The 5 Best Schools for MBA in Ottawa
Master of Business Administration programs or MBAs are among the most popular graduate management degrees in the world. They are a popular choice among employers and students alike.
There are a lot of different programs available to aspiring professionals. Thus, we’ve rounded up the top universities and colleges best for MBA’s here in Ottawa.
How Much Does an MBA Cost in Ottawa
The traditional full-time MBA is still the most popular option, but there are many other programs today. Students can choose from a variety of MBA programs suited to their budget and time.
Whether you’re in for the long haul or want to take it slow, we have a wealth of universities and colleges that can provide it for you. Here is the average estimated MBA cost in Ottawa:
Best Universities and Colleges For MBA in Ottawa
You will usually take core management courses along with courses dedicated to your specific area of interest in an MBA program.
1. Telfer School of Management of University of Ottawa
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Program Options | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Specializations | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Accreditation and Ranking | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
The Telfer School of Management really impressed us since it is in the top 1% of business schools in the world to have achieved the triple crown of accreditations. With an international accreditation, students can be sure they are receiving an educational experience of the highest quality.
There are only 2 business schools in Canada and the Telfer School of Management is one of them. It is one of the most sought-after schools for professionals enrolling for an MBA.
Graduates from Telfer School of Management report a 27% average salary increase three months after their graduation. They also boast a $97.5K average salary after three months.
Telfer School of Management is proud of its 100% employment rate within 9 months. They make this possible with their hands-on learning opportunities by partnering with Canada’s most notable organizations through capstone projects, paid internships, real-life cases and competitions.
Despite constant complaints of accessibility issues of students with special needs, Telfer School of Management is constantly improving to resolve all issues. They also have a wide range of facilities for different programs and courses.
Some graduates complained about old professors that are not updated with new business trends. However, Telfer School of Management gives you unlimited access to their dedicated career centre resources, industry mentors, and network of over 30,000 alumni after graduation.
Pros
- Offer a wide range of facilities
- Abundant in social events and clubs
Cons
- Recurring complaints of accessibility issues for special needs students
- Some teachers are too old and not able to keep up their knowledge in newer business trends and technologies
Student Reviews:
Many resources available for free for all the students
“I had an amazing experience in my four years at the Telfer School of Management! I’ve met some amazing people and learned valuable lessons about the business world, that I’ve applied every day. There are so many resources available free for all the students attending the school and I highly recommend taking advantage of them. These resources helped my learning experience and helped me find a career that I enjoy. Additionally, the professors love to see their students succeed. The profs go beyond teaching classes or expecting good marks; they will help you in your journey by writing references and pointing you in the right direction when looking for advice. It is clear that they care about their students by making sure the time they spend at school is worth it. I honestly don’t believe I could have gotten a better experience from another University.” – Alec Ayoub
It made me love learning
“Telfer marries strong academics with real-world experience leaving you a force to be reckoned with when you graduate! Personally, I had never felt like a number in the program. The professors are always open to having conversations and becoming mentors if you show interest! Telfer not only shaped me through academics, it gradually, but firmly continued to shape me personally. It teaches you resilience, perseverance while providing you with all the support and motivation to be the best student you can be! It made me love learning! Being part of the Telfer alumni is a privilege and an honour that I will continue to represent throughout my career! I highly recommend Telfer! I miss it there!” – Chanelle Joy
2. Sprott School of Business of Carleton University
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Program Options | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Specializations | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Accreditation and Ranking | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
We might’ve mentioned that Canada has two business schools and Sprott School of Business of Carleton University is one of them. They have an impressive strong ranking from Maclean’s University Rankings 2022.
Alumnus is proud of The Sprott School of Business’ accreditation from the AACSB International. Fewer than 5% of business programs worldwide have achieved AACSB accreditation, which reflects excellence in business education.
Sprott School of Business’s MBA boasts their award-winning faculty that promises a high-quality management education. They offer a dynamic program that integrates the latest business trends and practices.
Interested enrollees can enjoy a variety of specializations to choose from for their MBA or they can opt for no concentrations and a “build your own” program option. Sprott School of Business’s accelerated MBA program and collaborative specializations are some of their unique and great programs as well.
Renting inside the university costs higher than average, but you can always opt to rent outside where it’s cheaper. However, Sprott School of Business has amazing infrastructures, facilities, and great food inside the campus.
Despite requiring a minimum of 2 years of professional work experience, applicants who do not possess the criteria must complete the Internship portion of the MBA program. It is available upon your enrollment and during the selection of classes or specialization.
Pros
- Collaborative specializations
- Build your own program option
Cons
- Rent is higher than the national average
- MBA applicants must have 2 years minimum of professional work experience
Student Reviews:
“The beautiful new Seven storeyed Nicol Building is Sprott School of Business’s new home. Many of the classrooms have HyFlex technology that allows easy integration between online and physical classes. The Bridgehead coffee shop is such a great add-on! Love the place.” – Harry Chhina
“A really nice university with amazing locations and facilities. I will never get tired of visiting it. The buffet three times a day is great. The Rideau Canal passes along its side. There are two train stations within the Campus and the green is everywhere. The tunnels help us to avoid rain, snow or heat. Beautiful and amazing.” – David de la Peña
3. Ottawa University
| Criteria | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Program Options | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Specializations | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Accreditation and Ranking | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Included in the 2022 best colleges report, Ottawa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It is a regional accreditation agency recognized by the US Department of Education that reflects excellence and competence.
