Sobey School of Business is the graduate and undergraduate business faculty of Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Its MBA programme is placed in the top 10 in Canada by QS Business Masters Rankings 2025.
The school runs an MBA, Master of Finance, MSc Technology Entrepreneurship, and MA Applied Economics. It also offers an MSc in Computing and Data Analytics plus a four-year Bachelor of Commerce, alongside popular MS in Canada pathways. All programmes are taught in English and welcome applications from India for the September, January and May intakes. Indian applicants form part of the 50% international share drawn from 80 countries.
- QS Business Masters Rank: #251 globally and #16 in Canada (2025)
- Acceptance Rate: 60% to 65% (estimated)
- Intakes: September (primary), January, May
- Total MBA Cost: CAD 49,500 (INR 33.8 lakh) for 16 months
- International Cohort: around 50% of 3,200 students, 80 countries
- Median Canadian MBA Salary: CAD 66,059 to CAD 96,782 (INR 45.1 lakh to INR 66.1 lakh)
Automatic entrance scholarships of CAD 1,000 to CAD 10,000 (INR 68,000 to INR 6.8 lakh) accompany every MBA application. Larger Sobey MBA Scholarships worth CAD 35,000 remain restricted to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Graduates qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit for up to three years. Halifax remains one of the more affordable universities in Canada host cities for Indian students.
Exchange rate used: 1 CAD = INR 68.24 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (September 2027 intake). International MBA applications for the September 2027 intake close on 1 April 2027. Master of Applied Economics international applications close on 15 May 2027. Sobey School of Business also runs January and May intakes for selected graduate programmes, and Indian applicants should upload credentials at least eight weeks before their programme deadline.
Table of Contents
- Sobey School of Business Popular Courses and Fees 2027
- Sobey School of Business Admission 2027
- Sobey School of Business Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Sobey School of Business Acceptance Rate 2027
- Sobey School of Business Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Sobey School of Business Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Sobey School of Business Scholarships 2027
- Sobey School of Business Rankings 2027
- Sobey School of Business Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Sobey School of Business vs Peer Business Schools
- Sobey School of Business FAQs
Sobey School of Business Popular Courses and Fees 2027
Sobey School of Business fees for Indian students vary by programme duration and specialisation. The 16-month MBA remains the flagship at CAD 49,500 total (INR 33.8 lakh). Master of Finance and MSc programmes charge annual tuition, and the four-year Bachelor of Commerce follows a per-year model with tuition close to CAD 30,000.
Sobey School of Business Postgraduate Courses 2027
Every PG programme is delivered in English at the downtown Halifax campus. Fees below are shown as total programme fees for accurate comparison across durations.
| Programme | Duration | Total Fee (CAD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration [MBA] | 16 months | 49,500 | 33.8 lakh | Bachelor’s with 65% or GPA 3.0/4.3 plus GMAT 550 (recommended) |
| Master of Finance [MFin] | 12 months | 51,500 | 35.1 lakh | Bachelor’s in Commerce or Economics with 65% (recommended) |
| MSc Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation | 12 months | 46,000 | 31.4 lakh | Bachelor’s in any discipline with 65% (recommended) |
| MA Applied Economics | 12 months | 26,000 | 17.7 lakh | Bachelor’s in Economics with 65% (recommended) |
| MSc Computing and Data Analytics | 16 months | 56,000 | 38.2 lakh | Bachelor’s in Computing or Mathematics with 65% (recommended) |
| Graduate Diploma in Management | 20 months | 19,400 | 13.2 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
Sobey School of Business Bachelor of Commerce Streams 2027
Undergraduate tuition sits between CAD 29,400 and CAD 30,010 per year across all eight BCom majors. Each major runs four years and shares the core commerce curriculum with elective concentration modules.
| Programme | Duration | Total Fee (CAD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCom Finance (Major) | 4 years | 117,600 | 80.2 lakh | Class 12 with 70% and above (recommended) |
| BCom Accounting (Major) | 4 years | 117,600 | 80.2 lakh | Class 12 with 70% and above (recommended) |
| BCom Marketing (Major) | 4 years | 120,040 | 81.9 lakh | Class 12 with 70% and above (recommended) |
| BCom Human Resource Management | 4 years | 120,040 | 81.9 lakh | Class 12 with 70% and above (recommended) |
| BCom Global Business Management | 4 years | 117,600 | 80.2 lakh | Class 12 with 70% and above (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian students at Sobey School of Business most often choose the MBA, MSc Computing and Data Analytics, and MFin. The one-year MFin is the fastest route to a Canadian finance-track work permit at total fees under CAD 52,000.
