BBA in Canada: Guide for International Students in 2023



BBA in Canada is a very popular degree sought out by international students. For most students, it is a stepping stone towards an MBA, CPA, or other management-related roles. As a global study destination, Canada offers an intensive program that takes about 4 years in most universities. With this degree, you will learn the foundations of managing a business, including accounting and finance, economics, project management, entrepreneurship, HR, and even international business.



What are the benefits of doing BBA in Canada?


Why should you choose Canada to do your Bachelor’s in Business Administration? A BBA degree from any of the Canadian universities gives you an intensive insight into business administration. Especially for Indian students applying right after their 12th standard, this undergrad degree from Canada can open doors to both higher education and highly profitable job opportunities.

1. Comprehensive course structure:

Canadian BBA courses are offered as full-time or part-time programs either on campus, online or in hybrid mode. Moreover, the 4-year course structure gives you enough time to focus on the basics of management, accounting and economics before choosing a specialisation. Many universities also offer BBA courses without specialisation, should you choose to keep your options open. If you are the kind that appreciates a more intensive workload, you can also combine your business course with another major, so that you have the subject expertise and the business administration skill to grow in your domain.

2. Global networking opportunities:

Canada gets over half a million international students each year. As a global study destination, you have the opportunity to start building your professional networks right from your bachelor’s days.

3. In-course work experiences:

Almost all business programmes come with internships or mandatory co-op semesters. A co-op can last from one to three terms. You will receive a stipend for your work, gain professional experience before you graduate and not have to pay tuition for the term/ semester that you are working.

4. Job opportunities and work permit:

As you will see in detail in the next section of this article, you can jump into the job market right after your bachelor’s degree. According to the employment statistics published by York University, the median salary of its BBA graduates in 2021-22 was CA $60,800. Over 90% of them were employed within 3 months of graduation. You can also apply for a post-graduation work permit and work for up to three years in Canada.

5. Multicultural Ethos:

One of the safest and most accepting nations in the world, life in Canada will teach you what it is to be an international student and therefore a global citizen. With new places, peoples and cultures, you have the privilege of learning to navigate global socio-cultural dynamics right from your teens.

What are the career opportunities after graduating from BBA universities in Canada?


As mentioned earlier, after your business degree from Canada, you can choose to build your qualifications by either going the MBA or the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) route. However, if you are looking to gather some work experience before applying for master’s (which is also a mandatory criteria in most top universities), then you can find a number of well-paying options out there for you.

Some of the common positions that recruiters are looking to fill are:

  • Accountant ($38,025 – $85,000)
  • Business Administrator ($28,785 – $103,571)
  • Administrative Assistant (about $CAD 45,465)
  • Operations Manager ($38,636 – $135,000)
  • HR Management Executive ($54,490 – $117,502)
  • Financial Analyst (~ $66,000)
  • Supply Chain Manager (~ $35 per hour)

Note: All figures are annual salaries in Canadian dollars. They are indicative numbers, based on national averages. The numbers tend to vary depending on location, marketable skills and previous work experience.

Work permit and Immigration:

Having completed your course, in order to establish your career, you must apply for a PWGP (post-graduation work permit).

You are given up to 180 days after graduation to apply for your permit. The length of your permit is typically proportional to the length of your course. It can range anywhere from 8 months to three years, even if your course is 4 years long.

After having gained one year of professional experience under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code of 0, A, or B, you can apply for the PR (Permanent Residence) program.

What are the scholarship options for universities in Canada for BBA?


For international students, scholarships and financial aid are a huge respite from the burden of tuition fees and cost of living expenses. When you are looking for scholarships, you always look at 4 sources:

  • Faculty/ University scholarships
  • Aid provided by the destination country
  • Aid provided by home country and
  • Non-governmental charitable organisations

That said, the individual university scholarships are discussed in the next section. Here are some of the common scholarships you can look into before applying to any university.
The eligibility criteria for these scholarships are based on academic excellence, financial need and depending on the country of origin.

  • Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
  • International Business Scholarships
  • Study in Canada Scholarships
  • Lester B Pearson Scholarships (open to students of the University of Toronto)

It helps to give yourself additional time to research scholarships as their application processes tend to happen separately from that of your college application. You can also reach out to us at tcglobal.com for any assistance.

What are the best BBA colleges in Canada?


