Admission Process & Requirements
At Smith School of Business, we are committed to providing first-class customer service and an exceptional experience for every student. From your first contact with us, throughout the program, to long after graduation, you will experience world-class customer service. We strongly encourage our applicants to arrange a visit to Smith School of Business during the application process. An overwhelming number of applicants who visit us realize very quickly that Smith is the right choice for them.
Step One
Preliminary Assessment
Application Advisors will work with you through every step of the application process. Begin your preliminary assessment by completing the online application form and attaching a scanned copy of resume and your transcripts.
An Application Advisor will review and contact you (normally within 2-3 business days) and suggest helpful ways to strengthen your file. To speak with an Application Advisor, call toll-free 1.888.393.2622 or use the chat function at the bottom of this page.
Step Two
Complete your Application File
Your Application Advisor will work with you to ensure that your application is not only complete but presents you and your qualifications in the best possible light. They will ensure your completed file includes:
Complete your application form online
A current resume that includes academic experience, work experience, memberships in professional associations, and volunteer and community activities.
An official, conferred transcript from each post-secondary institution you have attended must be issued directly by the institution. You may send the transcript electronically or by postage, using one of the methods below:
- Electronically (Recommended): Have your institution email an official transcript to the following address: smithadmission@queensu.ca. We will also accept transcripts delivered through MyCreds or Parchment.
- Postage: The Stephen J.R. Smith School of Business
Goodes Hall, Queen's University, room 338
Kingston, Ontario, Canada
K7L 3N6
WES Assessment
All applicants who have completed their undergraduate education outside of North America will be asked to submit a WES (World Education Service) comprehensive course-by-course evaluation (ICAP Package) to ensure that their credentials are equivalent to a four-year bachelor’s degree in Canada. Please note that a WES Assessment is not required to begin your application, but will be required if an offer of admission is made.
Please have your official scores sent directly from the testing service organization to Queen’s University, Smith School of Business, Full-time MBA using the following test codes:
- GMAT: Q21-QZ-68
- GRE: 4170
Please note:
- A competitive application will usually include a valid Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE; General Test).
- GMAT waivers are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please see our Admission Requirements for a list of possible exemptions.
- A competitive GMAT or GRE is recommended for applicants who wish to pursue a career in the finance or consulting industries.
- A strong GMAT or GRE score is closely linked to the amount of scholarship funding an applicant may be awarded, so it is recommended for all applicants who wish to receive a competitive scholarship.
- You can start an application without a GMAT/GRE score.
Choose from:
TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) score of 100 overall, with a minimum of 24 on speaking and writing. The MBA TOEFL test code is 5779.
IELTS score of 7.0 (Academic). The IELTS test is available in two test formats: Academic or General Training. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking modules. It is the Reading and Writing components that differ. The Academic version of IELTS measures English language proficiency needed for an academic, higher learning environment. This is the format that is required for an application to the Smith School of Business. After you have taken the test, please arrange with the testing agency to send your score electronically to the Smith MBA program, at the Smith School of Business. There is no need to send a paper score sheet.
Please note: All students who have graduated from an English-language university, or whom have studied in English, do not require further proof of English proficiency.
A cover letter outlining current responsibilities and assignments, career accomplishments, reasons for applying to the Full-time MBA and your professional and personal goals.
References will be provided a link by your Application Advisor.
Your Application Advisor will provide you with a link to the KIRA Platform for you to complete these questions. You will be asked 3 random questions which are designed to be answered without advanced preparation allowing the Admissions Committee to get to know you in a real-time sense; highlighting how quickly and concisely you can formulate an answer.
Candidates whose admission file shows strong potential to be a good fit for the program may be invited for an interview with members of the Admissions Committee. Completed either in person or through a web platform such as Zoom, the interview is an opportunity for candidates to clearly demonstrate their motivation for the program. If selected, interviews are compulsory and customized based on the background and experience of every applicant.
Ready to Apply?
There is no application fee. Admission to the program is competitive. We have a "rolling admission" policy and applications are considered as they are received – we encourage you to apply early as space and academic scholarships are limited. Applications are reviewed immediately upon receipt of completed files and admission decisions are rendered as soon as reference checks are completed.
We hold all application materials in complete confidence.
Begin your ApplicationPlease note: Admission to this program is highly competitive. Simply meeting the admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
Application Advice
Each candidate's file will be considered in its entirety. Consideration will be given to previous academic performance, work experience, letters of reference, and your GMAT score. If you fall a little short on one parameter, but are strong on the others, you may well be a qualified candidate for this program.
