Rotman MBA vs Schulich MBA
- Goalisb
- 3 days ago
- 17 min read
The Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto and the Schulich School of Business at York University are both highly regarded business schools in Canada that offer MBA programs.
Table of Contents
Comparing Rotman MBA vs Schulich MBA on different criteria we find that:
Number of Students in Rotman MBA were 295 while at Schulich MBA were 270 in class of 2021.
Average Age of Students in Rotman MBA was 27 Years while at Schulich MBA it was 32 Years.
Average Work Experience of the Class in Rotman MBA in 2021 was 5 Years while in the class at Schulich MBA the average work experience was 5.5 Years.
Male students in the Class in Rotman MBA comprised 58% and in the the Class in Schulich MBA were 65%.
Female students in the Class in Rotman MBA comprised 42% and in the the Class in Schulich MBA were 35%.
Average GMAT score in the the Class of Rotman MBA was 669 while in the and in the the Class in Schulich MBA was 636.
Average Total Salary for the Rotman MBA was $123,438 CAD while it was $97,725 for Schulich MBA.
Average Signing Bonus for the Rotman MBA was $18,291 but for for the Schulich MBA was $13,717.
Students hired in within 3 months of Graduation for the Rotman MBA was 96% and for the Schulich MBA was 89%.
Employment in Financial Services industry at Rotman MBA was 31.70% while it was 25% for the Schulich MBA in 2021.
Employment in Consulting sector was 24.40% at Rotman MBA while it was 18% at Schulich.
Employment in Technology Industry was 11.20% at Rotman while it was15% at Schulich MBA.
Employment in CPG and Retail industry hired 5.90% of the Rotman MBA Class while at Schulich MBA it was 10%.
Health Care sector hired 4.90% of the Rotman MBA Class while at Schulich MBA it was 6% of the Class.
Real Estate sector hired 2% of the Rotman MBA Class while at Schulich MBA it was 3%.
Employment in the Accounting or Finance function was 24.90% at Rotman while it was 26% at Schulich MBA.
Employment in the Marketing & Sales function was 14.10% at Rotman MBA but it was 15% at Schulich MBA.
Employment in the Operations function was 6.80% at Rotman and it was 9% at Schulich MBA.
Employment in the General Management function it was 5.40% at Rotman MBA while it was 17% at Schulich MBA.
Average Salary in the Financial Services industry was $97,236 at Rotman MBA in 2021 while it was $85,862 at Schulich MBA.
Average Salary in the Consulting sector at Rotman Canada was $113,694 while it was $88,547 at Schulich Canada.
Average Salary in the Technology industry was $102,803 for Rotman MBA graduates while it was $97,354 for Schulich MBA graduates.
Average Salary in the CPG and Retail sector was $95,733 at Rotman Canada while at Schulich it was $95,889 for the CPG sector and $79,256 for the retail sector.
Average Salary in the Health Care sector at Rotman MBA was $86,538 and it was $97,917 at Schulich MBA.
Average Salary in the Real Estate industry was $76,250 at Rotman Canada while it was $91,543 at Schulich.
Average Salary for the Accounting/Finance function at Rotman Canada was $101,497 $86,461.
Average Salary for the Marketing & Sales function was $96,416 for Rotman MBA graduates while it was $91,503.
Average Salary for the Operations function was$96,314 at Rotman MBA and it was $95,545 for Schulich Canada.
Average Salary for the General Management function at Rotman MBA was $87,909 and it was $89,707 for the Schulich MBA graduates.
The fees for the Rotman MBA for International students is CAD $138,441 while it is $112,250 for the Schulich MBA.
You may also like to explore other premier Canadian programs for making an informed decision:
There are more top ranked universities for MBA in Canada which have been detailed for reference. Get in touch for help with your MBA essay and MBA interview questions from an expert MBA admission consultant at GOALisB. You can also Whatsapp at +91 7719497187 or email at contact@goalisb.com for the same.
