your MBA in Canada is another important choice you have to make. Next, let’s take a look at the top 10 universities in Canada where you can pursue your MBA.

Top 10 MBA Universities in Canada for Indian Students

10 Canadian universities are featured in the top 200 QS Global MBA Rankings 2025, reflecting the wide range of specialisations, top-ranking infrastructure and academic standards, and excellent career prospects these institutions offer.

Here are the top 10 universities in Canada to pursue an MBA as an Indian student, along with their associated business schools and the most notable programmes offered by each institution.

With many high-ranking universities, globally recognised programmes, and diverse specialisations available, it can be challenging to choose one that perfectly aligns with your academic and professional goals. Next, let’s take a look at the top MBA courses and specialisations in Canada to help you narrow down your search.

Top MBA Courses in Canada

Marketing, finance and accounting, data analytics, entrepreneurship, and technology are some of the most popular MBA specialisations offered by universities in Canada. You can choose these specialisations at top Canadian universities to pursue your MBA programme.

• Marketing

A marketing MBA will give you the knowledge and skills to create comprehensive marketing strategies, launch impactful campaigns, and deliver better customer experiences. These programmes also have electives such as consumer behaviour, digital marketing, and product design to complement your knowledge.

• Finance

Finance MBAs focus on key areas of finance such as financial management, corporate finance, financial markets, and investment finance. These programmes cover theoretical frameworks and data-driven techniques to offer you a comprehensive understanding of business finance.

• Technology

MBAs with technology specialisations cover high-tech sectors such as AI and machine learning, predictive analytics, digital visualisation, and fintech. These programmes are ideal if you’re targeting roles in startups and innovation.

• Data Analytics

Data analytics MBAs provide a technical understanding of data management and analytics tools, programming languages, and machine learning. This MBA will prepare you for leadership roles in sectors such as technology implementation, data analysis, and AI.

• Entrepreneurship

This MBA is ideal if you are interested in successfully launching a company, or expanding/ refining an existing company. You can also gain specific skills relevant to startups, including how to raise capital, law for startups, and entrepreneurial decision-making.

These specialisations give you valuable, timely, and industry-specific insights to deepen your knowledge in your chosen field of study. Depending on your chosen specialisation, the type of MBA, and the university, the tuition fees for the MBA programme can vary. In Canada, you can enrol in MBA programmes starting from CA$14,000 to CA$120,000+. Next, let’s take a look at some affordable MBA options you can apply for in Canada as an Indian student.

Affordable MBA programmes in Canada for Indian Students

While pursuing an MBA in Canada can be expensive, many Canadian universities offer MBA programmes that are both high in quality and relatively affordable. Here are some universities offering affordable MBA programmes to Indian students.

These universities offer affordable MBA programmes that can help Indian students pursue their MBA studies in Canada while staying within budget and achieve their study-abroad goals. If you need help finding a university that works with your budget, book a free counselling session with a StudyIn higher education counsellor today.

Tuition fees are not the only expenses you should consider when studying in Canada—let’s take a look at the other costs you should keep in mind as an international student in Canada.

MBA in Canada for Indian students: Fees

The main expenses you need to keep in mind when studying an MBA in Canada are pre-arrival fees such as the visa application, tuition fees for your chosen MBA programme, and the cost of living in Canada. Here’s a breakdown of each cost you can expect when pursuing an MBA in Canada so you can start planning your finances early.

Pre-arrival expenses to Canada

Pre-arrival costs for Canada MBA studies include the Canada Study permit application fees, language proficiency test fees, GMAT/GRE test fees, and the university deposit that may be required to confirm your placement. These expenses can vary for each student, but a general breakdown may look like this:

• Canada Study permit fee – CA$150 (Approx. INR 9,300)
• Language proficiency test fee – Approx. CA$320 (Approx. INR 20,000)
• GMAT/GRE test fee – Approx. CA$380 (Approx. INR 23,000)
• Initial deposit paid out to the university to confirm your place in the programme – Approx. CA$4,000 (Approx. INR 250,000). This depends on the programme, and some universities do not charge this fee

From January 2025, Indian students also need to get a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) for the study permit application. This is issued by your chosen university, often after you have paid the initial deposit for your MBA programme.

Tuition fees for MBAs

In Canada, tuition fees for MBA programmes can vary significantly depending on the university, type of programme, specialisation, and location. Typically, the annual tuition fees for an MBA in Canada for Indian students will be between CA$60,000 and CA$95,000 (INR 38–60 lakhs).

EMBAs in Canada tend to cost more, as fees can include full tuition fees, accommodation, one-on-one coaching, and meals. For example, the one-year EMBA at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management costs CA$124,030 (INR 78 lakhs).

Cost of living in Canada

When considering costs in Canada, you’ll have to account for multiple expenses like tuition fees, accommodation, food and living, travel, and visa costs. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires Indian students to show proof of funds of CA$20,635 per year, which can help you understand the average cost of living in Canada as an MBA student.

