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Home Blogs Queen’s MFin: Your Launchpad to a Successful Finance Career

Queen’s MFin: Your Launchpad to a Successful Finance Career

Viral Vora

Viral Vora

Jun 21, 2025

21 mins read

Queen’s MFin

Introduction

If you want to grow your career in finance or switch to a top role in the industry, the Queen’s MFin program is a great choice. This program is offered by the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University, one of Canada’s best business schools. It’s held at the Toronto campus, right in the middle of Canada’s biggest financial city.

What makes this program special is more than just its strong courses. It’s also about the people you’ll meet and the location. The Queen’s University MFin program puts you close to major banks, top finance firms, and great job opportunities.

The Smith School of Business MFin is perfect for professionals who want to improve their finance skills while working. Whether you want to become an investment banker, work in asset management, or handle finance at a company, this program helps you get there with the knowledge and support you need.

The Queen’s MFin program is a one-year Master of Finance course. It is offered by the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University, one of Canada’s top schools. This program is made for people who want to work in finance and already have some job experience.

Classes take place in downtown Toronto, which is the center of Canada’s financial world. Being in Toronto gives students a big advantage. They are close to large banks, investment firms, and many companies where they might work in the future.

The program is part-time and runs on weekends. That means you can keep your job while you study. It’s a great way to learn without taking time off from work.

Here are some key details:

Feature

Detail

Duration12 months
FormatPart-time (weekend classes)
LocationToronto, Ontario
SchoolSmith School of Business
DegreeMaster of Finance (MFin)

The Queen’s University MFin program teaches important finance topics like financial modeling, portfolio management, and corporate finance. Students also build strong skills in leadership and decision-making, which are useful in any finance job.

Why Choose Queen’s MFin?

There are many reasons why students pick the Queen’s MFin program. It gives you a strong education and helps you move ahead in your finance career. Here are four big reasons why this program stands out.

A Trusted Name: Smith School of Business

The Smith School of Business is known all over Canada and beyond. It has top teachers, a strong finance program, and a history of success. Employers trust a degree from Smith. When you study here, you learn from experts who also work in the real world.

Study in Downtown Toronto

Classes happen at the Toronto campus, close to Canada’s biggest banks and investment firms. You’ll be near Bay Street, where many finance companies are based. This helps you attend events, meet people in the field, and find job openings faster.

One-Year Program That Fits Your Career

The Queen’s MFin is a 12-month program made for working professionals. You go to class on weekends, so you can keep your job while you study. This setup is great for people who don’t want to take a break from work.

A Network That Opens Doors

The program has a strong alumni network. Many past students now work at top finance firms. You also get to connect with employers through career events and workshops. This makes it easier to get interviews and grow your network in finance.

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Queen’s MFin Program Highlights

The Queen’s MFin program is more than just classroom learning. It gives you strong knowledge in finance and the tools to use that knowledge in real life. Here’s what makes the program special.

Curriculum Overview of Queen’s MFin

In this program, you learn the most important parts of finance. Some of the main topics include:

  • Company valuation
  • Risk management
  • Corporate finance

The program focuses on real-world skills. You learn how to apply finance ideas to real problems. That means you don’t just study — you also practice. The curriculum is also CFA-aligned, so it can help if you plan to take the CFA exams.

Program Duration and Format at Queen’s MFin

The Queen’s MFin is a 12-month, full-time program. It’s short but intense, helping you move forward in your career quickly. Some classes are in the evenings or on weekends, which helps if you're working while studying.

Unique Features of Queen’s MFin

What really makes this program stand out are the extra tools and experiences:

  • SmithEdge: This is a professional development plan that builds leadership and communication skills.
  • Bloomberg terminals: These are used by real finance pros. You’ll get to use them too.
  • Trading simulations: You’ll practice buying and selling stocks in real-time, just like in the real world.

These features help you feel ready for real finance jobs after graduation.

Queen’s MFin Admission Requirements

Getting into the Queen’s MFin program means you need to meet certain rules. You also have to send in the right documents. Here’s what you should know before you apply.

Eligibility Criteria for Queen’s MFin

To apply, you must:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
  • Show strong grades, especially in math, business, or finance courses

It helps if you also have:

  • Work experience in finance or business
  • A background in accounting, economics, or a related field

Work experience is not always required, but it can make your application stronger.

Documents and Test Scores Needed for Queen’s MFin

You need to send the following:

  • GMAT or GRE scores
  • IELTS or TOEFL scores (if English is not your first language)
  • Statement of intent (a short essay about why you want to join the program)
  • Resume (showing your education and work history)
  • Two references (usually from work or school)

Make sure your documents are complete and correct before you apply.