Schulich MBA 2025
Schulich MBA Intake Deadlines 2025
Schulich School of Business Admissions Deadlines (January 2026 Entry- Full Time and Part Time)
Rounds | Date |
Round 1 | May 29, 2025 |
Round 2 | June 26, 2025 |
Round 3 | July 24, 2025 |
Round 4 | October 16, 2025 |
Round 5 | November 27, 2025 |
Schulich School of Business Admissions Deadlines (September 2026 Entry- Full Time and Part Time)
Rounds | Date |
Round 1 | October 9, 2025 |
Round 2 | January 15, 2026 |
Round 3 | February 19, 2026 |
Round 4 | May 7, 2026 |
Round 5 | July 17, 2026 |
Don’t miss your chance to apply for the Schulich MBA 2025! Schedule a free consultation with GOALisB to plan your application strategy and beat the deadlines.
Schulich MBA Class Profile
The Schulich MBA Class of 2023 is characterized by diversity in demographics, educational backgrounds, and work experience:
Average Age: 31 years
Average Years of Work Experience: 5 years
Average GMAT: 639
Average GPA: 6.67
Class Size: 288 students
Gender Diversity:
44% self-identify as female
56% self-identify as male
International Representation: Over 50% of the cohort hails from international backgrounds.
Explore the Most Diverse Top 50 MBA Program for insights into globally representative MBA communities.
About the Schulich MBA 2025
Schulich MBA Program Structure and Flexibility
Flexible Study Options: Schulich offers full-time, part-time, evening, and weekend MBA options to cater to different needs. The program can be pursued at the Keele Street campus or the downtown Miles S. Nadal Management Centre.
Accelerated MBA: Students with an undergraduate business degree may complete the program in as little as eight months.
Program Length: The full-time program typically takes 20 months, while the part-time program can be completed in 40 months. Read the MBA Eligibility Requirements for admission to these programs.
Also read accelerated Indian MBA options, if you are considering an MBA in India:
Schulich MBA Curriculum
Foundational Courses: The first year includes foundational courses such as Financial Accounting for Managers, Organizational Behaviour, and Marketing Management.
Strategy Field Study: A unique feature of the Schulich MBA is the Strategy Field Study, an 8-month consulting project where students work with real clients to solve strategic problems.
Electives and Specializations: Students can choose from over 100 elective courses and 17 specializations, including Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Operations Management, and more. The program also offers graduate diplomas in areas like Financial Engineering and Global Metals and Minerals Management.
You might also be interested in MBA Subjects List for MBA curriculum overview.
Industry Engagement and Real-World Learning
Real-World Experience: Schulich emphasizes experiential learning through the Strategy Field Study, internships, and international study tours.
Case Competitions: The program offers opportunities to participate in global case competitions such as the Hult Prize and Harvard Global Case Competition.
Schulich Startup Night: An event for aspiring entrepreneurs to pitch business ideas to industry professionals.
International Opportunities
Global Exposure: Schulich is good for an MBA in Canada for international students as it provides various international learning opportunities, including study tours, full-term exchanges, and short programs ranging from two weeks to two months.
Global Immersive Option: A specialized Strategy Field Study involving creating a market entry strategy for a foreign company.
Career Services and Outcomes
Career Development: The Centre for Career Design (CCD) offers workshops, corporate recruitment events, and networking mixers to help students develop career plans and prepare for MBA jobs and interviews.
Employment Rate: 90% of students were hired within three months of graduation in 2022.
Top Employers: Companies that hire Schulich graduates include Amazon, Deloitte, KPMG, Microsoft, and TD Canada Trust.
Tuition and Financial Aid at The Schulich MBA
Tuition Fees:
Domestic Students: $18,023 per term (full-time)
International Students: $29,464 per term (full-time)
Financial Aid: Schulich offers over $6 million in MBA scholarships, awards, bursaries, and funding for student experience. Notable scholarships include the Robert Krembil Scholarship of Merit and the Seymour Schulich MBA Entrance Scholarship.
Maximize your potential with expert guidance from GOALisB MBA Admission Consultants and achieve the Schulich MBA dream you’ve always envisioned!
