Admissions

MBA Programs, Executive MBA and Graduate Certificates

Step 1: Admission requirements

GPA (grade point average)

Minimum GPA 3.0

Find out international GPA equivalents

GMAT/GRE

See GMAT requirements below

Degree

  • Full-time, Flexible MBA and Graduate Certificates: Four-year undergraduate degree
  • Accelerated MBA: Four-year undergraduate business degree or Master of Management (MMgmt) from a recognized Canadian or American institution, completed within the past 10 years
  • Executive MBA: Undergraduate degree is not required

Work experience

  • MBA: Minimum two years
  • Executive MBA: Minimum seven years
  • Graduate certificates: No previous work experience required

English proficiency

Applicants must meet the University’s English language proficiency requirements. Exemptions may apply:

  • IELTS Academic: Minimum of 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each section.
  • TOEFL (iBT version): Minimum score of 97 with at least 20 in each section. For tests taken after Jan. 21, 2026, a minimum score of 5.0 is required, with at least 4.0 in reading, writing and speaking sections and a minimum 4.5 in listening section.
  • CAEL: Minimum overall score of 70
  • Academic Communication Certificate: Minimum overall grade of A−

Degree requirements for certificates

Applicants who do not meet the degree requirements above may be conditionally admitted and will need to successfully complete an introductory course in business technology management (BTMA317 or equivalent) in advance of beginning the Graduate Certificate. If it is determined by the Graduate Program Director that completion of an introductory course is required, that course will not be considered for credit toward the graduate certificate and appropriate tuition rates will be assessed, separate from the cost of the certificate program.

GMAT/GRE requirements — MBA/Certificates

PathwayApplicants with a degree from Canada or U.S.Applicants with an international degree
Full-time MBA- GPA 3.0+: No GMAT required. 
- GPA 2.50-2.99: Acceptable GMAT required and must satisfy (GPA × 200) + GMAT ≥ 1150.		- GMAT/GRE required.
- Recommended minimum GMAT 550 (515 Focus) or GRE equivalent.
- GMAT waivers may be available. Contact us.
Accelerated MBASame as aboveNot applicable (requires a Canadian or American business degree)
Flexible MBASame as above- GMAT 550 (515 Focus) or GRE equivalent.
- GMAT waivers may be available. Contact us.
Graduate CertificatesNot applicableNot applicable

Note: Applicants with a four-year bachelor’s degree and a GPA of at least 3.0 on a four-point scale are not required to submit a GMAT or GMAC Executive Assessment score. A GMAT waiver also requires that the degree is from a post-secondary institution in Canada or the United States.

GMAT requirements - Executive MBA

If your GPA is below 3.0If you do not have a four-year bachelor's degree
Submit either:
- A GMAT score of 500 or higher, or 
- A GMAC Executive Assessment score of 140 or higher

Applicants with 10 or more years of professional work experience
may be considered for admission with either: 
- A GMAT score of 500 or higher, or 
- A GMAC Executive Assessment score of 140 or higher

Applicants can also submit a GRE score instead of a GMAT.
Please contact our team to confirm the required score on the GRE.

Step 2: Know your deadline

PathwayIntakeApplications openInternational deadlineDomestic deadline
Full-time MBAFallSeptember 15, 2026March 1, 2027June 1, 2027
Accelerated MBAFall

Winter		September 15, 2026

June 15, 2026		March 1, 2027

N/A		June 1, 2027

November 1, 2026
Flexible MBAFallSeptember 15, 2026N/AJune 1, 2027
Executive MBAWinterOctober 20, 2026August 15, 2026November 1, 2027
Graduate CertificatesFallSeptember 15, 2026N/AJune 1, 2027

Note: Applications are evaluated as they are received. Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis as applications are received. Applying early gives you access to more available scholarship funding.

Need help planning your finances?

Learn about tuition, scholarships, awards and financing options available for MBA students.

View Tuition & Financing

Step 3: Prepare your documents

Required documents

  • Résume

  • Two short essays (Max 250 words each)

    • Essay 1: Why you want to take the MBA or Executive MBA program.
    • Essay 2: MBA — three key skills you learned in your first degree that will benefit you in the MBA. Executive MBA — three strengths that you believe will help you succeed in this program.

  • Unofficial transcripts

    • Official transcripts will be required at a later date following admission. Official transcripts will be sent directly from your previous university. Transcripts can take two months or more to be received. International students may need longer.

  • Official test results (if required)

    • GMAT or GRE
    • English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS Academic/CAEL/Academic Communication Certificate)

Two ways to submit your official transcript

  • The Registrar’s Office of your post-secondary institution(s) can email transcripts to UCalgary’s Faculty of Graduate Studies at gradtranscripts@ucalgary.ca.
  • Please note that email transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution's transcript office.
    • Official email transcripts need to be sent by the transcript office(s) of the institution(s) that you attended. The name of the transcript office varies between institutions, but common examples include the Registrar’s Office, Controller of Examinations, Student Records, or Admissions Office. Email transcripts sent by individual faculty members, non-registrarial staff, or students cannot be accepted as official.

Transcripts should be sent directly from the Registrar’s Office of your institution(s) to the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the University of Calgary. Official transcripts will be sealed in an envelope with the institution’s official seal.

If the transcripts are in a language other than English, official translated copies are also required.

Address to:

Faculty of Graduate Studies 
MacKimmie Tower, Second Floor 
2500 University Drive N.W. 
Calgary, Alberta, Canada  
T2N 1N4

Step 4: Submit your application

Applications are submitted through the University of Calgary's online graduate application system.

Create your account

Register for an account using the University of Calgary's online application system. You'll use this account to complete your application and track its progress.

Complete your online application

Enter your personal information, academic history and program details.

Pay the application fee

Submit the non-refundable application fee to complete your application submission.

Upload your supporting documents

Upload all required documents before the application deadline. Some documents may be submitted later if requested.

Complete your admissions interview (if required)

You will be notified by Haskayne’s Graduate Admissions Office if a virtual interview is necessary after we review your application.

Track your application status

Monitor your application through your applicant account and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

Ready to apply?

Ready to take the next step? Start your application or review the application guide.

Apply now

Frequently asked questions

How long is my GMAT score valid?

We accept GMAT scores within five years of the test date.

How can I get a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

For questions about PGWP eligibility, please visit International Student Services (ISS).