Sobey School of Business Admission 2027
Sobey School of Business admission for Indian applicants centres on the September intake. The MBA runs a single September cohort each year with a firm 1 April international deadline; other graduate programmes carry their own category deadlines listed below.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| MBA International Application Deadline (September 2027) | 1 April 2027 | Verified on the official Saint Mary’s Sobey MBA page |
| MA Applied Economics International Deadline | 15 May 2027 | Verified on the official Sobey admissions page |
| Credential Verification (WES) | Start 8 weeks before your deadline | Sobey accepts WES but does not mandate it |
| Programme Start (Fall 2027) | Early September 2027 | Halifax orientation begins the week prior |
Planning note: File your GMAT and IELTS reports at least four months before the 1 April 2027 MBA deadline. Test slots at Indian centres fill quickly between January and March.
Read More: Sobey School of Business Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Sobey School of Business Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Sobey School of Business admission requirements for Indian applicants centre on a strong bachelor’s GPA, GMAT for the MBA, and one accepted English test with component minimums enforced strictly.
- Bachelor’s academic eligibility (PG): Recognised bachelor’s with 65% or GPA 3.0/4.3 (recommended); MBA candidates should target 65% and above for competitive review.
- GMAT or GRE (MBA): Minimum GMAT score of 550, or an equivalent GRE percentile, with official reports sent before the deadline.
- English test minimums: IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0; TOEFL iBT 92 with no band below 20 and Essay 5.0 for the MBA; TOEFL iBT 80 for other PG programmes; PTE 58; Duolingo 125 for MBA and MTEI, 115 for other master’s, 105 for undergraduate.
- Work experience (MBA): Two to three years of full-time work preferred though not mandatory; internships and leadership roles strengthen weaker profiles.
- Undergraduate eligibility: Class 12 with 70% and above from CBSE, ISC or state boards (recommended), plus IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80.
Key insight: Sobey School of Business does not mandate a WES evaluation, but sealed university transcripts sent directly from Indian institutions speed up conditional offer conversion. Applicants from unranked Indian universities are asked to submit a subject-wise scale document with their application.
Sobey School of Business Acceptance Rate 2027
Sobey School of Business acceptance rate for Indian applicants sits at 60% to 65% (estimated) across most graduate programmes. The school does not publish a single official acceptance figure; third-party admissions datasets converge on this band for MBA international cohorts.
For the September 2027 intake, expect MSc and MFin cohorts to trend closer to the upper end at 65%. Programmes with capped cohorts, such as the 16-month MBA, review applications on a rolling basis and can close early once seats are filled.
Reality check: A GMAT of 600 with 65% bachelor’s marks places an Indian applicant comfortably inside the Sobey MBA range. Below 550 GMAT or under 55% bachelor’s marks typically pushes the profile toward the Graduate Diploma in Management as an alternate pathway.
Sobey School of Business Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total programme investment for Indian students at Sobey School of Business ranges from CAD 26,000 to CAD 120,040 (INR 17.7 lakh to INR 81.9 lakh) across master’s and undergraduate options, before Halifax living costs.
Sobey School of Business Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Bachelor of Commerce tuition falls between CAD 29,400 and CAD 30,010 per year. Graduate tuition ranges from CAD 26,000 for the MA Applied Economics to CAD 51,500 for the Master of Finance.
| Programme Level | Fee (CAD) | Fee (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Commerce, per year (all majors) | 29,400 to 30,010 | 20.1 to 20.5 lakh |
| MA Applied Economics, total 12 months | 26,000 | 17.7 lakh |
| MBA, total 16 months | 49,500 | 33.8 lakh |
| Master of Finance, total 12 months | 51,500 | 35.1 lakh |
| MSc Technology Entrepreneurship, total 12 months | 46,000 | 31.4 lakh |
| MSc Computing and Data Analytics, total 16 months | 56,000 | 38.2 lakh |
Sobey School of Business Cost of Living in Halifax for Indian Students
Halifax remains one of Canada’s more affordable university cities. Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada requires international students outside Quebec to demonstrate CAD 20,635 in annual living costs, and Halifax rents typically land at the lower end of that band.
| Expense | Monthly (CAD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (off-campus, shared) | 900 to 1,300 | 61,400 to 88,700 |
| Food and groceries | 350 | 23,900 |
| Transportation (student transit pass) | 82 | 5,600 |
| Books and supplies | 100 | 6,800 |
| Personal and utilities | 250 | 17,100 |
| Total monthly | 1,682 to 2,082 | 1.15 to 1.42 lakh |
| Total annual | 20,184 to 24,984 | 13.8 to 17.0 lakh |
[Source: Government of Canada (IRCC) 2024 to 2025 minimum living cost requirement; Halifax city-adjusted estimates]
Insider note: On-campus dormitories at Loyola Residence charge CAD 6,200 to CAD 9,800 per academic year (INR 4.2 lakh to INR 6.7 lakh). Combined with a meal plan, this cuts the housing budget nearly 40% versus off-campus rents in downtown Halifax.