Application Deadlines for Queen’s MFin

The Queen’s University MFin program has more than one intake. Each intake has its own deadline. Check the table below:

Intake Month

Application Deadline

JanuaryOctober 1 (previous year)
MayFebruary 1
SeptemberJune 1

It’s best to apply early. Spaces fill up fast, and applying early shows you’re serious.

Queen’s MFin Fees and Cost of Attendance

Before you apply to the Queen’s MFin program, it’s important to understand the total cost. This includes tuition, living expenses, and other possible fees.

Tuition Fees for Queen’s MFin

The Smith School of Business sets different tuition fees for domestic and international students.

Student Type

Tuition Fee (CAD)

Domestic Students$38,000 – $42,000
International Students$45,000 – $50,000

These fees cover classes, course materials, and some student services. Fees may change slightly each year, so check the official website for updates.

Living Expenses for Queen’s MFin Students in Toronto

Living in Toronto can be costly. Below is a rough monthly breakdown of living expenses:

Expense Type

Monthly Cost (CAD)

Rent (shared housing)$900 – $1,200
Utilities & Internet$100 – $150
Food & Groceries$300 – $500
Transportation$150 – $200
Miscellaneous$100 – $200
Estimated Total$1,550 – $2,250

For one year, students should budget around $18,000 to $27,000 for living costs.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Queen’s MFin

The Queen’s University MFin program offers some scholarships and financial help.

Scholarships:

  • Merit-based scholarships for strong academic or professional backgrounds
  • Diversity and inclusion scholarships for underrepresented groups

Other Aid:

  • External funding from banks, government programs, or local scholarships
  • Graduate assistantships may be offered in limited numbers, but are not guaranteed

Make sure to apply for scholarships early, and contact the admissions team if you have questions about funding.

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Queen’s MFin Career Outcomes and Placements

Graduates of the Queen’s MFin program often land great jobs in finance. The program is well-known in the industry and has strong connections with top companies.

Top Employers Hiring Queen’s MFin Graduates

Many top companies look to hire graduates from the Queen’s University MFin program. These include:

  • Big Banks: RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank, CIBC
  • Consulting Firms: Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, EY
  • Investment Firms: BlackRock, Brookfield Asset Management, CPP Investments
  • Other Finance Companies: Manulife, Sun Life, and global hedge funds

Because the program is based in Toronto, students get to meet people from these companies at events and interviews.

Average Salaries After Queen’s MFin

Most students see a jump in salary after finishing the program. Here are the numbers:

Job Role

Average Salary (CAD)

Bonus (if any)

Financial Analyst$70,000 – $85,000$5,000 – $10,000
Investment Banking Analyst$85,000 – $100,000$10,000 – $25,000
Risk or Portfolio Manager$90,000 – $110,000$10,000+

Salaries depend on your past experience and the job you get, but most grads see strong returns on their investment.

Career Services at Queen’s MFin

The Smith School of Business gives strong career support to all MFin students. These services include:

  • One-on-one career coaching to help with resumes and interviews
  • Workshops and job fairs where you meet hiring managers
  • Networking events with alumni and finance experts
  • Mock interviews and career planning tools

These services help students find the right job and prepare for long-term success.

Queen’s MFin Class Profile

The Queen’s MFin program brings together students from many backgrounds. This mix of experience, skills, and cultures makes learning better for everyone. Here’s a look at the typical class profile.

Age and Work Experience

Most students in the program already have some work experience. This helps them understand the lessons better and add real-life ideas to class talks.

Detail

Average

Age27–30 years old
Work Experience3–5 years

Many students come from finance, accounting, or business jobs.

Gender Diversity

The program works hard to create a fair and equal class. It welcomes people of all genders and supports women in finance.

Group

Percentage

Female studentsAbout 40%
Male studentsAbout 60%

The school wants to raise the number of women and underrepresented groups in the program every year.

International Students

The Smith School of Business is open to students from all over the world. The Queen’s MFin class usually includes people from many different countries.

Student Type

Percentage

International Students30–40%
Canadian Students60–70%

This global group helps students learn about how finance works in different countries.

GMAT/GRE Scores

Most students score well on their entrance tests. While there’s no official cut-off, strong scores help your application stand out.

Test

Average Score

GMAT650–700
GRE310–325

Good grades, a strong resume, and a clear reason for joining the program also matter a lot.

Queen’s MFin Rankings and Accreditations

The Queen’s MFin program is ranked among the best in Canada and is well-known around the world. These rankings and accreditations show the program’s strong quality and global trust.

Rankings by QS, Financial Times, and Others

Many top education rankings place Queen’s University and the Smith School of Business high for finance and business.

