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Single Degree Option

The single degree option enables you to earn your Master of International Business degree in 12 months. The program is structured in three stages, and a major team-based project spans all three. The second stage of the program provides an international exchange at one of our more than 50 international business school partners.

Partner Schools View FAQs

Stage 1

Smith School of Business

September – December

Core Courses

Electives (Choose 1 or 2)

Elective courses are subject to change.

Stage 2

International Exchange Destination

January – June

Equivalent of five courses from a partner institution. A list of available courses at partner institutions will be available to you prior to making your exchange decision.

For many double degree students and those opting for a summer exchange, the following electives are also available at Smith:

Electives (Choose 5)

Elective courses are subject to change.

Stage 3

Location of Choice

July – August

The team project is to be completed and may be presented in person at Smith, or remotely from a location of your choice.

There is also a short-term exchange option available during the summer months. Please contact the program team for more information.

Core Course

Global Consulting Project

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you decide which universities to partner with for your exchange program?

Each of our exchange partners is among the best business schools in its respective countries based on such metrics as: accreditations, rankings, reputation, and the degree to which the university engages in international initiatives.

I know that business schools’ pride themselves on their accreditations, but why is it important to me as a student?

An accreditation can be thought of as formal recognition of a business school's quality - a "stamp of approval." Students who participate in an exchange at an accredited, high-quality institution will be able to highlight this fact when meeting with corporate recruiters anywhere in the world. Accreditations are an indication that Smith School of Business continues to meet the required high standards every year.

I speak only English. Will I be expected to speak another language to participate in an international exchange?

The language of instruction at all our exchange partners is English. That said, you are strongly encouraged to take a language course during your exchange as part of your elective course selections.

I understand that Smith School of Business employs learning teams. How do you to decide what team to put me in?

We assemble our teams based on diversity. You will find that your team profile will feature a healthy representation of disparate age, gender, and cultural backgrounds.

Why am I not permitted to switch teams during the program?

In a workplace setting, you rarely can choose who you will work with; as the Program strives to emulate the look and feel of a corporate environment, we have also adopted this rationale.

What if I cannot get along with one of my teammates?

At the outset of the program, you will gain valuable team-building skills to help you overcome any challenges that you face along the way.

Are students required to have a laptop?

Yes. Students will be expected to have a laptop prior to the beginning of the program.

What is the difference between the Master of International Business degree and the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree?

Both degrees are worthwhile investments, but for different reasons and different audiences. The MBA is a general management degree that provides students with a broad understanding of the major functional areas of business. It is geared toward someone who typically does not have prior business education (unless it is a program like Smith's Accelerated MBA for Business Graduates). And of course, an MBA is designed to leverage one’s work experience. A Master of International Business degree, conversely, is geared towards someone who seeks a deeper understanding of how business is conducted globally. All Master of International Business students possess at least some business background in their bachelor’s degree, and as such, the Master of International Business program allows them to dive deeper into such topics as international finance, international marketing, and global strategy, to name just a few. Furthermore, most Master of International Business students enter the program directly following the completion of their undergraduate degree, so business education – rather than work experience – is the main area of focus. In addition, our unique double degree opportunities enable a truly global classroom experience for all students. Each year 40-45% of our graduating class find work outside of Canada.

What are the admission requirements for the Master of International Business single-degree option?

Please visit our Application Process page for detailed information.

Will I be offered admission if I meet the minimum requirements?

Meeting the minimum requirements is enough to warrant consideration of your file but does not guarantee admission.

Please note that we cannot advise you on your likelihood of being admitted. Each candidate’s file will be considered in the context of the applicant pool for a given admission cycle. Consideration will be given for previous academic performance, letters of reference and – if applicable - your GMAT/GRE score. If you fall a little short on one parameter but are strong on the others, you may be a qualified candidate for this program.

I see that there are several application deadlines. May I submit my application ahead of these deadlines?

Yes, in fact we encourage candidates to apply early, as we process applications on a rolling basis in advance of these deadlines.

Will all exchange destinations be available every year?

Although we strive to ensure a balance in the number of incoming and outgoing students with our exchange partners, on occasion there will be an imbalance in these numbers that may require us to temporarily suspend the availability of certain exchange options until balance is restored.

How do I find out where I will go for my international exchange?

After being accepted to the program and prior to arriving at Smith School of Business for Stage 1 of the program, we will provide you with several resources that will help you create a short list of preferred destinations. After applying – which includes your responses to a series of questions/other evaluative criteria, we rank-order you against your peers and cross-reference your rank with your list of preferred exchange destinations. It is important to only select those exchange destinations that you would consider attending.

I do not hold a four-year bachelor’s degree. May I still apply?

We recognize and appreciate that, in many countries, only three-year degrees are awarded; as such, we welcome applications from candidates with three-year bachelor’s degrees. However, it is expected that graduates of North American universities will hold a four-year bachelor’s degree.

I do not hold a bachelor/undergraduate degree in business. Are there any circumstances under which I may apply?

