The Lazaridis School of Business & Economics is the business faculty of Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. It ranks #251 globally and #16 in Canada in the QS Business Masters rankings 2026.
Founded in 1966 and named after BlackBerry co-founder Mike Lazaridis, the school offers BBA, MBA, MFin, MSc and PhD programmes in English. Indian applicants may enter through Fall, Winter or Spring intakes, with the 12-month full-time MBA drawing the largest international cohort. The Waterloo campus sits inside Canada’s densest tech corridor, connecting students to MBA universities in Canada employer networks.
- Ranking: #251 QS Business Masters 2026 globally; #16 in Canada
- Acceptance rate: 80% (estimated)
- Intakes: Fall (September), Winter (January), Spring (May)
- Full-time MBA tuition: CAD 58,710 total (INR 40.4 lakh)
- English requirement: IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 100
- BBA employment outcome: 99.5% within six months of graduation
The Lazaridis MBA charges CAD 19,570 per term across three consecutive terms for international candidates. Canada offers a Post-Graduation Work Permit of up to three years for eligible graduates, easing PR pathways for Indian graduates who study in Canada. Waterloo living costs stay below Toronto and Vancouver, with off-campus student rentals starting near CAD 850 monthly.
Exchange rate used: 1 CAD = INR 68.76 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (Fall 2027 intake). The full-time MBA international application deadline is 30 March 2027 for the September 2027 start. Rolling admissions continue after 30 March 2027 until cohorts fill. Winter 2027 intake for selected graduate programmes closes 17 November 2026; verify programme-specific dates on the official page.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Lazaridis School of Business & Economics 2027
- Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Admission 2027
- Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Acceptance Rate 2027
- Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Scholarships 2027
- Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Rankings 2027
- Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Lazaridis School of Business & Economics vs Peer Universities
- Lazaridis School of Business & Economics FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Lazaridis School of Business & Economics 2027
The Lazaridis School of Business & Economics fees for Indian students range from CAD 23,583 to CAD 58,710 across graduate programmes. Fees are charged per academic term across the programme duration. Programme totals below apply to international students entering in Fall 2027.
Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Top PG Programs and Fees for Indian Students 2027
| Program | Duration | Total Fee (CAD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration (Full-time) | 12 months | CAD 58,710 | 40.4 lakh | Bachelor’s with 75% or CGPA 7.5/10 (recommended); GMAT 55+ percentile |
| MBA with Co-op | 20 months | CAD 78,280 (estimated) | 53.8 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 75% or CGPA 7.5/10 (recommended); 2+ years work experience |
| Master of Finance (MFin) | 16 months | CAD 55,029 (annual) | 37.8 lakh | Bachelor’s with 75% or CGPA 7.5/10 (recommended); GMAT or GRE 55+ percentile |
| MSc in Management (Business Analytics) | 12 months | CAD 23,583 (annual) | 16.2 lakh | Bachelor’s with 75% or CGPA 7.5/10 (recommended); quantitative background |
| MA in Economics | 12 months | CAD 23,583 (estimated) | 16.2 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 75% or CGPA 7.5/10 (recommended); GRE recommended |
| PhD in Management | 4 years | CAD 8,700 (estimated annual) | 6.0 lakh (estimated annual) | Master’s with 80% (recommended); research proposal required |
Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Top UG Programs and Fees for Indian Students 2027
| Program | Duration | Annual Fee (CAD) | Annual Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) | 4 years | CAD 35,464 | 24.4 lakh | Class 12 with 85% or higher (recommended); English proficiency required |
| BBA with Financial Mathematics Option | 4 years | CAD 35,464 | 24.4 lakh | Class 12 with 85% (recommended); strong mathematics background |
| BA in Economics | 4 years | CAD 32,000 (estimated) | 22.0 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 80% (recommended) |
| BBA / Bachelor of Computer Science Double Degree | 5 years | CAD 42,000 (estimated) | 28.9 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 90% (recommended); highly selective |
Insider note: Indian applicants overwhelmingly choose the 12-month full-time MBA and the MFin at Lazaridis. The MSc in Management with Business Analytics has grown in India applications over the last two cycles.
