Admission
Knowledge. Experience. Distinction. Impact.
It all starts here.
This is your first step to a transformed future
Embarking on your Executive MBA journey is a big step. Our dedicated admission team offers individualized assistance to streamline the process, ensuring you have the resources you need to make informed decisions. Whether you're still determining your eligibility or ready to claim your spot in our next cohort, find all the details you need to navigate the application and admission process here.
Deciding whether you should apply? Let us help.
Get a preliminary assessment
We encourage you to submit your resumé or LinkedIn profile to our admission team for a preliminary assessment prior to starting the application process.
Talk to our team
You can book an appointment with a member of the team any time to walk you through the process and talk about our program. We'll answer any questions you have, discuss your qualifications, and help you decide whether pursuing a Telfer Executive MBA is the right choice for you.
Recommended Application Deadlines
We strongly advise you to apply as early as possible.
Recommended deadline for international applicants.
For Canadians, permanent residents and American applicants.
Admission Requirements
Telfer's Executive MBA is designed for mid-career and executive-level professionals averaging 39 years of age, who have a strong performance record, demonstrated leadership skills, and outstanding potential. Our goal with each cohort is to bring together diverse candidates of the highest calibre. We take a holistic approach to assessing your candidacy based on the admission criteria below.
Work experience
You require a minimum of five years of full-time managerial or professional work experience to be admitted to the Executive MBA. Preference is given to those with more work experience, particularly when you have evidence of management responsibilities and a net career progression. A typical Executive MBA cohort averages 15 years of full-time work experience.
Academic qualifications
A Canadian bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent degree from your country, with a minimum admission average of B (70%) is required. The admission average is calculated in accordance with the graduate studies guidelines (the last 60 units for Canadian and American transcripts, or the last 20 courses for foreign transcripts). We consider all postsecondary studies at the time of admission, with your most recent studies considered first.
Applying without an undergraduate degree
A limited number of applicants may be considered for Executive MBA admission based on substantial managerial or professional training, and at least 10 years of work experience. This experience must show strong evidence of management responsibilities and career progression, even if you do not hold a Canadian bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, or do not meet the minimum academic requirements.
We may also ask certain applicants to write the GMAT, particularly those without an undergraduate degree or those who are near the minimum years of work experience required by the program. Speak to a recruiter to determine if you will be asked to write the GMAT.
Language proficiency
The Executive MBA is offered in English. You must be proficient in written and spoken English. All international applicants must provide results from one of two University of Ottawa approved English proficiency tests; TOEFL or Academic IELTS. North American applicants may be asked to provide these results upon request. Speak with our admission team to learn more about the approved language proficiency test requirements.
Application Process
We evaluate applications on a rolling basis, and new cohorts begin their Executive MBA journey every September. We strongly recommend giving yourself a good amount of time to plan ahead and work through the process.
Our admission team is always available if you have questions or need more information!
Submit your resumé
Submit your resumé or LinkedIn profile to us for assessment.
Submit your application
Our admission team will send you the link to complete the online application form. There is a $190 fee associated with your application.
Meet with our program director
We will schedule a 30-minute interview with the Director. This meeting explores your work experience, your objectives for completing the Executive MBA program and your ability to communicate effectively. No preparation is required.
Complete a business case study
You will complete an entrance case study scheduled by the program. This 2.5 hour case study evaluates your writing capability as well as your ability to assess and communicate your recommendations to the business challenge presented within the case.
Submit required documentation
Your completed application must include your resumé, a letter of intent, original post-secondary transcripts, test scores (if applicable), two letters of recommendation, and a letter of support from your employer. These documents can be submitted at any time throughout your application process.
Review and accept
Once your application is complete, our selection committee will review it. If you are selected to join the next Telfer Executive MBA cohort, we’ll confirm your acceptance via email and provide you with next steps for confirming your enrolment.
Begin the Application Process
The next stage of your executive management journey is waiting.
