Fazlur Rahman
Quick Answer
Canadian Executive MBA programmes cluster between CAD $115,000 and $159,000 in 2026/27, with Rotman at $125,000 (Fall 2025), Schulich at $115,968.78 domestic / $159,465.66 international (2027-28 cohort), Ivey at $122,900-$126,000, and Queen's Smith National Executive MBA at $120,000 CAD (August 2026 entry). All four are AACSB + EQUIS accredited for working senior managers (Rotman + Schulich + Ivey + Smith admissions, September 2026).
The total cost spread between AACSB-accredited Canadian EMBAs is roughly $40,000 CAD. AACSB accreditation delivers the strongest CV impact for VP and C-suite roles at large Canadian enterprises.
Last verified: Sep 16, 2026.
At a glance
- Rotman EMBA $125,000 CAD (Fall 2025, 14 months)
- Schulich EMBA $115,968.78 dom / $159,465.66 intl (2027-28 cohort, 14 months)
- Ivey EMBA $122,900 (on/before May 1) / $126,000 (after)
- Queen's Smith National Executive MBA $120,000 CAD (August 2026, 12 months)
- All four AACSB + EQUIS accredited
- Programmes include accommodations and meals during on-campus modules
Canadian Executive MBA programmes and what each costs
Four Canadian business schools offer Executive MBA programmes for working senior managers. Rotman (University of Toronto) is the largest and most internationally ranked. Schulich (York University) offers the strongest international cohort diversity. Ivey (Western University) is the smallest by class size with the most personalised experience. Queen's Smith School of Business delivers the Smith National Executive MBA and the Smith Executive MBA Americas programme (Rotman + Schulich + Ivey + Smith admissions, September 2026).
| Programme | Mode and duration | Total fees (CAD) | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotman EMBA | Blended, 14 months | $125,000 (Fall 2025) | Senior managers targeting VP or C-suite roles |
| Schulich EMBA | Blended, 14 months | $115,968.78 dom / $159,465.66 intl (2027-28) | Senior managers targeting international roles |
| Ivey EMBA | Blended, 15 months | $122,900-$126,000 | Senior managers wanting personalised cohort experience |
| Smith National Executive MBA | Blended, 12 months | $120,000 | Senior managers targeting Canadian leadership roles |
The Schulich domestic price of $115,968.78 is the lowest among the four AACSB EMBAs. The Smith National EMBA at $120,000 is the shortest at 12 months. Ivey at $122,900-$126,000 sits in the middle. Rotman at $125,000 is the highest for domestic students. For senior managers targeting international roles, the Schulich international cohort is the strongest fit. For senior managers targeting C-suite roles at top Canadian enterprises, Rotman's brand recognition delivers the strongest CV impact (Rotman + Schulich + Ivey + Smith admissions, 2026).
Rotman EMBA programme detail
Rotman EMBA's $125,000 fee includes full tuition, core course materials and textbooks, one-on-one coaching services, meals and hotel accommodations during on-campus modules. The programme runs approximately 14 months with on-campus modules roughly once per month, allowing students to continue full-time employment. Rotman's EMBA is one of the most internationally ranked programmes in Canada, with strong brand recognition across financial services, consulting, technology, and government sectors (Rotman admissions, September 2026).
Tuition at Rotman is subject to annual change and is set by the University of Toronto Governing Council. The published $125,000 figure is for Fall 2025 entry; Fall 2026 and Fall 2027 entries will reflect updated tuition. International applicants should plan for additional costs including health insurance, study permit fees, and travel to Toronto for on-campus modules (Rotman, September 2026).
Schulich EMBA programme detail
Schulich EMBA's $115,968.78 domestic / $159,465.66 international fee includes tuition, required books and course materials, organised meals during class days at Schulich, Launch Week accommodation, Global Network Week at Kellogg, and the capstone in Costa Rica or Tanzania. The programme runs 14 months with the 2027-28 cohort start date in October 2027 (Schulich admissions, September 2026).
The Schulich EMBA's international cohort is its strongest differentiator, with significant representation from Asia, Europe, and Latin America. The Global Network Week at Kellogg and the capstone in Costa Rica or Tanzania provide international exposure that other Canadian EMBAs do not match. The Schulich programme is competitively priced for the international exposure offered. Global Electives course materials and meals are also covered (Schulich, September 2026).