The best BBA colleges in Canada are:

  • University of Toronto
  • Ivey Business School, Western University
  • Schulich School of Business, York University
  • Simon Fraser University
  • University of Waterloo and Wilfred Laurier
  • Thompson Rivers University
  • Yorkville University

1. University of Toronto, Scarborough


Source: UTSC

One of the most renowned universities in all of Canada, the University of Toronto functions through three different campuses located in Ontario. The University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) is one of the three, with the other two located in Downtown Toronto and Mississauga respectively. UTSC is built around undergraduate programmes and offers the only Bachelor of Business Administration course across the entire university.

Why is it good to study here?

  • The University of Toronto ranks number 1 in Canada and 32 in the world for business and management studies.
  • Focuses particularly on Management with a solid grounding in Economics at the undergraduate level
  • Industry-centered curriculum
  • Earn about CA $30,000-$36,000 with the co-op option (three work terms), working with Allianz, CIBC, Boston Consulting Group, Deloitte, Google or other big players in the industry. More importantly, this option allows you to gain valuable work experience even before graduating.
  • Advantages of a small community while accessing the best that the University of Toronto has to offer

Fees & Scholarship options

The annual tuition fee is about CA $59,320 for foreign students.

All students who apply to UTSC are automatically considered for the UoT Entrance Awards. The university also rewards final year/ graduating students for academic excellence and financial need. You can apply for all of UTSC’s scholarships by submitting just one application. The deadline for this application is usually May 31. You can access all of the university’s awards here.

Eligibility and Duration

  • Year XII State/ CBSE / ICSE / International Baccalaureate results with Standard Mathematics
  • English language requirement: IELTS with a minimum score of 6,.5 with no band less than 6 / Duolingo English Test with a minimum score of 120 / Cambridge assessment C1 or C2 with a minimum score of 180.

Duration: 4 years

Courses offered & admission process

At UTSC, you can earn a BBA with any of the following specialities:

  • Management
  • Management and Accounting
  • Management and Finance
  • Management and Human Resources
  • Management and Information Technology
  • Management and International Business
  • Management and Marketing
  • Strategic Management
  • Economics for Management Studies

Once your basic admission requirements are met, you can apply for your course through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC). If you are choosing the Management with or without the co-op option, you must also submit the supplementary application form (SAF) that allows you to share your statement of purpose and your story. Some programmes such as Co-op Management & International Business also require an interview. You can then track the status of your application online. You can apply for a Canada student visa on acceptance.


2. Ivey Business School, Western University


Source: Ivey Business School

Located in London, Ontario, Western University is one of Canada’s top-ranking research-based universities. Ivey Business School is one of the constituents of the university, credited for establishing the first MBA and Ph.D. in business in Canada.

Why is it good to study here?

  • Ranked 4 in Canada and 73 in the world for business and management studies.
  • Employment rate of 96% within 90 days of graduation
  • Ivey gives you a unique opportunity of graduating with an honours degree program in business administration. In the first two years, you can explore any interest/ faculty and study. In years 3 and 4 (called HBA 1 and 2), you can further cement your interests with business education.
  • You can also extend it to an optional year 5 and gain the Graduate Diploma in Accounting which is accredited by CPA Canada.

Fees & Scholarship options

The fees for years 1 and 2 vary with your choice of majors. Your HBA 1 and 2 will cost about CA $51,000 per annum.

Ensure that you complete the ‘Financial Aid’ section of your online HBA application. Based on academic excellence and leadership skills, you will be considered for the admission awards. You can also look into the following awards during your HBA 1 and 2:

  • Caroline Brohman Memorial Award (Value CA $13,000)
  • Barnes Family Award HBA 1 and 2 (Value: CA $12,500)
  • Brigadier F.C. Wallace HBA Scholarship (Value CA $10,000)
  • Devlin and Tevlin HBA Award (Value:  CA $10,000)

Eligibility and Duration

  • Results of Standard X and XII (Mathematics is recommended but not mandatory)
  • Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 / Minimum TOEFL iBT score of 83 with no band less than 20

Duration: 4 years

Courses offered & admission process

Course: Honours in Business Administration

You have to submit your application, along with your letters of recommendation and intent either through the Ontario Universities Application Centre or through the Ivey Advanced Entry Opportunity (AEO). Ivey AEO status is available to students who choose to study at Western or one of its affiliated university colleges (in a faculty of their choice) for their first two years of university. Submit the required supplementary forms and then wait for the university’s decision.


