Maclean’s Canadian University Rankings 2024

Here are the top ten schools in Maclean’s Canada’s Best Business Programs: University Rankings 2024.   

  1. UBC Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia (UBC) 
  2. Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto  
  3. Desautels Faculty of Management at McGill University 
  4. Ivey Business School at Western University 
  5. Smith School of Business at Queen’s University 
  6. Alberta School of Business at the University of Alberta 
  7. Schulich School of Business at York University
  8. Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary 
  9. HEC Montréal at Université de Montréal 
  10. Lazaridis School of Business at the University of Waterloo  

 What Are the Maclean’s Business Program Rankings?

MBA programs in Canada are known for their diverse and inclusive approach to business education. Yet, figuring out which institution is the most suitable for you is not that simple.

For those searching for an MBA program, rankings serve as a crucial guide, offering valuable insights and direction amidst a plethora of options.

Since 1991, Maclean’s, a revered Canadian news magazine with over a century of publication history, annually presents its authoritative business school rankings. These rankings are a treasure trove of information for both prospective students and recruiters, providing a clear picture of the academic landscape in Canada.

These institutions represent the pinnacle of business education in Canada, setting benchmarks in both academic and research excellence. But how does Maclean’s evaluate the universities? 

What Criteria Does Maclean’s Use in Its Business Program Rankings?

The methodology employed for Maclean’s rankings of Canada’s top universities combines quantitative data and qualitative insights. Data is sourced from public sources such as Statistics Canada, providing information on faculty, student enrolment, research income, and financial metrics.

Maclean’s also gathers information on student and faculty awards from over 50 organizations. This data provides a comprehensive view of the university’s resources. 

Institutions with fewer than 1,000 full-time students, those restricted due to religious or specialized missions, newly designated universities, and non-members of Universities Canada are excluded. 

Weighted Rankings and Criteria

The final ranking for each university is a culmination of scores in various areas as follows: 

  1. Students (20%): National academic awards and student-faculty ratio;
  2. Faculty (20%): Awards won and research grants obtained;
  3. Resources (22%): Operating budget, research dollars, and library resources;
  4. Student Support (18%): Allocation for student services, scholarships, and bursaries;
  5. Reputation (20%): Based on the reputational survey.

The methodology ensures a comprehensive and relevant analysis, offering students and educators a trustworthy resource. 

Evaluation of the Top 10 Universities in Canada 2024

The 2024 list of Canada’s top 10 business programs shows consistency with a few shifts from last year’s rankings.

The University of British Columbia (UBC), the University of Toronto, and McGill University retain their places in the top three. UBC and Toronto are tied for the top spot. 

Western University’s ascent to the fourth rank pushes Queen’s University to the fifth position. 

The University of Alberta, York University, the University of Calgary, and the University of Montréal stay entrenched in their respective spots from sixth to ninth position. 

As the only newcomer, the University of Waterloo closes the top 10, climbing three positions from last year. 

Choosing Between Top MBA Schools in Canada 

Choosing between top MBA schools in Canada is an important decision that shapes academic and professional futures. Data from this ranking can be insightful in multiple ways. 

Aspiring students should explore performance indicators matching their academic preferences. For instance, if research is your strength, consider institutions with high scores in research income and faculty grants. However, if you prioritize student support, examine budget allocations for student services and scholarships. 

Whatever you decide, a suitable master’s program should align with your academic aspirations and personal goals. 

Find out more about top MBA schools in Canada from student and alumni ambassadors