Here are some more differences to consider when deciding between an MBA at Rotman and an MBA at Schulich:
Location: The Rotman School is located in Toronto, while the Schulich School is located in Toronto and also has a campus in Hyderabad, India. The location of the program may be an important factor to consider, as it can impact the cultural and professional experiences you have during the program, as well as your job prospects after graduation.
Curriculum: Both the Rotman School and the Schulich School offer MBA programs that cover a range of business-related subjects and include practical coursework and experiential learning opportunities. However, the specific curriculum and course offerings may differ between the two schools. It is important to review the curriculum and course offerings of each program to determine which one is the best fit for your goals and interests. UBC Sauder MBA is one more program for MBA in Canada which offers a leading education curriculum.
Cost: The MBA cost at the Rotman School and the Schulich School can vary depending on various factors such as location, duration of the program, and financial aid options. It is worth comparing the tuition fees and other costs associated with each program to determine which one is more affordable for you.
Reputation: Both the Rotman School and the Schulich School are highly ranked business schools with a strong reputation. However, the specific reputation and ranking of each school may vary depending on the ranking criteria and the region in which the school is located.
Ultimately, the decision of which MBA program to attend will depend on your personal and professional goals, as well as your budget and location preferences. It is important to carefully research and compare the different MBA programs available to determine which one is the best fit for you. There are more leading programs like the IVEY MBA which is ranked amongst the FT rankings in 2022.
Location difference at Rotman Canada vs Schulich Canada:
The Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto and the Schulich School of Business at York University are both located in Canada, but there are some differences in their location.
The Rotman School is located in Toronto, which is the largest city in Canada and a major financial and cultural center. Toronto is known for its diverse population, vibrant arts and culture scene, and a range of job opportunities in industries such as finance, consulting, and technology.
The Schulich School is also located in Toronto, but it also has a campus in Hyderabad, India. The campus in Hyderabad offers MBA programs that are similar to the ones offered in Toronto, but with a focus on the Indian market. The Schulich School in Hyderabad may offer more opportunities for students interested in pursuing a career in the Indian market.
If you are looking for Indian MBA program in Hyderabad as an option, then must explore MBA Colleges in Hyderabad to make a strategic decision.
Ultimately, the location of the MBA program may be an important factor to consider, as it can impact the cultural and professional experiences you have during the program, as well as your job prospects after graduation. It is important to carefully research and compare the different MBA programs available to determine which one is the best fit for your goals and interests. There are more MBA programs in Canada which offer a great deal of value addition to MBA aspirants.
Curriculum difference at Rotman Canada vs Schulich Canada:
The Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto and the Schulich School of Business at York University both offer MBA programs that cover a range of business-related subjects and include practical coursework and experiential learning opportunities. However, the specific curriculum and course offerings may differ between the two schools.
At the Rotman School, the MBA program typically consists of core courses in subjects such as finance, marketing, and operations management, as well as elective courses that allow students to specialize in a particular area of interest. The program also includes experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and consulting projects, to help students apply their knowledge in a practical setting.
At the Schulich School, the MBA program also consists of core courses in subjects such as finance, marketing, and operations management, as well as elective courses that allow students to specialize in a particular area of interest. The program includes experiential learning opportunities, such as case competitions, internships, and consulting projects, to help students apply their knowledge in a practical setting.
It is important to review the curriculum and course offerings of each program to determine which one is the best fit for your goals and interests. You may also want to speak with current students or alumni of the programs to get a sense of the specific course offerings and experiential learning opportunities available.
Gain clarity on business basics by reading MBA fundamentals & overview, an essential part of the MBA learning journey:
Get in touch with our MBA admission consultant at GOALisB for a profile review and application assistance.
FAQs
Which is better Schulich or Rotman?
It is difficult to answer as both are the two best business schools in Canada. They both have almost similar rankings as per The Economist, Forbes, and Financial Times and Qs. The first two ranked Schulich 1st and the other ranked Rotman 1st.
What is the Difference Between Rotman and Sauder MBA?
The course duration is different, where Rotman MBA is a complete 2-year MBA course, and Sauder MBA offers a 16-month MBA program. Rotman MBA has 15 career tracks, and Sauder MBA has only 4. However, Sauder focuses on experimental learning through case studies, internships, and the capstone project.
