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Faculty of Business
UNB Saint John

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Pre-MBA and MBA Qualifying Year

Be ready for a MBA with our preparatory programs

Whether you’re looking to improve your English language skills or your grades, the Faculty of Business at the University of New Brunswick offers preparatory programs to prepare you for MBA success.

International students

Our Pre-MBA program helps international students increase their level of English ability and/or gain work experience before transitioning into the MBA program.

Applicants with a bachelor’s degree

The MBA Qualifying Year is an opportunity for anyone with a three-year bachelor degree to ensure they meet the requirements to apply for an MBA or to upgrade their CGPA before applying.

Preparatory programs

The Pre-MBA program is a full-time, intensive, non-credit program offered by UNB Saint John designed to help international students bridge the gap between their undergraduate education, work experience and the entry requirements to the MBA program. The program provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge required for a successful transition to the MBA program.

Who should take the Pre-MBA program?

International students who have been conditionally accepted to the UNB Saint John MBA program, but who need to increase their level of English language ability and/or gain work experience before beginning the MBA program.

Students can enter the Pre-MBA program in September of each year.

What to expect

We prepare you for the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and provide additional support through language lab tutorials.

In this full-time, non-credit, comprehensive, you’ll experience more than just traditional classroom learning. Participate in numerous business-oriented activities, networking opportunities and guest speakers from the business community.

The application deadline for the Pre-MBA program is June 15.
There is no need to apply separately from the MBA application.

Ready to transition to the MBA?

Before entering the MBA program, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Successful completion of the Pre-MBA program with CGPA of 3.0(B)
  • Minimum GMAT score of 550 (For those who doesn't meet GMAT waiver requirement)
  • A final grade of 3.0(B) in NCPM 1317: Math tools for MBA and NCPM 1318: Intensive English

Most MBA programs require a four-year undergraduate degree. At UNB Saint John, anyone with a three-year bachelor degree is eligible to take our MBA Qualifying Year to address any potential gaps.

This program is also suitable for those who want to bring up their CGPA before applying to graduate school.

What are the entrance requirements?

Three-year undergraduate degree applicants require:

  • Bachelor’s degree requiring at least three-year’s study
  • Undergraduate CGPA of 3.0 on a 4.3 scale, or B
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of IBT minimum of 93, or equivalent
  • Two years’ consecutive relevant work experience prior to start date
  • GMAT score if your cumulative GPA over the three years of study is below 3.2

Applicants with a four-year bachelor’s CGPA below 3.0 will need to meet the above TOEFL, GMAT and work experience requirements.

What to expect

During the program you will:

  • Take upper level undergraduate business courses full-time
  • Prepare for and write the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
  • Write the TOEFL, if required

Upon completion of the program, you can submit your application for admission to the MBA program.

The deadline to apply for the Qualifying Year is June 1.

Applying for your MBA

Your application will be assessed on the following criteria:

  • a minimum score of at least 550 on the GMAT
  • a CGPA of at least 3.0 or B
  • a minimum score of 580 on the TOEFL, or the equivalent, if required
  • all other stated admission requirements