Read More: Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students
Sobey School of Business Campus, Facilities and Student Life
Sobey School of Business operates from the Sobey Building on the Saint Mary’s University campus in downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia. The city sits on Canada’s Atlantic coast, and the campus is a short walk from the Halifax Public Gardens.
- Location and transport: Downtown Halifax with a subsidised year-long transit pass included in student fees. Halifax Stanfield International Airport is 40 km away with connecting Air Canada services to Delhi and Mumbai via Toronto.
- Housing: On-campus residences (Loyola Terrace, Loyola Residence, Rice Residence) prioritise first-year students. International student housing is guaranteed when applied for by 1 June.
- Facilities: Sobey Inspiration Hub, Bloomberg Terminal Lab, David Sobey Retailing Centre and a dedicated Career Services office for business students.
- Indian community: Saint Mary’s Indian Students’ Association runs Diwali and Holi celebrations. Around 200 Indian students study at Sobey School of Business each year.
What Indian students say: Halifax weather takes some adjusting to, though the small-class-size Sobey MBA gives one-on-one professor access that larger Ontario schools do not offer. Placement events with Atlantic Canada firms happen every month.
Sobey School of Business Scholarships 2027
Sobey School of Business awards multiple entrance scholarships to graduate applicants. Only entrance awards are open to Indian nationals; the named Sobey MBA Scholarships remain restricted to Canadian citizens and permanent residents for the September 2027 intake.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sobey MBA Entrance Scholarship | Automatic entrance | CAD 1,000 to CAD 10,000 (INR 68,000 to INR 6.8 lakh) | All admitted MBA applicants, Indian nationals eligible | Automatic with MBA application (1 April 2027) |
| Sobey MBA Scholarship (Full) | Named merit | CAD 35,000 (INR 23.9 lakh) | Canadian citizens and permanent residents only | Verify at the official Sobey scholarships page |
| Graduate Entrance Bursaries | Need-based | Variable | International graduate students including India | Rolling |
[Source: Saint Mary’s University Sobey School of Business scholarships and MBA funding pages]
Planning note: Sobey caps second-year MBA scholarships based on Term 1 performance. Indian students aiming for a CAD 5,000 continuing award should target a 3.5 GPA in the first semester of the programme.
Sobey School of Business Rankings 2027
Sobey School of Business rankings for Indian applicants centre on programme-specific evaluations rather than a QS World University rank. The Business Masters cohort holds #16 in Canada in QS Business Masters Rankings 2025, and the MBA sits inside the Canadian top 10.
Saint Mary’s University itself is not currently placed inside the QS World University Rankings 2027 or Times Higher Education World Rankings 2026 headline top 1000; readers evaluating Sobey should benchmark against business-specific bodies below.
| Ranking Body | Sobey Position | Edition |
|---|---|---|
| QS Business Masters Rankings, Global | #251 of 340 | 2025 |
| QS Business Masters Rankings, Canada | #16 of 44 | 2025 |
| Corporate Knights Better World MBA | #10 globally | 2022 |
| QS Global MBA Rankings | Not currently ranked | 2026 |
| Financial Times Executive MBA | Not currently listed | 2025 |
[Source: QS, Corporate Knights, Financial Times]
Corporate Knights’ Better World MBA rank reflects Sobey’s specialisation in responsible leadership and sustainability, a growing recruiter priority in Indian and global finance.
Key insight: Indian visa officers recognise Sobey degrees under the Designated Learning Institution list for Post-Graduation Work Permit and permanent residency streams. For Atlantic Canada recruiter recognition, QS Business Masters rank in Canada matters more than headline global rank.
Read More: Sobey School of Business Rankings Analysis
Sobey School of Business Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Sobey School of Business placement outcomes centre on Atlantic Canada financial services, technology, retail and public administration sectors. The school does not publish a single official post-MBA employment report.
