DeGroote School of Business
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Admissions

Learn about the admissions process and criteria

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Start your DeGroote BLPT journey

At DeGroote, we’re committed to supporting you from your first inquiry to long after graduation. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or ready to apply, our Admissions team is here to guide you every step of the way. We pride ourselves on offering exceptional, personalized service and encourage you to connect with us—attend an event or schedule a coffee chat with our recruitment team to learn more.

We take a holistic approach to admissions. Your academic background, professional experience, references, and test scores all matter—but we understand that strength in one area can balance another. Each application is reviewed in full to ensure we recognize your potential.

Applications for September 2025 are now open.

  1. Review the application requirements, key deadlines, and minimum qualifications below. The BLPT MBA program is competitive and limited—meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
  2. Talk to your employer and family early on. Discuss the potential time commitment and explore any support your employer may offer. Setting clear expectations from the start will help ensure a smoother experience throughout the program.
  3. Explore the program and outline your goals by joining a webinar or booking a meeting with us to learn more—feel free to invite your employer, colleague, or family member to understand how this decision could impact your life.

Step 1: Start with a preliminary assessment

Begin by completing our online pre-assessment form. This will also ensure that you receive email communication from us, including invitations to webinars and events, as well as important updates about the application availability and admission requirements. There is no cost to the pre-assessment. You will answer a series of questions that take about 5-minutes and you will be required to upload:

  • A digital copy of your resume, or
  • Your LinkedIn profile

Our team will review your information and help you navigate the next steps.

Submit assessment

Step 2: Prepare to start your application

To prepare for your application and formal submission please ensure preparation of the following:

  • English language proficiency results (if applicable)
  • Two (2) references
  • Your professional resume
  • Kira Talent online video interview prep
  • Application fee

Step 3: File your application with McMaster University

With support from our team, you’ll finalize your application by submitting a formal application with McMaster Graduate Studies. Once we receive your completed application, we’ll consider the education, work experience, and diverse skills and experiences you can contribute to the program. Admissions decisions will be made approximately 6 weeks after each application deadline.

Am I eligible?

 

Have your experience reviewed and let out team support you in finding out which of our programs is your best opportunity.

Get pre-assessed

Admission deadlines

Please keep in mind that we process applications on a rolling basis, and both admissions and scholarship decisions are made between application deadlines.

You do not need to wait for a deadline to apply, and decisions are typically made within 4-6 weeks. The likelihood of receiving an offer and/or scholarship is the same across all recruiting rounds. This means that applying in earlier rounds does not increase your chances of receiving an offer or scholarship, nor does applying in the last round decrease them.

Application Round Deadline
Round 1 November 5, 2024
Round 2 February 5, 2025
Round 3 April 14, 2025

Admission requirements


Degree

Completion of an Honours Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.

Work experience

Minimum of 4 year of relevant postgraduate work experience is required.

GPA

Recommended B average (equivalent to a McMaster 8.0 GPA out of 12) or higher.

GPA will be calculated using the two most recent years of undergraduate or graduate study, 20 courses, or the equivalent of 60 academic credits. Courses used in GPA calculations for applicants holding master’s or doctoral degrees are determined on a case-by-case basis.

GRE or GMAT

Not Required. Applicants with a GPA below a B may be encouraged to provide supplemental academic materials (e.g., GMAT results with a minimum score of 600, or submit GRE or MCAT results). 

English language proficiency

Required for applicants:

  • Whose previous degree was not completed with the language of instruction being English.
  • Who have been residents in an English-speaking country for less than four years.
  • Who have completed less than three years of full-time post-secondary education with English as the primary language of instruction, excluding ESL courses.

Acceptable English Language Proficiency Tests:

  • Academic IELTS (Overall score of 7)
  • TOEFL (Overall score of 100)

References

Two (2) references are required. Applicants are encouraged to seek one academic and one professional (current or former direct supervisor or manager) reference. If this is not possible, two academic or professional references are acceptable.

Kira online interview

Applicants are required to complete an online interview prior to the submission of their application. We also encourage you to carefully review the application instructions, deadlines, and required documents. Applicants will receive the Kira interview link one (1) business day after starting their application and completing the Select Program section. If you require any accommodation for the interview, please reach out to blptinfo@mcmaster.ca.

Professional resume

A professional resume is required for application. All applicants are encouraged to utilize the DeGroote School of Business MBA Resume template. Please complete all sections of the template to the best of your ability.

Application fee

A $150.00 CAD application fee is required for application to each DeGroote MBA program. Payment must be made at the time of application by credit card. Please note that applications will not be reviewed until all components are completed and received

Meeting the minimum standard requirements does not guarantee you will be a successful applicant.

This is a competitive and limited-enrollment program, which requires a selective admissions process.

We aim to assemble a dynamic cohort of qualified students — and we take a holistic approach when evaluating candidates. The following are some of our evaluation guidelines:

  • We take a candidate’s current industry sector and area of undergraduate study into consideration to create a diverse cohort that will deliver value in class discussions and team assignments.
  • A GPA that reflects the candidate’s ability to successfully complete the academic requirements.
    References that speak to the candidate’s leadership ability and the positive contributions they made in their organization.

Frequently asked questions

If you have questions or concerns about the admission process, curriculum or the program experience, we encourage you to read our frequently asked questions.

View our FAQs

 

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Take the first step

When you’re ready to start your application, fill out and submit our pre-assessment form. We’ll contact you to discuss your options and send you instructions for beginning your official application.