Frequently Asked Questions
- General Questions
- Executive MBA
- Master of Business Administration
- Management of Technology MBA
- Master of Science in Finance
- Graduate Diploma in Business Administration
General
There are a few ways to find out more about a program:
- Read about the program in detail on the program-specific website.
- Attend one of our upcoming information sessions, or visit us at an upcoming fair http://beedie.sfu.ca/info/.
- Fill out an online assessment form http://beedie.sfu.ca/segal/prescreen.php and subsequently request to speak with an advisor.
- Read about the program in detail on the program-specific website.
- Attend one of our upcoming information sessions, or visit us at an upcoming fair http://beedie.sfu.ca/info/.
- Fill out an online assessment form http://beedie.sfu.ca/segal/prescreen.php and subsequently request to speak with an advisor.
To view dates and register for upcoming information sessions, please visit: http://beedie.sfu.ca/info
Each program has different requirements. The main differences are in educational and work backgrounds.
Common requirements for all programs are:
- GMAT (minimum score of 600 for MSc Fin, 550 for MBA, MOT and EMBA. 5.0 in the AWA)
- Note: not required for GDBA
- Undergraduate degree (minimum GPA average of 3.0, a B, or 75%)
- for GDBA the minimum is 2.5
- for EMBA, applicants without an undergraduate degree are considered
- Language proficiency (if your undergraduate degree was not completed in English)
- TOEFL 93+ (IBT), 230+ (CBT), or 570+ (paper)
- IELTS 7.0
- for EMBA and MOT MBA, if you have 7-10 years of work experience in Canada, the language requirement may be waived
- Relevant work experience
All programs are competitive and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is a standardized assessment that helps business schools assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced study in business and management. It consists of 3 parts: quantitative, verbal, and writing. The score is out of 800, with 550 being our minimum requirement. The written score is out of 6.0, with a 5.0 being our requirement.
The test is approximately 3.5 hours long, and can be taken at a testing centre. For more information on the GMAT, study resources and to register for the exam, please visit our GMAT FAQ site or www.mba.com.
The test is approximately 3.5 hours long, and can be taken at a testing centre. For more information on the GMAT, study resources and to register for the exam, please visit our GMAT FAQ site or www.mba.com.
The GMAT is an important part of your application process. It shows that you have the skills to undertake graduate business programs with probable success. Although the minimum score required is a 550, with a writing portion (AWA) of 5.0, the average score of those accepted is 630.
Other factors such as undergraduate grades and work experience are also important, so applicants should look at having very strong backgrounds in at least 2 of the 3 categories, if they are going to be on the lower end in one category.
Other factors such as undergraduate grades and work experience are also important, so applicants should look at having very strong backgrounds in at least 2 of the 3 categories, if they are going to be on the lower end in one category.
SFU will generally look at your highest score; however, many universities take an average of all your scores, so it's important to only write the GMAT once you are properly prepared. In general, you should not take the GMAT more than 3 times.
Your GMAT score is valid for 5 years. If you know that you will be applying for a graduate-level business program in the next 5 years, write the GMAT as soon as possible.
GPA stands for Grade Point Average. There may be a semester Grade Point Average on your transcript, an Upper Grade Point Average (UGPA - usually 3rd and 4th year), and a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA - all 4 years) on your transcript.
The Admissions Committee will look at your CGPA, but will also pay attention to your UGPA (3rd and 4th year). It is important to have maintained or improved your grades in your final years of study.
Many universities don't include a GPA. In this case, you should manually average your grades, and refer to the following charts to find out if you meet the minimum:
Canadian universities: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/facstaff/grading/gpaconversion/
International universities: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/prosp_students/international_students/
Canadian universities: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/facstaff/grading/gpaconversion/
International universities: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/prosp_students/international_students/
Yes, if you have addressed the concerns which the Admissions Committee had.
For example, some applicants re-write the GMAT and significantly improve their score, making their application successful the second time around. For others, the Committee may have been concerned that they did not have enough work experience. Therefore a year or two later, their application will be much stronger simply because they have been in the workplace longer.
It is recommended that you speak with an admissions advisor before applying again to better assess your situation.
For example, some applicants re-write the GMAT and significantly improve their score, making their application successful the second time around. For others, the Committee may have been concerned that they did not have enough work experience. Therefore a year or two later, their application will be much stronger simply because they have been in the workplace longer.
It is recommended that you speak with an admissions advisor before applying again to better assess your situation.
As our programs are a cohort model (the entire class starts and ends together), it is generally not possible to transfer credits from another program to one of ours.
