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Canada MBA Programs That Don’t Require Work Experience

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Explore Canada MBA no work experience required below. It's true that most traditional full-time MBA programs look for candidates who have demonstrated leadership and success in professional positions. But, just as many MBA programs don't require the GRE or GMAT exams, many business schools are willing to consider applicants with limited or no prior professional experience. We have compiled a list of these schools in your metro below. Canada no work experience opportunities are available at premier schools in the list below. Click on a program profile below to see if you meet the eligibility requirements for Canada MBA no work experience programs.

Canada MBA No Work Experience Requirement: Alternative Program Types

It is important to also note that there are many Specialized Master's programs that do not require work experience. Specialized Master's programs are for working professionals. However, they also target prospective applicants who may have just earned their bachelors degree as well.  You can view our Specialized Master's Guide here.

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Rotman’s full-time MBA program does not have an explicit work experience requirement for potential applicants. However, the average Rotman full-time MBA applicant has around four years of prior work experience, and the school suggests applicants have at least two years of prior work experience.

DeGroote School of Business – McMaster University

Work experience is required for all international applicants and for domestic applicants applying for the full-time MBA and accelerated MBA programs. Domestic applicants do not need work experience when applying to the co-op program. However, only one year of full-time, continuous work experience is required. Also, for graduates from a North American university, DeGroote will consider an undergrad co-op or internship placement (totaling 12 months) in place of work experience. As for why DeGroote requires work experience, they feel that their students are most effective when they’re able to pull from their own professional experiences and background. It helps its MBAs to be able to contribute to group work and discussions.

Ivey Business School – Western University Canada

The full-time and accelerated MBA programs require a minimum of two years of work experience. However, don’t let that stop you. The key for Ivey is that they want MBA candidates who can contribute to the classroom experience and discussions with maturity and context. Also, Ivey admits that they will accept applications with slightly less than two years of work experience. So, if you’ve only worked for a year and a half, you can still apply.

Schulich School of Business – York University

If you’re interested in attending Schulich, a minimum of two years of relevant post-degree full-time work experience is required. However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck if you don’t have the necessary experience. The admission committee also accepts life experience. In special cases, you can apply for the MBA program is you have two years of experience volunteering overseas or you successfully completed a 2-year masters program. Also, co-ops or internships that were completed as a formal part of your degree, and noted in your transcript, can be counted for up to 12 months of work experience.

Ted Rogers School of Management – Ryerson University

While the Ted Rogers School requires two-years of work experience, there doesn’t appear to be a full-stop if you apply directly after undergrad. According to the school’s FAQ page, students can apply to the MBA program directly after undergrad, they just have to understand that preference will be given to applicants who have a minimum of two years full-time work experience.

Lazaridis School of Business and Economics Wilfrid Laurier University – Toronto Campus

If you’re a recent undergrad, the Lazaridis School can be a viable MBA of choice with no work experience, at least for those that decide to attend the full-time MBA program with co-op. For both domestic and international students, no work experience is required for the co-op and, in fact, the maximum amount of work experience allowed is two years (no exceptions). As for the full-time MBA program, two years of work experience is required and, unfortunately, part-time and summer employment does not count. However, the school will accept six co-op work terms during your undergrad.

 

On the fence about whether or not to take the GMAT / GRE?

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