Desautels Faculty of Management – McGill University, Montreal Admission Process

Desautels Faculty of Management Admissions

Ranked among the top ten business schools in Canada, the Desautels Faculty of Management hosts over 3,500 students. It offers admissions to 12 academic programs, including the undergraduate B.Com programs and four executive development programs. Admission to Desautels is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate ranging between 30% and 35% in recent years.

The rigorous admissions criteria reflect the school’s high academic standards. International applicants aiming for undergraduate programs must have a high school score of 95% or above. For postgraduate programs, a competitive GMAT score of 600 or higher is required. Applicants are responsible for monitoring their application status through Minerva, as the school or university does not communicate via mail or post.

Pursuing studies at McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management can be a costly endeavor. Merit-based Entrance Scholarships and Need-based Entrance Bursaries are available to all newly admitted, first-year, first-degree undergraduate students. However, graduate students do not have access to these scholarship or bursary awards. All eligible undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for a non-renewable, one-year entrance scholarship, with an option to apply for a renewable entrance scholarship as well.

Admission Overview

• Application Portal: Online
• Application Fee:
  • Undergraduate: 122.52 CAD
  • Graduate: 125.75 CAD
• Acceptance Rate: 30 – 35%
• Total Enrollment: 3,251 students
• International Student Enrollment: 50%
• MBA Acceptance Rate: 30-35%
• Alumni Network: 30,000+ members
• Payment Methods: MasterCard, American Express, Visa
• Academic Calendar: Semester-based
• Intake Seasons: Fall
• Work Experience: Recommended
• Financial Aid: Merit-based Scholarships and Awards

Admission Deadlines for Desautels Faculty of Management

The Desautels Faculty of Management has varying deadlines for different programs. If a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it will be extended to the next business day. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis, so it is advisable to apply early as seats may be filled before the final deadline.

Undergraduate Application Deadlines:

• Application for Admission: January 15
• Submission of Supporting Documents: March 15
• Entrance Scholarship Application: January 21

Graduate Application Deadlines:

Deadlines for international applicants differ for each graduate program. It is recommended to apply during the early rounds to ensure sufficient time to obtain a study permit and visa for travel to Canada.

Ph.D. Application Deadline: Applications are only accepted for the Fall semester, with a deadline of January 15.

International Student Admissions at Desautels Faculty of Management

With 50% of its student body coming from outside Canada, the Desautels Faculty of Management attracts international applicants from various countries to its 12 academic programs. To be considered for admission, international students must complete their application on time and pay a non-refundable application fee online.

Admission Requirements for International Students

• Completed Application: Submission of the application form.
• Official Academic Transcripts: Transcripts must be provided. If the documents are not in English or French, a certified translation must be included.
• Standardized Test Scores: TOEFL/IELTS for English proficiency and GMAT/GRE for graduate programs. Test scores must be sent directly to Desautels by the testing agencies.
  • Institutional Codes:
    • TOEFL/SAT: 0935-00
    • ACT: 5231
    • GMAT: 58 H-MN-22
    • GRE: 0935
• Additional Documents (for graduate studies): Letters of reference, CV, and an essay.

Applicants should note that unofficial transcripts must be uploaded through McGill University’s online application system for initial review. Once requested, official transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution in a sealed envelope to:

Enrolment Services, Management of Academic Records Unit,
McGill University,
3415 McTavish Street, Room MS 13,
Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3A 0C8

English Proficiency Test Requirements for International Students

The Desautels Faculty of Management conducts all its courses in English. Therefore, international applicants must demonstrate a certain level of English language proficiency to be considered for admission. The required proficiency scores may vary based on the applicant’s country of origin. Some countries are exempt from this requirement, and students should check the official website for specific details. Below are the minimum acceptable scores for recognized English proficiency tests:

Canada Student Visa Process

International students planning to study at the Desautels Faculty of Management must obtain a student visa for Canada. They can apply for the visa at the nearest Canadian Embassy once they have received an acceptance letter for their chosen program. To study at Desautels, applicants need to apply for a Canadian study permit and a student visa through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The study permit application can only be initiated after receiving an admission letter from the institution. Required documents for the study permit include:

• Acceptance Letter: Issued by the college.
• Proof of Funds: Documents such as bank statements and letters of support to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover tuition fees and living expenses in Canada.
• Valid Passport: Required for identification and travel purposes.
• Medical Examination: A health check-up as per Canadian visa requirements.
• Study Permit Application Fee: Payment confirmation for the application fee.

After obtaining the study permit, students must also apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. This visa is automatically issued along with the study permit.

There may be additional country-specific requirements for obtaining a study permit and a valid visa. Students are advised to consult the IRCC or their local Canadian Embassy for detailed information.

Undergraduate Admissions at Desautels Faculty of Management

The Desautels Faculty of Management offers a highly competitive Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) program with a variety of Majors and Concentrations to choose from. Students may also opt for an Honors program. Over 50% of the B.Com student body consists of international students. Applications can be submitted through an online portal, with a fee of CAD 122.52. Below are the requirements for admission:

• Educational Qualifications: Applicants must have completed high school or senior secondary education. Applied Studies and vocational/technical programs are not accepted for admission.
• Academic Transcripts: Applicants are evaluated based on their high school performance, especially yearly averages and scores in prerequisite subjects from the last two years of high school. A minimum B+ average is required.
• English Proficiency Test Scores: Required for international applicants.

Admission Requirements for Select South Asian Countries:

• India: An overall minimum average of 60% in each academic year, with at least 60% in Mathematics or Business Mathematics in Classes 11 and 12. Please note that meeting the minimum academic criteria does not guarantee admission due to the competitive nature of the program.

• China: A minimum average of 85% in each academic year, with Mathematics studied at Grade 3 level. Applicants must have passed the Huikao exams.

• Hong Kong: Applicants must have completed four core subjects, including Mathematics at Grade 4 or higher, and two or three elective subjects from Category A or C. A minimum final grade of 3 or better in each subject is required.

Graduate Admissions at Desautels Faculty of Management

The Desautels Faculty of Management offers a variety of MBA programs as well as innovative and specialized options, such as a Joint Program and a Professional Part-time MBA. Below are the specific admission requirements for graduate programs at Desautels. Applications can be submitted online with a non-refundable fee of CAD 125.71 to 125.75. General admission requirements for international students include:

• Bachelor’s Degree: From an accredited college or university.
• Standardized Test Scores: GMAT or GRE.
• Resume
• References: Academic and professional.
• Interview: Required if requested.

The table below outlines the specific requirements for some of the programs offered at Desautels Faculty of Management:

An intriguing aspect of McGill’s application process is that candidates can apply to two programs within a single application, with each choice being evaluated independently and decisions communicated separately. Applicants should have a valid credit card ready for the payment of the application fee. After successfully submitting the application, candidates will receive an acknowledgment email within 48 hours, containing login details for the Minerva account. Through this online system, applicants can upload supporting documents and monitor their application status. It is important to note that applicants are solely responsible for tracking their application status and ensuring that all components are completed.