We love how Ottawa University’s MBA classes are flexible and can be completed 100% online. Although some people voiced their displeasure with the arrangement, most working professionals enjoy its convenience.
You will also be impressed with Ottawa University’s large community of international students. The students enjoy being exposed to different cultures through their social events and clubs.
Despite having a higher cost of living for international students, Ottawa University can easily transfer credits to help keep your tuition costs down. They also give extended financial support for all students with a more affordable tuition fee of $23,365 than the average MBA cost of $55,720.
International students will definitely enjoy the scenic first-class view, rich architecture, and beautiful clean surroundings of the largest bilingual university in Canada. We love how Ottawa University provides high-quality and rigorous education with a perfect view.
Ottawa University’s dorms and university buffet are top-notch too. Students love the facilities and budget-friendly shops and restaurants around the area.
Pros
- Affordable tuition than the average
- Abundance of clubs and events
Cons
- Complaints on education quality via teacher recorded videos for online learning
- Higher tuition fee cost for international students
Student Review
Affordable university buffet
“This is the university to choose to connect with Canada’s next political leaders. The staff here are highly efficient, the affordable university buffet with the biggest selection + gaming systems built-in is second to none, and the staff eagerly connect students with scholarship opportunities to intern or study abroad. I did 2 exchanges in Paris & Hong Kong through UOttawa’s business school and was put in a program paying $4000 (in addition to internship salary) to do a summer internship in China or the United States. Clubs here are plentiful, and the campus population is very accepting of individual differences. Location? Always lots going on in Downtown Ottawa, just across the street from campus. Fellow Ontarians, note that 18 is the legal drinking age in the Quebec half of this city, you’re legal from year 1, unlike in other Ontarian cities. Take my word for it, in comparison to schools like ESSEC France, UOttawa is top-notch (shots fired at ESSEC! You’ll know what I’m talking about if you’ve exchanged there.)” – Henri CP
The support staff have been great
“Haven’t had issues with getting support from the university unlike other reviews(maybe I got lucky or maybe depends on the faculty or both) and all my experiences with the support staff have been great, especially the COOP office. Overall, a great so far” – Joon Lee
Best MBA Schools Near Ottawa
While there may not be many MBA programs available in the Ottawa area, there are plenty of schools in nearby cities! Check out the best MBA schools near Ottawa:
1. Smith’s School of Business in Queen’s University
| Criteria | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Program Options | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Specializations | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Accreditation and Ranking | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Smith School of Business boasts their full-time MBA program with its flexible courses and highly personalized approach. They’re also proud of their 99% job acceptance rate 6 months after graduation.
Graduates from the Smith School of Business MBA program report an average annual compensation of $120,852. It includes the base salary and other guaranteed bonuses.
We love Smith School of Business’ team-based MBA program where you can gather knowledge and experience from your team of professionals. Employers require team player skills when recruiting and students can improve those with the program.
Smith School of Business caught our eyes with their wide set of scholarships available to choose from. They have special scholarships available for international, indigenous, and black students.
Students of Smith School of Business enjoy the challenges of a blended teaching style. The school provides case studies, experimental, and simulation teaching approaches.
The university is famous for its picturesque view of Lake Ontario. Despite having more expensive total tuition costs, students enjoy the amenities of the big city and the beautiful historic architecture of the school.
Pros
- Partnership with Cornell University
- Affiliation with companies in the US
Cons
- More expensive total tuition cost than average
- Rental price is higher
Student Reviews
Great university, excellent professors, and a caring, personal administration. – Phil Knudson
Hands-on education and fantastic care for students. – Ulrich Fandl
2. HEC Montréal
| Criteria | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Program Options | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Specializations | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Accreditation and Ranking | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
HEC Montréal is rich with alumni proud of their school. They boast of having colleagues from exceptionally diverse backgrounds, interests, and cultures.
You can enjoy networking activities with big leaders of industries and famous alumni. Right after graduation, HEC Montréal has top-notch career management services that’ll help you get your ideal job.
Students can expect opportunities from HEC Montréal that develops their critical thinking and leadership skills through a challenging curriculum. They do this by forming you together as a team and assigning you to a real employer as a consultant.
We are also very impressed by HEC Montréal with their MBA which is recognized as an internationally renowned program that ranks among the world’s best. Their business consultation projects enable the students to gain valuable management experience and valuable connections.
HEC Montréal’s projects and networking activities are in no doubt very intimidating. However, the things you get after can give a huge boost to your career.
Students often complain of long walks in between buildings on campuses. However, the scenic view and beautiful architecture make it worth it.
International students will easily feel at home with HEC Montréal’s commitment to diversity. They also now have a French immersion option for international students with MBA+ since 2021.
Pros
- Chance to expand your network
- Great facilities
Cons
- Intimidating real-life projects
- Long walks in between buildings
Student Review
Great environment, great resources. Absolutely awesome place to spend your school years. – Tatiana Tanizaki
There are many things to do near HEC, make sure you take a walk there and visit Montréal’s library – Andrei Bursuc
FAQs about Best Schools for MBA in Ottawa
The city has more to offer with its culturally rich society and a wealth of affordable well-known schools. Check out other best schools in Ottawa below: