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Rotman-SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA

Truly global, distinctly personal. Offered by two leading business schools, the Rotman-SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA is a transformative program with a highly personalized focus on leadership development.

Leadership is changing. In an interconnected world, the future of management belongs to those who embrace an outlook that transcends limitations and crosses borders. At the Rotman School of Management, we have a history of developing leaders with global impact. We are therefore proud to partner with SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan, Italy, to offer the Rotman-SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA (GEMBA).

Spanning 18 months and four continents, the program will transform the way you think, network and do business internationally.

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The partnership

Hosted in international business hubs, the Rotman-SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA allows you to network with thought leaders, develop your career strategy, and broaden your impact as a leader – globally.

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Toronto

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and its financial, commercial and cultural capital. Consistently ranked one of the best cities in the world in which to live, Toronto is home to the third largest financial, technology, health sciences, and film and television sectors in North America.

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SDA Bocconi and Milan

Based in Milan, Italy, SDA Bocconi School of Management is the graduate business school of Bocconi University and is considered one of the most prestigious business schools in the world.

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Invest in your potential

The benefits of the Rotman-SDA Bocconi program are both personal and professional. You gain an internationally recognized MBA from two of the world’s most prestigious universities, and access to some of the top business minds anywhere.

At Rotman, we look for intellectually curious individuals with high potential for leadership and professional achievement.

If this sounds like you, get started by reading about our admission requirements, attending a webinar, coffee chat or information session, or sending your resume to our admissions team. We encourage you to talk to us before starting your application so we can help you showcase your best qualities. After reviewing your work and academic history, we can help guide you through the application process.

What we look for in the GEMBA program: Global Experience + Leadership Experience + Professional Achievement + Communication Skills
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Who should apply?

The Rotman-SDA Bocconi GEMBA attracts a powerful and accomplished group of professionals from a range of industries.

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Admission requirements

We take a ‘whole picture’ approach to applications, giving equal weight to grades, professional achievements, interpersonal skills and leadership potential.

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Fees and expenses

Find out more about the fees and expenses you can expect during the program, and what they cover.

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Financing your GEMBA

The Rotman School strives to recruit the best candidates to its programs. We present a broad range of financial options which may help you finance your education.

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Frequently asked questions

What if I...? What are the...? How many...? If I'm...? Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the Rotman-SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA

Expand your global understanding and business skills – and your personal horizons as a future leader – in this unique 18-month program spanning seven cities on four continents. The Rotman-SDA Bocconi GEMBA will change the way you think, network and do business in some of the world’s largest markets: North America, East Asia, South Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

This intensive program allows you to rapidly develop your leadership potential while maintaining your career in your home country. You’ll build a network of international contacts, learn invaluable tools to advance your career, and gain the ability to tackle the global business challenges of the future.

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Program delivery

The program will transform your strategic and operational capabilities while giving you the practical tools, creative insights and hands-on experience you need to accelerate your journey toward senior leadership.

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What you’ll learn

Deepen your grasp of business fundamentals such as finance and accounting while building your knowledge and skills for the new global economy.

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Where

Experience a career transformation that takes you around the world. Delivered over 18 months, the Rotman-SDA Bocconi builds your practical skills in doing business across four continents.

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Program schedule

Expand your horizons as a leader, while gaining first-hand experience of some of the world’s most important markets.

Transform your potential

 

In a competitive market, it takes serious focus, drive and leadership to take your career to the next level. Whether you’re looking to drive change in your organization, grow your business or advance in the healthcare/life sciences sector, we have a range of resources and services to help you achieve your goals.


Download the GEMBA program brochure.

Prepare for Career Success

 

17,000+

Alumni in your worldwide network

         

7

Dynamic cities where you’ll make local connections and learn how to do business

2

Career services departments, one in Europe and one in North America, to advise you on the procedures—and the unwritten rules—in each market

 

Getting ahead

 

A degree from the Rotman School prepares you for top jobs across a broad range of industries. Our high-touch approach and exceptional staff-to-participant ratio means you enjoy personalized attention to help you achieve your career goals.

The program is designed for ambitious professionals who are looking to make the most of their career. While there are many ways to measure the return on investment of the program, our goal is to equip you with a lifelong toolkit you can use to take ownership of and manage your career and professional development long after graduation.

 

To that end, our dedicated Career Services team is committed to working closely with you to refine your career goals, market yourself efficiently, and network with people in a position to help you reach your targets. 


 

"Career services is a hidden gem at Rotman. It is highly personalized: from reviewing your resume, discussing your career goals to providing feedback on how to grow as an effective leader.”

