Indigenous Business Leadership Executive MBA

Growing the wealth of our nations

The Indigenous Business Leadership Executive MBA program at SFU Beedie is designed for mid-career Indigenous leaders who strive toward community economic development, growth, sovereignty, and nationhood within the context of the modern-day economy. This internationally accredited Executive MBA program is grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing.

Admissions

This program is not eligible for international students at this time. Our international students are encouraged to explore our Full-Time MBA, Graduate Diploma in Business Administration or Master of Science in Finance programs.

Qualifying for the Indigenous Business Leadership Executive MBA program takes more than academic ability. We value your experience, skills and knowledge. Here’s what it takes to get into the program.

Requirements

Academic achievements

  • An undergraduate degree in any discipline.
  • A two-year technology diploma or outstanding grades will be considered.
  • Applicants with extensive work experience without a formal degree or professional designation may be considered. Each applicant under this category will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Work experience

Applicants should have a minimum of 10 years of professional work experience with at least four of those years in a managerial or professional position.

We take a holistic approach in accepting students for our program. We take into consideration your work and life experiences in addition to your formal education.

Language proficiency

All courses in the IBL EMBA program are taught in English, therefore all applicants must be fluent in English.

Official documents

Transcripts

  • Official transcripts for credit courses from the Registrar of each post-secondary institution you attended must be sent directly to the Graduate Business program office. Only one copy is required from each institution. If the transcripts are issued to you, they must be signed and sealed by your post-secondary institution.
  • For transcripts not in English or French, an official translation must be supplied. An official translator must include, as part of their translation, a declaration that they received an official, sealed copy of the transcripts that they then proceeded to translate.

Transcripts may be sent electronically via a secure delivery service, such as Parchment, or directly from official institutional email addresses to gradap@sfu.ca. Otherwise, please arrange to have your transcript sent to the following address:

ATTN: SFU Beedie Admissions Team
Segal Graduate School – 3rd Floor
500 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC V6C 1W6

Please note that each transcript is subject to review prior to acceptance.

Application process

This is a part-time, in-person program in Vancouver, Canada; unfortunately, international students are not eligible to apply. International students are encouraged to explore our Full-Time MBA, Graduate Diploma in Business Administration or Master of Science in Finance programs.

Fall 2025 application deadlines

  • Round 1: November 18, 2024
  • Round 2: January 27, 2025
  • Round 3: March 17, 2025
  • Final round: May 5, 2025

Please keep in mind that we process applications on a rolling basis and admissions decisions are handed out between application deadlines. You do not need to wait for a deadline to apply. If you have any questions during the application process or are unable to apply online, please email ibl_emba@sfu.ca.

Note: Extensions to the final round deadline will be given on a case-by-case basis.

If you have any questions during the application process or cannot apply online, please contact the Indigenous Business Leadership Executive MBA office ibl_emba@sfu.ca.

Step 1: Complete online application form

You are required to submit two reference letters (professional references preferred). The online application form will have a section for information on your two referees. Once you have submitted your online application, your referees will be automatically sent an email requesting them to upload their reference letter. Once the reference letter is submitted, your online checklist is updated.

You are not entitled to review or submit the letter on behalf of the referee, nor can you request information regarding the content or tone of a reference letter or evaluation. Guidelines for the submission of reference letters specify that referees state whether or not the applicant will see the letters.

Note: Reference letters received at the SFU Beedie School of Business, Graduate Programs are treated as confidential and will not be shared with or returned to applicants or referees.

Download Appraiser's Form

Step 2: Reference Letters

  • You are required to submit two reference letters (professional references preferred). The online application form will have a section for information on your two referees. Once you have submitted your online application, your referees will be automatically sent an email requesting them to upload their reference letter. Once the reference letter is submitted, your online checklist is updated.
  • You are not entitled to review or submit the letter on behalf of the referee, nor can you request information regarding the content or tone of a reference letter or evaluation. Guidelines for the submission of reference letters specify that referees state whether or not the applicant will see the letters.
  • Note: Reference letters received at the SFU Beedie School of Business, Graduate Programs are treated as confidential and will not be shared with or returned to applicants or referees.

Download Appraiser's Form

Step 3: Upload Your Documents

  • Once you have paid the application fee, you may use the online application system to upload supporting documents for review.
  • Applications are evaluated in the order in which they are completed.
  • It is to your advantage to upload and submit your supporting documents early to avoid application peaks.

Documents to be uploaded online:

Please upload the following supporting documents through the online application system:

  • Resume: A current resume showing employment, volunteer activities, education and other appropriate information.
  • Transcripts: A copy of your official/unofficial transcript to expedite the evaluation process. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the initial admission review. Official documentation will be requested only if an offer of admission is issued.
  • Essay: The essay prompts will be available once you make the payment for your application.

Upon Acceptance

Resume: A complete resume showing employment, volunteer activities, education and other appropriate information.

Transcripts: A copy of your official/unofficial transcript to expedite the evaluation process. Signed and sealed official transcripts are still required to be mailed directly to SFU.

Essay: The essay prompts will be available once you make the payment for your application.

We begin reviewing applications for interview consideration as soon as we have received all application components. Candidates will hear back on an interview decision within two weeks of application completion.

If you have any questions during the application process or cannot apply online, please contact the MBA office at ibl_emba@sfu.ca or contact the Indigenous Business Leadership Executive MBA office.

Within 14 days of receiving your acceptance letter, a non-refundable deposit of $250 CAD must be submitted. This deposit reserves your seat in the Indigenous Business Leadership Executive MBA program and will be applied towards your tuition. Graduate students can pay by credit card through the graduate student online application system.

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Program Brochure

Learn more about the IBL Executive MBA program.

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