Waterloo does not run a traditional full-time MBA. Its closest offering is the Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (MBET) at the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business, which is positioned as a tech-entrepreneurship degree rather than a general management MBA.
Does Waterloo Require the GMAT?
| Programme | GMAT Requirement |
|---|---|
| MBA | Not applicable — Waterloo has no traditional MBA |
| Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (MBET) | GMAT or GRE accepted; often waivable for strong technical/entrepreneurial background |
MBET — GMAT Context
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Typical candidate profile | Engineers, computer scientists, and technical founders transitioning toward entrepreneurship |
| GMAT requirement | Accepted, frequently waived for candidates with strong technical degrees or startup experience |
| Where submitted, competitive range | 620 – 680 |
MBET's candidate pool skews heavily toward technical backgrounds (often Waterloo's own strong Engineering and Computer Science graduates) — GMAT plays a smaller role here than demonstrated technical or entrepreneurial capability.
If You're Comparing Waterloo to Traditional MBA Programmes
Candidates weighing MBET against a traditional MBA should note the difference in positioning: MBET is explicitly built around technology commercialisation and startup creation, leveraging Waterloo's strong co-op and entrepreneurship ecosystem, rather than general management training.
GMAT Is Separate From English Proficiency
A GMAT score does not satisfy Waterloo's English language requirement. International applicants still need IELTS or TOEFL:
| Requirement | Waterloo Policy |
|---|---|
| GMAT | Accepted for MBET, often waivable |
| IELTS | Required — see our University of Waterloo guide |
| TOEFL | Required — see our University of Waterloo guide |
Prepare for IELTS with Gabble — the mandatory English requirement for Waterloo's MBET and graduate programmes. AI-powered speaking and writing feedback. Or prepare for TOEFL.