Study MBA in Canada without Work Experience

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Sristy Sharma
Updated on Jul 20, 2022 06:01 PM IST

Although work experience may be one of the significant eligibility requirements for an MBA in Canada, many business schools base their admissions on other factors like MBA SOPs and GMAT scores. Read on to learn more about studying MBA in Canada without work experience.

Study MBA in Canada without Work Experience

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:

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)

University of Toronto

GPA: 3.6; GMAT: 678; GRE: 325; IELTS: 7.0; TOEFL: 100; PTE: 65; Duolingo: 120

133,740

University of British Columbia

GPA: 3.0; GMAT: 550; GRE: 310; IELTS: 7.0; TOEFL: 100; PTE: 70

68,000

Queens University

GPA: 3.2; GMAT: 600; GRE: 315; IELTS: 7.0; TOEFL: 105; PTE: 72; Duolingo: 120

45,000

McGill University

GPA: 3.69; GMAT: 650; GRE: 320; IELTS: 7.0; TOEFL: 100; PTE: 65

99,500

McMaster University

GPA: 3.0; GMAT: 600; GRE: 300; IELTS: 7.0; TOEFL: 100; PTE: 60; Duolingo: 100

82,000

Ivey Business School

GPA: 3.31; GMAT: 640; GRE: 310; IELTS: 7.0; TOEFL: 100; PTE: 70; Duolingo: 125

123,500

HEC Montreal

GPA: 3.2; GMAT: 630; GRE: 300; IELTS: 7.0; TOEFL: 95

59,000

University of Ottawa

GPA: 1.7; GMAT: 570; GRE: 310; IELTS: 7.0; TOEFL: 100; PTE: 68; Duolingo: 120

40,000

University of Alberta

GPA: 3.0; GMAT: 550; GRE: 310; IELTS: 7.0; TOEFL: 100; PTE: 68; Duolingo: 115

28,300

Schulich School of Business

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!

FAQs

What is counted as work experience by B-schools in Canada?

Work experience is counted differently at different B-schools in Canada. The difference may be according to the number of years, or the description of work experience. Generally, students are required to have at least six months to a year of work experience. This experience must be in a job profile that requires the application of management skills.

What is the minimum work experience required by B-schools in Canada?

The minimum work experience required by B-schools in Canada differs for different B-schools. Generally, they ask for work experience of six months or one year. Some business schools might ask for two years to eight years of work experience. The requirements may also differ for a business school on the basis of different conditions, such as lengthier work experience for a waiver of GMAT scores.

In which cases do MBA colleges in Canada accept students without work experience?

There are various cases in which MBA colleges in Canada accept students without work experience. If the student has just finished their bachelors and is applying for an MBA, they are readily accepted on the basis of GMAT or GRE scores, and their GPA in bachelors. Similarly, in other cases, students can get admission on the basis of GPA and GMAT scores.

I have a gap of 2 years in my education and I do not have work experience as well. Can I apply for MBA in Canada?

Yes, if you have a gap of 2 years in your education and do not have any work experience to prove, you can still apply for MBA in Canada. You will have to show a GPA as required by the university for admission to  MBA courses, GMAT or GRE scores, MBA SOP, and a proper answer to question prompt for an application essay.

What is the minimum GMAT score to apply for MBA in Canada without work experience?

The minimum GMAT score to apply for MBA in Canada without work experience is different for universities and MBA colleges in Canada. Generally, the minimum GMAT score requirement of MBA colleges in Canada range between 550-650. However, students applying for MBA courses without work experience are advised to submit a GMAT score of at least 600.

What is an appropriate GRE score to study MBA in Canada without work experience?

An appropriate GRE score to study MBA in Canada without work experience can be derived as an overall GRE score of 310 or above. Students will be required to have a higher GRE Quant score, at least within the range of 158-162. GRE Verbal score is required within the range of 152-160.

Which English language proficiency test is the best when applying for MBA in Canada without work experience?

There are many English language proficiency tests that can be used to apply for MBA in Canada, including the IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo English Test. Although all these tests are considered valid, if accepted by the university, for admission to MBA in Canada without work experience, IELTS and TOEFL exams are highly preferred.

What should I write in MBA SOP when applying for MBA in Canada without work experience?

You should include your purpose and motivation to apply, for your chosen MBA course and college, in the MBA SOP, when applying for MBA in Canada without work experience. The SOP must be clear and maintain the mentioned word count. If no word count is suggested, it must not exceed 900 words.

Whom can I approach for LORs to apply for MBA in Canada without work experience?

You must approach the authorities mentioned by the university for LORs to apply for an MBA in Canada without work experience. In case you wish to submit additional LORs, the number must not exceed five. You can approach your PGTs of management and business relevant courses, or your principal/dean/president of previous institutions.

I have worked as a part-time cashier at a cafe for 1.5 years. Can I apply this as a work experience to study MBA in Canada?

No, your work as a part-time cashier at a cafe for 1.5 years cannot be considered a work experience to study MBA in Canada. The universities and MBA colleges in Canada expect the work experience to show the clear application of management skills. However, you can mention the experience in your Academic CV, and explain your use of skills related to the management field.

How can an Academic CV help me when applying for MBA in Canada without work experience?

Your Academic CV can help you in applying for MBA in Canada without work experience by summarising your actions during the previous years, and your skills in management-related fields. You can explain your management-related skills and talents with evidence in your CV. You can use different part-time jobs or social work experience for this. 

Which MBA specialisations can be applied to study MBA in Canada without work experience?

The MBA specialisations, offered by the university or MBA college you are applying to, can be applied to study MBA in Canada without work experience. The work experience requirement of certain MBA specialisations may be more than others, however, if b-school is accepting applications without work experience, they will do so for all MBA specialisations they are offering. 

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