EMBA Program Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission to the EMBA program must have demonstrated high academic standing and potential for integrated learning. The basic requirements and qualifications are:

1. for the Innovative Management stream, an undergraduate degree in any discipline is required. For the Biotechnology Management and Entrepreneurship stream, an undergraduate degree in the sciences or a degree in any discipline plus considerable work experience in a science field is required. For both streams, the required degree must be from a recognized university and the applicant should have achieved a minimum average of B (70% or higher) in the last four semesters or last two years of undergraduate study.
2. acceptable professional designations such as CFA, CA, CGA, CMA, or PEng plus work experience will also be considered. Under exceptional circumstances, a person who lacks a formal degree or professional designation but who has other outstanding management qualifications, such as a well-established and documented business career, may be admitted to the EMBA program. In these circumstances, applicants will normally be expected to have a minimum of ten years full-time, relevant work experience, including significant experience in upper management or entrepreneurial positions. The Graduate Business Studies Committee must be satisfied that the applicant has demonstrated a level of academic competence at least equivalent to an undergraduate degree.
3. a minimum of three years of full-time work experience is preferred, with a required minimum of one year full-time, relevant work experience. The relevant work experience may include managerial and supervisory responsibilities, new venture ownership, and professional or project development experiences. A variety of work experiences and backgrounds enhance the caliber of class interaction so students learn from both the professor and each other.

Application for Admission

All documents pertaining to application for admission must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar. These documents include:

• Graduate Studies Application Form (download form)
• All Official Transcripts
• Current, detailed resume
• Two Reference Letters (download form)
• GMAT Score (if requested)
• Personal Statement
• TOEFL Scores (for applicants whose first language is not English)
• $75 CAD Application Fee

The forms to apply for admission can be obtained from the Office of the Registrar or downloaded here. Applicants should also use the Application Checklist provided to ensure their application is complete. 

Applications are received on a rolling basis with one program start date each year in September. Applications and all documentation must be received by April 15 for a September start date. Applicants from the People's Republic of China must submit their application by January 31 for a September start. All other international applicants must meet a submission deadline of March 1 for a September start in the same year.

Applications received after the specified deadlines will be reviewed only if seats are available.

Early applications are highly recommended as there are a limited number of seats in the program and these fill up as completed applications are adjudicated throughout the year.  All applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis and adjudicated only once.

Transcripts

Official transcripts or certified copies of the applicant’s complete undergraduate and graduate (if any) record to date are to be sent to the Office of the Registrar. Applicants from outside North America are strongly urged to attach official statements of the grades obtained and the subject matter included. If original documentation is not in English, you must also provide a notarized English translation. This does not apply to French language universities in Canada.

Resume, References and Personal Statement

A current resume must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar along with two reference letters, and a personal statement. The resume must detail work experiences, responsibilities, and contributions. Two reference letters are to be submitted on the appropriate referee form. They must be placed in an envelope, sealed and signed by the referee. A personal statement, of no more than 400 words, must explain the reasons why you wish to enroll in UPEI’s EMBA program. It should include details of your relevant past experience, your long and short term goals, and explain how the EMBA program will meet your needs and assist you in reaching your educational and career goals. Also ensure you indicate the number of years in which you intend to complete the EMBA program (i.e. 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 years)

Note: Applicants without a formal degree or professional designation will be expected to provide convincing evidence of their capabilities in communications, analysis and knowledge transfer, as well as their professional contributions and accomplishments within their personal statement. For these applicants only, the personal statement must be no more than 800 words.

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) - only if requested

A Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score is only to be submitted if requested by the MBA Admissions Committee. Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 550, with preference given to scores of 600 and over. This will be considered as an indicator and a tool for evaluating applicants for quantitative and verbal skills. These scores should be less than five years old. If there are exceptional circumstances, a waiver of this indicator tool may be considered. Applicants with a Masters and/or a PhD degree from other recognized Schools may be allowed to waive the GMAT.  

Interview

Once all application materials are received, the Graduate Business Studies Committee may conduct an interview for admission. The committee will be seeking well-rounded and knowledgeable people with managerial and leadership potential. Innovative management and entrepreneurial thinking requires teamwork and relationship building so applicants will be chosen based on their ability to enhance this type of diverse and dynamic learning environment.

English Proficiency

The EMBA program is taught in English and it moves quickly, requiring significant reading, writing, presentations, and group effort. Students are expected to be proficient in English when they begin their studies at the University of Prince Edward Island. The University requires that certification of proficiency be presented by international applicants whose mother tongue is not English or whose normal language of instruction throughout their education was other than English. Prospective students whose first language is not English must submit a TOEFL with a minimum score of 580 on the paper exam or 237 on the computer based exam. The exam should have been written within the last two years. Students should make arrangements to take the test at least three months before the semester opening date.

Refusal of Admission

Admission to the EMBA Program is a competitive process. Limitations of funds, space, facilities, or personnel may make it necessary for the University, at its discretion, to refuse admission to an otherwise acceptable applicant. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. To avoid disappointment, applicants are encouraged to submit their documents well before the deadline of April 15th.