Vancouver Island University MBA

Vancouver Island University offers the unique opportunity for students to earn a dual British and Canadian degree without ever leaving the B.C. coastline. Offered in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom, the requirements of the 16-month program are nearly identical to the standard MBA, except participants are required to complete an “integrated business project.” This final report is tied to a four-month internship; students typically reflect on a specific project or challenge while employed. Graduates from this program receive a master of science in international management from Hertfordshire in addition to their Canadian degree.

The school’s faculty of management boasts student lounges, two computer labs and seminar rooms for group activities. Each academic session begins with an orientation week, and the school hosts networking events for students, alumni and local businesses throughout the school year.

In addition to the U.K. and Canadian dual degree, Vancouver Island offers a single-degree option, in which the integrated business project is optional. Courses focus on managerial economics, financial analysis, corporate social responsibility and other topics. Its curriculum frequently focuses on emerging trends in business, including big data, global financial institutions and managing in times of complexity.

The school strives to ensure its program is accessible to students lacking a business background. Applicants are not required to take the GMAT, and those without an undergraduate business degree can take a 10-week foundational course. Students can specialize in either finance or marketing by taking two additional courses at the end of their studies. The school’s team for the B.C. MBA games consistently wins the spirit competition and placed second overall in the competition last year.

Full-Time: 14-16 months

Cost: $20,694-$24,084

Cost (International): $34,145-$40,276

Incoming Full-Time Enrolment: 186

Female Students: 42%

International Students: 98%

Specializations: Marketing, Finance