The only exception is our Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, which can transfer credits into our MBA program, or our Management of Technology MBA program.
The only exception is our Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, which can transfer credits into our MBA program, or our Management of Technology MBA program.
No. There are occasional exceptions such as students in their final term of another degree, who are accepted pending grades in their final semester, but in general, there are no conditional acceptances. There are no conditional acceptances pending the GMAT exam.
Some entrance scholarships are available, as well as academic awards. Please review the specific program for more information:
MBA - http://beedie.sfu.ca/mba/at-a-glance/scholarships.php
FRM - http://beedie.sfu.ca/mfrm/at-a-glance/scholarships.php
MOT - http://beedie.sfu.ca/mot/at-a-glance/scholarships.php
EMBA - http://beedie.sfu.ca/emba/at-a-glance/scholarships.php
MBA - http://beedie.sfu.ca/mba/at-a-glance/scholarships.php
FRM - http://beedie.sfu.ca/mfrm/at-a-glance/scholarships.php
MOT - http://beedie.sfu.ca/mot/at-a-glance/scholarships.php
EMBA - http://beedie.sfu.ca/emba/at-a-glance/scholarships.php
The MBA and Master of Science in Finance programs do, as they are full-time. You can find more information at: https://students.sfu.ca/financialaid/gradloans.html
The EMBA, MOT and GDBA do not qualify for government student loans.
The EMBA, MOT and GDBA do not qualify for government student loans.
You can look at a student line of credit from your bank. They are generally more competitive than a regular line of credit, and most Canadian students with a good credit history are able to qualify for up to $50,000. All of our programs (except the GDBA) should qualify.
For International students, look at financing options from your home country. Many organizations offer scholarships and loans for students studying graduate level programs abroad.
For International students, look at financing options from your home country. Many organizations offer scholarships and loans for students studying graduate level programs abroad.
Students who have taken undergraduate business courses may be eligible for teaching assistantship positions or marker positions. Qualified master's students may be hired to do various tasks such as conduct weekly tutorials, mark assignments and exams, hold office hours, respond to student emails and assist the professor of a given undergraduate course. Students are paid based on the number of hours worked weekly. The average time commitment per week is eight to ten hours. For more information, visit http://beedie.sfu.ca/current-students/ta/.
It is highly recommended! You will be working on projects in class which will require you to have computer access in class and in study groups. There is wireless internet available throughout the building. You will also want to have high speed internet access at home.
It will depend on what type of accommodation you are looking for, and where.
You can choose to live in homestay (a room in a family home, with meals), which will be approximately $850/month. You can choose to live in residence (located at SFU's main campus in Burnaby) which is 45 minutes by bus, from the downtown campus, where our classes are held. Or you can choose to rent an apartment or basement suite in a home.
The price for renting an apartment will depend on the location, size, and age of building. A 1 bedroom apartment, close to downtown, will be $900 to $1500 per month. Please refer to the SFU International student handbook for more useful tips on where to look for accommodations: http://students.sfu.ca/content/sfu/students/isap/handbook.html.
Included in your student fees is a monthly transit pass and extended medical insurance. You will need to ensure that you have basic medical insurance from your home province. If you are an international student, you will want to purchase travel medical insurance prior to arriving in Vancouver.
You can choose to live in homestay (a room in a family home, with meals), which will be approximately $850/month. You can choose to live in residence (located at SFU's main campus in Burnaby) which is 45 minutes by bus, from the downtown campus, where our classes are held. Or you can choose to rent an apartment or basement suite in a home.
The price for renting an apartment will depend on the location, size, and age of building. A 1 bedroom apartment, close to downtown, will be $900 to $1500 per month. Please refer to the SFU International student handbook for more useful tips on where to look for accommodations: http://students.sfu.ca/content/sfu/students/isap/handbook.html.
Included in your student fees is a monthly transit pass and extended medical insurance. You will need to ensure that you have basic medical insurance from your home province. If you are an international student, you will want to purchase travel medical insurance prior to arriving in Vancouver.
You can look for resources at the SFU site: http://students.sfu.ca/content/sfu/students/isap/handbook.html. This handbook is also a comprehensive online guide to life as an international student at SFU and in Canada. Topics include immigration, employment, managing finances, health, wellness and safety, as well as life outside the classroom.
Many students also look online at Craigslist to find listings of apartments for rent. Many apartments in the downtown area have a sign outside the building stating if they have vacancy, and who to contact. This can be an efficient way to find a neighbourhood and building suitable to your needs.
Many students also look online at Craigslist to find listings of apartments for rent. Many apartments in the downtown area have a sign outside the building stating if they have vacancy, and who to contact. This can be an efficient way to find a neighbourhood and building suitable to your needs.