For those without a business background who wish to apply for the single-degree track, please note the following: you must at least successfully complete the following foundational business courses:

  • macroeconomics
  • financial accounting
  • introduction to finance
  • introduction to marketing

GMAT or GRE Score

  • Candidates who possess a bachelor’s degree in business from an accredited University and who have achieved a result of B+ (approximately equivalent to 75% or a GPA of 3.3) or better in the final two years of their degree are not required to write the GMAT or GRE.
  • Candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in business but who have not achieved a result of B+ or better in the final two years of their degree may be required to write the GMAT and achieve a minimum overall score of 600 or may be required to write the GRE and achieve a minimum overall score of 315.
  • Candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in a non-business background will be required to write the GMAT and achieve a minimum overall score of 600, or GRE of 315.
  • You will not be penalized for having written the test on multiple occasions. We will take your best score when considering your file.
  • While most successful candidates have GMAT scores in excess of 600 or GRE score of 315, we may consider otherwise exceptional applicants with scores below this level.

Please note that the program code for the GMAT is: Q21-QZ-72. To register to write the GMAT, visit mba.com. The program code for the GRE is "4170".

Please note that these are considered the minimum admission requirements for the single degree option.

How do I submit transcripts?

There are several ways to satisfy this requirement however it is strongly preferred that applicants arrange for original-language educational documents to be sent directly from the issuing academic institution in a sealed and stamped envelope. This includes transcripts, graduation certificates, degree certificates, mark sheets, supplements, etc. These documents should be authenticated by authorized officials at the institution that issued them.

Photocopies of educational documents will be accepted if they are sent directly from and authenticated by an authorized official at the issuing institution.

Candidates may submit photocopies of original-language documents obtained from embassies, consulates, notaries, or other third-party officials that are outside the issuing institution so long as the official encloses documents in a stamped, sealed envelope before the candidate submits it. However, successful candidates will be expected to provide original documentation upon their arrival in Kingston.

Please note: Where the official language of the issuing institution is other than English or French, applicants must have the documents translated word-for-word by a licensed translator (e.g., World Education Services [WES]). The translation should then be validated by legal authorities in the home country. Translations must always be accompanied by official

I understand that the Master of International Business program is a pre-experience program. However, I do have some formal work experience. May I still apply to the program?

Absolutely! Each year, we have several candidates who possess a few years of work experience. This ranges from short term internships and co-ops to full time professional work experience. While the average age of students in the program is 24 years, we often see a range of ages. What is most important to us is that candidates can adequately demonstrate how a degree in international business is the best possible fit for them.

Is there an application deadline for the Double-Degree options?

Yes, there are specific application deadlines for each Double-Degree option. View deadlines

Is there an application fee?

No.

How many times can you write the GMAT/GRE? Will it hurt my candidacy if I write it more than once?

You may take the GMAT only once per calendar month and no more than 5 times within any 12-month period. Smith will accept more than 1 GMAT score per applicant but will not combine scores from different tests. Smith will accept the test with the highest overall score for admission consideration. Your candidacy will not be affected should you choose to write it several times. Please note that the GMAT test results are only valid for 5 years prior to the start of your application.

May the GMAT scores arrive after the application deadline?

Yes, but please note that your file will not be reviewed until all the components of your admission file (core application, essays, 3 references, transcripts, official GMAT score, official TOEFL/IELTS/MELAB scores) are received. It is recommended that you notify your application advisor that the result will be submitted after the deadline. Depending on the length of time the GMAT or other scores are delayed and the strength of other aspects of your application, your application advisor will be able to provide you with information regarding this issue. All other documentation must be sent prior to the deadline.

When will I hear if I have been accepted?

You may expect to wait at least two weeks after submitting all the components of your complete admission file before receiving a response from the Admissions Committee. This may be longer during peak periods (e.g., immediately following a deadline).

How much does the program cost?

Current fees for the single-degree option. The program fee includes tuition, photocopying, printing. Student activity fees and other campus related fees are extra. However, it is important to note that students are required to pay for travel (to and from the host university(ies); accommodations (both at Smith and abroad); textbooks and course materials (both at Smith and abroad); cost of living (both at Smith and abroad); as well as any travel that you may wish to undertake while enrolled in the program. Please refer to the ‘Fees’ section for a more detailed understanding of the true cost of the MIB program.

Do I have pay tuition to the Double-Degree partner school as well?

No, you pay tuition to Smith only. These fees cover the cost of your studies at the Double-Degree partner school too.

What is an estimated cost of living for a student in Kingston?

Below is an estimate of the basic living expenses per term:

  • Housing (off-campus): $3,000-$5,000
  • Food: $1,500
  • UHIP: $252 (mandatory for international students )
  • SGPS Medical Insurance : $720 (optional for International students)
  • Textbooks & Supplies: $1,400
  • Telephone: $100 - $200 (does not include long distance charges)
  • Clothing: $250
  • Miscellaneous : study permit costs $150, used bicycles cost $100, movies cost $12-18

Tax is added to the price of most service and items purchased in Ontario. It is strongly recommended that you have at least the minimum level of funding. For further information on banking and shopping economically once you arrive, see Living in Kingston Guide on the QUIC website.

Are scholarships available?

Yes, there are some entrance scholarships available, which are awarded based on merit. We look at a candidate’s GPA, interview, letters of reference – and, if applicable, English proficiency and GMAT scores - equally in determining who will receive a scholarship. Separate applications are not required; all candidates who receive an offer of admission from Smith will be considered for a scholarship.

What career support is available to me in the single-degree program?

All students are enrolled in our Career Management Foundations program designed to help prepare you for the job market. This self-guided online tool will enable students to work at their own pace alongside their academic requirements. These online modules are complemented by a host of masterclass workshops, alumni and corporate engagement events and personalized coaching to ensure you can map out your unique path to success after graduations.