Smith National Executive MBA programme detail
Queen's Smith National Executive MBA's $120,000 fee covers tuition, books, learning materials, career and team coaching, accommodations and most meals during in-person sessions at Smith School of Business. The programme runs 12 months starting in August 2026. Students should budget approximately $5,000 additional for travel, accommodations, meals, and miscellaneous expenses for the mandatory International Elective and the Global Business Project (Smith admissions, September 2026).
The Smith National EMBA payment schedule includes a $5,000 non-refundable deposit upon acceptance, then $25,000 in September 2026, $30,000 in January 2027, $30,000 in May 2027, and $30,000 in September 2027 for the four remaining instalments. The total $120,000 fee is subject to final approval of Queen's Board of Trustees and Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. International students pay the same $120,000 fee plus additional costs (Smith, September 2026).
Ivey EMBA programme detail
Ivey EMBA's $122,900 fee (on/before May 1, 2025) / $126,000 fee (after May 1, 2025) is payable in three instalments: $40,300 at the beginning of each of Terms 1, 2, and 3, plus a $2,000 non-refundable non-transferable deposit. The programme runs approximately 15 months. Ivey does not charge application or assessment fees; only the $2,000 deposit is required upon acceptance (Ivey admissions, September 2026).
Ivey's small class size (typically 40 to 50 students per cohort) creates a more personalised experience than Rotman or Schulich. The Ivey case method of teaching is unique among Canadian business schools and is widely recognised for developing business decision-making skills. The programme is well-suited to senior managers who want case-based learning and direct engagement with faculty (Ivey, September 2026).
Worked cost examples at three career stages
The realistic cost calculation compares tuition against post-graduation salary uplift using StatCan data. Statistics Canada's 2026 data shows senior executives earn median CAD $150,000-$200,000, with VP and C-suite executives reaching CAD $250,000-$500,000+ in major Canadian cities (StatCan, September 2026).
| Career stage and current salary | Programme and total cost | Target salary and uplift | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior manager CAD $130,000-$180,000 | Queen's Smith National EMBA $120,000 | Director CAD $180,000-$230,000, +$50,000/yr | 29 months post-graduation |
| Director CAD $180,000-$230,000 | Rotman EMBA $125,000 | VP CAD $230,000-$320,000, +$50,000/yr | 30 months post-graduation |
| VP CAD $230,000-$320,000 | Schulich EMBA $115,968.78 dom | SVP CAD $280,000-$400,000, +$50,000/yr | 28 months post-graduation |
| Senior manager targeting international CAD $130,000-$180,000 | Schulich EMBA $159,465.66 intl | VP CAD $230,000-$320,000, +$60,000/yr | 32 months post-graduation |
The EMBA payback math is slower than part-time or full-time MBA because senior managers already earn above-average compensation, so the salary uplift from senior manager to VP is smaller in percentage terms. The strongest payback comes from senior managers targeting specific international or sector moves where the EMBA network delivers direct value (StatCan + Rotman + Schulich + Ivey + Smith, 2026).
Hidden costs and application timing
Three line items push the real EMBA cost above the headline tuition. Travel and accommodation for on-campus modules adds $2,000-$8,000 depending on cohort schedule and international travel. International students add health insurance ($1,500-$3,000 per year), study permit fees ($150-$300), and relocation costs. Optional executive coaching or career services may add $1,000-$5,000. The Class of 2025 EMBA participants typically report $5,000-$15,000 in costs above the headline tuition (Rotman + Schulich + Ivey + Smith admissions, 2026).
Application timing matters for all four programmes. Rotman and Schulich operate rolling admissions; Ivey has multiple start dates; Queen's Smith National EMBA starts in August 2026 (August 2027 application cycle opens October 2026). Most programmes require 10+ years of work experience and a senior management role at application. International applicants should target applications 9-12 months before the intended start date. Some programmes require GMAT or GRE scores, while others accept work experience in lieu (Rotman + Schulich + Ivey + Smith admissions, 2026).
