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McGill MFin: Build a Global Finance Career at a World-Renowned Institution

Dhruvin Jain

Dhruvin Jain

Jun 21, 2025

17 mins read

McGill MFin: Build a Global Finance Career at a World-Renowned Institution Cover Image

The McGill MFin program is a smart choice if you want a strong career in finance. It is offered by the Desautels Faculty of Management at McGill University, one of the most respected schools in the world.

The McGill University MFin program helps students build real skills for jobs in banking, investing, and other finance areas. You will learn from top professors and work on real projects. The school also has strong ties with banks, investment companies, and big firms, which helps you connect with employers.

With a strong name, hands-on learning, and support from career coaches, the Desautels Faculty of Management MFin gives you a great start to a global finance career.

Why Choose McGill MFin?

The McGill MFin program gives you the chance to study at one of the world’s best schools and prepare for a successful finance career. Here’s why many students choose this program:

A Top University with a Strong Name

McGill University is known all over the world for its high-quality education. The Desautels Faculty of Management, which runs the McGill MFin, has a great reputation for teaching business and finance. A degree from McGill can help your resume stand out.

Live and Study in Montreal

Montreal is a big city with lots of banks, finance companies, and new businesses. It’s a great place to study and find job opportunities. The city is also more affordable than many other places in North America, so student life costs less.

Learn from Experts and Real Projects

In the McGill University MFin program, you’ll learn from experienced teachers and work on real-world finance problems. This mix of theory and practice helps you understand how finance works in real jobs.

Join a Global Alumni Network

McGill has graduates working in top finance cities like New York, Toronto, London, and Hong Kong. When you study at Desautels Faculty of Management MFin, you join a strong network of people who can guide and support your career.

McGill MFin Program Highlights

Want help with your study abroad journey?

The McGill MFin program is built to give students the tools they need to succeed in real finance jobs. From top courses to hands-on training, here’s what makes it special.

Curriculum Overview of McGill MFin

The McGill University MFin program focuses on important areas like:

  • Investment banking
  • Asset management
  • Corporate finance

You’ll learn both quantitative skills (like math and data analysis) and strategic thinking (like decision-making and planning). The program is also CFA-aligned, which means it helps you prepare for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exams — a big plus for finance careers.

Program Duration and Format at McGill MFin

The Desautels Faculty of Management MFin is a 12-month, full-time program. It’s fast and intense, designed to prepare you quickly for the job market. The classes are taught in modules, and the program ends with a capstone project where you apply everything you’ve learned.

Unique Features of McGill MFin

  • Students get a chance to manage real investment funds, making decisions just like professionals.
  • The program is linked to Desautels Capital Management, giving hands-on experience in the finance world.
  • You’ll also attend seminars and workshops where experts from the industry share insights and teach new skills.

McGill MFin Admission Requirements

To apply for the McGill MFin program, you need to meet certain academic and application rules. Here’s a simple breakdown of what you need before you apply.

Eligibility Criteria for McGill MFin

To get into the McGill University MFin program, you must:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized school
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (or equivalent)

While work experience is not required, having some professional experience in finance can make your application stronger.

Documents and Test Scores Needed for McGill MFin

You’ll need to submit the following when applying to the Desautels Faculty of Management MFin:

  • A valid GMAT or GRE score
  • An IELTS or TOEFL score (only if English is not your first language)
  • Your resume with work and academic details
  • A strong personal statement explaining why you want to join the McGill MFin program
  • Two letters of recommendation from professors or past employers

Application Deadlines for McGill MFin

McGill has a few rounds of admission each year. It’s better to apply early if you want to increase your chances or get a scholarship.

Application Round

Deadline

Round 1November 1, 2024
Round 2January 15, 2025
Round 3March 15, 2025
Final RoundMay 1, 2025

McGill MFin Fees and Cost of Attendance

Studying the McGill MFin program is a big step, and it's important to plan your budget. Below is a simple look at the fees, living costs, and scholarship options.

Tuition Fees for McGill MFin

The McGill University MFin program has different tuition fees for domestic and international students.

Student Type

Tuition (CAD)

Canadian StudentsAround $49,500
International StudentsAround $59,000

These fees cover the full 12-month Desautels Faculty of Management MFin program. Additional student and administrative fees may also apply.

Living Expenses for McGill MFin Students in Montreal

Living in Montreal is more affordable than in many big cities, but it’s still good to plan ahead. Here's a rough breakdown:

Expense Type

Monthly (CAD)

Yearly (CAD)

Rent$800 – $1,200$9,600 – $14,400
Food$300 – $500$3,600 – $6,000
Public Transport$90 – $100$1,080 – $1,200
Other Expenses$150 – $250$1,800 – $3,000
Total Estimate$16,000 – $24,600

This includes housing, groceries, transport, and other daily needs.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for McGill MFin

The Desautels Faculty of Management offers merit-based scholarships for top applicants. These awards depend on your grades, test scores, and overall application strength.

You can also explore:

  • External scholarships from your home country or private organizations
  • Student loans and grants (especially for Canadian residents)
  • On-campus part-time jobs to earn extra money

Be sure to apply early to get the best chance at scholarships and funding.

Want help with your study abroad journey?

McGill MFin Career Outcomes and Placements

The McGill MFin program is built to help you get a great job in the finance world. From big banks to investment firms, students land strong roles after graduation. Here's what you can expect.

Top Employers Hiring McGill MFin Graduates

Graduates of the McGill University MFin program work at top companies in finance and consulting. These include:

  • Banks: RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank, and National Bank of Canada
  • Consulting firms: Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG
  • Private equity and investment firms: PSP Investments, CDPQ, and McKinsey & Company
  • Other finance roles in asset management, corporate finance, and fintech

These employers value the Desautels Faculty of Management MFin training and the real-world experience it provides.

