Top 10 Business Degrees in Canada 2026

A business and management degree is among the most sought-after courses in global higher education. By studying business in Canada, you’ll enter a truly international and diverse learning environment that nurtures future leaders in innovation and excellence. Teaching staff are leaders in their fields, bringing their unique and progressive views to lectures and seminars.

Through links with key players in various sectors, from tech to banking and advertising to accounting, you will secure work placements that give you a clear advantage as a graduate.

Learn more about the best business programs in Canada below (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025) and begin your application by arranging a free consultation with StudyIn today.

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Top 10 Business Degrees in Canada

1. University of Toronto

Rotman School of Management offers one of Canada’s most prestigious business programmes. Located in the heart of Toronto’s financial district, students benefit from unmatched access to internships and industry connections. The curriculum blends analytical rigour with real-world application, making it ideal for aspiring leaders.

What Sets It Apart:

Rotman’s programs include undergraduate business studies, MBAs, and executive education.
Its curriculum combines rigorous academics with experiential learning opportunities.
Students benefit from proximity to Toronto’s financial hub, opening up vast internship and job opportunities.
Suggested Course: Full-time MBA

2. University of British Columbia

UBC Sauder is known for its cutting-edge business education and global focus. Ranked top in Canada by Maclean’s, it provides strong foundations in analytics, innovation, and sustainability. Experiential learning and industry projects prepare students for careers in fast-changing business environments.

What Sets It Apart:

Ranked first in Maclean’s 2024 Business Program Rankings for its commitment to excellence and industry relevance.
Emphasises experiential learning and global perspectives.
World-class faculty with strong expertise in research and practice.
Suggested Course: Master of Business Analytics

3. McGill University

McGill’s Desautels Faculty of Management combines global perspectives with a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and critical thinking. Students benefit from mentorship, diverse learning experiences, and strong industry ties, all within a dynamic and multicultural environment in central Montréal.

What Sets It Apart:

Strong emphasis on global perspectives and entrepreneurship.
Programs tailored to enhance problem-solving and creative thinking skills.
Extensive career coaching and mentorship opportunities for students.
Suggested Course: Master of Business Administration

4. Western University

Ivey Business School is a leader in case-based learning, preparing students to tackle complex business challenges. Its international study trips, tight-knit alumni network, and reputation for academic excellence make it one of Canada’s most respected business schools.

What Sets It Apart:

Established Canada’s first MBA and PhD programs in business.
Students gain international exposure through study trips and exchange programs.
Case-based methodology ingrains critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Suggested Course: Master of Management in Analytics

5. Université de Montréal

HEC Montréal, affiliated with Université de Montréal, offers over 150 programmes that integrate global collaboration and hands-on learning. Known for its bilingual approach and multicultural focus, it equips students to lead in diverse, international business settings.

What Sets It Apart:

Offers 150+ undergraduate and postgraduate management programs.
Strong emphasis on experiential learning and global collaborations.
Renowned for fostering cross-cultural understanding and creativity.
Suggested Course: Full-time MBA

6. University of Alberta

The Alberta School of Business delivers a robust education across finance, entrepreneurship, and marketing. With a focus on innovation, leadership, and ethical decision-making, it supports students through strong career services and access to Western Canada’s economic hubs.

What Sets It Apart:

Offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees with specialisations such as finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
Access to career services that help students explore opportunities during and after graduation.
Emphasis on fostering innovative thinking and ethical leadership.
Suggested Course: Executive MBA

7. Queen’s University at Kingston

Smith School of Business at Queen’s offers a collaborative and personalised learning environment. Small class sizes, international partnerships, and practical business education position graduates for success in global markets. Research-led teaching enriches the student experience.

What Sets It Apart:

Small class sizes and personalised education experiences.
Extensive research collaborations with global partners.
A robust curriculum designed to equip students with practical and theoretical business knowledge.
Suggested Course: Master of International Business

8. York University

The Schulich School of Business offers wide-ranging programmes that blend business fundamentals with global and interdisciplinary perspectives. Students benefit from experiential learning and access to Schulich Startups—an ecosystem supporting new ventures and innovation.

What Sets It Apart:

Programs in diverse fields such as IMBA, analytics, and entrepreneurship.
Strong focus on experiential learning, interdisciplinary studies, and real-world application.
Support for startups through Schulich Startups, fostering entrepreneurship.
Suggested Course: Bachelor’s of Business Administration

9. University of Calgary

Haskayne School of Business links academic excellence with industry relevance. Students engage in practical learning through case competitions, internships, and networking. Located in an energy and finance hub, it offers strong ties to corporate and government sectors.

What Sets It Apart:

Programs combine theory with industry-relevant application.
Strong ties to businesses, non-profits, and government agencies.
Students benefit from internship and networking opportunities with industry leaders.
Suggested Course: Master of Management

10. University of Waterloo

Waterloo’s Conrad School of Business focuses on entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology. Students gain practical experience through projects, internships, and startup incubation, preparing them for dynamic careers in high-growth, innovation-led industries.

What Sets It Apart:

Programs are tailored to equip students for innovation-driven industries.
Focus on practical learning through case studies, projects, and internships.
Strong faculty expertise and connections with global businesses.
Suggested Course: Master of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology

Business Programme Entry Requirements

To study a business degree in Canada, international students typically need to meet several academic and language requirements. These include:

Undergraduate: A high school diploma or equivalent with strong grades, particularly in subjects like mathematics, English, and sometimes economics or business-related courses.
Postgraduate: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum required GPA, which varies by institution but is often 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Proof of English language proficiency is required for most programs unless you are from an English-speaking country. Common tests and minimum scores include an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0. If applying to a French-language programme, proficiency in French may be required instead.

Some MBA or business programmes might require GMAT or GRE scores. However, many universities now offer waivers depending on work experience or academic background. For MBA programmes, two to three years of relevant professional experience is often expected.