Frequently Asked Questions

Within this FAQ guide, you will discover answers to your questions regarding the McGill Master of Management in Retailing (MMR) program.

Whether you're seeking information about the curriculum, admission process, or opportunities post-graduation, we've compiled a comprehensive resource to address your most common questions.

On this page:

→ Admissions
→ Program Information
→ Tuition & Financial Aid
→ Career Outlook
→ International Students

1. Admissions

1.1: Which quantitative skills are necessary for the MMR program?

Although there is no direct pre-requisite skill required to do the MMR program, we find that the following skill sets perform well during our course work.

1. At a baseline, students with strong general mathematical aptitude can handle the quantitative rigor of the program.
2. From the technical side, students are expected to have some knowledge/familiarity in problem solving tools/technology. For example, strong familiarity with Excel will be good background for underlying skills needed. Any exposure to programming languages like R and Python would be an asset, although not a requirement.

1.2: Do I need work experience?

​No prior work experience is required for the MMR program, but specific retail experience will be favorably taken into consideration in the admissions process.

1.3: If I have more than 5 years of work experience, am I still eligible to apply for admission to the program?

Even though no prior work experience is required for the MMR program, an applicant with significant work experience may still apply for admission.

1.4: What is the admission process?

Read the admission process for details. The Admissions Committee will review complete applications on a rolling basis. Only selected applicants will be invited for an interview. Our office will notify them by e-mail as to a time and date.

1.5: What is the minimum cGPA required?

For admission to graduate programs at McGill, the minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is 3.0 out of a possible 4.0, or a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.2 out of 4.0 in the last two years of full-time studies.

1.6: Do you require GMAT or GRE scores?

All applicants—except those with a graduate or undergraduate degree from any Canadian or US University—must complete the GMAT or GRE. We accept both scores. When registering for a test, request the results be sent directly to McGill University: GMAT Institution Code: 58H-LH-04, GRE Institution Code: 0935

Please note that it can take between 10-20 business days for your GMAT/GRE scores to reflect in your applicant portal, once submitted. If you do not see the test scores by then, please use the inbox/chat function on your applicant portal. Complete GMAT details Complete GRE details To help you with your preparation, we are now offering free online GMAT practice test, in collaboration with Admit Master, North America's premier Test preparation & Admissions Consulting company.

Complete GMAT details
Complete GRE details

To help you with your preparation, we are now offering free online GMAT practice test, in collaboration with Admit Master, North America's premier Test preparation & Admissions Consulting company.

Try our GMAT practice test

1.7: What is the minimum GMAT/GRE score required for acceptance to the MMR program?

There is no minimum score required. The Admissions Committee will evaluate the complete application and take into account all application requirements.

1.8: Can the GMAT or GRE be waived?

No. Only those applicants with a graduate or undergraduate degree from any Canadian or US University do not have to complete the GMAT or GRE test.

1.9: Is the TOEFL or IELTS required?

For applicants whose mother tongue is not English and who have not completed their degree in an English speaking country, the TOEFL or IELTS is required. When registering for a test, request that the results be sent electronically to McGill University by the testing service: For the TOEFL the McGill Institution code 0935. For IELTS, please request that the scores are submitted electronically to McGill University via the IELTS Results Service. Students cannot upload their results themselves, nor can administration upload paper copies of their results. Please refer to the English language proficiency page for details on McGill minimum English requirements and to determine if you may be exempt from taking a proficiency test.

1.10: Who should I ask for references?

We recommend you get references from people who know your strengths and competencies. The references could be academic or professional ones. McGill will automatically contact these referees and invite them to upload references via the Application Management system.

1.11: Is there an interview as part of the application process?

After a preliminary review of complete applications, only selected candidates will be invited for an interview. Our office will notify them by e-mail as to a time and date. All interviews are conducted online.

1.12: When is a student notified of the admission decision?

Once an application is complete, applicants can expect to receive a response within 6-8 weeks of the application deadlines. Note that this timeline may vary.

1.13: If I receive an offer of admission, when do I have to accept?

Accepted applicants will have 2 weeks to accept the offer and pay the non-refundable and non-transferable deposit of C$5,000. For details, read the Tuition & Financial page.

1.14: If I receive an offer of admission, can I defer my admission?

Deferring admission for one year may be considered in exceptional cases upon evidence of extenuating circumstances. A written request should be submitted to us at mmr [at] mcgill.ca. If approved, students wishing to defer their admission will be required to submit a non-refundable  and non-transferable confirmation deposit in order to secure their place for the following year.

1.15: What are the program start and end dates?

The program starts once a year. In 2026, the program started on August 24, 2026 and is planned to end on December 23, 2027.

1.16: What is the profile of an MMR student?

There is no typical profile… our student body is very diverse. The MMR is designed for 1) recent graduates with a Bachelor of Commerce, Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Arts or Science degree and with proven quantitative skills or 2) students with an undergraduate degree in any discipline, who have specific professional retail experience.

The program is best suited for students who have graduated in a related discipline, who have technical skills, and who are interested in studying all aspects of retail management. The program also caters to individuals with an undergraduate degree in any discipline, who want to be part of the digital and technological wave, and who have a strong interest in the emerging field of Big Data and Analytics from a strategic perspective.

2. Program Information

2.1: What is the length of the MMR Program?

The MMR program is a full time 45-credit program (16 months).

2.2: Does the Program provide internships?

