We know that the MBA is a big investment and the decision-making process can be overwhelming. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that may help guide you through the questions you may still be wondering about.
If you don’t see your question here, don’t hesitate to contact us at mba@ivey.ca
Candidates who have slightly less than two years of full-time work experience when they begin the program will not be excluded from consideration in the application process. We encourage applicants to think critically about when is the right time for them to pursue an MBA; when they will be able to both contribute to, and get the most out of the Ivey MBA learning experience.
Absolutely. As a top-business school, it's imperative that we ensure our graduates have the core business fundamentals to succeed. While Ivey relies heavily on the case method, we employ a number of teaching methods. Cases allow for an important decision-making context and action-orientation. That doesn’t preclude us from stepping back from a case setting and providing the fundamental basics and skill development. While Cross-Enterprise Leadership™ addresses learning from an “issues” standpoint, every Ivey student will graduate from the program with an unequalled skill in all functional areas as well.
Absolutely. Many of the world’s top recruiters come to Ivey looking for MBAs with diverse experiences and leadership qualities. Ivey consistently has the highest placement rate of any MBA program in Canada at 90%+. Through Ivey’s rigorous application process, we identify candidates who have the background and ability to excel in an intense program and achieve their career goals.
Career Management’s professional team plays an integral role in the admissions process to help determine if your expectations and goals as a candidate can be met. The real-world case based learning you receive, combined with the partnership you develop with the Career Management team at Ivey, are what will define your success.
Yes. You will have the opportunity to specialize along career specializations that will help prepare you for specific careers. These specializations are based on recommended elective course-sets in six identified fields including Financial Services and Consulting. Approximately 20 percent of the program will be focused on these specializations.
Yes. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) offers a post-graduation work permit that allows international students to gain valuable Canadian work experience after completing their degree. When you graduate from Ivey, you would be eligible to apply for a one-year work permit. Spouses and common-law partners are also eligible to apply for a work-permit during this time. For more information, visit the CIC website.
Our alumni are always happy to share their Ivey experience. They regularly attend our MBA events around the world, and the best way to connect with them is to attend an Information Session or one of our Experience Events (First Class on the Road, Women in Management, MBA Fair etc). To register for an upcoming event, visit our events website.
Ivey welcomes two sections of students each Spring. Ivey's Preparatory Knowledge Program (optional, Pre-Ivey programming) begins in March, with official classes beginning in April.
Yes, Ivey accepts both the GMAT and the GRE. However, candidates interested in pursuing post-MBA careers in the Financial Services or Management Consulting sectors should consider writing the GMAT to ensure a competitive profile as recruiters in these industries may request a GMAT score as part of their application process. Candidate should research the application criteria for the employers-of-preference before deciding which exam to write.
No. At Ivey we pride ourselves on providing an MBA experience that cannot be delivered on a part-time or distance studies basis. Because of the interactive nature of the case-method and our focus on developing leadership essentials and a strong network of personal and professional relationships, it is necessary that students commit to pursuing the program in London for the year.
With an alumni base of over 22,000 in 99 countries, where 2 in 5 Ivey alumni are at the Director level or higher in his or her organization, Ivey has more recruiters in its alumni network than other schools. We are in constant dialogue with all of the top recruiters, and work to ensure that our graduates have access to all of the top positions across various industries, functional roles and geographies. To see who recruited at Ivey this year, see our most recent employment report.
While the academic success of our candidates is considered as part of the admissions process, Ivey does not accept transfer credits from other programs. All students must complete the full year of Ivey's MBA program.
When you complete the Ivey MBA Application, please complete the Financial Aid portion of the application as well. The scholarship essay, career and interest questions help us to identify the best recipients for each scholarship and award. The financial disclosure information is kept confidential within the Ivey Finance Office and will not in any way impact your selection for admission to the program.
Almost all MBA students are qualified as having need. However some students have exceptional circumstances such as health issues, or family situations which cause additional financial distress Please outline any such pertinent financial information on the MBA application under the financial aid section.
All candidates accepted into the MBA program are considered for scholarships. Recipients are selected for outstanding professional experience, leadership skills as demonstrated through community involvement, athletics or professional role, and academic excellence and strong GMAT scores. International applicants will also be considered for International Assistance Awards in addition to merit-based awards. To be eligible for Ivey scholarships, please complete the financial aid section of the Ivey MBA Application.
Scholarship and award notifications are typically included in the Ivey MBA Offer package. If you receive a scholarship or award, it will be applied to your tuition account and it may be deducted from your final payment.
It doesn’t hurt to contact the banks at the time that you apply to the MBA to introduce yourself and to get more information. However, you will not be able to secure a loan until 90 days before the MBA program commences, and the bank will require written confirmation of your enrollment in the program.
Tuition is due on the first day of the program. Exact dates and amounts will be communicated to students as the program start date approaches. Students may pay all tuition and fees on the first day of classes, or they can opt to pay in four installments by paying a deferral fee of approximately $500.
Tuition and fees are paid directly to the University of Western Ontario’s Registrar. To pay through on-line banking, select “University of Western Ontario – Tuition” as the payee. You will be prompted for an account number, which is your 9 digit student number. Please allow 2-3 business days for the transfer of funds to avoid any late payment fees.
Students may also pay by cheque. Please make cheques payable to The University of Western Ontario and ensure that you include your name and student number on all cheques or money orders. Payment can also be made in person or can be put in the drop box at the Student Central office. (Receipts are not issued for payments received by mail or in the drop box.)
If at the start of the program you are still waiting for your PR status, then you will pay the international tuition rate. The deadline to provide proof of PR to reduce tuition fees to the domestic rate is typically around the end of June.
