To study MBA in Canada is a great opportunity. However, is it possible to do so without work experience? It is widely known that to study in Canada, work experience is required, however, students are not aware that they can also study MBA in Canada without work experience.
Many students are increasingly opting to complete their studies without break, or sometimes they are just returning from a sabbatical. This either leaves them without any work experience or a gap in their education. In this case, how can they apply for MBA in Canada without any sort of work experience in the field?
Here, we will find out the advantages of pursuing an MBA in Canada without work experience, the admission process, the best universities to apply to, and the job opportunities after completing an MBA in Canada without work experience.
Is it Possible to do MBA in Canada without Work Experience?
Yes, all students who wish to do MBA from Canada can apply to the B-schools in Canada even without work experience.
MBA colleges are adamant about work experience if the applicants have a gap after their bachelors degree and they have not pursued any other higher education course during this period. Clearly, if the applicants are pursuing MBA right after their bachelors or any other higher education course, they can apply for MBA in Canada without work experience certificate.
Work experience, as established earlier, helps MBA colleges in assuring that students, even if they do not belong to an MBA-relevant academic background, can still grasp the course material of MBA courses. Hence, in cases where work experience is being forgone as an eligibility criterion MBA colleges in Canada require students to supplement with other requirements. These supplementary requirements may vary from standardised tests (GMAT or GRE) to GPA, or even English proficiency test scores (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo).
Our experts can help you understand if MBA from abroad is the right choice for you or not!
Why Should You Study MBA in Canada?
Advantages of Pursuing MBA Without Work Experience
International students can benefit a lot if they are applying for MBA in Canada without work experience. Here are some of the advantages they can bank upon by completing an MBA in Canada without work experience:
-
Organisations tend to not offer high-profile jobs to people without an MBA degree, even if they have a calibre for it. Completing MBA in Canada without work experience will help the students get the jobs they deserve.
-
Remunerations of non-MBA graduates, especially without work experience, are very low in comparison to MBA graduates. Hence, it is better to complete MBA in Canada without work experience to earn as per skills.
-
The MBA courses in Canada will be a great help for students with non-management academic backgrounds. They can attentively learn about the concepts and practices of the field before they have to handle them in practical life.
Standardised Exams to Apply for MBA in Canada without Work Experience
MBA colleges in Canada require international students to submit score certificates of certain standardised tests for admission to MBA courses. While some universities require the test scores compulsorily, others only recommend their submission.
In cases where international students are applying for MBA in Canada without work experience, these standardised test scores can prove extremely helpful.
The standardised tests which can be used to apply for MBA in Canada without work experience are:
-
GMAT: The GMAT exam is a world-recognised aptitude test for admission to MBA courses in foreign universities. Although it is possible to do MBA in Canada without GMAT, it is advised for international students applying without work experience to use the GMAT scores. They can prove extremely useful in getting admission into MBA colleges in Canada.
-
GRE: The GRE exam, like MBA, is an aptitude test recognised worldwide. However, the GRE, unlike MBA, can be used as a standardised test for admission to other graduate-level courses as well, such as MS, MA, PhD in relevant fields, etc. GRE score certificates can be used to apply for admission to MBA colleges in Canada if students do not wish to apply with GMAT.
The GRE and GMAT exams can be used alternatively to apply for MBA in Canada without work experience. While selecting the standardised exam, students must ensure to consider the eligibility criteria of the MBA college, and their preferred test, if mentioned.
In the case where preference is mentioned, that test should be used by the students to increase the chances of admission.
Additional Requirements of MBA in Canada without Work Experience
Apart from the standardised tests, international students will also be required to submit the following for admission to top MBA colleges in Canada without work experience:
-
GPA: The past academic transcripts have to be submitted by the students to get admission to MBA colleges in Canada. In the case where an application for MBA in Canada is without work experience, then a good Grade Point Average (GPA)in academics is required to back the admission. International students are required to have a minimum GPA of 3.5, on a 4.0 scale, to get admission for MBA in Canada without work experience.
-
English Proficiency Test Scores: English proficiency test scores are a requirement for admission to MBA in Canada. However, in the case of applications without work experience its importance elevates. The students can choose any of the English proficiency tests, as far as they are allowed by the university, among IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, and Duolingo.
-
MBA SOP: A strong MBA SOP can solidify the admission decision of the international student. Hence, it must be ensured that the SOP covers the question asked by the university. Additionally, SOP must be clear, include all priority points, confident rather than flattering, and must avoid overstuffing.
-
LORs: Letters of Recommendation (LORs)from powerful authorities can help students successfully get admission to MBA colleges in Canada. Although universities mention authorising people for LORs, students can always submit additional letters. Students can ideally submit three additional LORs to the number mentioned.
-
Academic Resume or Student CV: Academic resume or student CV is often seen as important and helpful when work experience is involved. However, students are advised to submit it even when applying for MBA in Canada without work experience. It will help in organising the application and also mention additional skills, relevant to MBA courses.
