Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Canada is one of the popular courses among international students due to its world-renowned business schools and post-study work opportunities. The universities in Canada offer high-quality education and a good return on investment (ROI). Many MBA colleges in Canada are known for their cutting-edge research and strong industry connections. However, before you move forward with this exciting opportunity, you must know about the cost of studying MBA in Canada, including tuition and living expenses.
Key highlights:
- MBA in Canada: An Overview
- MBA in Canada Cost Explained: A Full Breakdown for Indian Students
- Pre-arrival Costs
- Post-arrival Costs
- Accommodation Costs in Canada
- Living Expenses for MBA Students in Canada
- Tuition Fees for MBA in Canada for Indian Students
- Popular MBA Universities in Canada and Their Fees
- Part-time Work Opportunities to Manage Expenses
- Return on Investment (ROI) of an MBA in Canada
MBA in Canada: An Overview
An MBA is a management degree designed to provide students with knowledge in key business areas, including finance, marketing, and others. An MBA in Canada emphasises peer-to-peer learning, allowing students to interact with successful business professionals. With excellent facilities and a wide range of programmes, Canada’s MBA curriculum is modern, industry-focused, and designed to meet evolving market needs. Also, MBA programmes offer internships, giving students practical experience alongside their studies.
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MBA in Canada Cost Explained: A Full Breakdown for Indian Students
Those seeking to understand the total cost of an MBA in Canada for Indian students should be aware that it is divided into two major phases: pre-arrival and post-arrival costs.
Pre-arrival Costs
Here are the pre-arrival expenses Indian students will incur while applying to study an MBA in Canada:
| Expense Type | Costs (CAD) |
|---|---|
| GMAT/GRE Test Fee | ~380 |
| TOEFL/IELTS Fee | ~267–285 |
| Canada Study Permit Fee | ~150 |
| Biometric for Visa Fees | ~85 |
Post-arrival Costs
After arriving in Canada, the cost of an MBA includes tuition fees, as well as living expenses such as accommodation, food, and transportation. Here’s a breakdown of the costs of accommodation, living expenses, and tuition fees for MBA students in Canada:
Accommodation Costs in Canada
Accommodation is usually the biggest expense for students, with options including on-campus housing, off-campus rentals, and homestays.
| Accommodation Type | Average Cost (CAD Per Month) |
|---|---|
| On-campus Housing | ~600–1,000 |
| Off-campus Shared Apartment | ~700–1,500 |
| Homestays | ~800–1,200 |
Living Expenses for MBA Students in Canada
The cost of living in Canada depends on the city students choose to live in and their lifestyle. Here’s a general breakdown of the monthly expenses for Indian students:
| Expenses | Monthly Costs (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Food and Groceries | ~300–500 |
| Transportation | ~100–150 |
| Utilities | ~150–250 |
| Health Insurance | ~70–100 |
| Miscellaneous | ~150–250 |
Note: Living costs depend on the city, with larger cities such as Toronto or Vancouver typically having higher prices.
Tuition Fees for MBA in Canada for Indian Students
When planning an MBA in Canada, it’s important to understand the tuition fees, as tuition varies by university and programme length. Most programmes last two years, though accelerated one-year options are also available. It also depends on various factors such as university, programme duration, and whether it is full-time, executive, or part-time. The section below highlights the top MBA universities in Canada, along with the typical tuition fee you can expect at these leading institutions.
Popular MBA Universities in Canada and Their Fees
Canada has some of the world’s leading MBA universities, known for their academic strength and industry connections. Here is an overview of Canada MBA fees and course duration across top universities in Canada:
| Top Universities | Fee (CAD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Rotman School of Management | ~71,670 (Per year) | 20 months |
| Ivey Business School | ~1,32,994 (Whole course) | 12-months |
| Desautels Faculty of Management (McGill) | ~1,05,500 (Whole course) | 12 months |
| Smith School of Business | ~1,10,000 (Whole course) | 12 months |
| Sauder School of Business | ~1,08,421 (Whole course) | 16 months |
| Schulich School of Business | ~1,23,928 (Whole course) | 16-20 months |
| HEC Montreal | ~64,000 (Whole course) | 12 months |
| John Molson School of Business (Concordia) | ~85,000 (Whole course) | 2 years |
| Alberta School of Business | ~78,000 (Whole course) | 20 months |
| DeGroote School of Business (McMaster) | ~1,07,000 (Whole course) | 20 months |
Note: Fees may vary according to the university and the specialisation chosen. Always check official websites for updated figures.
Part-time Work Opportunities to Manage Expenses
Canada allows students to work part-time, enabling them to manage their expenses. A Canadian student visa permits students to work off campus up to 24 hours per week. Similarly, if you work during a scheduled break from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI), such as summer, winter or reading week, you are allowed to work unlimited hours off campus.
Here are some of the part-time work opportunities available for students in Canada:
| Job Category | Job Roles | Average Pay Per Hour (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| On-campus | Library, Cafeteria | ~18–26 |
| Retail/service | Sales, Cashier, Barista | ~15–18 |
| Food service | Restaurant attendant, Cook | ~15–20 |
| Delivery/Driving | Food delivery, Ride share | ~18–25 |
| Freelance/Remote | Writing, Tutoring | ~20–50 |
| Other | Dog walker, Event staff, Nanny | ~15–25 |
Also Read: MBA in Canada: Benefits, Types, Top Universities, Eligibility Criteria and Cost of Education
Return on Investment (ROI) of an MBA in Canada
Doing an MBA from Canada is a significant investment; however, the return on investment is strong. Most graduates recover their MBA expenses in Canada within 3–5 years, supported by strong career opportunities and high earning potential across sectors such as finance, consulting, technology, and healthcare. Leading employers such as Deloitte, KPMG, RBC, Amazon, and major tech companies actively hire MBA graduates in various roles.
- The average MBA salary in Canada is around $80,000 per year.
- Entry-level positions typically start at ~$60,000 per year.
- Experienced MBA professionals can earn up to $136,000 per year.
Understanding the Canada MBA fees for Indian students can help them plan their academic journey effectively and make informed financial decisions. To ensure a hassle-free education and living experience in Canada, applying for a student loan is a prudent choice.
At Avanse Financial Services, we offer hyper-personalised loans that cover the holistic cost of education, including tuition fees, travel expenses, accommodation costs, living expenses, learning devices, study materials, and other education-related costs. Our study abroad loan come with benefits such as quick sanctions and flexible repayment options. You can use our education loan EMI calculator to determine your monthly installment and plan better. If you have any queries, connect with us today and take the next step toward your global academic journey.
