Applying to an MBA program without a GMAT score can be a tricky business. Most business schools in the U.S. and Canada require a competitive GMAT score to be considered for admissions. However, that’s not always possible for every applicant.
If you are an MBA candidate who’s not great at taking tests or earned a low GMAT score, don’t worry; you’re not out of luck. There are five programs in Canada that will accept your MBA application without the GMAT, as long as you meet certain specific other requirements.
These are the top Canadian schools that don’t require a GMAT.
Queen’s University Smith School of Business
At Queen’s University Smith School of Business, you do not need the GMAT if you apply to the Accelerated MBA for Business Graduates program. Ranked by The Economist as the third best business school in Canada, this prestigious program is available in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Mississauga, Markham, Ottawa, and Montreal.
To enroll, applicants need two years of work experience and an undergraduate degree in business or a related field, such as: statistics; management information systems; accounting; marketing; etc. MBA students complete their degree in just 12 months while they continue to work, earning an education that builds upon the fundamentals that students already have.
Instead of a GMAT score, this program relies on your application, resume, official transcripts, cover letter, references, and personal interview to decide if you are an appropriate candidate. Applicants are evaluated on their work experience, academic background, and leadership skills. However, if any of these areas are weak, the school may recommend a completed GMAT score to enhance your application.
Schulich School of Business – York University
At York University’s Schulich School of Business, the GMAT requirement for the full-time MBA program can be waived if you meet specific criteria. First, the student must have graduated from the Schulich BBA or iBBA programs within the last five years. Second, their GPA must have been an average of a B+ or higher. Under these two scenarios, a GMAT score is not required.
Ranked by The Economist as the second best program in Canada, the Schulich MBA is known for its flexible study options and extensive selection of specialization options. Students can choose between both full and part-time enrollment and 18 areas of study. Making this a uniquely customizable MBA.
Beyond waiving the GMAT, candidates interested in applying to Schulich must have at least two years of work experience and filled out an application that includes three essays, two videos, one resume, two references, and transcripts. Applications for entry for September 2019 have already begun with Round 2 on February 1, 2019, and Round 3 on March 15, 2019.
Lakehead University Thunder Bay and Orilla, ON
At Lakehead University, a GMAT score is not required for admissions to the MBA program if you successfully complete the Business Skills Development Program offered by the Faculty of Business Administration. This six-module program must be completed with a minimum average grade of 70 percent.
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The full-time MBA program at Lakehead University is one year in length—three terms—and provides students with a comprehensive and integrated knowledge of business and management. Students will develop their analytical, decision-making, and communication skills throughout the course of the program.
Beyond the GMAT replacement modules, students must fill out a completed application to be considered. This application includes official transcripts, references, and a statement of academic intent.
Thompson Rivers University Business and Economics
At the Thompson Rivers University Business and Economics school, MBA candidates are not required to submit a GMAT score. It is a completely optional requirement that is to be used as supplementary information. Instead, to apply, students must focus on demonstrating their quantitative and computing skills through education and work experience.
The MBA program at TRU can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time students graduate in two years, taking courses in managerial statistics, human resource management, strategic management information systems, and more. Part-time students can graduate in five years, though there is also an accelerated one-year program.
To apply to the TRU one-year MBA program, applicants must have completed a three or four-year undergraduate degree with a GPA of at least 3.0. Other application requirements include the TOEFL language test, IELTS test, or completion of the TRU ENGL 1100 course to demonstrate language proficiency.
New York Institute of Technology, Vancouver, BC
The New York Institute of Technology in Vancouver, BC offers both a Management MBA and a Finance MBA that do not require GMAT scores for admission. Instead, the GMAT is used as supplemental information only helpful if your score is satisfactory.
The Management MBA offered at NYIT is highly flexible with classes offered in New York, China, Abu Dhabi, and, of course, Vancouver. It’s an AACSB-accredited degree that offers students leadership and professional experience through coursework and participation in industry associations.
Other application information required by the New York Institute of Technology includes an undergraduate degree from an accredited college, a 3.0 GPA, official transcripts, and a completed application.