Seventeen familiar faces returned to Ivey this week as the Accelerated MBA for Ivey HBA Graduates Class of 2026 was officially welcomed back to campus.
These Ivey HBA alumni are continuing their leadership journeys by building on their undergraduate business foundation through the Accelerated MBA (AMBA) for HBAs – an eight-month MBA program tailored for high-achieving HBA graduates. They join the current full-time MBA cohort of 153 students.
At a welcome event, Ivey Dean Julian Birkinshaw – an Ivey MBA alum himself – highlighted how the program will help the students reach their full potential.
“We have a very clear purpose: inspiring leaders for a sustainable and prosperous world … And we have clear values around inclusivity, integrity, community, and courage,” he said. “We want you to be bold, to try out your ideas, to be prepared to make a few mistakes. Through the Ivey MBA experience, you will be more prepared for today’s business environment – and tomorrow’s … And you will be prepared to take on any role in any industry in any part of the world.”
Meet the class
The AMBA for HBAs Class of 2026 brings a broad range of experiences and perspectives to the program, with representation from industries such as accounting, consulting, engineering, finance, government, and information technology. Many students are already making an impact beyond the classroom. The class includes:
- A former Western University varsity figure skater;
- A blogger focused on U.S. equity investments;
- A certified open-water scuba diver;
- A symphony orchestra cellist and a pianist who performed at Carnegie Hall at age 16;
- A competitive rugby player, a long-distance runner, and a bodybuilder;
- The founder of a Toronto-based food review blog;
- A ferry captain; and,
- Two students who spent a month canoeing through Quebec’s wilderness.
This year’s class also includes two recipients of the MBA Indigenous Entrance Scholarship and three Forté Fellows, reflecting Ivey’s ongoing commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Joining a global cohort
By joining the current MBA class, the AMBA for HBA students become part of a broader, globally diverse community. The full-time MBA cohort includes:
- 60 per cent domestic and 40 per cent international students;
- Students representing 25 different birth countries and 39 industries; and,
- Students with an average age of 29 and 5-1/2 years of work experience.
As they begin this new chapter of their Ivey journey, these 17 returning graduates bring curiosity, drive, and rich life experiences. And they’re now part of the broader Ivey MBA network that will support and inspire them along the way.
From HBA to MBA: Real stories, real transitions
Thinking about an MBA but unsure how your background fits? You’re not alone – and you’re in good company. As the newest cohort of the Accelerated MBA for Ivey HBA Graduates is welcomed back to campus, they’re joining a community that’s as diverse as it is driven. Whether you're a seasoned professional or pivoting into something new, Ivey’s case-based learning environment empowers you to thrive – regardless of your starting point.
If you’re curious about what that transition looks like, these podcast episodes offer a behind-the-scenes look at life in the Accelerated MBA for Ivey HBA Graduates program. Hear firsthand from students who’ve recently returned to Ivey and are navigating the program's first few months. They share what surprised them, what challenged them, and what’s helping them succeed – insights that might just spark your own journey.