No, it is the same price for International and Canadian students.
There isn't a form, but in general, Admissions Committees are looking for the following information from your references:
-in what capacity they know you
-length of time they have known you
-examples of work they have seen you do
-examples of outcomes of work, and characteristics you've exhibited, which would make you a suitable candidate for an MBA program
There is a guide you can provide to your referees. The "Guide for Appraisers of Applicants" provides information on what the admissions committee finds useful in its evaluation. Please refer to the website of the program you are applying to for the guide:
MBA - http://beedie.sfu.ca/files/PDF/applications/AppraiserForm-MBA.pdf
Executive MBA - http://beedie.sfu.ca/files/PDF/applications/AppraiserForm-EMBA.pdf
Management of Technology MBA - http://beedie.sfu.ca/files/PDF/applications/AppraiserForm-MOT.pdf
Master of Science in Finance - http://beedie.sfu.ca/files/PDF/applications/AppraiserForm-MScFin.pdf
Graduate Diploma in Business Administration - http://beedie.sfu.ca/files/PDF/applications/AppraiserForm-GDBA.pdf
-in what capacity they know you
-length of time they have known you
-examples of work they have seen you do
-examples of outcomes of work, and characteristics you've exhibited, which would make you a suitable candidate for an MBA program
There is a guide you can provide to your referees. The "Guide for Appraisers of Applicants" provides information on what the admissions committee finds useful in its evaluation. Please refer to the website of the program you are applying to for the guide:
MBA - http://beedie.sfu.ca/files/PDF/applications/AppraiserForm-MBA.pdf
Executive MBA - http://beedie.sfu.ca/files/PDF/applications/AppraiserForm-EMBA.pdf
Management of Technology MBA - http://beedie.sfu.ca/files/PDF/applications/AppraiserForm-MOT.pdf
Master of Science in Finance - http://beedie.sfu.ca/files/PDF/applications/AppraiserForm-MScFin.pdf
Graduate Diploma in Business Administration - http://beedie.sfu.ca/files/PDF/applications/AppraiserForm-GDBA.pdf
You should provide 3 references (2 for GDBA), ideally at least one from a professor and one from an employer. If you have been out of school for a long time (e.g. applicants for the EMBA or MOT programs), then primarily employment references are required.
Executive MBA
Admissions requirements are outlined in the Apply tab. (click here)
Management experience includes managing people, projects, accounts, a client base, and/or technology. The EMBA is designed for mid to upper level managers.
A limited number of exceptional managers who lack a formal degree or professional designation, but have other outstanding qualifications may be admitted with the recommendation of taking specific university courses. Please speak with an Admissions Advisor to discuss your particular situation.
20 months
Yes, although the program prefers those with at least a diploma or a professional designation. Please speak with an Admissions Advisor to discuss your particular situation.
Tuition is $49,500* in total. This includes all textbooks and materials, and 2 study weekends in Whistler. It does not include student fees (approximately $163/semester, which includes a 3-zone bus pass). *Tuition is subject to senate approval.
Tuition is payable per semester, which is approximately $10,000 per semester.
Yes, there are limited scholarships available for candidates with high academic performance (a CGPA of at least 3.5 along with a high GMAT score). If the Admission Committee feels you meet the criteria of the scholarship, they may nominate you and you will be notified. No application is necessary.
An MBA is designed for people who are beginning their careers. An EMBA is designed for mid-career managers who have extensive experience, but now need to develop improved functional skills and a strategic perspective. The curriculum emphasizes integrated understanding and practical application.
Absolutely. In fact, it's a requirement that you be employed while taking the EMBA. Classes are conveniently scheduled alternate Friday and Saturdays for minimal impact on your work schedule.
It will give you the strategic management skills to take on new responsibilities at work, while continuing to contribute in the workplace during your studies, applying new theories and approaches, and doing projects on your business.
You have four options:
1) Fly in every second weekend (often more cost-effective than transferring to another program)
2) Transfer courses to a different institution to complete an executive program there
3) Take up to five courses in the other city to transfer back to SFU's EMBA (with prior permission of the EMBA Director)
4) Postpone your studies and join another EMBA cohort in a year or two
1) Fly in every second weekend (often more cost-effective than transferring to another program)
2) Transfer courses to a different institution to complete an executive program there
3) Take up to five courses in the other city to transfer back to SFU's EMBA (with prior permission of the EMBA Director)
4) Postpone your studies and join another EMBA cohort in a year or two
The average age is 41, with approximately 30% female.