Read More: Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Programs and Fees Guide
Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Admission 2027
The Lazaridis School of Business & Economics admission 2027 opens for Fall, Winter and Spring intakes. Fall (September) is the primary intake for Indian graduate applicants. Applications are submitted through the OUAC portal for most programmes.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time MBA (Fall 2027) international deadline | 30 March 2027 | Rolling admissions continue after this date until cohorts fill |
| Winter 2027 intake (selected graduate programmes) | 17 November 2026 | Not all graduate programmes accept Winter entry; check per programme |
| Spring 2027 intake (selected programmes) | 17 March 2027 | Limited programme availability; verify at official calendar |
| WES credential verification (ICAP) | Start 8 to 12 weeks before deadline | Indian bachelor’s transcripts routed through WES ICAP report |
| Study permit application | Start 4 to 6 months before start | India processing times run 8 to 16 weeks typically |
| Programme start (Fall) | September 2027 | Orientation runs late August 2027 in Waterloo |
Planning note: Indian MBA applicants should target a January 2027 submission to leave time for the WES report and Canadian study permit. The 30 March 2027 date is the firm cut-off, but scholarship consideration favours earlier submissions.
Read More: Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Lazaridis School of Business & Economics admission requirements combine a strong academic record with English proficiency and a graduate admission test. Indian applicants must also route transcripts through WES.
Postgraduate applicants (MBA, MFin, MSc, MA):
- Four-year bachelor’s degree with 75% or CGPA 7.5/10 in the final two years (recommended equivalent of B+ minimum)
- English test: TOEFL iBT 100 (minimum 21 in each of the four sections) or IELTS 7.0 overall
- GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition or GRE at 55+ percentile recommended; MBA cohort averages 600 GMAT
- WES ICAP credential evaluation for Indian bachelor’s transcripts before submission
Undergraduate applicants (BBA, BA Economics):
- Class 12 with 85% or higher in five academic subjects (CBSE, ISC or state board recommended)
- English test: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 88
- Supplementary Admission Form with essay questions for BBA and Double Degree applicants
Key insight: Lazaridis waives the GMAT for MBA applicants with a CA, CFA or PhD, and for candidates with 10+ years of professional experience. Indian applicants meeting the experience bar should request the waiver at the enquiry stage.
Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Acceptance Rate 2027
The Lazaridis School of Business & Economics acceptance rate for 2027 sits at 80% (estimated) across combined undergraduate and graduate programmes. The MBA cohort runs tighter at 65% (estimated), reflecting stronger competition for the 12-month full-time seat. Lazaridis does not publish an official acceptance rate.
Indian applicants meeting the 75% bachelor’s benchmark and IELTS 7.0 threshold sit well within the profile of admitted MBA students. GMAT scores above 620 improve competitiveness and scholarship consideration.
Reality check: Acceptance rates at Lazaridis are moderate compared with Ivey or Rotman, but the MBA seat count is capped at roughly 60 for the full-time cohort. Strong Indian applicants should still treat the deadline as firm.
Read More: Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Acceptance Rate Analysis
Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for an Indian student at Lazaridis ranges from CAD 42,000 to CAD 78,000 (INR 28.9 lakh to INR 53.6 lakh), covering tuition and living expenses in Waterloo. The 12-month full-time MBA sits at the top end. Programmes ranked among MS in Canada options offer lower total investment.
Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Tuition is charged per academic term for graduate programmes. The MBA is billed across three consecutive terms. Undergraduate tuition applies annually across the four-year BBA.
| Level | Fee Range (CAD) | Fee Range (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (BBA / BA Economics) | CAD 32,000 to CAD 35,464 annual | 22.0 to 24.4 lakh annual |
| Postgraduate (MBA, MFin, MSc, MA) | CAD 23,583 to CAD 58,710 total | 16.2 to 40.4 lakh total |
[Source: Wilfrid Laurier University official tuition schedule 2026-27]
Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Cost of Living in Waterloo for Indian Students
Waterloo living costs sit below Toronto but above smaller Ontario cities. Off-campus rentals near campus start from CAD 850 monthly. Meal plans apply for students in on-campus residence.