Here are some recent rankings:

Ranking Body

Year

Ranking (Canada)

Global Rank (if listed)

QS Business Master’s in Finance2024Top 3Top 50 worldwide
Financial Times (MFin Ranking)*2024Listed among top Canadian MFinsNot globally ranked individually
Poets&Quants2024Top 5 in CanadaN/A

Not all Canadian MFin programs are listed in the Financial Times rankings each year, as FT often selects full-time global MFin programs only.

These rankings are based on things like salary after graduation, student satisfaction, and career growth.

Key Accreditations of Smith School of Business

The Smith School of Business, which offers the Queen’s MFin program, holds top accreditations that show its high quality.

  • AACSB Accreditation (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business): A top honor held by only 5% of business schools worldwide
  • EQUIS Accreditation (European Quality Improvement System): Shows strong international standards
  • AMBA (Association of MBAs): While focused on MBA programs, it supports the school’s global reputation

These accreditations show that the Smith School of Business follows high standards in teaching, faculty quality, and student outcomes.

Student Life During Queen’s MFin

The Queen’s MFin program is not just about studying. It’s also about growing as a person, making friends, and building your career. From campus activities to life in Toronto, students enjoy a full and exciting experience.

Campus Life at Smith School of Business

At the Smith School of Business, students are part of a close and supportive group. Even though the program is based in downtown Toronto, you still get to enjoy school life.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Student clubs: There are finance, investment, and leadership clubs where you can meet others and share ideas.
  • Activities: The school hosts events like guest talks, case competitions, and workshops.
  • Leadership chances: You can join student groups or help plan events, which helps build your resume.

These activities help students learn teamwork, speak in public, and become better leaders.

Living in Toronto While Studying Queen’s MFin

Toronto is Canada’s biggest city and one of the top financial hubs in the world. This means you’re studying where all the action happens.

While living in Toronto, you’ll enjoy:

  • A vibrant cultural scene: Music, food, art, and sports events all year round
  • Easy access to finance jobs: Most banks, investment firms, and consulting companies are just a train or walk away
  • Professional events: Career fairs, meetups, and networking nights happen often—giving you a chance to meet future employers

Living and learning in Toronto helps you grow in both your career and your life.

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Queen’s MFin vs Other Leading MFin Programs in Canada

If you're thinking about doing a Master of Finance in Canada, it helps to compare schools. The Queen’s MFin program is strong, but there are other top choices too. Let’s see how it stacks up against programs at Schulich (York University), Sauder (UBC), McGill University, and University of Waterloo.

Program

Duration

Location

Tuition (CAD)

Work Experience Needed

Known For

Queen’s MFin12 monthsToronto$38K–$50K2+ years preferredFlexible schedule, career focus
Schulich MFin16–20 monthsToronto$52K–$58KNo (but preferred)Specializations in Risk, CFA support
Sauder MFin (UBC)16 monthsVancouver$55K–$60K2 years preferredStrong global ties, west coast jobs
McGill MFin12–16 monthsMontreal$49K–$55KNoResearch-heavy, global student base
Waterloo MFin16–20 monthsWaterloo$40K–$48K2 years requiredTech-finance blend, data-driven

Key Takeaways:

  • Queen’s MFin is one of the fastest programs (12 months), great if you want to return to work quickly.
  • It offers weekend classes for working students, which is rare.
  • Toronto location gives direct access to Canada’s top finance jobs.
  • Other programs may offer more electives or longer internships, but take more time to complete.

Each program has strengths. Choose the one that best fits your goals, timeline, and career path.

FAQs
Is Queen’s MFin good for career switchers?
Yes. The Queen’s MFin program is a great choice if you want to move into finance from another field. You’ll learn real-world skills and get support from career coaches to help make the switch.
Do I need finance work experience for Queen’s MFin?
It helps, but it’s not required. Many students have a background in finance or business, but others come from different fields like engineering or tech. If you show strong math skills and interest in finance, you still have a good chance.
How competitive is admission to Queen’s MFin?
Admission is competitive. The school looks at your grades, test scores, work experience, and your statement of intent. Having strong scores, clear goals, and good references will help you stand out.
What scholarships are available for Queen’s MFin?
The Queen’s University MFin program offers merit-based scholarships and funding for students from diverse backgrounds. You can also apply for external scholarships and financial aid.
Is GMAT compulsory for Queen’s MFin?
Yes, most applicants need to submit a GMAT or GRE score. However, if you have a strong academic or work record, you may request a waiver. Check with the school for more details. For more comprehensive information visit the MastersBuddy webiste
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Viral Vora
Viral Vora

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Viral Vora is the co-founder of MastersBuddy, a platform that is building the world’s best study abroad experience. He is a graduate of IE Business School and KJSCE Vidyavihar. Viral is passionate about helping students achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals.

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