You should expect to spend 20-25 hours a week on your studies (one week that will mostly be used in class time, the next week it will be spent on readings and assignments).
The average age class size is 35 students.
Classes are interactive and vary with lectures, cases, presentations and more.
Students are put into small, self-managed teams of four to five people who work together on projects, for the duration of the program. The rich business, cultural and life experience of each student adds immeasurably to the class and team experience.
Students are put into small, self-managed teams of four to five people who work together on projects, for the duration of the program. The rich business, cultural and life experience of each student adds immeasurably to the class and team experience.
We hope you do so. If you attend one of our Information Sessions, you'll be able to meet alumni and program staff. Or you are welcome to contact the EMBA office (emba@sfu.ca, 778-782-5012) to schedule an advising appointment.
Master of Business Administration
| Criteria | Minimum Requirements | Competitive Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Achievement | A Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent from a recognized University. A GPA of 3.0 (B) or better is required. An undergraduate degree and the graduate diploma in business administration (GDBA) with a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) is acceptable. | B+ or 76% or 3.3 GPA |
| Professional Experience | Two or more years of full-time work experience is preferred, although exceptional candidates with fewer than two years of experience may be considered. | More than 3.5 years of work experience |
| GMAT | Minimum 550. | 600 GMAT or higher |
| English Proficiency | Applicants whose primary language is not English, or whose previous education was conducted in another language, must submit evidence of satisfactory completion of a standardized English test. The minimum acceptable test scores are: TOEFL 93 with a minimum of 20 in each category (Internet based exam); or TOEFL 570 and TWE 5 (paper based exam); or TOEFL 230 (computer based exam) and IELTS with a 7.0 overall band score. | TOEFL 100; IELTS 8 |
| Maturity and Fit | Applicants’ readiness to succeed in the program will be assessed by means of a face-to-face interview, as well as a review of professional and personal experience, extracurricular and volunteer activities, and written submissions. |
This program is currently competitively priced at $34,500* for the program. Tuition does not include books and course materials, student fees or the cross-cultural field study trip. The supplementary cross-cultural field school fee is estimated to be $2,400*. This field school fee does not include airfare.
*Tuition is subject to senate approval.
*Tuition is subject to senate approval.
The program is 12 months long, plus the internship, which is another 4 months long. It starts in September of each year, the week after Labour Day.
We will consider applicants with a BBA or Commerce undergraduate degree, but we are not interested in applicants who already know the program's content and only want to add an MBA to their qualifications. Applicants with a minor in business, with business degrees in specialized areas, and applicants from overseas schools are more likely to be considered. If you have an undergraduate degree in business or a business-related area, please speak to one of our admissions advisors before you apply.
The Admissions Committee takes a holistic approach in evaluating applications. If you would like to get a better idea before applying, you are welcome to talk to one of our Admissions Advisors.
The Admissions Committee takes a holistic approach in evaluating applications, so if you do not have much work experience, but have strong grades, GMAT, self-evaluation and references, you may be considered. With that in mind, please note that most of our successful applicants have at least 2-5 years of full-time work experience.
No. The program is delivered in-class. You can, however, look at the GDBA program as a start, and then apply to transfer into the MBA program.
Those who have successfully completed the GDBA program can receive credit for most of the first semester of the MBA program (please note students need to have a minimum B average in each course). However, GDBA graduates in the MBA program will have to take an Ethics class and Career Management Centre Workshops in the first semester. GDBA graduates with a 3.5 CGPA in the program are also eligible for a GMAT waiver for the MBA program.
Management of Technology MBA
1) An undergraduate degree with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 (75% or B average)
2) GMAT minimum of 550 (AWA of 5.0)
3) Minimum of four years of professional work experience, preferably in the technology or biotechnology sector
4) Demonstrated proficiency in English. If your first language is not English, or if you obtained your degree from an institution where the main language of instruction was not English, then you are required to take either the TOEFL or IELTS exam
5) Three letters of reference from supervisors, professors or colleagues
2) GMAT minimum of 550 (AWA of 5.0)
3) Minimum of four years of professional work experience, preferably in the technology or biotechnology sector
4) Demonstrated proficiency in English. If your first language is not English, or if you obtained your degree from an institution where the main language of instruction was not English, then you are required to take either the TOEFL or IELTS exam
5) Three letters of reference from supervisors, professors or colleagues
Tuition is $32,500* in total. This does not include student association fees (approximately $400/semester, including bus pass), books (approximately $700/semester), or living expenses. *Tuition is subject to senate approval.