- Employment rate: Not centrally disclosed by Sobey School of Business; verify at the official careers page.
- Median post-MBA starting salary: CAD 66,059 to CAD 96,782 (INR 45.1 lakh to INR 66.1 lakh) based on Canadian MBA market medians (estimated); not disclosed as an official Sobey figure.
- Top recruiter sectors: Financial services, technology, retail, energy and public administration (representative sectors, not an official recruiter list).
- Careers support: Sobey Career Services runs cohort MBA coaching, mock interviews and Atlantic Canada alumni networking. A four-month paid internship is embedded in the MBA calendar.
- Post-study work permit: Indian graduates of the 16-month MBA and other master’s programmes qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit valid for up to three years.
Insider note: The Bloomberg Terminal Lab is open to MFin students year-round. Indian finance recruits use it to build CFA-adjacent projects that land trading and research roles in Toronto and Halifax after graduation.
Sobey School of Business vs Peer Business Schools
Sobey competes on affordability against much larger Canadian MBA programmes. The peer set below spans top-tier Rotman and Ivey down to mid-tier DeGroote for cost benchmarking against total programme tuition.
| Business School | Location | Total MBA Fee (CAD) | Total MBA Fee (INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sobey School of Business (Saint Mary’s) | Halifax | 49,500 | 33.8 lakh | Sixteen-month cohort under CAD 50,000 total |
| Rotman School of Management (Toronto) | Toronto | 139,140 | 95.0 lakh | Canada’s top QS Global MBA rank at #55 |
| Ivey Business School (Western) | London, Ontario | 132,000 (estimated) | 90.1 lakh (estimated) | Case-method flagship, one-year format |
| Schulich School of Business (York) | Toronto | 106,000 (estimated) | 72.3 lakh (estimated) | Sustainability and India-focused electives |
| DeGroote School of Business (McMaster) | Hamilton | 82,000 (estimated) | 55.9 lakh (estimated) | Co-op MBA and health leadership stream |
[Source: QS Global MBA Rankings 2026, official business school fee schedules]
Sobey School of Business stands out on total MBA cost against every top-10 Canadian business school with a compact 16-month calendar. It trades bulk placement statistics for smaller cohorts and closer faculty engagement.
Insider note: Cost per Canadian MBA seat drops by more than half at Sobey versus Rotman for a comparable Post-Graduation Work Permit outcome. Indian applicants unable to secure Rotman scholarships often shortlist Sobey as their best affordability play.
Sobey School of Business fits Indian applicants weighing MBA cost against post-study work rights in Canada. The CAD 49,500 total MBA fee (INR 33.8 lakh) with the Post-Graduation Work Permit sits well below other Canadian top MBA options, and the compact cohort calendar limits foregone earnings for candidates planning to study in Canada.
Sobey School of Business is not the right pick for applicants targeting brand-first MBA recruiting at bulge-bracket investment banks or global consulting rotations. Rotman School of Management or Ivey Business School remain stronger picks for those career paths despite the higher tuition outlay.
Sobey School of Business FAQs
Ques. Does Sobey School of Business waive the GMAT for Indian MBA applicants?
Ans. Sobey School of Business lists a minimum GMAT score of 550 for MBA admission and does not publish a blanket waiver for Indian applicants. Candidates with a strong bachelor’s GPA plus five or more years of managerial work experience may request a case-by-case waiver through the Sobey graduate office. Equivalent GRE scores are also accepted, and any waiver must be confirmed in writing before submitting the application.
Ques. Can Indian students apply to the Sobey MBA without prior work experience?
Ans. Sobey prefers two to three years of full-time work experience but does not require it as an absolute cut-off. Indian students applying straight from a bachelor’s degree remain eligible, though the admissions committee weighs internships, leadership roles and academic record more heavily in the absence of a professional track record. A stronger GMAT score is usually expected in such profiles.
Ques. What internship or co-op opportunities does the Sobey MBA offer Indian students?
Ans. The 16-month Sobey MBA includes a four-month paid work term between the two academic semesters. International students on a valid study permit can accept this internship inside Canada, with placements arranged through the David Sobey Retailing Centre and Sobey Career Services. Indian students often use the work term for Canadian corporate exposure before transitioning into full-time post-graduation roles.
Ques. How long can Sobey School of Business graduates stay in Canada on a PGWP?
Ans. Sobey School of Business is a public university programme, so graduates of its MBA, MFin and other master’s degrees qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit for up to three years. The permit length matches programme length up to the three-year cap. Indian graduates can use this window for full-time employment anywhere in Canada and to apply for permanent residency.
