If you’re thinking about doing an MBA in Canada but can’t hit pause on your career, you’re not alone. More and more schools are offering online and blended MBAs that give you flexibility without watering down the experience. Some programs are 100 % online, while others mix in a few intense weekends on campus so you still get that face‑to‑face connection.
To help you sort through the options, we pulled together this 2026 guide to the top online and hybrid MBA programs in Canada. The list takes into account accreditation, reputation, program design, and cost. Tuition numbers are the latest available for 2026–2027 and shown in Canadian dollars so you can compare apples to apples.
Quick Comparison Table:
*Tuition figures reflect published 2026–2027 rates and exclude ancillary fees unless noted.
In‑depth Reviews of Canada’s Leading Online MBAs
1. Ivey Business School – Accelerated MBA (AMBA)
The Ivey Accelerated MBA is built for people who already have a business degree and solid work experience under their belt. It’s a 14‑month sprint that kicks off with online modules in November, then shifts into a rhythm of three in‑person days a month (Friday through Sunday) starting in January. The blended format makes it possible to keep working full‑time while still diving into demanding coursework and team projects.
On top of the monthly sessions in Toronto, you’ll spend a week at Ivey’s campus in London, Ontario to kickstart the program, and take part in an international study trip that brings a global perspective to the program. It’s intense, but it’s designed to give you the best of both worlds — flexibility plus meaningful face‑to‑face learning.
Tuition for the November 2026 intake is $92,130, which covers books, course materials, meals and accommodation. A $5,000 deposit is required, and students are responsible for travel costs related to the international trip.
I might be a little biased, but I honestly don’t think it gets better than the Ivey Accelerated MBA — and no, I don’t get paid to say that. It was the most intense 14 months of my life. I thought the online part would be easy, but it turned out to be just as challenging as the in-person weekends. Most of the work is group-based, which can be tough, but it’s also what makes the program so rewarding. I walked away with lifelong friends as much as I did an MBA. I even moved to Toronto for the program, and those in-person weekends — three days a month — were no joke. By Sunday night, everyone was completely gassed, but you also felt like you’d squeezed a week’s worth of learning, laughter, and connection into just a few days. It was exhausting, but in the best way possible.
— Omar Andani, Ivey AMBA Graduate & Founder of TutorLyft
2. Smith School of Business (Queen's University) – Executive MBA (National Program)
The Smith Executive MBA is a 16‑month program that connects professionals from across Canada through boardroom learning centres and virtual teams. Every other week, classes run all day Friday and Saturday morning, delivered in real time via interactive videoconference. That means you can join from your home office or from one of the Smith boardrooms in cities like Ottawa, Toronto, Mississauga, Markham, Calgary and Vancouver.
The program leans heavily on team‑based learning, so you’re not going through it alone. Along the way, you’ll head to Kingston for several on‑campus sessions, and you’ll cap things off with an international study trip that includes a global business project. It’s demanding, but the mix of local teamwork and global exposure is what makes the program stand out.
For 2026–27, the program fee is $120,000, which covers tuition, books, learning materials, career and team coaching, plus meals and accommodation during in‑person sessions. A $5,000 deposit is required, and you should also budget around $5,000 for travel and accommodation related to the international elective.
3. University of Fredericton – MBA
The University of Fredericton runs a fully online MBA that’s built with working professionals in mind. The program includes 14 instructor‑led courses, and students join a live evening session once a week to stay engaged with faculty and peers.
You can choose from several specialisation streams, including business analytics, consulting leadership and human resource leadership. Classes are small — usually around 20 students — so there’s plenty of room to connect and network. Instead of a traditional thesis, the program wraps up with a capstone project, giving you a chance to apply what you’ve learned directly to a real‑world challenge.
Most students finish in about 2 to 3.5 years, depending on their pace. Tuition for the full program remains $27,033, making it one of the more affordable MBA options in Canada.
