Smith School of Business partners with two Canadian universities to expand graduate study pathways

Kingston, Ont. — Smith School of Business has established two new partnerships with Canadian universities, offering streamlined pathways for undergraduate students to pursue advanced studies at Queen’s.

Smith’s agreements with St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) in Nova Scotia and Bishop’s University in Quebec are the first domestic partnerships developed to create opportunities for students at partnering universities to augment their academic experience with a specialized master’s program and extend their professional network across two institutions.

Through these partnerships, students from both StFX and Bishop’s will receive a guaranteed admissions interview. Successful applicants will also receive a $5,000 tuition award.

“We are excited about the opportunity to partner with StFX and Bishop’s. By combining their strong undergraduate preparation with our core strength in building market‑ready master’s programs, we accelerate employability, expand global learning opportunities, and integrate new talent into Smith’s vibrant community of professionals,” says Kerri Regan, Senior Director, Full-time MBA, Global Online MBA and Master of International Business programs, Smith School of Business.

Eligible students in their final year of study at StFX can choose to complement their bachelor’s degree with a Master of International Business in Kingston, Ontario, or Master of Finance in Beijing, China.

“This new partnership with Queen’s University speaks to the quality of our Schwartz School graduates and creates an exciting pathway to build on their undergraduate education through specialized master’s programs at Smith School of Business,” says Dr. Lisa Watson, Dean of StFX Schwartz School of Business. “It reflects our commitment to expanding opportunities for our students and providing them with the advanced skills, experiences, and networks they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving business environment.”

Fourth-year undergraduate students at Bishop’s will have the opportunity to choose from Smith’s Master of International Business and Master of Finance – Beijing. Smith’s Full-time Master of Management Analytics in Toronto, ON, will be an additional choice for eligible students.

"Our graduates have a long tradition of pursuing graduate business studies at Queen’s, including David Williams, for whom our school is named,” says Dr. Margaret Shepherd, Dean of the Williams School of Business at Bishop’s University. “This partnership builds on those enduring connections, creating new opportunities for students to complement the strong academic foundation and experiential learning they gain at WSB with specialized graduate education at Smith. We are delighted to help the next generation extend that tradition, broaden their perspectives and pursue their ambitions.”

These new partnerships complement existing combined pathway programs with the Smith Commerce program, and build off Smith’s international pathway with Lagos Business School. Launched in 2025, this partnership with Pan-Atlantic University provides an exclusive opportunity for MBA and EMBA students to earn a second degree from Smith in one of six specialized areas.

“Structured pathways like these are central to our strategy of expanding access to graduate study while building a steady pipeline of talent for Canadian business. Partnering with leading undergraduate programs strengthens collaboration, enhances student preparation, and responds to employer demand for graduates with both practical experience and advanced analytical and leadership skills,” says Bertrand Malsch, Associate Dean, Professional Graduate Programs, Smith School of Business. “The guaranteed interviews and scholarships demonstrate our commitment to lowering barriers and investing in the next generation of business leaders.” 

To learn more about Smith’s pathway options, visit smithqueens.com/pathways.