Investment Banking Courses in Canada in 2025

Investment banking is focused on the financial industry and supplies services that help raise money and manage deals, mergers, and acquisitions for businesses and governments. If you plan to study in Canada for a career in investment banking, you will find courses at the undergraduate, MBA, and professional & certificate levels. They offer students international recognition, make new contacts, gain important career experience, and develop skills needed in the industry.

The Investment Banking market's revenue is anticipated to hit USD 10.60bn by 2025. It is anticipated to exhibit an annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2029) of 1.78%, culminating in an estimated total of USD 11.37bn by 2029. From a worldwide comparison viewpoint, it is indicated that the peak revenue will be attained in the United States (USD 134.42bn by 2025). 

Joining an Investment Banking course in Canada can greatly enhance your opportunities for breaking into the field. The blog here can be your guide.

Top Investment Banking Courses in Canada to Pursue in 2025

Canada offers a wide range of investment banking courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as certificate programs aimed at skill development. These courses are designed to build strong foundations in finance, corporate strategy, valuation, and capital markets. 

Below is a list of top programs to consider in 2025:

Leading Degree and Certificate Programs in Investment Banking

Course Name	Level	Duration
B.Com in Finance (with Investment Banking focus)	Undergraduate	4 years
BBA with Specialization in Finance	Undergraduate	4 years
B.Com in Investment Management	Undergraduate	4 years
Master of Finance	Postgraduate	1 year
MSc in Finance	Postgraduate	1.5–2 years
MBA in Investment Banking/Finance	Postgraduate (MBA)	1–2 years
Certificate in Investment Banking	Professional Certificate	6–12 months
Investment Banking Bridging Program	Professional Diploma	1 year
Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning	Postgraduate Certificate	8 months – 1 year

Course Highlights

• Undergraduate Programs build foundational knowledge in finance, accounting, and economics with electives in investment banking and capital markets.
• Postgraduate Degrees (Master’s/MBA) focus on advanced financial analysis, M&A, private equity, and valuation strategies.
• Certificate & Diploma Courses are ideal for upskilling, job switching, or adding niche expertise like Excel modeling or CFA prep.

🎓 Tip for 2025 Applicants: Choose your course based on career goals—whether it's direct placement in investment banks, CFA readiness, or transitioning from a different field.

Top Universities for Investment Banking Courses in Canada

Canada is home to some of the world’s most respected universities offering finance and investment banking-focused programs. These institutions blend academic excellence with practical training, strong industry connections, and pathways to top investment banks.

University Name	QS World Ranking (2025)	Avg. Tuition Fees (per year)
University of Toronto – Rotman	#25	CAD 35,000–65,000 (INR 21L–39L)
McGill University – Desautels	#29	CAD 30,000–50,000 (INR 18L–30L)
University of British Columbia – Sauder	#38	CAD 25,000–60,000 (INR 15L–36L)
Western University – Ivey	#50	CAD 45,000–95,000 (INR 27L–57L)
University of Waterloo	#115	CAD 20,000–35,000 (INR 12L–21L)
Queen’s University – Smith School	#193	CAD 40,000–85,000 (INR 24L–51L)
York University – Schulich	#362	CAD 28,000–50,000 (INR 17L–30L)
Concordia University – John Molson	#415	CAD 18,000–35,000 (INR 11L–21L)
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)	#801-850	CAD 17,000–30,000 (INR 10L–18L)
George Brown College	Not Ranked	CAD 14,000–22,000 (INR 8L–13L)

These universities offer the academic rigour and industry exposure needed to launch a successful investment banking career in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria to Pursue Investment Banking Courses in Canada

To pursue investment banking courses in Canada, students need to meet academic and language proficiency standards. Requirements vary by level (bachelor’s or master’s) and institution, but a strong quantitative and business foundation is generally preferred.

General Academic Requirements

Most universities expect applicants to have a background in finance, economics, business, mathematics, or a related field. A four-year bachelor’s degree is standard for postgraduate programs.

Academic Prerequisites by Program Level

Program Level	Eligibility Criteria
Bachelor’s Degree	Completion of 10+2 with a strong academic record. Some universities may require math.
Master’s Degree	A four-year bachelor’s degree in finance, business, economics, or a quantitative discipline.