Here’s a general breakdown of the living expenses you can expect when studying in Canada:

Based on this information, your monthly living cost while studying your MBA in Canada can range from CA$1,130–2,280 (INR 70,000–142,000). Budgeting properly, finding part-time work opportunities, and applying for the many scholarships Canada offers for MBA students can help you manage your expenses better. Let’s take a look at a few scholarships you can use to offset the cost of studying in Canada next.

MBA scholarships in Canada for Indian students

Many universities and external bodies offer scholarship opportunities for Indian MBA students planning to study in Canada. These scholarships can cover a portion of the study costs, so you can start your studies in Canada with confidence. Here are some of the most popular scholarships you can apply for as an Indian MBA student.

Applying for these scholarships can make your education more affordable, with many scholarships granting partial coverage on tuition fees and some offering additional living allowances. You can use StudyIn’s scholarship search tool to find scholarships aligned with your requirements.

Next, we’ll look at career outcomes after an MBA in Canada for Indian students and how an MBA can help you settle in Canada long-term.

Career Prospects and Salary in Canada after your MBA

An MBA from a Canadian university not only enhances your academic credentials but also positions you for strong career outcomes. Canada’s diverse economy and employer-friendly immigration policies make it easier for international graduates to find meaningful work.

MBA graduates from Canadian universities are in high demand across industries such as finance, consulting, technology, healthcare, and marketing. Here are some high-paying roles Indian MBA graduates can pursue, along with the average annual salary and top employers for the job role.

*Salary data accessed from PayScale in June 2025.

To benefit from these opportunities, you’ll need a valid work permit. Here’s how Indian MBA students can stay and work in Canada after graduation.

Work permit after MBA in Canada for Indian students

Once you complete your MBA at a Canadian university, you are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which lets you gain valuable work experience in Canada. The PGWP allows you to:

• Stay and work in Canada for up to three years after completing your MBA (programme must be at least 8 months long)
• Work for any employer, in any location, with no restrictions
• Use this Canadian work experience to strengthen your profile for permanent residency (PR) under the Express Entry system

PGWP applicants also need to attain a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 by passing a General IELTS test or its equivalent. You will need a score of at least 6.0 in all IELTS skill areas (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) to be within the minimum band for CLB 7.

With a PGWP in hand and relevant work experience, you can begin your journey towards permanent settlement in Canada. Let’s take a look at how MBA graduates can apply for PR in Canada next.

PR after MBA in Canada for Indian students

Canada offers international graduates a clear route to permanent residency, and your MBA credentials can make you a competitive candidate. After completing your MBA and obtaining the PGWP, you can work in TEER 0 (management jobs) or TEER 1 (professional jobs that require a degree from a University) jobs in Canada. This allows you to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada under the Express Entry system.

Express Entry works on a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). MBA graduates have the potential to score higher due to their education, work experience, and English proficiency.

Securing PR after your MBA is a goal for many Indian students in Canada, but getting there involves careful planning from the start of your application journey. Whether it’s selecting the right university, preparing your documents, or applying for scholarships, expert guidance can help make the process smooth and hassle-free. Let’s take a look at how StudyIn’s expert support can help you apply for an MBA in Canada with confidence.

Application Process for an MBA in Canada with StudyIn

At StudyIn, we provide end-to-end support for your MBA journey, making the process fast, smooth, and stress-free. Here’s how we can help you:

• Set up a free 40-minute consultation for you to meet with a university counsellor in our office or online to discuss your study options in Canada
• Provide a list of recommended universities for you to apply to based on your academic requirements and preferences
• Offer assistance with completing and reviewing your university application forms to ensure they’re accurate
• Refine your personal statement to showcase your strengths and motivations
• Assist with compiling the documents you need to submit with your application, such as academic transcripts and reference letters
• Help you find available scholarships and funding opportunities to help finance your studies in Canada
• Provide expert guidance on evaluating and selecting the best university offer based on your academic and career goals
• Offer assistance throughout the entire application process, from submission to enrolment at your chosen university

Book a free counselling session with a StudyIn counsellor today and take the first step toward studying your MBA in Canada with confidence.

FAQs

Can I study an MBA in Canada without work experience?

Yes, some Canadian universities offer MBA programmes that do not require prior work experience, especially if you have a strong academic background or leadership experience. However, most top-ranked MBA programmes prefer applicants with at least two to three years of professional experience.

What is the average cost of studying an MBA in Canada for Indian students?

The total cost of studying an MBA in Canada can range from CA$80,000 to CA$120,000. This includes tuition fees, living expenses, and pre-arrival costs such as visa application fees and English language proficiency test fees.

Which are the most in-demand MBA specialisations in Canada?

Popular and high-demand MBA specialisations in Canada include marketing, finance and accounting, data analytics, entrepreneurship, and technology. These areas align well with job market trends in Canada.

Can I work while studying an MBA in Canada?

Yes. As an international student, you can work up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during regular breaks on a valid study permit. This helps many students manage their living expenses. However, if you are enrolled in a full-time MBA, you may not have time to pursue part-time work or career opportunities.

What are my options after completing an MBA in Canada?

After graduation, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which lets you work in Canada for up to three years. You can then use this work experience to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) through programmes like Express Entry.