- Carole Chen, GEMBA '20, District Manager, Rexall Health Solutions, Eastern Canada


 

Ways to engage

 

Career services provides GEMBA participants with career support through a range of offerings including:

 

Individual career coaching (in person or online)

  • One-on-one executive leadership coaching
  • Career search guidance, including networking skills, advanced resume writing, online presence, personal branding and positioning
  • Preparation for career discussions, including interview preparation and offer negotiations
  • Strategies and connections to help you leverage the powerful Rotman network

Professional development workshops

  • Workshops, events and speakers
  • Career management planning
  • Advanced resumes
  • Job search strategies 
  • Networking and relationship building

Online career resources

  • Job postings targeted to senior leaders
  • Best in class career content
  • Valuable research tools
  • Webinars and podcasts
  • Access to alumni 

As a graduate of the Rotman-SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA program you will also benefit from career support after graduation.

Graduate profiles

Where they landed

 

Leading companies from every industry seek out Rotman students and graduates for their proven ability to solve tough problems and deliver impressive results.

 

Arta Beikzadeh

Arta Beikzadeh, GEMBA ’19

Managing Director, Sustainable Assurance Solutions, Australia

Previous role:

Business Assurance Manager, Ethical Sourcing and Social Compliance, DQS Australia New Zealand

 

Previous education:

BSc, University of Science and Culture


Svetlin Zyapkov

Svetlin Zyapkov, GEMBA ‘22

Principal Auditor, Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty, Germany

Previous role:

Head of Europe and Asia, Business Continuity Management, Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty, Germany

 

Previous education:

BSc, Sofia University


Tapfuma M

Tapfuma Musewe, GEMBA ’20

Managing Director, Raygan Mills, London, UK
Founder and CEO, Eschaton Solutions, Toronto

 

Previous role:

Strategic Advisor, Bellcrescent Partners, South Africa

 

Previous education:

MA, Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology, Mission and Culture

 

 

 

 

 

Learn More

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Career Services

You will benefit from expert coaching and networking support as you move to the next phase of your career.

Students Learning

Leadership

Through a personal leadership development plan, one-on-one coaching and experiential learning, discover and achieve your true career potential.

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Alumni

The combined strength of the Rotman and SDA Bocconi brands will position you for lifelong success.

Rotman-SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA class 2025 profile


Average Age

40 


Women

36%


Average work experience

15 Years


Average management experience

10 Years


Nationalities represented

Afghanistan
Austria
Canada
China
Colombia

Czech Republic

France

Germany
Hungary
India
Ireland
Italy

Lebanon
Mexico
Netherlands
Saudi Arabia
Switzerland
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom

Job Profile

 

36% Manager

24% Director

12%  CEO

25% C-Suite, Chairman, or Board of Directors
   

 

 


Industry background

14% Industrial / Mechanical / Construction
10% Technology
  7% Taxation/Legal Services
  7% Energy/Natural Resources
  7% Building/Construction
  7% Financial Services
  5% Investment Banking
  7% Energy and Water
  5% Healthcare/BioTech/Pharma
  2% Telecommunications
  7% Consulting
  2% Education
20% Other


Function

  5% Tech
10% Legal, Compliance and Taxation
10% Finance
  5% Entrepreneur
28% General Management
  5% Business Units
  5% Finance Administration and Control
  5% Consulting/Strategy
  2% Purchasing/Procurement
  2% Strategy
  7% Logistics and Operations
  2% Marketing, Sales and Communications
14% Other

"Other" includes Engineering, Operations, Research and Development, Consumer products, Human resources etc.


To get started on the application process, we invite you to apply now.

Read about our admission requirements, attend an admissions event, or send your resume to our admissions team.

Our personalized approach aims to streamline your application. After reviewing your work and academic history, we can help guide you through the application process or help you decide which program is the right fit for your professional goals.

Informal pre-assessment

Send us your resume for an informal pre-assessment; it’s a great way to get the conversation started. 

Admission requirements

  • Current resume
  • Two professional reference forms
  • Official transcript from each post-secondary institution attended
  • Employer consent form
  • Non-refundable application fee of $195 CDN
  • Successful completion of the Rotman Executive Diagnostic Test (EDT), or GMAT/GRE if required

 

Let's begin. Apply Now.

 

Application Deadlines

  • Round 1: Monday, December 18th, 2023
  • Round 2Monday, March 11th, 2024   
  • Round 3: Wednesday, June 5th, 2024 

 

We encourage international students to apply to earlier rounds in order to allow enough time for study permit applications.

Ready to apply? CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Applicants are admitted on a rolling basis. Apply early as space is limited. A member of our admissions team will get back to you as soon as a decision on your application is made.

If you have any questions about your application, feel free to contact us.


Admission Events

 

Introducing the Rotman-SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA

Truly global, distinctly personal. Building bridges across nations and businesses.

 

Discover more about the GEMBA

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Download a copy of the GEMBA brochure

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Learn more about the experiences of Rotman students and alumni

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Watch this to learn more about the GEMBA program

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Attend an admission event

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Interested in the GEMBA? Apply now

 


COVID-19 FAQs for applicants

 


Tip: Apply early to increase your chances of an entrance award.

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$300,000 in award funding available
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Questions?
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Read our admissions blog.

 

 
 
 
 
 

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