✅ Applicants from other disciplines like computer science or engineering may be considered if they show quantitative aptitude.

Language Proficiency Requirements

International students must demonstrate proficiency in English. Most universities accept the following test scores:

• IELTS: 6.5 – 7.5 overall (with no band below 6.0)
• TOEFL iBT: 88 – 100 overall (minimum 20 in each section)
• PTE Academic: 60 – 70 overall

📌 Note: Requirements may vary by institution. Always check the university’s official admission page.

Standardized Test Requirements

Some competitive programs—especially master's or MBA programs with a finance concentration—may require:

• GMAT: 600+ is considered competitive
• GRE: 310+ is preferred

🎯 Some universities may waive GMAT/GRE if you have strong academics or relevant work experience.

Work Experience

Although not mandatory for all programs, relevant professional experience can strengthen your application:

• 1–3 years of experience in finance, banking, consulting, or analytics is often preferred for master’s programs.
• Internship experience is a plus for undergraduate applicants.

Course-Specific Skills & Tools

Some investment banking programs may require foundational skills such as:

• Microsoft Excel and Financial Modeling
• Basic programming knowledge (e.g., Python, R) – optional but beneficial
• Understanding of capital markets and accounting basics

Professional Certifications

While not required for entry into academic programs, the following credentials may enhance your profile:

• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
• CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant)
• FRM (Financial Risk Manager)

🔍 These certifications can also fulfill prerequisites for specialized finance roles post-graduation.

Also Read: Which Stream is Best for MBA in 2025? Top 15 Specializations to Choose From

Cost of Studying Investment Banking Courses in Canada

Understanding the total cost of studying investment banking in Canada is essential for budgeting and financial planning. The overall expense includes tuition fees, which vary by program level and institution, as well as living expenses, which are influenced by your lifestyle and the city you live in.

Tuition Fees by Program Type

Tuition costs depend on the type of program you enroll in—Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Certificate—and the prestige of the institution. Below is an estimate of the annual tuition fees:

Program Type	Cost in CAD	Approximate Cost in INR
Master’s Degree	CAD 30,000 – CAD 95,000	INR 18.37L – INR 58.17L
Bachelor’s Degree	CAD 18,000 – CAD 63,000	INR 11.02L – INR 38.57L
Professional Certificate	CAD 2,000 – CAD 15,000	INR 1.22L – INR 9.18L

💡 Note: Tuition can be higher at top-tier universities or for MBA-style finance programs.

Living Expenses in Canada

Living expenses depend heavily on the city—Toronto and Vancouver are more expensive compared to cities like Halifax or Winnipeg. Here’s a breakdown of average yearly costs:

Expense Category	Cost in CAD (Annual)	Approximate Cost in INR
Accommodation	CAD 9,600 – CAD 21,000	INR 5.87L – INR 12.85L
Transportation	CAD 1,200 – CAD 1,800	INR 73.4K – INR 1.10L
Food & Groceries	CAD 3,600 – CAD 7,200	INR 2.20L – INR 4.40L
Health Insurance	CAD 600 – CAD 900	INR 36.7K – INR 55.1K
Utilities & Internet	CAD 1,200 – CAD 2,400	INR 73.4K – INR 1.46L

📍 Tip for Students: Always budget 10–15% more than your estimates to cover incidental or emergency costs.

Scholarships for Investment Banking Students in Canada

When seeking a career in investment banking in Canada, there are numerous scholarships such as university scholarships,  external scholarships, and loan opportunities that can assist in funding your education. Here is an overview of various options that are currently accessible: 

Pursuing investment banking in Canada can be financially demanding, but a wide range of scholarships and funding opportunities are available for both domestic and international students. These include university-specific entrance scholarships, industry-supported external scholarships, and loan options to help ease the financial burden. Here's a breakdown of key resources you should consider:

University Scholarships

Top Canadian universities offer a mix of merit-based and need-based scholarships tailored for high-achieving students interested in business and finance. Below are some notable options:

University	Scholarship Name	Details
University of Toronto	Rotman Commerce Entrance Scholarships	Awarded to academically strong students entering the Rotman Commerce program.
Western University (Ivey)	Ivey Entrance Scholarships & Ivey International Student Scholarships	Merit-based awards; international students automatically considered.
McGill University	Entrance Scholarships & Desautels Merit Scholarships	Valued up to CAD 10,000 (INR 10.7L); academic excellence required.
University of British Columbia	Sauder Entrance Awards & International Student Scholarships	Offered based on academic performance and community involvement.
Queen’s University (Smith)	Smith School of Business Scholarships & Global Opportunities Award	Supports international students with leadership and academic excellence.

