The convenience
of online study.
Graduate Diploma in Business Administration
Requirements
The Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (GDBA) is an online program at the graduate level that provides a solid foundation in business fundamentals for people with undergraduate degrees. It also provides a path into the SFU Beedie MBA program for those who decide to continue on to earn an MBA.
We welcome applications from international students. However, please note that since this is a part-time, online program, it does not qualify for a Canadian study permit.
In this page
Undergraduate Degree
- A four-year undergraduate degree with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 (3.0 is preferred)
- A small number of applicants with extensive work experience may be considered without an undergraduate degree. Each applicant under this category will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- Please note: If your transcripts are not in English and no translation is provided by the University, please download the International Transcript requirements.
Work Experience
- Applicants should have a minimum of two years of full-time professional work experience, following completion of an undergraduate degree, although the average is eight years.
- We take a holistic approach in accepting students for our program. We take into consideration your work and life experiences in addition to your grades and test scores.
Language Proficiency
- All courses in the GDBA program are taught in English, therefore all applicants must be fluent in English.
- If your primary language is not English or your previous education has been conducted in a country where English is not the primary language (see a full list of accepted countries), you must demonstrate sufficient command of the English language as evidenced by achieving a satisfactory score on a standardized English test acceptable to the University. Find more information about this requirement.
- The six tests we accept are:
- Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS)
- The Canadian Academic English Language Test (CAEL)
- Pearson English Language Test (PTE)
- Cambridge English Qualifications
The minimum University requirements for test scores are:
Internet-based TOEFL | 93 with minimum of 20 in each category. In order to satisfy the requirement, applicants must achieve the scores listed above on a single test date. TOEFL MyBest (super-scored) results will not be used. |
Paper-based TOEFL | 580 and TWE 5 |
IELTS (academic) | overall band score of 7.0 of the academic (NOT general) test with a minimum of 6.5 in each section |
CAEL | overall 70; minimum 60 in each section |
Pearson Academic (PTE) | overall 65; minimum 60 in each section |
Cambridge English Qualifications | C1 Advanced - minimum score of 193 |
Please note: Candidates below the English Language requirements will be asked to retake the test.
Computer Literacy and equipment
- Candidates are expected to be computer literate and familiar with the Internet.
- Students are expected to have access to a Mac or Windows computer with multi-media capability (including a headset with microphone), high-speed Internet access, Microsoft Office, and Internet Explorer/Firefox/Safari.
- Certain courses may require you to use additional software.
Time to Study
- Expect to spend approximately 12 to 15 hours per week on each course.
- Lectures, exams, and assignments will be scheduled to accommodate individuals working between Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm PST. If you fall outside of this time zone or schedule, you may need to make occasional adjustments to your schedule.

GDBA Connect with our team
Our admissions team is more than happy to answer your questions so you know what you can expect before, during, and beyond your program.