What is the Difference Between Schulich and Sauder?
Schulich offers a flexible program where students can switch from full-time to part-time, whereas Sauder has a 16-month fixed program. Schulich offers an MBA in India program as it has a campus in Hyderabad. However, both schools provide IMBA programs.
Is Schulich School of Business Hard to Get into?
York University is one of the highest-ranking MBA colleges and universities in Canada. Hence, the competition is tough as they accept only 10% of the 7000 applications annually. However, if you can secure the preferred score for the GMAT and a GPA of 3+ on a scale of 4, it widens your chance of admission.
Which university is best for MBA in Canada?
The University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management is considered the best MBA program in Canada, ranked number 1 nationally and among the top 50 worldwide.
Canada offers several globally recognized MBA programs, but some schools consistently rank at the top.
1. Rotman School of Management (University of Toronto):
Canada’s number 1 MBA (QS, Financial Times 2025).
Known for finance, consulting, and AI/business analytics.
Strong corporate ties in Toronto’s financial district.
2. Ivey Business School (Western University):
Canada’s top case-based MBA program.
1-year intensive format, ideal for quick career transitions.
Strong reputation in consulting and leadership roles.
3. Desautels Faculty of Management (McGill University):
Globally respected, located in Montreal.
Known for international exposure and diverse cohort.
Offers both 1-year and 2-year MBAs.
4. Schulich School of Business (York University):
Best for specializations (marketing, sustainability, real estate, healthcare).
Strong network in Toronto business hubs.
5. Sauder School of Business (University of British Columbia):
Based in Vancouver, strong focus on entrepreneurship and technology.
Good connections with Asia-Pacific markets.
Key Insight:
Best overall (global recognition): Rotman (Toronto).
Best for case learning: Ivey (Western).
Best for international diversity: McGill (Desautels).
Best for specializations: Schulich (York).
Best for tech/entrepreneurship: UBC (Sauder).
Is an MBA from Schulich worth it?
Yes, the Schulich MBA is worth it for careers in Canada, offering strong ROI, diverse specializations, and excellent industry connections, though it has less global prestige compared to US/European MBAs.
The Schulich School of Business (York University, Toronto) is one of Canada’s most respected MBA programs. Its value depends on whether you plan to build your career in Canada or internationally.
1. Rankings & Reputation:
QS full-time MBA ranking- Canada- 4.
Recognized for strengths in sustainability, marketing, finance, and real estate.
Globally ranked within the top 100 MBAs, though not as high as US elite schools.
2. Cost & ROI:
Tuition: About CAD $123,928 for international students.
Living expenses: Around CAD $10,585-$17,794 in Toronto.
Average base salary: CAD $90,643, with strong ROI in Canada.
3. Career Outcomes:
Strong placement in finance, consulting, and tech within Canada.
Toronto’s location helps with networking in banking, consulting, and corporate HQs.
Less global reach compared to Rotman, Ivey, or top US MBAs.
4. Alumni & Network:
Large alumni base across Canada, with influence in consulting, corporate leadership, and entrepreneurship.
Particularly valuable for professionals seeking permanent residency (PR) and long-term careers in Canada.
Key Insight:
Worth it if your career goals are Canada-focused, especially in finance, consulting, or corporate management.
Less ideal if you want a global MBA brand—for that, Rotman, INSEAD, Wharton, or LBS would be stronger.
Which is better Queen’s MBA or Schulich MBA?
Queen’s MBA (Smith School of Business) is better for its 1-year intensive format, small class size, and strong leadership focus, while Schulich MBA is stronger in specializations, flexibility, and Toronto-based networking.
Both Smith (Queen’s University) and Schulich (York University) are highly ranked MBA programs in Canada, but they serve slightly different career goals.
1. Duration & Format
Queen’s (Smith): 1-year full-time MBA, highly intensive, case-based, leadership-focused.
Schulich: 16–20 month MBA, with options to customize pace.
2. Rankings & Reputation
Queen’s: Consistently ranked among Canada’s top 3 MBAs, globally top 80 (FT/QS).