How to Apply for MBA in Canada Without Work Experience?
The application process for MBA in Canada without work experience consists of two things, the step involved in the admission process and the documents required in an application. Although other aspects, such as deadlines, registration fees, etc., are also involved, however, the former makes up for the majority of the whole application process.
Admission Process of MBA in Canada without Work Experience
International students shall have to undertake the following steps to complete the admission process for MBA in Canada without work experience:
Step 1: Shortlist the universities or MBA colleges in Canada to apply for admission.
Step 2: Check the eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and tuition fees of MBA courses of shortlisted universities and MBA colleges.
Step 3: Prepare documents and other additional requirements as mentioned in the eligibility criteria of shortlisted institutions. This includes attempting standardised tests and proficiency tests, preparing academic transcripts, writing MBA SOP, and getting LORs from relevant authorities.
Step 4: Compile the application along with an academic CV and fill out the application form. Submit the application along with the application fee.
Step 5: Await the decision on admission, and prepare to apply for a Canadian Student Visa or Canada Study Permit.
Documents Checklist
Generally, international students can expect the following document checklist to apply for MBA in Canada without work experience:
-
Application form
-
Academic CV
-
Academic Transcripts, showing GPA
-
Standardised Test Scores, GMAT score certificates or GRE scores
-
English Proficiency Test scores of IELTS exam, TOEFL exam, PTE exam, or Duolingo English Test.
-
MBA SOP
-
Letters of recommendation, (at least two)
-
Bank Statements (only if asked)
-
Additional application essays (only in asked)
Note: This checklist is non-exhaustive. Universities and MBA colleges in Canada can ask for lesser or more documents.
Best Universities for MBA in Canada without Work Experience
International students can apply to the following top universities to study MBA in Canada without work experience, a few among many. Their respective admission requirements and annual tuition fees also have been mentioned.
University or B-School |
MBA Admission Requirements |
Annual Tuition Fees (CAD) |
GPA: 3.6; GMAT: 678; GRE: 325; IELTS: 7.0; TOEFL: 100; PTE: 65; Duolingo: 120 |
133,740 |
|
GPA: 3.0; GMAT: 550; GRE: 310; IELTS: 7.0; TOEFL: 100; PTE: 70 |
68,000 |
|
GPA: 3.2; GMAT: 600; GRE: 315; IELTS: 7.0; TOEFL: 105; PTE: 72; Duolingo: 120 |
45,000 |
|
GPA: 3.69; GMAT: 650; GRE: 320; IELTS: 7.0; TOEFL: 100; PTE: 65 |
99,500 |
|
GPA: 3.0; GMAT: 600; GRE: 300; IELTS: 7.0; TOEFL: 100; PTE: 60; Duolingo: 100 |
82,000 |
|
GPA: 3.31; GMAT: 640; GRE: 310; IELTS: 7.0; TOEFL: 100; PTE: 70; Duolingo: 125 |
123,500 |
|
GPA: 3.2; GMAT: 630; GRE: 300; IELTS: 7.0; TOEFL: 95 |
59,000 |
|
GPA: 1.7; GMAT: 570; GRE: 310; IELTS: 7.0; TOEFL: 100; PTE: 68; Duolingo: 120 |
40,000 |
|
GPA: 3.0; GMAT: 550; GRE: 310; IELTS: 7.0; TOEFL: 100; PTE: 68; Duolingo: 115 |
28,300 |
|
GPA: 3.5; GMAT: 670; GRE: 320; IELTS: 7.0; TOEFL: 100 |
112,250 |
Job Opportunities after MBA in Canada without Work Experience
International students can expect a lot of job opportunities in various profiles after completing MBA in Canada without work experience.
Here are some of the job profiles and their respective starting salaries after MBA in Canada without work experience.
Job Profile |
Starting Annual Salary (CAD) |
Investment Manager |
80,000-90,000 |
Human Resource Manager |
90,000-170,000 |
Project Manager |
40,000-70,000 |
Marketing Manager |
75,000-120,000 |
Business Development Manager |
88,000-100,000 |
Finance Strategist |
65,000-95,000 |
Supply Chain Analyst |
62,000-85,000 |
Sales Manager |
80,000-95,000 |
Data Analyst |
78,000-100,000 |
Source: Glassdoor
International students are encouraged to apply for MBA in Canada. The course will help them a lot with their career and future. Whether they have work experience or not they can still get a successful admission to the best MBA colleges in Canada.
Similarly, they can check out our other guides to know how to study MBA in Canada without GMAT, or study in Canada without IELTS, etc. The message is simple, students must not let anything hinder their dreams and education. Universities in Canada will consider their applications if they show enough calibre and interest in the course.
For any additional queries related to studying MBA in Canada, you can connect with our study abroad experts at abroad@collegedekho.com.
Let Experts Guide You to Study MBA in Canada!