4. Athabasca University (Faculty of Business) — Online MBA
Athabasca was one of the first schools in Canada to embrace distance education, and it’s still considered the benchmark for online MBAs here. The program is AACSB‑accredited and built around eight‑week courses with small cohorts of just 8–10 students, which keeps things personal despite being online.
Students can take the standard route, finishing in about 2.5 to 3 years with a mix of online classes and a short in‑residence elective. If you’re an experienced manager, you can apply for the accelerated route, which can be wrapped up in as little as 1.5 years. No matter the path, every student completes either an applied project or additional elective courses to round out the degree.
Tuition depends on the route you take: the standard program costs around $55,692, while the accelerated stream is about $35,592. These totals include application, admission and course fees and are effective for students beginning between January and August 2026. Application deadlines fall three times a year — October 15, March 15 and June 15 — for intakes in January, May and August.
5. Carleton University (Sprott School of Business) – Online MBA
Carleton’s Sprott School offers an online MBA with a focus on integrated management. The curriculum leans on active learning, so instead of just lectures you’ll work through case studies, simulations, internships and a capstone project that ties everything together. Students also get access to strong career development support throughout the program.
Total tuition for Ontario residents is around $17,000, including ancillary fees; rates vary by residency. Tuition is billed per credit, and for 2026 the rates are about $1,886 per credit for Ontario residents and $2,000 per credit for other Canadian residents. Since the program requires roughly 36 credits, the cost is much lower than many other MBA programs.
6. University of Alberta – MBA (Part‑time/Online)
The Alberta School of Business offers a hybrid MBA — meaning some of the courses are delivered online (both live and on‑demand), but the school is clear that it’s not designed as a fully online program. It’s a good fit for students who want some flexibility but are still able to attend classes on campus when needed.
Tuition is billed per course: $2,727.52 per three‑credit course for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Based on the 60‑credit requirement, the university estimates the total program cost at around $59,750, including non‑instructional fees. Instructional fees are expected to increase by about 5 % beginning in 2026. Students can tailor the MBA to their interests with specialisations such as energy management, public policy, entrepreneurship and innovation — making it especially appealing for professionals in Alberta’s dynamic industries.
7. McMaster University (DeGroote School of Business) – Blended Learning Part‑Time MBA
DeGroote’s blended MBA is designed for professionals who want to keep working while earning their degree. The program runs over nine terms (about three years) and mixes online lectures and projects during the week with three intensive, in‑person weekends each term.
In the final year, students choose electives and complete a strategic innovation project, giving them a chance to apply what they’ve learned to a practical business challenge. Team‑based learning is a big part of the experience, which helps build strong connections among classmates.
Tuition is about $60,750, paid in nine instalments of roughly $6,750 after a $2,000 deposit. The price includes technology licences, some supplementary course materials, on‑site parking during residency weekends and meals during the residencies.
8. Thompson Rivers University – MBA (Blended)
TRU’s MBA uses a two‑stage delivery model that makes it flexible for working professionals. The foundational 5000‑level courses (like finance, statistics and accounting) are offered through distance learning, while the more advanced 6000‑level courses take place on campus.
Students can choose to study part‑time or full‑time depending on their schedule. Most of the MBA can be completed remotely, with campus visits required mainly for the advanced and capstone courses.
The university estimates total tuition at about $34,244.82 for domestic students and $55,567.98 for international students. If you’re paying per course, 5000‑level courses are around $2,909 each and 6000‑level courses cost about $3,176 for international students or $1,522 for domestic students.
9. University of Guelph (Lang School) – MBA
The Lang School’s MBA is a two‑year online program with a strong focus on leadership and sustainable commerce. It starts with a 3½‑week introduction to get everyone up to speed, followed by nine seven‑week courses that form the core of the program.
A big emphasis is placed on responsible management, and students can choose concentrations in areas like agriculture, food and hospitality. This makes the program a natural fit for those interested in industries that are closely tied to sustainability and commerce.