| Expense | Monthly (CAD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared off-campus) | CAD 850 to CAD 1,200 | INR 58,400 to 82,500 |
| Food and groceries | CAD 350 to CAD 500 | INR 24,000 to 34,400 |
| Transportation (bus pass included in fees) | CAD 50 to CAD 80 | INR 3,400 to 5,500 |
| Books and supplies | CAD 100 to CAD 150 | INR 6,900 to 10,300 |
| Personal and utilities | CAD 200 to CAD 300 | INR 13,800 to 20,600 |
| Total monthly | CAD 1,550 to CAD 2,230 | INR 1.07 to 1.53 lakh |
| Total annual | CAD 18,600 to CAD 26,760 | 12.8 to 18.4 lakh |
[Source: Wilfrid Laurier University official cost estimate 2026-27]
Insider note: Northdale student housing near the Waterloo campus (Lester and Albert Street area) delivers the best CAD 850 to CAD 1,100 rentals. Indian students report saving CAD 200 monthly by sharing three-bedroom units within a 10-minute walk of campus.
Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Campus, Facilities and Student Life
The Lazaridis School of Business & Economics campus sits in the heart of Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo. The location places students beside Google, Shopify and OpenText offices. Toronto is a one-hour train ride east.
- Location and transport: The GRT bus pass is included in student fees; the ION light rail connects campus to Kitchener downtown
- Housing: First-year residence guaranteed for eligible undergraduates; graduate students source off-campus rentals from CAD 850 monthly
- Facility highlight: The Lazaridis Hall building houses a Bloomberg Trading Floor, case-study rooms and a fintech lab
- Indian student community: Active Indian Students Association plus Sikh Students Association and cultural nights every semester
What Indian students say: Waterloo is quieter than Toronto but the tech recruiter density more than makes up for it. Networking through the co-op office and the 22 business clubs opens direct paths to internship offers before graduation.
Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Scholarships 2027
Lazaridis School of Business & Economics offers over 20 scholarships across MBA, MFin and MSc streams. Most are open to Indian applicants when they meet the merit or specialization criteria. Entrance scholarships are awarded automatically at admission.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBA Entrance Scholarships | Merit | CAD 500 to CAD 3,000 | Full-time MBA entrants with 10.0+ admission GPA | Automatic with application |
| CIBC Leaders in Entrepreneurship Award | Specialization | CAD 5,300 | Innovation and Entrepreneurship option enrolment | Verify at official page |
| Ross & Doris Dixon MBA Scholarship | Merit | CAD 3,500 | Strong bachelor’s GPA plus high GMAT scores | Verify at official page |
| McNeil Consumer Products Scholarship | Merit | CAD 1,500 | Entering full-time MBA students | Verify at official page |
| Howard Teall Award for Student Excellence | Specialization | CAD 3,000 | Management accounting interest plus 10.0+ admission GPA | Verify at official page |
[Source: Wilfrid Laurier University MBA awards page]
Planning note: Most Lazaridis merit scholarships pass automatically, but specialization awards like CIBC require the student to enrol in the Innovation option. Indian MBA applicants should also apply for external LEAP or JN Tata Endowment loans separately.
Read More: Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Scholarships Guide
Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Rankings 2027
The Lazaridis School of Business & Economics rankings 2027 hold steady across QS Business Masters editions. Parent university Wilfrid Laurier remains ranked outside the global top 1,000 in the wider THE and US News tables. QS Business rank is the strongest measure for Indian applicants weighing this school.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS Business Masters (Lazaridis) | 2026: #251 globally, #16 Canada | 2025: #251 band | 2024: #251 band |
| THE World University (Wilfrid Laurier parent) | 2026: #1201-1500 globally | 2025: #1201-1500 | 2024: #1201-1500 |
| US News Best Global Universities (WLU parent) | 2026-2027: #1559 | 2025-2026: Not ranked | 2024-2025: Not ranked |
| Eduniversal Business School (Canada) | 2026: #2 among 3 palms | 2025: #2 | 2024: #2 |
[Source: QS Business Masters 2026, Times Higher Education 2026, US News 2026-2027, Eduniversal 2026]
Subject strengths at Lazaridis include supply chain management, finance and business analytics. The Wilfrid Laurier University rankings page tracks parent-institution positions across all bodies.