Currently, there is no internship component to the program. Most students are already working in the industry and are taking the program to move into managerial roles at their respective organizations. However, you will have access to our Career Management Centre during the program, including their job board. The Career Management Centre provides career coaching, resume writing and interview skills workshops, and access to various seminars held by employers in Vancouver.
Those who have successfully completed the GDBA program can receive credit for Accounting and Economics. Please note students need to have a minimum B average in each course for course waivers. GDBA graduates with a 3.5 CGPA in the program are also eligible for a GMAT waiver for the MOT program.
Master of Science in Finance
1) Undergraduate degree in a quantitative field, with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 (75% or B average)
2) GMAT minimum of 600 (AWA of 5.0)
3) 2 years of work experience
4) Demonstrated proficiency in English. If your first language is not English, or if you obtained your degree from an institution where the main language of instruction was not English, then you are required to take either the TOEFL or IELTS exam
5) Three letters of reference from supervisors, professors or colleagues
2) GMAT minimum of 600 (AWA of 5.0)
3) 2 years of work experience
4) Demonstrated proficiency in English. If your first language is not English, or if you obtained your degree from an institution where the main language of instruction was not English, then you are required to take either the TOEFL or IELTS exam
5) Three letters of reference from supervisors, professors or colleagues
Not necessarily, but a degree in a quantitative major is preferable (e.g. engineering, commerce, science or math).
Related financial industry work experience will enhance your application; however, work experience is not mandatory. Preference will be given to candidates with two to three years of related work experience.
Tuition is $27,000* per year. This does not include student association fees (approximately $400/semester, including bus pass), books (approximately $700/semester), or living expenses. *Tuition is subject to senate approval.
Graduate Diploma in Business Administration
A non-business undergraduate degree with a CGPA of 2.5 (65%), a few years of work experience, and 2 letters of reference. If your first language is not English, or if you obtained your degree from an institution where the main language of instruction was not English, then you are required to take either the TOEFL or IELTS exam.
The program costs $14,500* in total, plus approximately $2,500 for textbooks and student fees. *Tuition is subject to senate approval.
Yes. There is a 2 day orientation in Vancouver, which most students attend (some overseas students do not), but the remainder of the program is conducted online.
Please note that if you do not live in the Vancouver area, it is your responsibility to arrange a proctor for exams. Detailed information will be provided by the GDBA Program.
Please note that if you do not live in the Vancouver area, it is your responsibility to arrange a proctor for exams. Detailed information will be provided by the GDBA Program.
There are generally two types of students who sign up for the program:
1) Those who are looking at using the GDBA as a stepping stone into the MBA or MOT programs
2) Those who do not necessarily need an MBA at the moment, but who are working in fields (e.g. healthcare, engineering, IT) where they need to add basic business skills to their existing technical expertise
1) Those who are looking at using the GDBA as a stepping stone into the MBA or MOT programs
2) Those who do not necessarily need an MBA at the moment, but who are working in fields (e.g. healthcare, engineering, IT) where they need to add basic business skills to their existing technical expertise
The one year, full-time MBA, or the 2 year, part-time Management of Technology (MOT) MBA.
Students who have completed the GDBA (and have met the CGPA and other requirements of the MBA program), may qualify to apply to have most of first semester (Fall semester) of the MBA program waived and may complete their MBA in two semesters. Students who have completed the GDBA (and have met the CGPA and other requirements of the Management of Technology (MOT) MBA, may qualify to apply to waive out of 2 classes (Accounting and Economics) in the MOT MBA Program.
Waivers will only be granted to courses where you have achieved a B grade or above. If you obtained a B- or below in a transferable GDBA course, you will need to re-take the equivalent course in the MBA program.
Additionally, completion of the GDBA with a 3.5 CGPA allows prospective applicants for the MOT and MBA programs to waive the GMAT requirement.
Students who have completed the GDBA (and have met the CGPA and other requirements of the MBA program), may qualify to apply to have most of first semester (Fall semester) of the MBA program waived and may complete their MBA in two semesters. Students who have completed the GDBA (and have met the CGPA and other requirements of the Management of Technology (MOT) MBA, may qualify to apply to waive out of 2 classes (Accounting and Economics) in the MOT MBA Program.
Waivers will only be granted to courses where you have achieved a B grade or above. If you obtained a B- or below in a transferable GDBA course, you will need to re-take the equivalent course in the MBA program.
Additionally, completion of the GDBA with a 3.5 CGPA allows prospective applicants for the MOT and MBA programs to waive the GMAT requirement.
No. It is important to note that online, part-time programs do not qualify for a Canadian study or work permit.








