MBA in Canada Without GMAT: Public Universities Offering GMAT Waivers and Alternative Admission Pathways (2026 Guide) with Admission Requirements
For many international students,
particularly those from Bangladesh, preparing for the Graduate Management
Admission Test (GMAT) can be a significant challenge when applying for an MBA
in Canada. Fortunately, several Canadian public universities either do not
require GMAT scores or offer GMAT waiver options for qualified applicants with
strong academic backgrounds and professional experience.
This guide highlights Canadian
public universities that offer MBA programs with no GMAT requirement or GMAT
waiver opportunities, along with their typical admission requirements.
1. Thompson Rivers University (TRU)
Located in Kamloops, British
Columbia, Thompson Rivers University is one of the most popular public
universities in Canada offering MBA admission without GMAT requirements.
According to the university's MBA admissions information, applicants are
generally not required to submit GMAT scores for admission.
Admission Requirements
- Four-year
bachelor's degree from a recognized institution
- Minimum
GPA equivalent to approximately 3.0/4.0
- IELTS 7.0 overall or a minimum TOEFL score of 587
with a TWE of 5.0 or higher (paper-based test), or minimum score of 94
with no section below 20 (IBT). Pearson Test of English (PTE) with an
overall score of 68 with no bands less than 62.
- Resume/CV
- Statement
of Intent
- Work
experience preferred but not always mandatory
Program URL/Link:
https://www.tru.ca/programs/catalogue/master-of-business-administration.html
2. Laurentian University
Located in Sudbury, Ontario,
Laurentian University offers a GMAT waiver option for experienced
professionals. While GMAT remains part of the standard admission requirement,
applicants with substantial professional experience may qualify for admission
without submitting GMAT scores.
Admission Requirements
- Four-year bachelor's degree
- Minimum academic standing equivalent to
approximately 65%
- IELTS: 6.5 no band less than 6.0. As of January
1st, 2026, we require an overall Score of 4.5, with a minimum of 5.0 for
Writing and Speaking. Also accept an 88 overall for tests completed prior
to January 1st, 2026. PTE overall 60 required and 120 Duolingo no band
less than 110.
- Statement of Interest
- Resume/CV
- Reference letters
GMAT Waiver Eligibility
Applicants with at least six
years of significant intermediate-level professional experience may
apply for a GMAT waiver. The university evaluates leadership responsibilities,
independent decision-making, and career progression when reviewing waiver
requests.
Program URL/Link:
https://laurentian.ca/academics/program/business-administration-mba
3. University of New Brunswick
(UNB)
Located in Fredericton and Saint
John, New Brunswick, the University of New Brunswick (UNB) is one of Canada's
oldest public universities and offers a well-recognized MBA program through its
Faculty of Business. While the MBA program typically requires a GMAT score,
qualified applicants may be eligible for a GMAT waiver based on their academic
performance and professional experience.
Admission Requirements
- Four-year bachelor's degree from a recognized
institution
- Minimum GPA equivalent to a B average
(approximately 3.0/4.3)
- Minimum two years of relevant full-time
professional work experience
- Resume/CV
- Statement of Purpose
- Three Letters of Recommendation (including at least
one academic reference)
- IELTS 7.0 overall no band less than 6.0. The
minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 93 on the Internet based test) plus a
Test of Written English (TWE) score of 4.5. Pearson Test for English overall score of
65
- GMAT score of 550 or higher, unless approved for a
waiver
GMAT Waiver Eligibility
Applicants may be considered for
a GMAT waiver if they:
- Hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of
3.2/4.3 (approximately 75–77% or higher), or
- Possess a recognized master's degree with strong
academic standing.
Waiver requests are reviewed
individually by the admissions committee.
Program URL/Link:
https://www.unb.ca/saintjohn/business/mba/index.html
4. University of Windsor
Located in the city of Windsor,
the University of Windsor offers a highly regarded MBA through the Odette
School of Business. The program welcomes students from diverse academic
backgrounds and provides a transparent GMAT waiver pathway for high-achieving
applicants.
Admission Requirements
- Four-year bachelor's degree (or equivalent)
- Minimum GPA of 70% based on the last two years of
full-time undergraduate study
- Resume/CV
- Letter of Intent
- One academic or professional reference
- Qualifying admission interview
- Test of an English Foreign Language TOEFL: (100
IBT). International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – (7.0). Duolingo
English Test - (120)
- GMAT normally required unless a waiver is granted
GMAT Waiver Eligibility
Applicants may receive a GMAT
waiver if they meet at least one of the following criteria:
- CGPA of 80% or higher in the last two years
of undergraduate studies from a recognized university
- CPA designation
- CFA designation
- Professional Engineer (P.Eng)
- LSAT score
- GRE score
- MCAT score
The waiver request is reviewed by
the admissions committee as part of the application process.
Program URL/Link:
https://www.uwindsor.ca/business/374/admission-requirements
5. Vancouver Island University
(VIU)
Located in Nanaimo, British
Columbia, Vancouver Island University's MBA program is known for considering
applicants holistically. While admission policies may change by intake, GMAT
requirements are often waived for qualified candidates with strong academic
backgrounds and professional experience.
Typical Admission Requirements
- Four-year bachelor's degree
- Minimum B average
- Professional work experience
- Resume
- Statement of Intent
· IELTS
(Academic) overall: 6.5 (no band below 6.0)
·
One year minimum of work experience is required.
TOEFL iBT: 88 (no section below 20), 4.5 (No section below 4.0). Pearson (PTE)
Academic: 60 (no section below 60). Duolingo
English Test: 115 (no band less than 105)
·
No GMAT (entrance examination) score
required.
Program URL/Link:
https://www.viu.ca/programs/business-management/master-business-administration-mba#program-outline
