Take our user survey and make your voice heard.
McGill University is considered to be one of the top 30 universities in the world according to the QS World University Rankings 2016 and its Desautels Faculty of Management is ranked in the top 20 on Bloomberg’s list of Best International MBAs 2015.
The McGill MBA Japan program prides itself on being one of the only in the country with a truly global atmosphere and international student body. Its students and alumni come from all over the world including Canada, China, France, India, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Pakistan, Spain, Thailand, Taiwan and the United Kingdom, among others. This variety of nationalities and backgrounds help contribute to a truly vibrant and intellectually stimulating classroom experience.
The faculty consists of 20 highly competent professors who fly in from Montreal to teach the classes on weekends. Each come from top Ivy League schools and are experts in their field. I was really impressed when I heard the backgrounds of some of the professors. They seemed extremely passionate about what they do and very humble when speaking of how they got to where they are. For students undertaking an intensive course of study, their inspiring stories (combined with the variety of students from different cultures), adds inspiration and further fuel to the fire.
Gender diversity is very much present in the classrooms with women comprising 40 percent of the students. This is one of the main differences between the campus experience at other universities in Japan and the one cultivated at McGill MBA Japan. I was pleasantly surprised to see a great male-to-female ratio during the open house session that I attended. As a female, it can be quite daunting when a classroom is predominantly male — especially in higher education business courses. With McGill, the situation felt a little more balanced and conducive to the sharing of ideas.
The McGill MBA Japan program provides many advantages to foreign students in Tokyo — many of whom have already started on their professional paths. Not only are all classes held on weekends (so as not to interrupt career and finances), but enrollment provides access to a large library system containing an extensive list of journals. In addition to receiving a Japanese student visa, attendees also get a student I.D. card entitling them other benefits such as tax reductions and shop discounts.
The program structure is designed around one module per month consisting of two weekends of classes with a two-weekend break in between each course. The core topics for the first seven months of the program include global leadership, value creation, resource management, market and globalization strategies as well as effective use of business tools.
The second year of the program involves an international study trip to McGill University’s beautiful home campus in Montreal. All flights, accommodation and other essentials are included in the cost of tuition. The trip allows students to study and explore in a city that embraces both European and North American culture (including its excellent business models), thus expanding their global understanding of business.
With these fundamentals under their belts, students then undertake a project that sees them create a new business plan, conduct market research within their own company and engage in a simulated consulting project.
The MBA program lasts for a duration of 20 months, therefore commitment and attendance are vital to ensuring successful completion.
The average age of students ranges from the late-20s to mid-40s thus creating a mature environment. The somewhat relaxed, friendly and informal atmosphere is one of the main factors for students being comfortable. It was refreshing to see everyone taking part in debates, presentations and discussions and telling their stories. Last year’s graduates popped in to give a very informal chat and they each said that they still regularly email or meet the professors to have a chat and catch up.
I have no doubt in my mind that once you have an MBA from McGill on your resume, you’re set for life. Graduates go on to work in across all industries for some of the world's most reputable companies such as Mitsubishi, Toyota, Nissan, Four Seasons, Medicines San Frontiers, Bloomberg, McKinsey & Co, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Deutsche Bank, Hermes and Ernest & Young. Many end up serving in their national governments. The current prime minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, is also a noted McGill alumni.
Online applications are now being accepted for the next academic year, commencing in April 2017. Documents, references and scores (if necessary) can be uploaded after the initial application has been submitted and the application fee has been paid.
For more information on the application process or to apply, visit the McGill MBA admissions page.
- Contact: Philip O’Neill, BA, B.Ed., MBA. Director, McGill MBA Japan Program
- Address: Desautels Faculty of Management McGill University Shinjuku Park Tower N30F 7-1 Nishi-Shinjuku 3-chome, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 163-1030 (Visits are accepted with appointments only)
- Tel: +81 (0)3-5326-3140
- Email: inquiry@mcgillmbajapan.com
