Ivey MBA Guide: Cost, Deadlines, Class Profile & Employment

Ivey Business School

Choosing the right MBA program is a crucial step for any student planning to study abroad. Among Canada’s top-ranked business schools, the Ivey MBA stands out as a premier choice—especially for international students seeking a one-year, career-focused business education. Located in London, Ontario, Ivey Business School offers a transformative experience rooted in real-world learning and global leadership development.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Ivey MBA: from tuition fees and application deadlines to class profile and post-MBA employment prospects. If you’re looking for detailed, accurate, and updated insights on the Ivey MBA cost, curriculum, scholarships, and job outcomes—this blog is tailored for you.

Let’s explore how the Ivey MBA can open doors to global business opportunities and why it consistently ranks among the top business schools in Canada and beyond.

Ivey MBA Overview: A Snapshot of Excellence

The Ivey MBA program is a full-time, 12-month program designed for ambitious professionals looking to accelerate their careers. What sets the Ivey MBA apart is its exclusive focus on practical learning through the Case-Method approach—similar to that used at Harvard Business School. This immersive learning experience prepares students to tackle complex business problems with confidence and agility.

Key highlights of the Ivey MBA:

  • Duration: 12 months (January to December)
  • Location: Ivey Business School, Western University, London, Ontario
  • Program Format: Case-based learning with intensive classroom discussions
  • Curriculum: Core business fundamentals + elective customization + international study opportunities
  • Ranking: Consistently ranked #1 in Canada by Bloomberg Businessweek

In addition to its academic rigor, the Ivey MBA is known for cultivating leadership, teamwork, and strategic thinking—making it a highly respected credential in the global business arena. For students considering studying abroad in Canada, the Ivey MBA offers both a strong academic reputation and a high return on investment.

Ivey MBA Cost and Fee Structure Explained

When considering an Ivey MBA, understanding the full financial commitment—including tuition, program fees, and living expenses—is essential.

Tuition & Program Fees

  • International MBA Tuition (2026 intake): CAD 132,994, compared to CAD 83,250 for domestic students.
  • Additional estimated academic costs total about CAD 5,900, covering student organization dues, case materials, and optional wellness plans .
  • International students must also budget CAD 800 for mandatory University Health Insurance (UHIP).

Payment Schedule

  • A non-refundable CAD 5,000 deposit secures your spot, deducted from your first instalment.
  • Tuition can be paid in four instalments: March, July, October, and January—the first instalment includes 25% of tuition plus all fees.

Cost of Living

Based on Ivey data, typical monthly expenses for international students are:

ItemMonthly Cost
Rent (1‑bed unfurnished)CAD 1,450+
Utilities + Internet~CAD 100
Food~CAD 500
Cell Phone~CAD 80
Miscellaneous~CAD 425
Apartment insurance~CAD 18
Total monthly living cost:CAD 2,573+.

Optional Study Trip

An international elective, such as the Global Study Trip, typically adds CAD 3,000‑4,000.

These figures give you a clear picture of the Ivey MBA cost, essential for budgeting and planning with confidence.

Application Deadlines & Requirements for 2026 Intake

Knowing the key deadlines and requirements ensures timely application submission for the Ivey MBA.

Application Rounds & Deadlines

Ivey processes applications on a rolling basis with consistent evaluation across rounds. International applicants should note these key dates:

  • Round 3: July 7, 2025
  • Round 4: September 22, 2025 (critical for study permit applicants)
  • Round 5: November 17, 2025
  • Round 6: January 9, 2026

Decision Timeline

  • Interviews are offered to about 75% of applicants within 2–5 business days of submission.
  • Offers and scholarship decisions typically follow within 4–6 weeks post-interview.

Admissions Requirements

  • GMAT/GRE is required unless you qualify for an official waiver/submission per Ivey’s latest guidelines.
  • Academic transcript, résumé, essays, two references, and English proficiency scores (if applicable).
  • $100 USD application fee, plus optional pre-assessment for test exemptions.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

  • Approximately 80% of admitted students receive merit-based scholarships ranging from CAD 10,000 to 70,000.
  • International students can access lenders like Prodigy Finance, MPOWER, and HDFC Credila to finance tuition and living expenses.

These sections integrate key Ivey MBA deadlines, cost estimates, and admissions criteria—enhancing both SEO visibility (Ivey MBA application deadline, Ivey MBA cost) and reader clarity.

Ivey MBA Class Profile: Who Will You Be Studying With

The Ivey MBA class profile showcases a richly diverse and experienced cohort—ideal for international students seeking a global peer group.

