Canada Best MBA in the World

In the 2008 Financial Times Global MBA Ranking, Canada emerged as a significant player in the international business education arena, with six universities making it into the prestigious Top 100 list. Among them, the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management was ranked first in Canada and 40th globally, while York University’s Schulich School of Business followed closely in second place, ranked 48th globally. This recognition of Canadian business schools marked a period of rising global prestige for Canadian institutions, which were increasingly seen as strong contenders in the competitive world of business education. As global business schools jockeyed for top spots, Canadian universities demonstrated their ability to provide a high-quality, internationally recognized MBA education, attracting students from around the world and preparing them for the demands of the global economy.

The Financial Times Global MBA Ranking and Its Significance

The Financial Times (FT) Global MBA Ranking, published annually, is one of the most respected and influential assessments of MBA programs worldwide. The ranking is based on several key factors, such as alumni salaries three years after graduation, the increase in salary relative to pre-MBA earnings, the diversity of the student body, the quality of faculty research, and the global reach of the institution. Each year, the FT compiles data from both surveys of business schools and feedback from alumni, creating a comprehensive picture of each program’s performance.

In 2008, the inclusion of six Canadian universities in the Top 100 was a testament to the rising quality and international recognition of Canadian business schools. While U.S. schools like Harvard, Stanford, and the University of Chicago continued to dominate the rankings, Canadian institutions were increasingly making their mark on the global stage. The 2008 rankings highlighted how Canadian MBA programs were beginning to offer not only strong academic foundations but also significant career opportunities, an increasingly global student body, and innovative approaches to business education.

The University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management

Ranked 40th globally in the 2008 FT rankings, the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto was the top-ranked Canadian business school. The Rotman School’s position in the global rankings reflected its growing stature in the international business education community. One of the key factors contributing to Rotman’s rise was its focus on innovative teaching methods and a commitment to providing students with a holistic understanding of business. Under the leadership of Dean Roger Martin, who became known for his advocacy of integrative thinking and design thinking in business decision-making, Rotman developed a distinctive reputation for its unique approach to teaching management. This focus on creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills, which were seen as essential for success in the 21st-century business world, played a key role in attracting both students and employers.

Another major factor that helped propel Rotman to the top of Canadian business schools was its increasing global influence. Toronto is Canada’s financial hub, home to the headquarters of many major banks, multinational corporations, and innovative startups. This proximity to the business world provided Rotman students with direct access to a wide range of career opportunities, particularly in finance, consulting, and management. The Rotman School’s network of alumni and its ties to the corporate sector were also important assets that contributed to its rising global stature.

Rotman’s curriculum was designed to offer both a solid foundation in core business disciplines and specialized knowledge in areas such as finance, marketing, and strategy. The school’s focus on global business education and cross-cultural leadership also attracted an increasingly diverse student body. In 2008, Rotman’s commitment to creating a global MBA program that combined academic rigor with practical experience contributed significantly to its growing reputation.

York University’s Schulich School of Business

In second place in Canada and 48th globally, York University’s Schulich School of Business was another important player in the 2008 FT Global MBA Ranking. Schulich’s rise in the rankings was due in large part to its strong international orientation, diverse student body, and its focus on leadership development. The school’s reputation had grown significantly since its founding in 1966, particularly in the areas of international business, responsible leadership, and sustainable business practices. Schulich’s commitment to providing a global perspective on business issues was reflected in the diverse and dynamic nature of its student body, which included students from all corners of the world.

One of the key factors contributing to Schulich’s ranking in the 2008 FT list was its comprehensive and flexible curriculum, which allowed students to tailor their education to their individual career goals. The MBA program at Schulich offered a wide variety of specializations, including finance, marketing, and international business, making it an attractive choice for students looking for a program that could cater to their specific interests and professional aspirations. Schulich also offered a number of dual-degree programs, which further enhanced its appeal to international students seeking to broaden their business education. The school’s emphasis on global business and entrepreneurship, combined with its rigorous academic standards, made it one of the top choices for MBA candidates in Canada and beyond.

Another important factor in Schulich’s success was its focus on leadership development. The school’s approach to leadership training included not only academic coursework but also experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, consulting projects, and study-abroad options. This combination of academic rigor and real-world experience was highly valued by students and employers alike, and it helped students develop the critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills necessary to succeed in the competitive global business environment.

The Global Context of Canadian Business Schools

The inclusion of six Canadian schools in the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2008 reflected a broader trend of globalization in business education. Over the years, Canadian business schools had become increasingly attractive to international students due to their high academic standards, global reach, and competitive tuition rates. Canada’s multicultural environment, strong economy, and reputation for safety and quality of life also made it an appealing destination for MBA candidates from around the world.

Canadian schools offered a more affordable alternative to their U.S. counterparts, particularly given the rising costs of tuition and living expenses at top American schools. This cost-effectiveness, combined with the quality of education offered by schools like Rotman and Schulich, made Canadian institutions an appealing option for students seeking high-quality business education without the high price tag.

Moreover, Canadian universities had increasingly recognized the need to adapt to the demands of a globalized economy, and many had developed strong international ties. Schools like Rotman and Schulich had partnerships with business schools around the world, allowing students to participate in exchange programs and international internships. These programs enhanced the global perspective of Canadian business schools, making them attractive to international students and helping their graduates develop a competitive edge in the global job market.

Canada Rank, Name - World Rank

1. University of Toronto (Rotman) - 40
* Placement Success Rank 48th
   Career Progress 100th

2. York University (Schulich) - 48
* Value for money 28th

3. Ivey - 53
* Value for money 42nd
It was ranked 41st in 2007, 31st in 2006 and 34th in 2005.

4. Alberta - 88
* Value for money 27th
 Alberta MBA was ranked 98th in 2006, 97th in 2004 and 100th in 2003.

5. UBC - 92
UBC was ranked 77th in 2007, 71st in 2006, 55th in 2005,67th in 2004 and 73rd in 2003.

6. McGill - 96
McGill was ranked 90th in 2007, 44th in 2006, 39th in 2005 and 2004, 37th in 2003.