3. Schulich School of Business, York University


Source: York University 

Affiliated with York University, the Schulich School of Business is ranked 139 in the world for management courses. This B-school is renowned for creating the first-ever university course on the Future of Marketing.

Why is it good to study here?

Why study BBA here?

  • The program takes an innovative and global approach and builds strong foundations in strategic management, accounting, marketing, finance and organisational behaviour.
  • The school also offers 11 different specialisations (this includes marketing management, international business, operations, and supply chain management) out of which you can choose one in your third year.
  • The Schulich Employment report declares that 93% of the students were hired within three months of graduation with an average salary of CA $60,852.
  • Schulich has 65 international partner schools which means that you can take your business education beyond borders.
  • The curriculum gives you the option to complete the prerequisite courses required to begin the process of becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).

Fees & Scholarship options

The tuition fee is about CA $35,280 per annum. You can apply for York’s International Student Scholarship & Award with your application reference and your Canadian study permit paperwork. They are awarded to applicants with an exceptional academic profile, and who demonstrate leadership through community service or excellence in the arts or sport. The application deadline is typically 1 February.

Eligibility and Duration

  • Grade XII graduation with a minimum overall average of 60%
  • Grade XII maths (minimum grade of 55% required)
  • A supplementary application (including a leadership profile, video interview, and timed writing exercise) is also required
  • Minimum IELTS score of 6,5 / TOEFL iBT score of 88 is required.

Duration: 4 years

Courses offered & admission process

BBA with 11 different specialisations to choose from.

Prospective students must apply through OUAC. The application deadline is typically in January. Once the application is completed, the school will reach out to you via email. You can use the reference number to upload further supporting documents and transcripts. On an average, it takes about 4-6 weeks to process the application.


4. Simon Fraser University


Source: SFU

One of the most popular research universities in Vancouver after the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University has a student population of over 30,000 from as many as 145 countries across the world.

Why is it good to study here?

  • Ranked in the 201-250 range worldwide by QS Rankings for business studies
  • A versatile curriculum to keep up with the ever-shifting global business landscape
  • Nine different concentrations to choose from for years 3 and 4
  • Dedicated Career Management Centre (CMC) to assist with a personalised career development plan
  • Ability to complete co-op or study abroad in any of the 3 terms

Fees & Scholarship options

The tuition fee is approximately CA $33,375 per year. This will vary with the number of credits you choose to take per term. SFU has entrance scholarships ranging from CA $10,000 up to the entire tuition amount. You will be automatically considered for this based on your application. You can also look into the Lloyd-Carr Harris Foundation Entrance Scholarship in Business Administration which is valued at CA $20,000.

Eligibility and Duration

  • All India Senior School Certificate / Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) / India School Certificate (12 years)
  • Minimum of 50% in Standard XII level Maths
  • English admission requirements: TOEFL with a minimum score of 88 and no band less than 20 / IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0
  • Supplemental application that includes a statement of purpose which will be evaluated for admission.

Duration: 4 years

Courses offered & admission process

  • BBA
  • BBA Joint Major (combine your business course with one of the eight different joint majors ranging from Communications to Psychology)
  • Double degree in Mechatronics (BBA and Bachelor of Applied Science)

To apply for any of these courses you must create an SFU account through EducationPlannerBC by paying an application fee of CA $81. You can submit your application, transcripts, supporting documents and supplemental application through this account. You can then track your application status through the same.


5. University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University


Source: University of Waterloo

Why are two institutes of great standing mentioned here together? It is because they work in tandem to give you an opportunity to graduate with a double degree. Are you interested in combining your business administration degree with mathematics or computer science? With one additional year, you graduate with two bachelor’s degrees instead of one, creating a niche for yourself.

Why is it good to study here?

  • You graduate with a double degree (two bachelor’s degrees)
  • The business degree is offered by Wilfred Laurier while the Maths/ Computer Science degree is offered by the University of Waterloo.
  • The two universities are located a stone’s throw away from each other, giving you double the chances to network and build connections.
  • It creates a super-specialised area of research, should you choose to continue in that line.
  • It is a compulsory co-op program, which means you will also have solid work experience even before graduating.

Fees & Scholarship options

Since you will be enrolled in two universities at once, you are looking at an annual fee of CA $51,000 + about CA 30,000 respectively. However, you also have the option of looking at scholarships in both universities.

