HBA Honours Business
Learn to lead the way top executives do — through Canada's original case-method business degree. Two years in any faculty, then two transformative years at Ivey, graduating into consulting, finance and management with one of the strongest alumni networks in the country.
- ✓ Study at Canada's #1 business school — a global pioneer of case-method learning
- ✓ 89% employed within 3 months of graduating (Ivey, avg CA$84,575)
- ✓ Four-year Canadian degree — qualify for a 3-year PGWP and PR pathway
The Ivey HBA is a 2+2 program: you spend your first two years at Western building prerequisites in any faculty, then join the two-year HBA in third year. Those HBA years are fully case-based — you'll analyse hundreds of real business decisions, lead teams, and build the judgement employers pay a premium for.
Ivey's alumni network and recruiting pipeline are unmatched in Canada, feeding directly into management consulting, investment banking and corporate leadership. A four-year Canadian degree also opens the 3-year PGWP and a clear path to permanent residency.
Same field, different universities
| University | Country | Level | Duration | Tuition/year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivey (Western) ★ This programme | 🇨🇦 Canada | Bachelor's | 4 years | ~CA$50,000 |
| Indiana Kelley Top US public | 🇺🇸 USA | Bachelor's | 4 years | $43,300 |
| Glasgow (Intl Business) QS #78 | 🇬🇧 UK | Bachelor's | 4 years | £22,800 |
| Monash (Commerce) QS #37 | 🇦🇺 Australia | Bachelor's | 3 years | A$48,800 |
What you'll need
| Admission route | Advanced Entry Opportunity (AEO) from high school | |
| Academic | 90%+ high school average + leadership & essays | |
| English | IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0) or TOEFL 83 | |
| HBA entry | Maintain AEO standing; formally join Ivey in year 3 | |
AEO is competitive and timing matters. Your counsellor helps you craft standout supplementary essays and choose the right first-two-years pathway into Ivey.
HBA core areas
Career outcomes
89%
Employed within 3 months of graduating
CA$84,575
Average total compensation on graduation
Top employers
McKinsey, BCG, Deloitte, RBC, Scotiabank
3-year PGWP
Open work permit — pathway to PR
Application timeline
Tuition fees & costs
| Years 1–2 (pre-business) | Western intl. undergrad tuition | ~CA$40,000/yr |
| Years 3–4 (Ivey HBA) | International HBA tuition | ~CA$50,000/yr |
| Ancillary fees | Bus pass, health plan, etc. | ~CA$2,600/yr |
| Study permit fee | IRCC application | CA$150 |
Because Ivey runs on a 2+2 model, compare the full four-year cost against other business degrees. Your counsellor prepares an exact figure for your intake.
Funding you may be eligible for
Alternative funding options
Available for international students at Western. No cosigner, collateral, or Canadian credit history required.
Work up to 24 hrs/week during term and full-time during breaks. Many HBA students also complete a paid summer internship after first year, building experience and income.
Monthly budget in London, Ontario
London is a friendly, affordable mid-size Ontario city built around Western's campus — noticeably cheaper than Toronto, with strong student housing and an easy two-hour trip to the GTA.
IRCC financial proof: CA$20,635/year (or CA$1,720/month) in living expenses in addition to tuition — via bank statements or GIC.
Canadian study permit requirements
| Permit type | Canadian Study Permit | |
| LOA required | Letter of Acceptance from Western (DLI) | |
| Application fee | CA$150 | |
| Biometrics fee | CA$85 | |
| Financial proof | Tuition + CA$20,635/year living (or GIC) | |
| Post-graduation (PGWP) | 3-year open work permit — business & management roles support Express Entry PR | |
Hear from our students
"The case method changes how you think — by graduation I'd analysed hundreds of real business decisions. Ivey's recruiting pipeline landed me a consulting offer months before I finished. My counsellor guided my whole AEO application."
"I loved that only the final two years carry Ivey tuition, so the total cost was competitive. London is affordable, the alumni network is incredible, and the 3-year work permit means I can build my career in Canada."
Frequently asked questions
Ready to apply for the Ivey HBA?
Start your free AEO application with a counsellor who knows Ivey admissions and Canadian PR pathways.