Canada boasts some of the world's top MBA programs, and two of the most prestigious are the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto and the Ivey Business School at Western University. Both programs offer unique benefits and have distinct features that cater to different professional aspirations and learning styles. This blog post provides an in-depth comparison of these two programs to help you make an informed decision for your MBA journey.

Program Structure and Duration Rotman vs IVEY:
Rotman School of Management
Duration: 2 years
Structure: Rotman's MBA program is renowned for its integrative approach, combining core courses in the first year with a wide array of electives and experiential learning opportunities in the second year. The curriculum emphasizes the development of problem-solving and decision-making skills through the use of the Creative Destruction Lab and various capstone projects.
Unique Feature: Rotman is known for its emphasis on integrative thinking and business design, providing a robust foundation in both traditional business disciplines and creative problem-solving.
Ivey Business School
Duration: 1 year
Structure: Ivey offers a one-year MBA program starting in March, designed to minimize time away from the workforce. The program is highly immersive, leveraging Ivey's renowned case-based learning method to deliver a hands-on, real-world education.
Unique Feature: Ivey’s accelerated format and intensive focus on case-based learning offer a rapid return on investment, making it ideal for professionals looking to make a quick transition back into the business world.
Admission Requirements Rotman MBA vs IVEY MBA
Rotman MBA Admission Requirements:
GMAT/GRE: Required
Work Experience: Minimum two years
Additional Requirements: Essays, resume, references, and an interview
Ivey MBA Admission Requirements:
GMAT/GRE: Required
Work Experience: Minimum two years, with an average of five years among admitted students
Additional Requirements: Essays, resume, references, and an interview
Location and Campus Life
Rotman
Location: Downtown Toronto
Campus Life: Situated in Canada’s financial hub, Rotman students benefit from proximity to a wide range of business and cultural activities. The downtown location provides unparalleled networking opportunities with industry leaders and alumni.
Ivey
Location: London, Ontario
Campus Life: Ivey offers a close-knit campus environment with a strong sense of community. The school’s rural setting provides a focused and immersive learning experience, complemented by various student clubs and extracurricular activities.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network Rotman MBA vs IVEY MBA
Rotman
Employment Rate: 91% within three months of graduation
Average Salary: $101,000 CAD
Top Employers: McKinsey & Company, BCG, Amazon, RBC, and TD Bank
Alumni Network: Over 17,000 alumni worldwide, providing strong networking opportunities across various industries.
Ivey
Employment Rate: Over 90% within three months of graduation
Average Salary: $115,000 CAD
Top Employers: Deloitte, PwC, Accenture, Bain & Company, and IBM
Alumni Network: A robust network of over 33,000 alumni globally, known for its culture of paying it forward and strong community support.
Tuition and Financial Aid Rotman MBA vs IVEY MBA
Rotman
Tuition: $120,680 CAD for international students
Financial Aid: Offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options, including merit-based scholarships and awards.
Ivey
Tuition: $83,250 CAD for international students
Financial Aid: Provides numerous scholarships, including the Ivey Global Leader Award and other merit-based scholarships.
Both Rotman and Ivey offer top-tier MBA programs that can significantly advance your career. If you are looking for a comprehensive two-year program with a strong focus on integrative thinking and downtown Toronto’s dynamic environment, Rotman may be the right choice. On the other hand, if you prefer an accelerated one-year program with intensive case-based learning and a tight-knit community, Ivey could be the ideal fit.
Ready to take the next step in your MBA journey? Contact Ambition Canada for expert MBA admission consulting. Our experienced consultants can help you navigate the application process, prepare for interviews, and secure your place in one of Canada’s leading MBA programs. Reach out to us today and start your path to a successful career in business.
Rotman vs. Ivey MBA: Class Profile Comparison for the Class of 2025
Choosing the right MBA program involves understanding the demographics and backgrounds of the student body. This comparison of the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto and the Ivey Business School at Western University focuses on their Class of 2025 profiles.
Total Class Size and Demographics
Rotman School of Management Class profile 2025
Total Students: 266
Gender Distribution: 49% Women, 51% Men
Average Age: 28 years
Age Range: 21-36 years
Average Work Experience: 5.0 years (range 0-14 years)
Average Undergraduate GPA: 3.6
Average GMAT Score: 672
International Students: 70%
Domestic Students: 30%
Born Outside of Canada: 79%
Number of Passport Regions Represented: 41
First Languages Spoken: 37
Languages: 46% speak two languages, 15% speak three or more languages
LGBTQ+ Representation: 8%
Black or Indigenous Representation: 10%
Ivey Business School Class of 2025 - Class Profile:
Total Students: 150
Gender Distribution: 40% Women
Average Age: 29 years
Age Range: 24-34 years
Average Work Experience: 5.5 years
Average GMAT Score: 665 (range 540-740)
International Students: 37%
Domestic Students: 60%
Number of Different Birth Countries Represented: 23
Languages Spoken: 24
Number of Different Industries Represented: 39
Geographic Representation in Class:
Rotman
Highly Diverse: Students come from 41 passport regions.
Ivey
Geographic Breakdown:
Canada: 37%
India: 26%
China: 12%
Latin America: 8%
Southeast Asia: 3%
Africa: 7%
Other: 7%
Industry Backgrounds in Class - Rotman MBA vs IVEY MBA
Rotman
Top Industries Represented:
Consulting: 29%
Financial Services: 28%
Technology: 17%
Engineering: 20%
Legal: 6%
Healthcare/Biotech/Pharma: 6%
Consumer Goods: 5%
Other (Education, Real Estate, Professional Services, Energy/Natural Resources): 4%
Manufacturing: 2%
Media/Entertainment: 1%
Retail: 1%
Not-for-profit: 1%
Ivey
Top Industries Represented:
Finance/Insurance: 22%
Consulting: 15%
Technology: 7%
Engineering: 7%
Accounting: 6%
Energy/Utilities: 5%
Not-for-Profit/Government: 5%
Marketing/PR/Advertising: 5%
Healthcare: 4%
Manufacturing: 3%
Mining: 3%
Wholesale/Retail: 3%
Other: 17%
Educational Backgrounds
Rotman
Academic Backgrounds:
Business/Commerce: 34%
Engineering: 20%
Economics: 14%
Life Sciences: 11%
Math/Computer Science: 5%
Social Sciences: 4%
Applied Sciences: 4%
Humanities: 3%
Physical Sciences: 1%
Law: 1%
Ivey
Academic Backgrounds:
Business: 38%
Engineering: 34%
Arts: 14%
Sciences: 14%
The Rotman and Ivey MBA programs both attract a diverse group of talented individuals from various backgrounds. Rotman's program is characterized by a higher percentage of international students and a broad representation of industries and academic backgrounds. Ivey, while slightly smaller in class size, also features significant diversity, with a strong presence of students from finance, consulting, and engineering backgrounds.
Choosing between these two top-tier programs will depend on your career goals, preferred learning environment, and the network you aim to build. Both offer robust career support and boast strong employment outcomes, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to succeed in the global business landscape.
Ready to take the next step in your MBA journey? Contact Ambition Canada for expert MBA admission consulting. Our experienced consultants can help you navigate the application process, prepare for interviews, and secure your place in one of Canada’s leading MBA programs. Reach out to us today and start your path to a successful career in business.
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