Eligibility and Duration

  • Standard XII results with a minimum of 90% in mathematics.
  • IELTS score of 6.5 / TOEFL iBT of 90
  • SOP
  • Letters of recommendation

Duration: 5 years

Courses offered & admission process

You can apply for the double degree either through the University of Waterloo or through Wilfred Laurier. In fact it is recommended that you go through both to increase your chances of getting admitted.


6. Thompson Rivers University


Source: Thompson Rivers

Set up in 1970, Thompson Rivers University is a public university located in British Columbia. With over 20,000 full-time students, this university is known for its on-campus business administration and management courses.

Why is it good to study here?

  • Flexible programme conducive to industry requirements
  • Includes co-op and undergraduate research facilities
  • An entire range of minors and specialisations to choose from
  • You can take advantage of the double degree option by combining your business course with either Computing Science or the Arts.

Fees & Scholarship options

The tuition fee is approximately CA $27,000 per year.

Eligibility and Duration

  • Grade 12 or mature student status
  • Foundations Mathematics 12 or Pre-calculus 12 with minimum C+ (or equivalent)
  • English requirements: TOEFL/ IELTS/ PTE scores

Duration: 4 years

Courses offered & admission process

BBA (with an option of Double Degree)

You can apply online by paying an application fee of CA $100. Your academic profile, transcripts and other supporting documents will all be uploaded online. You can review your application and submit it for the university to process. Once admitted, you can begin the application process for a Canada student visa.


7. Yorkville University


Source: Yorkville University

One of the newer institutions of higher education in Canada, Yorkville University was set up in 2003 in New Brunswick. They are known for their online and hybrid programmes. The university operates out of Vancouver and Toronto.

Why is it good to study here?

  • Intensive curriculum
  • Number of programme specialisations ranging from energy management to project management and accounting
  • Flexible learning, hybrid learning options especially for Bangladeshi and Indian students through their Head Start Program
  • Vibrant campus life
  • More affordable than any of the other universities

Fees & Scholarship options

About CA $7,272 per term of 4 courses. So the annual tuition fee comes up to about CA $21,800 – $22,000. Currently, scholarships are open only to Canadian citizens/ PRs.

Eligibility and Duration

For Specialization in Project Management (On Campus- Vancouver),

  • Official high school or post-secondary transcripts with mathematics and calculus
  • Detailed course descriptions if applying for transfer credits; course descriptions must be translated
  • Proof of English language proficiency (min. TOEFL score of 80/ IELTS score of 6.5)

Duration: 2.5 – 3 years

Courses offered & admission process

BBA (Online and on-campus)

The application process is online and most of the programs have multiple start dates throughout the year. You can reach out to the Admissions Advisor for specific inquiries.

What are the alternatives to BBA in Canada?


The above-listed universities offer a specific business administration course where you graduate with a BBA tagged after your name. However, not many universities offer this specific degree. To clarify, they do offer business and affiliated courses but under the title of Bachelor of Commerce (BComm). This is significantly different from the B.Com that is offered by Indian universities. The same management specialisations and business administration majors can also be offered under a BComm (also spelled BCom) course. You can continue on the same planned career track after a BComm as with a BBA. You can also choose to study BBA from the UK, or any other country

That said, here are some of the BComm courses to look into:

  • B.Comm, University of British Columbia
  • B.Comm, McGill University
  • Bachelor of Management in Business Economics /B.Comm, University of Alberta
  • Bachelor of Management, Dalhousie University
  • Bachelor of International Business, Carleton University

Also, if you are thinking about a post graduation, then a masters of Marketing in Canada is a great option.

How to apply to a BBA course in Canada?


While becoming an international student is very thrilling, the prep and paperwork of it all to get into BBA in Canada can get overwhelming. The easiest way to reduce your stress is to sign up with TC Global.

We simplify international education, learning, and mobility through connecting students, universities, and a global community on a single platform where there are over 1000+ education providers and over 80,000+ courses.

Our platform enables students to study anywhere in the world in just a few steps. From search and discovery and finding the right course fit for you, to applications, visas, and departure – we see you through it all.

To move forward with us, download our app or visit tcglobal.com and sign in to create an account on our student platform and onboard with us in quick, easy steps.! 🚀

Then simply set up a visit Calendly.com/tcglobal to pick a Relationships Team closest to you and choose a slot to meet with a Relationship Member.

Let’s shape your future together.

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Date added
06.03.2023

Filed under:

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