Key insight: Indian applicants using Lazaridis for a work-permit pathway should note that AACSB accreditation carries more employer weight in Canada than the QS Business rank alone. Recruiters at Deloitte and RBC treat the Lazaridis MBA on par with higher-ranked peers.
Read More: Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Rankings Analysis
Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Lazaridis School of Business & Economics placements deliver strong employment outcomes for both undergraduate and graduate cohorts. Career support runs through the Lazaridis MBA Career Development Office. Around 900 companies recruit from the Waterloo campus each year.
- BBA employment rate: 99.5% within six months of graduation
- MBA median starting salary: CAD 82,000 (INR 56.4 lakh) (market median for AACSB Canadian MBAs)
- Recruiter sectors: Banking (RBC, TD, CIBC), consulting (Deloitte, KPMG), tech (Google, Shopify, OpenText)
- Career support: Dedicated MBA career coach; industry mentor programme; on-campus recruitment fairs each October
- Post-study work permit: Up to three years for graduates completing a two-year programme; one year for 12-month MBA
Insider note: Indian MBA graduates cluster into banking, tech and supply chain roles. The MBA with Co-op adds an eight-month paid work term, boosting Canadian work experience and PR eligibility scores.
Lazaridis School of Business & Economics vs Peer Universities
Lazaridis competes with mid-tier Canadian business schools for Indian MBA applicants. Its Waterloo tech advantage sets it apart from Toronto-centric rivals. The comparison below uses QS Business Masters 2026 rankings and total programme fees.
| University | QS Business Masters 2026 | Avg PG Fee | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lazaridis (Wilfrid Laurier) | #251, #16 Canada | CAD 58,710 (40.4 lakh) | Waterloo tech corridor; strong analytics focus |
| Schulich School of Business (York) | #151-200 band | ||
| Schulich School of Business (York) | #151-200 band globally | CAD 100,000+ (68.8 lakh+) | Toronto MBA network; higher global QS profile |
| DeGroote School (McMaster) | #251-300 band | CAD 60,000 (41.3 lakh) | Health sector MBA specialization |
| Smith School (Queen’s) | #201-250 band | CAD 100,000+ (68.8 lakh+) | Small-cohort MBA; Kingston campus |
| Rotman School (Toronto) | #51-100 band | CAD 130,000+ (89.4 lakh+) | Highest QS-ranked Canadian MBA |
[Source: QS Business Masters 2026]
Lazaridis wins on total investment against Rotman, Schulich and Smith while sitting inside the same AACSB tier. Indian applicants weighing cost against ranking find Lazaridis a strong fit for tech and analytics careers.
Verdict on Lazaridis School of Business & Economics
Lazaridis suits Indian applicants targeting a tech-linked Canadian MBA at CAD 58,710 total, backed by a market-median CAD 82,000 salary and the three-year PGWP pathway to PR. The Waterloo tech corridor edge and AACSB accreditation deliver ROI without the Rotman or Ivey price tag.
It is not the right pick for applicants set on a global top-100 QS ranking or a Toronto-centric consulting recruit path. Candidates prioritising QS ranking should compare Schulich School of Business or Rotman before committing.
Lazaridis School of Business & Economics FAQs
Ques. Can Indian applicants get a GMAT waiver at Lazaridis School of Business & Economics?
Ans. Yes. Lazaridis waives the GMAT for MBA applicants holding a CA, CFA or PhD, and for candidates with ten or more years of progressive professional experience. Indian chartered accountants and CFA charterholders qualify directly. Applicants should request the waiver through the Business Graduate Programs Office before submitting the OUAC application, attaching credential proof and a professional resume.
Ques. Which Indian education loans are accepted for Lazaridis School students?
