Canada is one of the few countries where Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) graduates are often eligible for both academic and executive leadership roles, meaning your degree can open doors in universities as professors, deans, and other significant roles, as well as in boardrooms for senior management roles. This means you have greater benefits of pursuing a DBA in Canada.
DBA is a popular program in Canada; however, many candidates may contemplate the cost or fees of the program. Do you know how much a DBA costs in Canada, and how you can pursue a DBA at an affordable tuition fee? Let us take a look at the detailed breakdown of DBA course fees in Canada in this post.
DBA Course Fees in Canada: Understanding the Cost of Your Doctoral Journey
DBA programs are primarily targeted at middle to senior-level executives who already have significant managerial or leadership experience and want to move into strategic, research-driven roles. Hence, DBA programs are generally offered via online and hybrid modes in most universities to make it easy for working professionals to pursue the course online while continuing their jobs.
For many aspirants, the key concern while planning to pursue a DBA is the cost associated with the program. With online programs, senior executives and entrepreneurs, the target audience of the program, can easily balance their jobs and studies at an affordable fee.
Also read: Top DBA Degrees Online for Working Executives
Course Fee for Online DBA Programs
| University | Course Name | Course Duration | Tuition Fee in CAD |
| Golden Gate University (GGU), USA | DBA in Emerging Technologies with Concentration in Generative AI | 36 months | CAD 28,178 |
| Edgewood University | Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) | 24 months | CAD 22,500 (with scholarship option of up to 40% for international students) |
| Golden Gate University (GGU), USA | Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Degree Online | 36 months or less | USD 65,800 |
| Edgewood University | Dual Degree MBA and DBA | 30 months | USD 30,000 |
| ESGCI | Doctorate of Business Administration | 36 months | CAD 14,400 |
| Rushford Business School | Doctor of Business Administration | 36 months | CAD 13,400 |
Factors that Influence DBA Fees in Canada
University/Institution
Depending on the university (public or private), the fee range differs. For instance, a public university like the University of Calgary may charge lower fees compared to a private business school or university.
Learning Mode
Typically, on-campus programs cost more than online or hybrid programs. On-campus programs have lab fees and real-life facilities that you can utilize. Online and hybrid programs are cheaper because they limit overall costs.
Program Duration
The Doctor of Business Administration course duration in Canada is 3-4 years. Programs that are longer mean more tuition payments or installments, which will mean that the total cost will also be higher.
Structure and Credit Hours
Tuition is usually charged per credit hour. Hence, programs with more research/dissertation credits may cost more. For example, if a university charges CAD 1,200 per credit and a DBA program requires 60 credits, then the total tuition fee is 1,200 × 60 = CAD 72,000.
Scholarship and Financial Aid
The presence of scholarships, fellowships, or employer sponsorships can tremendously lessen the actual cost or fees of the DBA program. Example: certain universities may provide entrance scholarships or tuition waivers for exceptional candidates.
Also read: Most Affordable Canadian Universities for MBA Programs
Program Specialization
The program specialization you choose to pursue can also affect total costs at some universities.
Location and Living Costs
Studying in costly cities such as Toronto or Vancouver does add additional potential costs for housing, food, and transportation compared to studying in smaller towns or those offering online programs.
International vs Domestic students
Domestic (i.e., Canadian citizens or permanent residents) students generally pay much lower fees compared to international students.
Additional Charges
There may also be additional fees for technology, dissertation supervision, and examinations beyond the program. International students also require health insurance. All these costs must also be considered. However, if you pursue an online or executive DBA program, you can avoid most of these costs.
Explore Flexible and Affordable DBA Pathways with upGrad
You can earn a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) without sacrificing your career or being burdened with exorbitant tuition costs. With upGrad’s university partnerships around the globe, today’s working professionals can access world-class and affordable DBA programs that are flexible, affordable, globally recognized, and career-focused.
Whether you plan to move into an executive position, a faculty role, or grow as an entrepreneur, upGrad offers the right courses that combine academic rigor with practicality at a fraction of the cost of traditional doctoral degrees in either Canada or the US to prepare you for DBA jobs.
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FAQs on the Cost of DBA in Canada
Ans: Best DBA program in Canada can range between CAD 13,000 to CAD 65000 or more for online courses based on the university, curriculum, and duration of the program. For offline classes, the fees can range from CAD 60,000 to CAD 100,000 and beyond.
Ans: For affordable DBA in Canada, you can enroll for online DBA programs offered by reputed institutions like upGrad in association with international universities. These programs are especially designed for working professionals in Canada.
Ans: A DBA typically costs less when pursued online or part-time because tuition is spread over a longer period, and universities are offering lower costs for remote delivery. There is also a savings in commuting, relocation, and living costs for a full-time on-campus DBA.
Ans: Yes, scholarships and funding are available for DBA students at Canadian universities. You should visit the official website of the university for scholarship details. Depending on the program, these opportunities can result in significant cost savings and can range up to CAD 50,000.
Ans: International students in Canada can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during scheduled breaks, while pursuing a DBA career. This can help offset the cost of living while also gaining some Canadian work experience.