Average Salaries After McGill MFin

Students from the McGill MFin program earn competitive salaries after they graduate.

Salary Detail

Amount (CAD)

Median Base SalaryAround $75,000 – $85,000
Typical Bonus (if any)$5,000 – $10,000 extra

Career Services and Support at McGill MFin

The Desautels Faculty of Management provides strong support to help students reach their career goals. Services include:

  • One-on-one career coaching to help plan your path
  • Resume and cover letter help to make your applications stronger
  • Workshops and mock interviews to practice job skills
  • Help with finding internships and full-time jobs in finance

The McGill career team stays involved from day one to help you succeed after graduation.

McGill MFin Class Profile

The McGill MFin program brings together students from all over the world. Everyone comes from different backgrounds, which helps you learn new ideas and build global connections. Here's what a typical class looks like.

Age and Gender Ratio

Most students in the McGill University MFin program are young professionals.

Detail

Number

Average AgeAround 24–26 years old
Gender RatioAbout 45% women, 55% men

McGill works to keep the class balanced and inclusive.

Professional Experience

Work Experience

Details

Average Experience1 to 2 years
Common BackgroundsFinance, economics, business, engineering

Work experience is not required, but most students have some before joining the Desautels Faculty of Management MFin.

Test Scores

Test Type

Average Score

GMATAround 660
GREAround 315+

A strong test score can boost your application but is not the only thing that matters.

Diversity in Nationalities

The McGill MFin class is international and diverse.

Diversity Detail

Stats

International StudentsOver 60%
Countries Represented20+

This mix of cultures helps students build a global mindset and prepare for finance jobs anywhere in the world.

McGill MFin Rankings and Accreditations

The McGill MFin program is offered by one of the most respected universities in the world. McGill’s strong rankings and business school accreditations show that the program meets high global standards.

International Rankings

McGill University and the Desautels Faculty of Management are ranked among the best worldwide.

Ranking Organization

Ranking Info

QS World University RankingsMcGill is regularly ranked in the Top 50
QS Business Masters Rankings – FinanceMcGill MFin is ranked Top 60 globally
Financial TimesMcGill often appears among leading global business schools

These rankings prove that the McGill University MFin program is trusted by students, employers, and experts around the world.

Business School Accreditations

The Desautels Faculty of Management MFin program holds top-level business school accreditations, including:

  • AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) – This means McGill meets top standards in business education.
  • EQUIS (EFMD Quality Improvement System) – This shows the school’s commitment to high-quality learning and research.

These accreditations are held by only a few of the best business schools worldwide, making McGill MFin a valuable and respected degree.

Student Life During McGill MFin

Life at McGill is more than just classes. While studying the McGill MFin program, students enjoy a fun, supportive, and exciting campus experience.

Campus Life at Desautels Faculty of Management

At the Desautels Faculty of Management, you’ll be part of a busy and active student community. There are many ways to get involved:

  • Join student clubs focused on finance, investing, and leadership
  • Take part in case competitions and finance contests with real business problems
  • Attend events with guest speakers and industry leaders

These activities help you build leadership skills and meet new people both students and professionals.

Living in Montreal While Studying McGill MFin

Montreal is a great place to live as a student. It’s known for:

  • A mix of French and English cultures
  • A fun, young, and student-friendly environment
  • Lower living costs compared to cities like Toronto or Vancouver
  • Plenty of part-time work and internship opportunities in finance, tech, and startups

It’s also a beautiful city with parks, cafes, festivals, and a strong public transport system — making it easy and enjoyable to explore.

Want help with your study abroad journey?

McGill MFin vs Other Top Canadian MFin Programs

Canada has many great Master of Finance programs, but each one has its own style. Here’s how the McGill MFin program compares to others:

School

Location

Program Length

Highlights

McGill MFinMontreal12 monthsGlobal brand, CFA-aligned, real fund management
UBC Sauder MFinVancouver16 monthsExperiential learning, Bloomberg labs
Schulich MFinToronto12 monthsStrong risk and fintech focus
Queen’s (Smith) MFinToronto12 months (PT option)Leadership focus, flexible format
Waterloo MFinWaterloo/Toronto12–16 monthsQuant-heavy, co-op option

The McGill University MFin program stands out for its strong reputation, international mix of students, and career-focused training in the heart of Montreal.

FAQs
Does McGill MFin offer scholarships?
Yes, the Desautels Faculty of Management MFin offers merit-based scholarships to top applicants. You can also apply for external financial aid and explore part-time work options while studying.
Can I apply without work experience for McGill MFin?
Yes, work experience is not required to apply. Many students enter the program right after finishing their bachelor’s degree. However, having 1–2 years of experience in finance or business can make your application stronger.
How is Montreal for international students during McGill MFin?
Montreal is one of Canada’s most welcoming cities for students. It’s safe, affordable, and full of culture. International students in the McGill MFin program enjoy easy public transport, good food, fun events, and chances to work part-time or do internships. For more comprehensive detail visit the MastersBuddy platorm.
Is GMAT mandatory for McGill MFin?
Yes, a GMAT or GRE score is required to apply for the McGill MFin program. A strong score (GMAT around 660 or GRE around 315) can help your chances, but your full profile — including grades, essays, and experience — is also important.
What are the average salaries after McGill MFin?
Graduates of the McGill University MFin program usually earn $75,000 to $85,000 CAD as a starting base salary. Many also receive performance bonuses, depending on the company and role.
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Dhruvin Jain
Dhruvin Jain

Articles: 20

Dhruvin Jain is the co-founder of MastersBuddy, a tech-first platform that has helped over 2500 students find and apply to top master’s programs globally. He is a master’s graduate from IE Business School, and is passionate about education, technology, and entrepreneurship.

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