Stats at a Glance

  • Class size: ~150–168 students
  • Average age: 28.5–29 years (range: 24–35)
  • Average work experience: 5–5.5 years
  • Average GMAT: ~665–667 (range: 540–740)

Diversity & Background

  • Gender split: Females make up 37–40% of the class
  • International representation: Roughly 30–40% of students come from outside Canada, spanning over 25 birth countries and speaking nearly 29 languages.
  • Top citizenship origins:
    • Canada: ~37–45%
    • India: ~26–27%
    • China: ~8–12%
    • Africa & Latin America: ~12–20% combined

Industry and Education Mix

  • Industries represented: Finance/Insurance (~22–24%), Consulting (~15–19%), Technology (~7–10%), Healthcare (~4–7%), Engineering (~4–7%), plus Advertising, Energy, Government, and more
  • Undergrad backgrounds: Business (~33–38%), Engineering (~25–34%), Arts (~14%), Sciences (~14%)

Want to pursue an MBA but not sure if your profile fits?

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Employment Outcomes: Salary, Job Placement, and Career Paths

One of the strongest motivators for international students is ROI. Let’s see how the Ivey MBA employment report supports this.

Placement Success

  • Job offer receipt:
    • 89% within 3 months of graduation
    • 92% within 6 months

Compensation Snapshot (Class of 2023)

  • Average base salary: CAD 131,282
  • Average signing bonus: CAD 21,294
  • Total average compensation: ~CAD 152,576

(For context: Class of 2022 total compensation averaged CAD 141,231; base at CAD 124,992)

Career Paths & Industries

  • Industry placement:
    • Consulting/Corporate Strategy: 62%
    • Finance: 10%
    • Rotational/Leadership Development Programs: 10%
    • General Management & Marketing: 6%
  • Career transitions:
    • 96% switched industry, function, and/or geography
    • 72% shifted twice; 42% transitioned three times

These figures illustrate why the Ivey MBA career outcomes resonate with international students: rapid ROI, high salary, excellent placement, and meaningful career transitions across industries.

Ivey MBA ROI: Why It’s a Smart Investment for Study-Abroad Students

The Ivey MBA return on investment is compelling—especially for international students balancing tuition, living costs, and opportunity costs.

Salary Jump & Payback Timeline

Graduates report an average post-MBA base salary of CAD 131,282, with total annual compensation averaging CAD 148,478, including signing bonuses and other guaranteed pay. Alumni also see about a 69% salary increase post-MBA. For many, the investment can be recouped in less than three years after graduating.

Alumni Network & Career Mobility

  • Access to a global alumni network of 33,000+ professionals across 100 countries
  • Nearly 96% of graduates transition into new roles—industry, function, or geography—with substantial career upgrades
  • Over 72% make two or more significant transitions, and **42% make three or more.

Career Support & Access

Ivey’s Career Management team connects students with 119 corporate partners, supports tailored recruiting opportunities, and leads workshops—helping 89% of graduates secure jobs within 3 months and 92% within 6 months.

Final Thoughts: Is the Ivey MBA Right for You

For students planning to study abroad, the Ivey MBA offers a powerful blend:

  • One-year duration, reducing opportunity cost
  • Real-world, case-method learning that sharpens leadership and problem-solving
  • Diverse, experienced peers (avg age 28.5, ~5.5 years work experience, 45% international students)
  • Outstanding career outcomes: high compensation, strong mobility, global positions
  • Robust alumni network spanning 33,000+ across 100+ countries

If you’re aiming for rapid career acceleration, global exposure, and a return on investment within a few years, the Ivey MBA is an excellent fit for students seeking to study abroad. It checks all the boxes: prestigious, practical, and globally connected—all within Canada’s top-ranked business school.

✅ Next Steps

  • Evaluate your financial plan, including scholarship options and living expenses
  • Prepare early for GMAT/GRE, essays, and interviews
  • Connect with alumni or current students to get real-world viewpoints
  • Note deadlines: Round 4 (Sept 22) and Round 5 (Nov 17, 2025) are key for international applicants.

 Let’s get it done! Now is the time to think global, stay focused, be authentic, and let your unique story shine through with MBA&Beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

Can I get a visa & work permit after completing the Ivey MBA?

International students receive a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) matching their Ivey MBA duration—typically 3 years, despite being a one-year program, due to updated immigration rules. This gives you flexibility to work in Canada and smooths the path to permanent residency.

2.

What’s the format and focus of Ivey MBA interviews & video assessments?

The admission process includes:
Video questions (e.g., reflecting on mistakes, teamwork challenges, personal passions).
Live interviews (~30–45 minutes), often one-on-one with alumni or admissions team, evaluating leadership and career goals ~60% of interviewees receive offers.

3.

Is it possible to get a GMAT waiver for the Ivey MBA?

Yes—candidates with strong credentials (like completed CFA level III) may qualify for a GMAT/GRE waiver. Many successful applicants have secured waivers based on professional achievements.

4.

Does Ivey offer international exchange or global electives?

While primarily a one-year program, students can opt into global electives—such as international study trips—and may participate in exchange-style modules partnered with select global institutions.

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