The full program fee is approximately $41,744, according to CourseCompare. Official university figures list per‑semester tuition of about $5,983 for domestic students and $9,935 for international students, so the total may vary depending on course load and any on‑campus components. For students who prefer more of a traditional setting, Lang also offers a one‑year in‑person MBA option on campus.
10. Dalhousie University (Rowe School of Business) – Blended MBA (Financial Services or Leadership)
Dalhousie’s Rowe School offers two specialised MBAs — one focused on Financial Services and the other on Leadership — designed for mid‑career managers. Most of the coursework is delivered online, but each semester wraps up with a 3‑ to 5‑day intensive session held in different cities across Canada. At the end of the program, students also come together for a final five‑day on‑campus session in Halifax.
This structure makes it possible to keep working full‑time while still building in valuable face‑to‑face time with classmates and faculty. Tuition ranges from $36,610 to $50,809 for domestic students and can reach about $69,829 for international students, depending on the stream you choose and the number of credits you need to complete.
11. Lakehead University – Part‑time MBA
Lakehead’s MBA is a three‑year, part‑time program that’s delivered almost entirely online through Zoom. The school makes it clear there’s no travel requirement for coursework, which is a big plus for students outside of major cities. Classes combine synchronous evening sessions with asynchronous materials, making it easier to fit around work and personal schedules.
One of the most attractive parts of this program is the price. Domestic tuition totals about $19,637, making it one of the most affordable MBAs in Canada. Individual courses cost around $1,309 each. Despite the lower cost, students can still choose from useful specialisations in finance, marketing and project management.
12. University of Calgary (Haskayne School of Business) – Evening MBA
Haskayne’s Evening MBA is built for professionals who want to keep working full‑time while earning their degree. The program is primarily on campus, but it does include some online components for added flexibility. Classes are held two evenings a week, making it possible to balance work, study and life. Most students finish the program in about three years.
Tuition for domestic students is about $52,422.60, based on 20 courses, and general fees are not included. There are opportunities for scholarships and employer sponsorships to help offset costs. It’s important to note that this is not a fully online MBA — the in‑person component is significant — but for students based in Calgary, it’s a flexible way to complete a reputable MBA without stepping away from their career.
13. University of Ottawa (Telfer School of Management) – Professional MBA
Telfer’s Professional MBA is designed for flexibility. Some courses are available online, while others take place on campus, giving students the option to balance study with their work and personal lives. The program covers the core areas of management and also allows you to concentrate in finance, entrepreneurship or public policy depending on your career goals.
In terms of cost, domestic students pay about $30,000 for the program and international students are around $68,000. These rounded approximations include ancillary fees. While it isn’t a fully online MBA, it earns a spot here thanks to its hybrid format and the fact that it comes from a top‑ranked Canadian business school at a competitive tuition point.
14. University of New Brunswick – Online MBA
The University of New Brunswick offers a 48‑credit online MBA that’s designed with working professionals in mind. Students complete 12 core courses and 4 electives, all delivered entirely online, and most finish the program over about eight terms on a part‑time basis.
The cost is broken down by course: domestic students pay about $1,534 per course and international students pay about $2,225 per course, plus $39 in mandatory fees and a $150 online fee per course. That works out to roughly $28,160 for domestic students and $42,420 for international students for the full program. With intakes in January, May and September, the program offers multiple entry points throughout the year, making it a flexible choice for professionals who want to keep working while earning their degree.
15. Laurentian University – Online MBA
Laurentian’s MBA is delivered fully online, making it a good option for students who need to balance studies with work or other commitments. The program requires 45 credits, though applicants who already hold a business degree or a CPA designation can receive up to 15 credits of advanced standing.
Domestic students pay $1,234.10 per three‑credit course plus incidental fees, which makes it relatively affordable on a course‑by‑course basis. For international students, the total tuition ranges from $43,415 to $65,122 depending on the credit load. Students can stick with a general management stream or specialise in areas like marketing, finance or operations, allowing some flexibility to tailor the MBA to their career goals.