Our next class starts in January 2026. Applications are currently being accepted online and are reviewed on an ongoing basis until we have selected the best class members.
Once you submit the online portion of your MBA application, we will contact you by email to advise you on what is needed to complete your application.
International Students
Given the variability in study permit processing times, we strongly encourage all international students to submit their application as early as possible.
All international students (not including Permanent Residents) are required to obtain a Canadian Study Permit in order to study in Canada and complete the Full-time MBA program. Students may apply for this Permit once they have received an offer of admission from Smith School of Business. Depending on your country of citizenship you may also be required to have a Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada. You should begin the application process as soon as you receive your offer of admission from Smith.
The Queen’s University International Centre is a key resource for all our international students. Their expertise includes, but aren’t limited to; permits, visas, taxes and work permits.
To determine your student visa requirements and to apply for a student visa go to Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
Note: Acceptance into the Full-time MBA does not guarantee nor imply acceptance of your application for a study permit. You should not take any final steps, such as moving to Canada, purchasing plane tickets, or quitting your job, until your Study Permit is approved.
Learn About Online GMAT Tests
Have a question about your GMAT or MBA application? We're happy to help.
Contact our teamWe are seeking exceptionally motivated candidates who have demonstrated:
- Academic excellence
- Career progression (i.e. increased responsibility with each successive position)
- Leadership or leadership potential
- Integrity and a strong sense of ethics
- Superior communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work well in a team environment
Successful applicants will meet the following minimum requirements:
Typically, we require that candidates possess a four-year undergraduate degree from a recognized university. We recognize, however, that some universities only award three-year degrees, and therefore the Admissions Committee will make a determination on the suitability of the undergraduate degree when assessing a candidate’s complete admission file. Successful candidates will typically possess a minimum B+ average (roughly equivalent to 75%) in the final two years of their undergraduate program.
All international students with international degrees (outside of North America) must submit a WES Credential Evaluation assessment of their degree in order to be considered for the Full-time MBA program. Please note that we will accept copies of the assessment; however, will also require original degree documentation sent directly from the University that the degree was conferred.
While most candidates possess a minimum of two years' work experience, we will consider applications from exceptional candidates with less than two years of experience. Co-op placements and post-doctoral fellowships are also given consideration.
Have you recently finished your undergraduate degree? You might be interested in the Smith's Graduate Diploma in Business. This 4-month summer program not only allows you learn business fundamentals, but the credits earned can be applied towards an MBA in the future.
Two professional references from current or previous supervisors; however, one could also include a client or mentor.
A competitive application will usually include a valid Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE; General Test). GMAT and GRE scores are valid if written within the last five years. You will not be penalized for having written either test on multiple occasions, as we take the highest score, not necessarily the most recent.
For more information on registering for the GMAT and preparation materials, visit mba.com.
In some cases, the Admissions Committee may waive the standardized test to applicants who have one or more of the following credentials:
- Passed the Level I (or higher) examination of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
- Passed the Common Final Exam (CFE) (or former UFE) for a CPA designation, or possess a CPA designation from CPA Canada.
- Possess a Professional Engineer designation (P.Eng Canada), or those who have a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from Project Management Institute (PMI).
- Have achieved a valid and competitive LSAT or MCAT score.
- Graduated their first entry undergraduate degree from Queen’s University with high distinction (cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher).
Please keep in mind that the Admissions Committee strongly advises that all applicants consider writing a GMAT or GRE, as a strong GMAT or GRE score is closely linked to the amount of scholarship funding an applicant may be awarded, so it is recommended for all applicants who wish to receive a competitive scholarship.
If you are seeking to work in the Finance or Consulting industry post MBA, you may be required to provide your GMAT score to a prospective employer. Therefore, we highly recommend that you thoroughly prepare for and write the GMAT.
The Full-time MBA is an intensive 12-month program. Each student must be able to synthesize large amounts of verbal and written information efficiently; review, comprehend and critique abundant readings; command leadership of their team when required; engage in classroom discussions and presentations; and author team assignments. Consequently, all candidates must possess exceptional English facility and communication skill level in order to be competitive for admission.
Ready to Apply?
There is no application fee. Admission to the program is competitive. We have a "rolling admission" policy and applications are considered as they are received – we encourage you to apply early as space and academic scholarships are limited. Applications are reviewed immediately upon receipt of completed files and admission decisions are rendered as soon as reference checks are completed.
We hold all application materials in complete confidence.
Begin your ApplicationPlease note: Admission to this program is highly competitive. Simply meeting the admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.