Why UBC Sauder’s MBA stands out as Canada’s top business program
Students at UBC Sauder School of Business consistently highlight what sets their learning experience apart, reinforcing why the school is recognized as one of Canada’s top business programs by Maclean’s Magazine and highly ranked globally. We asked students to share what makes UBC Sauder exceptional, and they identified five key qualities that define its world-class education.
A gateway for global business success
Students have numerous opportunities throughout their degree programs to study abroad at partner universities. UBC Sauder is the only Canadian school in the Global Network for Advanced Management (GNAM), a collaboration of 32 business schools located around the world. This association paves the way for graduate students to take courses at prestigious universities where they gain international business skills and expand their professional networks. Many students go on to build successful global careers - as evidenced by the school’s alumni community which spans 100 countries.
UBC MBA student (’25) Irene Wang participated in GNAM in Shanghai and credits the program for broadening her understanding of how business practices vary across cultures.
“The GNAM program offered a unique opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and immerse myself in a completely different business ecosystem,” says Wang. ”Having last visited Shanghai a decade ago, I was eager to see how it had evolved and to gain firsthand insight into a market that operates differently from what I’m used to. Witnessing these contrasts in real time broadened my perspective on global business dynamics and reinforced the importance of cultural awareness in decision-making and strategy.”
Leading the way in climate and sustainable business education
UBC Sauder recognizes that business has a critical role to play in developing solutions to address climate change. Climate and sustainability courses are offered across all degree programs and full-time MBA students have the option of pursuing a Climate Career Track specialization. Students also gain practical experience through innovative programming offered at UBC Sauder’s Centre for Climate and Business Solutions (CCBS).
"Through our Climate Labs such as the SME Climate Clinic and LCA Clinic for SMEs, we are connecting students with real business problems, enabling them to apply their business skills to create tangible climate impact,” says CCBS Executive Director Kookai Chaimahawong.
UBC MBA student Zolzaya Jargalsaikhan is pursuing the Climate Career Track and spending the summer working as a consultant at the CCBS, researching sustainable mining innovations and investments. After graduation, she wants to manage investments with positive environmental impacts.
“When choosing an MBA program, I prioritized two key factors: a school's commitment to net-zero and climate action, and a robust curriculum on climate change and sustainability,” says Jargalsaikhan. “Here, I'm taking exactly the courses I envisioned—climate economics, sustainability and innovation, ESG accounting, climate finance, and Indigenous relations. The learning experience extends beyond the classroom. It's a truly immersive education.”
How west coast culture shapes our business school
Perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by forests and mountains, UBC Sauder provides a spectacular setting for studying and outdoor fun. Despite being so close to nature, the school is only a few kilometres away from downtown Vancouver, making it easy for students to attend events and build relationships in the business community. But the school’s west coast spirit encompasses much more than physical attributes.
Michelle Siaril made the move from Indonesia to Vancouver for UBC Sauder’s MBA program in July of 2023, her first time in North America. Having lived in Australia previously, she was nervous and excited to pursue her MBA in an entirely new continent. For Siaril, the city's stunning backdrop of mountains and ocean was a significant draw.
"Vancouver's access to nature, diverse food, emphasis on health and wellness, and the sense of community I've found within my MBA cohort at UBC Sauder have made this move incredibly rewarding," says Siaril. “I feel like people truly care for and support each other."
Breaking boundaries with innovative business practices
Learning how to think creatively and drive innovation underpins all learning at UBC Sauder. Students are encouraged to leverage their intellectual curiosity to create business solutions that benefit human health, the environment and society as a whole.
UBC MBA (’23) alum Alex Canning-Choi is the Project Manager of EV Services Infrastructure at BC Hydro, and previously was the Head of Projects at Leading Ahead Energy. He credits his UBC MBA for providing the tools required to succeed in this role.
Securing a role in electric vehicle infrastructure Through a connection with one of his professors, Canning-Choi landed an internship where he discovered his passion for sustainability.
“My UBC MBA taught me strategic decision-making skills and how to utilize data to identify process improvements, opportunities and efficiencies. My favourite project was making a business case for the next application of the technology used in the electric vehicle industry.”
After that internship, Canning-Choi spent the last four months of his MBA prioritizing his job hunt. With practical internship experience relevant to the electric vehicle industry combined with additional networking, he secured a job at Leading Ahead Energy after graduation.
Proven excellence: UBC Sauder’s top spot in business school rankings
UBC Sauder ranks among the best schools in the world for its degree and non-degree programs. In addition to being ranked the top business program in Canada by Maclean’s Magazine for the last eight years, the school’s Full-Time MBA program was ranked 13th in the world in 2024 for excellence in sustainability education, according to Corporate Knights. It was also ranked 5th in the world for sustainability in 2025 by QS World University Rankings and is among the top 100 Full-Time MBA programs in the world, according to Financial Times’ 2025 MBA ranking.
UBC MBA student Nidhi Mohan Kamal (‘25) is the Co-founder and CEO of NidSun Wellness, who has over a decade of experience merging health, wellness and business innovation.
“My initial reason for choosing UBC Sauder was its excellent ranking and the vibrant lifestyle in Vancouver. The program has truly exceeded my expectations. The faculty and their teaching methods are outstanding, bringing a dynamic and practical approach to learning. There are countless opportunities to connect with the local industry and UBC’s ecosystem, making it easy to integrate into a new environment and feel a strong sense of community.
Coming from an entrepreneurial background, the Creative Destruction Lab with Prof Darrell Kopke was particularly transformative, as it sharpened my ability to assess every aspect of a business and investment decision while actively engaging with real companies and their strategies. This hands-on exposure has been priceless."