💡 Tip: Most universities automatically consider applicants for these awards during admissions. However, some require a separate application—check university websites for details.

External Scholarships

Industry leaders in finance and banking sponsor scholarships to promote diversity and support aspiring investment bankers. These scholarships can enhance your profile and sometimes include networking or internship opportunities.

Popular External Scholarships:

• BMO Capital Markets Scholarship – Supports students in finance with academic merit and leadership potential.
• CFA Institute Scholarships – Available for candidates pursuing the CFA Program; reduces exam fees significantly.
• CSI Financial Services Scholarships – Offered by the Canadian Securities Institute for finance-focused students.
• RBC Capital Markets Diversity Scholarship – Designed for underrepresented groups; includes mentorship opportunities.

✅ These external scholarships are highly competitive and usually require a separate, detailed application including essays and recommendations.

Loan Options

In addition to scholarships, students can explore various loan options to fund their education. Loans are available through Canadian government programs, private lenders, and international student loan providers.

Types of Loans:

• Government Student Loans – Offered by federal or provincial governments to eligible students.
• Private Student Loans – Provided by banks or financial institutions with varying interest rates and repayment terms.
• International Student Loans – Specialized loans for non-Canadian residents; some do not require a Canadian co-signer.
• Provincial Student Loans – Vary by province; often paired with federal loans to cover tuition and living expenses.

Loan Type	Eligibility	Remarks
Government Loans	Canadian citizens/permanent residents	Not available to international students
Private Loans (Canada)	Some may require Canadian co-signer	Compare interest rates and repayment terms
International Student Loans	Offered by lenders like Prodigy, MPower	Do not always require a co-signer or collateral

Career Opportunities after Pursuing Investment Banking Courses in Canada

Investment banking encompasses various job specialties such as banking associate, underwriter, banking analyst, banking vice president, and many more, that come with distinct responsibilities and qualification criteria.  

Below are the popular career prospects after pursuing investment banking courses in Canada.

Job Title	Average Salary (CAD/INR)	Brief Responsibilities
Banking Associate	CAD 60,028  (INR 36,75,936.44)	Supports client satisfaction, assists with investment decisions, and handles admin tasks like reports and documentation.
Underwriter	CAD 63,913  (INR 39,13,842.30)	Manages IPOs, raises capital, assesses investor needs, and facilitates negotiations.
Banking Analyst	CAD 79,957 (INR 48,96,329.21)	Analyzes investments, gathers financial data, assesses risks, and advises clients.
Mergers and Acquisitions Manager	CAD 91,397 (INR 55,96,880.83)	Advises on mergers/acquisitions, builds financial models, and analyzes business integration costs.
Managing Director	CAD 96,340 (INR 58,99,575.47)	Oversees bank operations, meets clients, handles M&A deals, and evaluates businesses for buyouts.
Director of Strategy	CAD 134,579  (INR 82,41,218.26)	Leads market research, targets the client

Source: Indeed

How UpGrad Abroad Can Help You Apply Investment Banking Courses in Canada

upGrad significantly aids students in selecting the best Investment Banking Courses in Canada by providing organized support, carefully selected course materials, and connections to worldwide academic and industry collaborations. It connects education and career by offering online learning along with career assistance, particularly for individuals seeking to enter competitive areas such as investment banking. 

• Selected assistance 
• Career direction advice 
• Comprehensive assistance 
• Worldwide university access 
• Employment support 
• Curriculum pertinent to the industry 
• Adaptable education 

Launch Your Investment Banking Career in Canada with study abroad assistance from upGrad!