The program does not provide internships, students are responsible for securing their own internship.

2.3: Is there a possibility of doing the program part time?

The MMR program is currently only offered as a full-time study program.

2.4: Can I work while completing the MMR Program?

The program is rigorous and intensive; therefore, we do not recommend students to work while completing it.

2.5: What is unique about the MMR Program?

The MMR aims to bridge the ever-consuming gap between creative, business, and technical leadership. We have designed this program to pull the best features of pure strategy programs like an MBA, creative programs like an MA in Design and Innovation, and a pure development program like MSc in Analytics. Technically strong students get to learn the true business acumen and creativity required to succeed in retail and strategically strong students get to learn the 'Need-to-know' technologies and skills to gain the respect and expertise required to be extremely valuable to retail companies around the globe.

3. Tuition & Financial Aid

3.1: How much does the program cost?

The tuition is C$$60,761.00 (2027 admission). Read more about other university fees and living expenses. To accept the offer, applicants must pay the non-refundable and non-transferable deposit of C$5,000. For details and current fees, read the Tuition & Financial page.

3.2: When are the tuition fees due?

You must pay a deposit of C$5,000 when you accept your offer of admission. This deposit fee is non-refundable and non-transferable, and it will be applied towards your tuition fees. Tuition fees are charged on a per credit basis per term and are due only after the student has registered for courses.

3.3: Are scholarships or financial aid available?

All MMR students are considered for entrance scholarships upon acceptance. If you are one of our most outstanding applicants, you may be awarded one. No additional application is needed to be considered for this award. Selected applicants will receive information on the scholarship award process with their offer of admission.

3.4: I was awarded an entrance scholarship from the MMR Program, when will I receive the funds?

The award is deposited to your student’s fee account in two equal installments: the first in the beginning of September and the second in the beginning of January.

4. Career Outlook

4.1: What are the job opportunities for MMR graduates?

The MMR program best prepares its students for a variety of sectors from Fashion to Food to Hospitality. Within these verticals students can go into Consulting/Strategy, Marketing, Operations, Entrepreneurship, Technology etc. As data-driven decisions-makers, our graduates will have the creative and analytical skills for a vast range of jobs from a Retail Strategy Analyst, to Product Marketing Manager, to Buyer to Chief Marketing Officer.

Throughout the program, we will work closely with you, so that you can hone your skills and pursue the path that is the best fit for you and grant you the best chance of success.

4.2: What career resources are available to the MMR students?

Desautels Career Management will work with the students from Day 1 to prepare them for the job market. They will provide workshops such as resume and cover letter writing, one on one mock interviews, and networking events among others.

5. International Students

International Student Services at McGill offers a host of services to international students. We strongly encourage students to explore their website for information on pre-arrival orientation webinars, immigration, health insurance, work & permits, and more.

5.1: I am an international student, am I eligible to apply for a work permit after completing the MMR program? How long does it last?

International students who have completed an MMR degree may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit if they meet the eligibility criteria. The MMR program provides Canadian work experience with a possibility for a 3-years work permit following the completion of the program. Visit this International Student Services website for more details.

5.2: What Immigration documents do I need?

All accepted international students are required to secure both a CAQ (Provincial) and Study Permit (Federal) prior to starting the MMA program. In addition, students must also obtain a Co-op work permit for the Management Analytics Capstone course (BUSA 693). Additional information will be provided with the offer of admission. For detailed immigration information, visit the International Student Services website.

All international students are required to secure the CAQ and study permit to prior to starting the MMR program. Visit International Student Services for information regarding how to obtain these documents.

Immigration Canada allows international students to obtain a work permit for up to 3 years after graduation from a 2 year MMR program. Visit Immigration Canada for more details.

All international students are responsible for maintaining valid immigration documents and legal status throughout the duration of their program of studies.

5.3: What are the new procedures in place for International students applying to McGill University?

In January 2024, the government (IRCC) issued immigration updates with new measures for incoming Masters and PhD students. Find more information on the International Student Services page.

Proof of financial capacity

• Effective January 1, IRCC has increased the minimum amount of financial capacity students must demonstrate when applying for a study permit. This new minimum does not apply to Quebec. To study in Quebec, applicants must prove they meet the financial requirements outlined by the ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).
• As per MIFI, the minimum amount required for a student without dependents includes tuition, transportation (round trip from country of origin), settlement fees, health insurance and living expenses of $15,078 per year. This amount is normally adjusted every year.
• ISS has updated this information on their website (please see the yellow box on top of the page).

International student caps

• On January 22, the federal government announced new caps to the number of study permits to be issued in 2024. These caps do not apply to master’s and PhD programs.

Post-Graduate Work Permit

• The January 22 announcement also included the following:

• Graduates of master’s and other short graduate-level programs will soon be eligible to apply for a 3-year work permit. Under current criteria, the length of a post­graduation work permit is based solely on the length of an individual’s study program, hindering master’s graduates by limiting the amount of time they have to gain work experience and potentially transition to permanent residence.

Letter of acceptance verification process

• Since December 1, 2023, post-secondary designated learning institutions have been required to confirm every letter of acceptance submitted by an applicant outside Canada directly with IRCC. This enhanced verification process protects prospective students from fraud and ensures that study permits are issued based only on genuine letters of acceptance.
• Institutions have 10 calendar days to validate the letter of acceptance.
• At McGill, the verification process is coordinated through Enrolment Services.