MBA frequently asked questions

If you are a prospective student, many questions concerning the MBA program and the application process may be immediately answered by reviewing this list of Frequently Asked Questions, or you may contact us.

Admissions

Application process

International students

Tuition and fees

Program structure and study options

Admissions

What are the admission requirements for the MBA program?

Successful applicants to Memorial’s MBA program must have:

  1. Education: The equivalent of a four-year Canadian undergraduate degree with a minimum B average, or second class standing, from a recognized university. For universities that use the 4-point grade point average, this is a minimum requirement of 2.75. Applicants with a three-year bachelor degree: Whether your degree would meet the requirement would depend upon the courses you had taken and your level of academic achievement. Your credentials would be formally assessed after you have submitted your application and supporting documents.
  2. GMAT or GRE: An acceptable, balanced GMAT score (normally a minimum of 550, GMAT Focus Edition: 515) or an acceptable and balanced GRE General Test score (normally 302) is required for all applicants.
  3. Work Experience: Two years of full-time work experience, or equivalent, deemed acceptable to the Faculty of Business Administration.
  4. English Language Proficiency: Applicants whose prior university instruction was not in English must demonstrate completion of either the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) tests. Minimum TOEFL scores are: 580 for the paper-based test; 237 on the computer-based test; or 92 on the Internet-based test. TOEFL iBT Home Edition taken after May 2023 is not accepted. The minimum IELTS score is an overall band score of 7.0. Applicants who have completed an undergraduate program, or a graduate program at a recognized institution where the language of instruction is English are not required to take an English proficiency test. If the institution is located outside of Canada / United States, applicants are advised to provide a document (e.g., transcript or letter) from their university stating the language of instruction as English (as “Grad Proof of English Proficiency”).
  5. References: Two letters of reference are required. A mix of professional and academic referees is preferred.

Am I guaranteed admission if I meet the minimum requirements?

Admission to the program is limited and competitive. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the program. We receive over 150 applications annually and typically accept approximately 50 new students each year.

Can I apply to the MBA program if I am currently completing my undergraduate degree?

Yes. We will consider your application immediately after you complete your undergraduate degree as long as you meet the admission requirement of two years of full-time work experience in addition to the meeting the minimum requirement for the GMAT and for demonstration of English language proficiency.

Does my undergraduate degree need to focus in a specific area such as commerce or economics?

No. In fact, the MBA program is designed for students who have no previous business courses completed. We accept students with a broad range of undergraduate degrees. Our students have undergraduate degrees in arts, business, engineering, science, education, medicine, nursing, music and more.

I don’t have a full two years of full-time work experience. How strict is this requirement?

The admission requirement of two years of full-time work experience is never waived. The two years of full-time work experience does not have to be with the same employer. It is acceptable if you have worked several different jobs to accumulate the full two years of experience. Applicants must provide proof of this work experience in the form of letters from employers (letters must state that the work was full-time, including start dates and finish dates and the letter must be signed and on official company letterhead).

I don’t meet the minimum requirements. Can I still apply?

That would depend on which requirement(s) you do not meet. A shortcoming in one aspect of your application may be compensated for by another. For example, a lower GPA in your undergraduate degree may be offset by years of managerial work experience and/or a high GMAT score.

Do you offer a Pre-MBA Program?

No, we do not offer a Pre-MBA Program.

Do I need to write the GMAT or GRE?

Yes. An acceptable and balanced GMAT score (normally a minimum of 550, GMAT Focus Edition: 515) or an acceptable and balanced GRE General Test score (normally 302) is required for all applicants.

Is there a GMAT preparation course available in St. John’s, NL?

No, there currently is no GMAT preparation course available in St. John’s, NL. We suggest that students study and prepare for the GMAT by using the GMAT preparation books which are available in bookstores.

What if I have been out of school for many years and cannot find an academic reference? Can I provide two professional references instead?

While we will accept two professional references if applicants are unable to obtain an academic reference, it is preferred that applicants submit one professional reference and one academic reference.

I want to re-write the GMAT or GRE. Do you offer conditional acceptances to the MBA program?

No, we do not offer conditional acceptances to the MBA Program.

I need financial assistance. Do you offer Entrance Scholarships?

No, we do not offer Entrance Scholarships. In general, most MBA students do not receive financial support. However, there are a limited number of competitive scholarships available for MBA students once they are admitted to the program. These scholarships, which range from $1,000 to $5,000 CDN, are awarded based on the student’s superior academic performance in our MBA courses.

Application process

How do I apply?

To apply to the MBA program, click here or visit the School of Graduate Studies at www.mun.ca/sgs/

What is the application deadline for the MBA program?

  • International applicants - Fall semester start only: Feb. 1
  • Canadian residents
    • Fall semester: June 30
    • Winter semester: Oct. 31
    • Spring semester: Feb. 28

Applications and all supporting admission documents must be received by the application deadline.

International students

Are there language requirements for international students?

Yes. Applicants whose prior university instruction was not in English must demonstrate completion of either the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) tests. Minimum TOEFL scores are: 580 for the paper-based test; 237 on the computer-based test; or 92 on the Internet-based test. TOEFL iBT Home Edition taken after May 2023 is not accepted. The minimum IELTS score is an overall band score of 7.0. Applicants who have completed an undergraduate program, or a graduate program at a recognized institution where the language of instruction is English are not required to take an English proficiency test. If the institution is located outside of Canada / United States, applicants are advised to provide a document (e.g., transcript or letter) from their university stating the language of instruction as English (as “Grad Proof of English Proficiency”). A list of recognized English speaking countries and English language universities can be found here.

Tuition and fees

What is the cost of Memorial’s MBA program?

The Memorial School of Graduate Studies provides detailed information on tuition and related fees on their website and their expense form, including any differential and special fees for the MBA program.

Program structure and study options

How long will it take me to do MBA program?

The MBA consists of 20 courses and can be completed in two years over four to six academic semesters of full-time study. Part-time students normally take three to four years to complete the program, depending on the number of courses they are able to complete per semester.

Can I take the MBA program by full-time or part-time studies?

Yes, we accept both full-time and part-time students.

Please note we only accept applications for full-time studies for the Fall (September) semester. The application deadline for the Fall (September) semester is June 30.

For part-time studies, the applications deadlines are June 30 for the Fall (September) semester, October 31 for the Winter (Jan.) semester and February 28 for the Spring (May) semester.

I work full-time. When are MBA classes held?

As our MBA is a small program, some of our courses are only offered once or twice a year. To ensure course availability for both our full-and part-time students, we try to ensure that courses are offered during the lunch hour period (i.e. 12:30 – 1:45 pm) or in the evenings (i.e. 5:00 – 6:45 pm or 7:00 – 9:30 pm).

Can I complete the MBA online?

No. The MBA program at Memorial is an on-campus program which must be completed in St. John’s, NL.

Can I switch from full-time to part-time or from part-time to full-time status?

Students can apply to change their degree status once they have started the program. Full-time students are permitted to work a maximum of 24 hours per week. If students work more than 24 hours per week their status must be considered part-time.

What if I finish my MBA sooner than expected?

Students who finish their MBA program sooner than expected are still obligated to pay the full program fee. If any program is completed in fewer semesters than the number of semesters indicated for their payment plan, a payment of an amount equal to the program fee for the remaining number of semesters is required (i.e. if 9 semesters are to be paid and the program is complete in 7 semesters, the program fee for the 2 remaining semesters must be paid).