This program will not be offered in Summer 2025. We are undertaking a review of the program to ensure it best meets current and future needs.
Admissions
Smith School of Business has a rolling admission policy which means applications are reviewed as they are received. Students are encouraged to apply early, as classes fill quickly.
Please note: Admission to this program is highly competitive. Simply meeting the admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
Requirements
We are seeking students from any academic discipline who are motivated to learn and begin or advance their career in a business-related field.
Candidates typically fall into two categories:
- You are in the final year of your undergraduate program at a recognized university and will complete your four-year degree requirements in April.
- You are a recent graduate who finished your degree 1-2 years ago.
The admissions committee will assess your:
- Academic record – successful applicants typically possess a B+ or 75% in the final two years of their undergraduate program. Evidence of success in a quantitative course increases competitiveness. If this is not apparent but your application is otherwise well rounded, your Application Advisor will work with you to supplement your profile.
- Experience in teams and coachability – our classroom values diversity and adaptability. Smith GDB students have a proven ability to work through conflict, to coach and be coached.
- Work ethic and resiliency – the GDB is a condensed-format program and the workload is intense. We are seeking students who can demonstrate the ability to work under tight deadlines and through adversity.
- Interpersonal skills – students will interact with many different groups while in the GDB program. Through the interview, we will consider how you will interact with fellow students, the Smith Career Advancement Centre, our team coaches, faculty, and future employers.
- Language proficiency – candidates whose native language is not English, and whose undergraduate university studies were taken in a language other than English must achieve a satisfactory score on one of the accepted tests of facility in English.
English Language Proficiency
Graduate Diploma in Business is an intensive program. Each student must be able to synthesize large amounts of verbal and written information efficiently; review, comprehend and critique abundant readings; command leadership of their team when required; engage in classroom discussions and presentations; and author team assignments. Consequently, all candidates must possess exceptional English facility and communication skills in order to be competitive for admission.
Applicants whose native language is not English and whose undergraduate university studies were taken in a language other than English must achieve a satisfactory score on one of the accepted tests of facility in English.
Test results must be in the form of an official report sent directly by the testing centre to the Admissions Committee. Examinee’s score records, faxes or photocopies are not acceptable.
Recognized test of facility in English:
Each applicant is responsible for making arrangements to take any of these tests and for all costs that are incurred with the writing of any of the tests.