Global Executive Master of Business Administration (GEMBA)
Program Overview
Offered by two leading business schools, the Rotman-SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA is a transformative program with a highly personalized focus on leadership development.
Quick Facts
Domestic | International | |
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Application deadline | MBA (GEMBA): Round 1: December 18th, 2023 Round 2: March 11th, 2024 Round 3: June 5th, 2024 Round 4: September 8th 2024
| MBA (GEMBA): Round 1: December 18th, 2023 Round 2: March 11th, 2024 Round 3: June 5th, 2024 Round 4: September 8th 2024 * All international applicants are highly encouraged to apply by Round Three in order to ensure ample time for visa processing after accepting the offer of admission. |
Minimum admission average | MBA (GEMBA): A minimum GPA of 3.0 or a mid-B average in the final year of a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent. | MBA (GEMBA): A minimum GPA of 3.0 or a mid-B average in the final year of a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent. |
Direct entry option from bachelor's to PhD? | MBA (GEMBA): N/A | MBA (GEMBA): N/A |
Is a supervisor identified before or after admission? | MBA (GEMBA): N/A | MBA (GEMBA): N/A |
If a supervisor is identified after admission (as per question above), is admission conditional upon securing a supervisor? | MBA (GEMBA): N/A | MBA (GEMBA): N/A |
Is a supervisor assigned by the graduate unit or secured by the applicant? | MBA (GEMBA): N/A | MBA (GEMBA): N/A |
Are any standardized tests required/recommended? | MBA (GEMBA): Applicants must obtain either a satisfactory score for the Rotman Executive MBA Diagnostic Tool (EDT), the SDA Bocconi diagnostic test, the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE; General Test). | MBA (GEMBA): Applicants must obtain either a satisfactory score for the Executive MBA Diagnostic Tool (EDT), the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE; General Test); IELTS/TOEFL (if required). |
Dual Degree Program: Global Executive Master of Business Administration (University of Toronto / Bocconi University)
Program Description
The Global Executive MBA (GEMBA) field may only be taken as part of a dual degree offered by the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and Bocconi University’s SDA Bocconi School of Management. This offering is commonly referred to as the "Rotman-SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA."
Spanning 18 months and seven business centres across four continents, the program accepts applications from full-time professionals in for-profit businesses, not-for-profit enterprises, research institutes, and entrepreneurial ventures from around the globe. The Rotman-SDA Bocconi GEMBA will change the way students think, network, and do business in some of the world’s largest markets: North America, East Asia, South Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
Upon successful completion of the degree requirements of both programs, students will receive an MBA from the Rotman School and a Global Executive MBA from SDA Bocconi.
Contact
www.rotman.utoronto.ca/Degrees/MastersPrograms/MBAPrograms/GEMBA
www.sdabocconi.it/en/mba-executive-mba/global-executive-mba
Rotman-SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA Program
Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
Email: gemba@rotman.utoronto.ca
Rotman-SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA Program
SDA Bocconi School of Management, Bocconi University
Email: info@sdabocconi.it
Application Process
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Applicants may apply to either the Rotman School or SDA Bocconi.
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Applicants applying through Rotman must submit their application online.
Minimum Admission Requirements
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Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Rotman School's additional admission requirements stated below.
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Five years of work experience with a minimum of two years at the management level (people, project, and/or budget management experience).
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Recognized undergraduate degree or equivalent.
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Applicants must obtain a satisfactory score for one of the following tests: the Rotman Executive Diagnostic Test (EDT), the SDA Bocconi diagnostic test, the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE; General Test). Test results are valid for five years. For further details, contact the admissions office.
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If required, completion of the following English proficiency tests:
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Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-based format: overall score of 100 with a minimum of 22 on the writing and speaking sections.
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International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: score of 7.0 with minimum 6.5 required for each component.
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Current full-time employment.
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Ability to work in international teams and demonstrated leadership skills.
Program Requirements
Students complete 10 modules of between 5.5 and 8.5 days each, held in various cities. Within this 18-month dual degree program:
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Students must complete 26 courses worth 12.25 full-course equivalents (FCEs) consisting of 24 required courses and 2 electives. The 2 electives may be taken through the Rotman School, or SDA Bocconi, or exchange partner schools (with courses at the latter pre-approved by the program Academic Directors). The available Rotman electives will be communicated approximately 4 to 6 months before the summer elective period (July and August).
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See the list of required Rotman courses.
Program Length
5 sessions (18 months) full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W)
Time Limit
3 years

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