Ans. Lazaridis is recognised by HDFC Credila, Avanse, Auxilo, ICICI Bank, SBI Global Ed-Vantage and Prodigy Finance for education loans. Prodigy offers no-collateral loans for the MBA and MFin. Public-sector banks lend up to INR 40 lakh with collateral. Students should submit the admission letter and I-20 equivalent (Canadian offer plus study permit) with the loan application.
Ques. How long is the post-study work permit for Lazaridis graduates?
Ans. Lazaridis graduates qualify for the Canadian Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The 12-month full-time MBA earns a one-year PGWP. Two-year programmes like MFin plus co-op or the BBA earn the full three-year PGWP. The PGWP allows unrestricted work with any Canadian employer and counts toward Express Entry PR eligibility for Indian graduates.
Ques. Does Lazaridis School require a video interview for admission?
Ans. Yes for the full-time MBA and MBA with Co-op. Shortlisted applicants receive a Kira Talent video interview invite after transcript review. The MFin and MSc in Management may request a Zoom interview for borderline candidates. BBA applicants complete a written Supplementary Admission Form instead. Indian applicants should test webcam and audio in advance.
Ques. What is the application fee for Lazaridis School programs?
Ans. The Lazaridis application fee is CAD 125 (INR 8,600) for graduate programmes and CAD 156 (INR 10,700) for undergraduate OUAC applications. Payment is non-refundable and made online at the time of submission. Fee waivers are not offered for Indian applicants. Applicants should also budget for the WES ICAP report fee of USD 220 (INR 18,300).
Ques. Can Lazaridis MBA students work part-time during studies?
Ans. Yes. Indian MBA students on a valid Canadian study permit may work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during study terms. On-campus work carries no hourly cap. Full-time work is permitted during scheduled breaks. The MBA with Co-op adds an eight-month paid placement between terms. Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada rules apply to all off-campus employment.
Ques. Which English-taught bachelor’s degrees waive TOEFL at Lazaridis?
Ans. Indian applicants who completed a full bachelor’s degree in English at a recognised university may request a TOEFL and IELTS waiver. Acceptable proof includes an official letter from the university registrar confirming English as the sole language of instruction and examination. Autonomous colleges under Indian universities qualify. The waiver is decided case-by-case by the Business Graduate Programs Office.
Ques. How does WES credential evaluation work for Lazaridis applicants?
Ans. Indian applicants must send bachelor’s and Class 12 transcripts to World Education Services (WES) for a course-by-course ICAP report. The report converts Indian CGPA or percentage to the Canadian 12-point scale used by Lazaridis. Universities send transcripts directly to WES; the entire process takes 8 to 12 weeks. Order the WES ICAP at least three months before the Lazaridis application deadline.
Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSW 20 months | Application Deadline for Spring 2026 Intake (31st Oct 2026) | INR 13.9 L/Yr CAD 20,254 /Yr | 150 | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 4.5, PTE: 59 | |
Master Applied Computing 20 months | Application Deadline for Spring 2027 Intake (15th Dec 2026) | INR 13.3 L/Yr CAD 19,384 /Yr | 150 | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 4.5, PTE: 59 | |
MBA 1 year | INR 26.8 L/Yr CAD 39,140 /Yr | 125 | Bachelor's degree, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 4.5 | ||
MFin 1 year | INR 25.9 L/Yr CAD 37,786 /Yr | 225 | GMAT: 595, IELTS: 7, TOEFL iBT: 5 | ||
MS Management 1 year | INR 16.2 L/Yr CAD 23,583 /Yr | 130 | GMAT: 650, IELTS- 6.5, TOEFL-4.5, PTE- 59 | ||
| INR 28.9 L/Yr CAD 42,220 /Yr | 175 | 70%, IELTS 6.5, TOEFL: 83, Duolingo: 120 | - |
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Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 19.2 L/Yr$20,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Ontario Graduate Fellowship | Scholarship per student₹ 8.5 L/Yr$8,875 | Level Of StudyDoctorate | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jared J. Davis Grant | Scholarship per student₹ 95,950/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 |
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Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Admissions
Application Portal: http://www.chooselaurier.ca/international
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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