16. University Canada West – Online MBA
UCW’s MBA can be taken fully online or in person at the Vancouver campus, giving students the flexibility to choose the format that works best for them. The program consists of 15 courses, and you can work through them at your own pace.
Each course costs $1,494, which puts the total tuition at around $22,410 for 2026. Domestic students pay a $500 deposit to secure their spot, while international students pay $3,000. There are a few extra costs as well — a $198 fee for one marketing course and about $105 per course for textbooks. Students can specialise in marketing, finance or leadership, which makes it possible to shape the MBA around specific career goals. The relatively low tuition compared to other Canadian programs makes UCW an attractive option for students looking for an accessible, flexible MBA pathway.
17. Royal Roads University – MBA in Executive Management
Royal Roads offers a blended MBA that can be finished in either 18 or 31 months, depending on your pace. Most of the coursework is completed online, but students also attend two short on‑campus residencies. This setup makes it a good option for people who want to keep working full‑time but still get some valuable face‑to‑face learning and networking.
Students can specialise in Leadership, Management Consulting or International Business, tailoring the program to their career goals. Another unique feature is the school’s flexible admission policy — applicants without an undergraduate degree may still qualify based on professional experience.
Estimated total program tuition and ancillary fees are about $51,107 for domestic students and $64,773 for international students. Year 1 (January 2026–December 2026) costs about $38,071 for domestic students and $43,840 for international students, and Year 2 (January 2027–July 2028) adds about $12,486 and $15,933 respectively. Domestic students pay a $550 deposit, while international students pay $5,000.
Choosing the Right Online MBA
When selecting an online MBA, consider your career goals, schedule and budget. Fully online programs like those at Athabasca, UFred, UCW, UNB and Laurentian offer maximum flexibility and can often be completed from anywhere. Blended programs from Royal Roads, Thompson Rivers, McMaster and Dalhousie balance online study with occasional residencies, providing networking opportunities and experiential learning. Finally, hybrid evening programs at Carleton, Alberta, Calgary and Ottawa combine online components with regular campus sessions, which may suit students based near those universities.
Prospective students should also evaluate accreditation (AACSB or AMBA), available specialisations, program length and support services such as career counselling or mentorship. Tuition is a major factor — programs vary from under $20,000 (Carleton and Lakehead) to more than $120,000 (Ivey and Queen’s), with differences reflecting the extent of in‑person experiences, faculty credentials and administrative support. By using this guide and exploring the cited sources, you can make an informed decision about the Canadian online MBA that best fits your professional ambitions.
Source links
- Athabasca University
- University of Fredericton
- University Canada West
- University of New Brunswick
- Laurentian University
- Royal Roads University
- University of Guelph (Lang School)
- McMaster University (DeGroote)
- Dalhousie University
- Thompson Rivers University
- Lakehead University
- University of Alberta (Alberta School of Business)
- University of Calgary (Haskayne)
- Queen’s University (Smith School of Business)
- Ivey Business School
- University of Ottawa (Telfer)
FAQs
The Ivey Business School’s Accelerated MBA is widely regarded as the top choice, combining online modules with monthly in-person sessions and international study opportunities. Other strong contenders include Athabasca, Dalhousie, and McMaster.
Tuition for online and blended MBAs in Canada typically ranges from $20,000 to $120,000 CAD, depending on the school, program length, and residency requirements. Programs like Lakehead are on the lower end, while Ivey and Queen’s are at the premium tier.
Yes. Universities such as Athabasca, University of Fredericton (UFred), and University Canada West (UCW) offer MBAs that can be completed 100% online without in-person residencies.
Yes. Many Canadian schools, including Ivey, Smith (Queen’s), and Haskayne (Calgary), hold global accreditations such as AACSB, AMBA, or EQUIS, ensuring international recognition of their MBA credentials.