Ques. Which Indian education loan providers approve funding for Sobey School of Business?
Ans. Major Indian lenders that fund Saint Mary’s University Sobey programmes include HDFC Credila, Avanse, ICICI Bank, Auxilo and Union Bank of India. Loan approvals typically cover 100% of tuition and living costs against collateral or a co-borrower income proof. Public sector banks lend up to INR 40 lakh unsecured; higher amounts require property or fixed deposit collateral.
Ques. What documents are required for the Indian bachelor’s transcript at Sobey School of Business?
Ans. Indian applicants must submit their bachelor’s degree marksheets and a consolidated transcript with the institution’s official stamp and seal. Sobey School of Business does not mandate WES evaluation but accepts it for standardisation. Some Indian universities issue transcripts sealed in university envelopes, and this format is preferred by the graduate office. Attested copies of the Class 12 marksheet are also required.
Ques. Can Indian students bring dependents on the Saint Mary’s University study permit?
Ans. Indian students enrolled full-time at Sobey School of Business can invite dependents to Canada. Spouses of full-time postgraduate students are eligible for an open work permit that matches the study permit’s validity. Dependent children can study in public schools without a separate study permit. Applicants must show additional financial proof of CAD 4,000 per dependent per year to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Ques. Does Sobey School of Business accept the Duolingo English Test for Indian applicants?
Ans. Yes, Sobey School of Business accepts the Duolingo English Test for admission. Indian applicants need a minimum score of 125 for MBA and MTEI programmes, 115 for other master’s programmes and 105 for undergraduate BCom entry. This route is useful for Indian applicants unable to secure IELTS or TOEFL test slots. Results must be sent through the Duolingo dashboard directly to Saint Mary’s University.
Sobey School of Business Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MS Computing and Data Analytics 16 months | INR 28.9 L/Yr CAD 42,000 /Yr | 125 | GPA: 3.0, TOEFL iBT: 83, IELTS: 6.5 | ||
MBA 16 months | INR 34 L/Yr CAD 49,500 /Yr | 110 | GPA: 3.0, IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL iBT: 100 | ||
MFin 12 months | INR 35.4 L/Yr CAD 51,500 /Yr | 125 | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL iBT: 83, PTE: 60, Duolingo-125 | ||
| INR 31.6 L/Yr CAD 46,000 /Yr | 125 | GPA: 3.0, IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL iBT: 92 | |||
B.S Computing Science 4 years | Application Deadline For Winter 2027 Intake (15th Oct 2026) | INR 21.9 L/Yr CAD 31,848 /Yr | - | Duolingo-115 | - |
MA Applied Economics 12 months | INR 17.9 L/Yr CAD 26,000 /Yr | 110 | GPA: 3.0, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL iBT: 90, Duolingo: 125 | ||
Application Deadline For Winter 2027 Intake (15th Oct 2026) | INR 20.6 L/Yr CAD 30,010 /Yr | 100 | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL iBT: 83, PTE: 58, Duolingo-115 | ||
B.A Criminology 4 years | Application Deadline For Winter 2027 Intake (15th Oct 2026) | INR 20.2 L/Yr CAD 29,400 /Yr | - | Duolingo-115 | - |
B.Com Finance (Major) 4 years | Application Deadline For Winter 2027 Intake (15th Oct 2026) | INR 20.2 L/Yr CAD 29,400 /Yr | - | Duolingo-115 | - |
B.A English 4 years | Application Deadline For Winter 2027 Intake (15th Oct 2026) | INR 20.2 L/Yr CAD 29,400 /Yr | - | Duolingo-115 | - |
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Important Alerts
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Computing Science Application Deadline For Winter 2027 Intake | Closing in 27 days |
| Astrophysics Application Deadline For Winter 2027 Intake | Closing in 27 days |
| Physics Application Deadline For Winter 2027 Intake | Closing in 27 days |
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Sobey School of Business Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jared J. Davis Grant | Scholarship per student₹ 95,580/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| The Google Lime Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 9.6 L/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Golden Key Graduate Scholar Award | Scholarship per student₹ 1.4 L/Yr$1,500 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 1.9 L/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| University of Montreal Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific |
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Sobey School of Business Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.smu.ca/academics/sobey/mba-how-to-apply.html
Fall Deadlines
Important Date: April1 (Application deadline)Important Date: July30 (Application results)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees



















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