Schulich: Also top 3 in Canada, but more recognized for breadth of specializations (marketing, sustainability, finance, real estate).
3. Location & Networking
Queen’s (Kingston): Smaller city, but strong alumni network across Canada.
Schulich (Toronto): Located in Canada’s financial hub, better for networking in finance, consulting, and tech.
4. Career Outcomes
Queen’s MBA: Strong leadership and general management placements; smaller class = personalized career support.
Schulich MBA: Stronger in finance, consulting, and corporate roles in Toronto; wider industry connections.
5. Cost & ROI
Queen’s MBA: About CAD $110,000 tuition, 1-year = lower living costs.
Schulich MBA: About CAD $123,928 tuition, 16–20 months = higher living cost.
ROI is slightly faster at Queen’s due to shorter duration.
Key Insight:
Choose Queen’s (Smith MBA) if you want a fast-track, leadership-focused MBA with small cohort support.
Choose Schulich MBA if you want flexibility, multiple specializations, and Toronto networking advantages.
Is Schulich hard to get into?
The Schulich MBA has an acceptance rate of about 30–35%, making it competitive but less selective than top U.S. MBAs like Wharton or Harvard.
1. Acceptance Rate & Selectivity
Estimated acceptance rate: 30–35%.
Competitive but more accessible compared to elite U.S. schools (10–15%).
2. Admission Requirements
Bachelor’s degree with strong grades (no strict cutoff, but GPA of B or above is preferred).
GMAT/GRE: Average GMAT- 661.
Work Experience: Minimum 2 years required.
English Proficiency (for international students): IELTS: 7.0 or TOEFL: 100.
Essays, resume, recommendations, and interview play a major role in selection.
3. What Makes It Easier or Harder:
Easier than top U.S. and European MBAs (Harvard, Wharton, INSEAD).
Harder than many other Canadian MBAs due to its location in Toronto and strong reputation in finance, consulting, and sustainability.
Key Insight: Schulich MBA admissions are selective but achievable with a solid profile. Strong work experience, a good GMAT/GRE score, and clear career goals improve your chances.
How much is a Rotman MBA?
The 2-year full-time MBA at Rotman costs CAD $92,540 for Canadian citizens/permanent residents, and CAD $139,140 for international students.
Which MBA degree is more valuable?
A full-time MBA from a globally top-ranked school (Harvard, Wharton, INSEAD, LBS, IIM Ahmedabad, ISB) is the most valuable, offering strong brand recognition, high salaries, and global career mobility.
The value of an MBA degree depends on three key factors: brand reputation, career outcomes, and geography.
1. Globally Valuable MBAs (High Prestige & Salary):
Harvard, Wharton, Stanford (USA) – Elite global recognition, average salaries $160K+.
INSEAD, London Business School (Europe) – Strong for consulting/finance, 1-year format, highly international.
IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta & ISB (India) – Top value in India, strong ROI, excellent corporate placements.
2. Specialized MBAs (Valuable in Specific Fields):
Kellogg (Marketing, USA), MIT Sloan (Tech/Entrepreneurship, USA), Chicago Booth (Finance, USA).
Valuable depending on chosen specialization.
3. Executive & Online MBAs (Mid-Career Value):
Executive MBAs (Wharton, Kellogg-Schulich, INSEAD EMBA) are highly valuable for senior leadership roles.
Online MBAs (Warwick, Kelley, Gies) are cost-effective but carry less global brand power.
Key Insight:
If aiming for a global career in consulting, finance, or tech, choose a top US/European MBA.
If aiming for a high ROI in India, choose IIM A/B/C or ISB.
If you are a mid-career professional, an Executive MBA may be more valuable than a full-time MBA.
What is Rotman MBA ranked?
Rotman MBA Rankings
Rank 1 in Canada under QS Global MBA Rankings for several years running.
39th globally in the QS Global Full-Time MBA 2025 ranking.
In the 2024 rankings, Rotman was 40th globally in QS.
Which MBA is highly paid in Canada?
