For many talented professionals, the only thing standing in the way of an MBA has been foundational business education. Ivey Business School’s new Graduate Diploma in Management (GDM) removes that barrier, equipping non-business graduates with the fundamentals and leadership skills to transition into – and thrive in – Ivey’s Accelerated MBA, all while continuing their careers.
Launching in May 2026, the four-month, while-you-work GDM program builds core business and leadership skills through Ivey’s renowned case-based learning. The blended format combines online learning with two in-person weekends each month at the Donald K. Johnson Centre in downtown Toronto. The program concludes with a five-day capstone project in August.
Your pathway to Ivey’s Accelerated MBA
Graduates of the GDM may be eligible for advanced standing in Ivey’s 14-month Accelerated MBA (AMBA), beginning that November, and if accepted, will receive a $12,000 entrance scholarship toward AMBA tuition. This streamlined structure means non-business graduates can complete both credentials in just 18 months – nearly half the time of many traditional part-time MBA programs.
“The Graduate Diploma in Management is an important step in making the Ivey MBA experience more accessible to talented professionals from every discipline,” said Darren Meister, Associate Dean, Programs. “By equipping non-business graduates with essential business knowledge and leadership capabilities, we’re opening the door to new career possibilities and a broader, more diverse classroom experience.”
Career growth without a career pause
The GDM offers working professionals the flexibility to advance their careers while preparing for the academic rigour of the AMBA. Participants gain foundational knowledge in leadership, marketing, accounting, finance, operations, and strategy, culminating in the Managing Disruption Strategically capstone course.
The cohort-based format fosters strong peer connections, while the case-method approach builds confidence in tackling complex, real-world challenges. The Toronto location ensures accessibility for professionals across industries, including engineering, health care, the arts, and public service.
The new GDM pathway reflects Ivey’s commitment, through its Bold Ambition strategic plan, to expand access to transformative Ivey learning for motivated and capable learners regardless of background.
Applications for the first GDM cohort are now open, with the next deadline on October 14, 2025. Applicants should have one to eight years of full-time work experience, an undergraduate degree in any field, and be living and working in Canada at the time of application.
Visit the Graduate Diploma in Management website to learn more, submit your profile for a preliminary assessment, and take the first step toward your Ivey MBA.