The Rotman MBA (University of Toronto) and the Ivey MBA (Western University) are among the highest-paid in Canada, with average post-MBA salaries of CAD $115,000–$125,000 plus bonuses.
MBA salaries in Canada vary by school, specialization, and industry, but some programs consistently lead in pay:
1. Rotman School of Management (University of Toronto)
Avg. base salary: CAD $110,444.
Strong outcomes in consulting, finance, and tech due to Toronto’s financial hub.
2. Ivey Business School (Western University)
Avg. base salary: CAD $111,694.
1-year program, known for consulting and leadership roles.
High ROI due to shorter duration.
3. Desautels (McGill University)
Avg. base salary: CAD $104,775.
Internationally diverse, strong placements in finance and global roles.
4. Schulich (York University)
Avg. salary: CAD $95,578.
Strong for marketing, sustainability, and finance within Canada.
5. UBC Sauder (University of British Columbia)
Avg. salary: CAD $98,336.
Good outcomes in entrepreneurship and tech, especially in Vancouver.
Key Insight:
Highest-paying MBAs in Canada: Rotman and Ivey.
Best ROI: Ivey (1-year program, faster return).
Best for global exposure: McGill (Desautels).
How hard is it to get into Rotman MBA?
The Rotman MBA acceptance rate is around 20–25%, making it competitive but more accessible than elite U.S. MBAs like Harvard or Wharton.
1. Acceptance Rate & Selectivity
Rotman admits roughly 1 in 4 applicants (20–25%).
It’s one of the most selective MBAs in Canada, but still less competitive than top U.S. schools (5–12%).
2. Admission Requirements
GPA: A strong undergrad record (B+ average or higher).
GMAT/GRE: Average GMAT is around 672.
Work Experience: Minimum 2 years required.
English Proficiency: TOEFL/IELTS required for non-native speakers.
Essays, resume, references, and Kira Talent video interview carry significant weight.
3. What Makes It Hard or Easy
Harder: If you have limited work experience, weak quant background, or low GMAT.
Easier: If you have 5+ years of work experience, 680+ GMAT, and strong leadership achievements.
Key Insight: Rotman is Canada’s number 1 MBA, and while competitive, it’s still more attainable than M7 U.S. schools. With the right profile, strong essays, and a clear career plan, applicants stand a good chance.
Reach out to GOALisB, where an expert MBA admission consultant can provide assistance with your MBA essay and MBA interview questions. For further inquiries, you can also contact us through WhatsApp at +91 7719497187 or email us at contact@goalisb.com. We are here to help you excel in your MBA application process!
Global MBA Resource Guide: Choose the Right MBA Pathway for Your Career
Embarking on an MBA journey requires a clear vision of your career path and program preferences. This guide categorizes resources by region, providing insights into top programs, application tips, and specialized guidance for making informed choices.
1. Key Resources for MBA Admissions
Start here to understand the essential elements of applying for an MBA abroad, with expert insights on preparing for the application journey:
2. MBA Programs in Australia
Australia is known for its high-quality education, strong connections to the Asia-Pacific market, and vibrant international student community:
3. MBA Programs in Canada
Canada’s stable economy, quality of life, and work visa options make it a favored choice for international MBA applicants. Dive into the details of leading Canadian programs:
Broader Canadian MBA resources:
4. MBA Programs in Europe
Europe offers diverse MBA programs, often structured in a one-year format, appealing to those seeking a rapid and culturally enriching MBA experience:
5. MBA Programs in Germany
Germany’s reputation for engineering and manufacturing excellence extends to MBA programs, especially for those pursuing careers in these sectors:
6. MBA Programs in Singapore
Singapore’s strategic position as a business hub in Asia makes it an attractive destination for MBA candidates with a regional focus:
Comparative guide:
MBA in Canada vs. MBA in Singapore
7. MBA Programs in the United States
As the home of the MBA, the U.S. offers unparalleled program variety, networks, and access to global business giants. Here’s a look at some top U.S. programs:
Additional U.S. MBA resources:
8. Additional Resources for MBA Applications
Beyond selecting a program, these specialized resources will help refine your MBA application strategy:
Further reading:
