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Designed for senior and emerging health leaders worldwide, the International Masters for Health Leadership (IMHL) is a module‑based program that develops managerial and leadership capabilities through a framework of managerial mindsets. The program addresses international healthcare delivery challenges while building skills in reflective management, organizational analytics, and systems‑level thinking.

Delivered in five mindset-based modules, over approximately 12 months, this program allows you to continue working while completing your studies. The program concludes with a master’s degree paper (non-thesis), leading to the degree of Master of Management. The IMHL is delivered in a hybrid format, combining three synchronous (live) online modules with two in‑person modules - one held internationally and one at º£½ÇÉçÇø in Montreal, Québec.

Our unique pedagogy emphasizes the real-time application of concepts, theories, and frameworks introduced during each module, ensuring their relevance in a practical healthcare context.

Management is complex and demands thoughtful reflection and shared learning. The IMHL fosters a vibrant community of practice where experienced healthcare professionals from around the world learn together and create meaningful, lasting impact. If you’re a healthcare professional seeking stronger leadership and managerial skills, greater career growth, and the ability to drive real change, the IMHL program is designed for you.

Traditional MBA programs focus on core business disciplines, while MPH programs concentrate on the administrative tasks involved in running a unit or organization.

The IMHL integrates traditional management disciplines into broader, managerial themed modules with the goal to transform how health care is delivered worldwide. The IMHL develops thoughtful, globally minded leaders and managers who can rethink and reshape health systems. The IMHL offers a connection between management and leadership rather than administrative functions of management.

The IMHL recognizes that real-world challenges rarely fit neatly into a single category. We equip students with a broad set of tools and frameworks, enabling them to approach complex healthcare leadership issues with confidence and adaptability.

º£½ÇÉçÇø is a global leader in health education, research, and innovation, with a worldclass reputation built on being Canada’s top medical doctoral university for two decades. º£½ÇÉçÇø drives breakthroughs in neuroscience, infection and inflammation, cancer, genomics, and cardiorespiratory health. Its researchers and clinicians advance precision medicine, public health, and transformative solutions that improve health outcomes worldwide.

At the Desautels Faculty of Management, we take pride in being a global leader in forward-thinking, innovative management education and development. The IMHL program is designed to attract students from around the world, with an average of 17 countries represented in each cohort.

Participants bring real challenges from their organizations and communities into the classroom and work through them with peers and expert faculty. Between modules, students return to apply new frameworks in real-time, creating immediate impact. Grounded in the evolving realities of healthcare delivery, the curriculum draws on global perspectives to help students better understand and improve their own contexts. By combining rigorous learning with practical application, the IMHL equips leaders to drive meaningful change. The flexible modular format allows students to continue their professional roles and introduce improvements as they learn.

Our next cohort is scheduled to begin in Fall 2026 – see program dates for 2026/2027. 

• There are three synchronous (live) online modules, and two modules take place in person. Some modules may include assignments and group projects.
• There is a required interim two-hour online workshop between modules.
• There is also a Managerial Exchange, which can be accomplished virtually.
• Between modules, participants return to the workplace where they apply the learning and insights of the program. Students also complete papers/briefing notes and assignments following the modules.
• Students must complete a final master’s paper (non-thesis) after the final module (due December 2027).
• Graduation and convocation are expected to take place in 2028.

Daily sessions run Monday to Friday in Week 1, and Sunday to Thursday in Week 2. Saturday is a day off. For the first module, we begin with an orientation on Sunday.

Online modules take place from 9:00 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. EST/EDT.

In person modules run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Students are expected to be fully present for the duration of all sessions, free from distractions, and with work schedules arranged so they are fully available during these hours. For online sessions, cameras must remain on.

The IMHL program carries forty-five (45) credits and is accredited by º£½ÇÉçÇø, with additional recognition through LEADS certification by the Canadian College of Health Leaders, as well as EQUIS, PRIME, and GMAC accreditations.

• The curriculum is structured around five integrated leadership mindsets, each module is valued at 6 credits: Reflective (Managing Self), Analytic (Managing Organizations), Collaborative (Managing Relationships), Worldly (Managing Systems), and Catalytic (Managing and Leading Change)
• In addition to these modules, participants engage in a managerial exchange (3 credits), an opportunity to observe and consult with leaders in another area of an organization to see how they exercise power, authority, and responsibility in real time. It helps participants identify practical insights and opportunities to strengthen both their personal leadership and their organization’s management practices.
• Students also benefit from ongoing individual and group advising throughout the program, which leads to four reflection papers submitted after each of the first four modules.
• The program culminates in a final master’s paper (12 credits), which is a non-thesis applied research project.

Evaluation is based on participation and deliverables.

Program Participation

• Mandatory attendance of all live online modules and workshops live, in their entirety, with cameras on. Sessions are NOT recorded.
• Mandatory attendance of two in-person modules, in their entirety.
• Pre‑readings required before each module.
• Mentor advising throughout program - both individual and small group sessions.

Deliverables

• No entrance exams or program exams.
• Written paper and/or briefing note due after each module (Pass/Fail).
• Group and Final Module assignments
• Managerial exchange to be completed before Module 3.
• Final master’s paper (non-thesis) to be completed with virtual one-to-one advising (letter grade).
• Program delivered in English; written work may be submitted in English or French.

Attendance at all live (synchronous) modules and workshops, and in-person modules throughout the module is mandatory due to the intense and short timeframe of our modules. We expect students to be present during all days of a module – in the plenary (main room) AND breakout groups/rooms. We expect full active participation through each module day. We do not record sessions.

Students who miss more than 2 days of any module must repeat the module with the following cohort. This may incur additional fees, and result in later graduation than the rest of the cohort.

If a student foresees a scheduling conflict, they must info.imhl [at] mcgill.ca (subject: Scheduling%20conflict) (communicate this with the IMHL program team) as far in advance as possible.

Attendance at the in-person modules is mandatory – for both the international module, and the module taking place at º£½ÇÉçÇø (Montreal, Québec). They CANNOT be done virtually.

As a graduate level program leading to a master’s degree, the IMHL carries the academic rigour expected at this level. Students are responsible for completing all preparatory work and required readings prior to each module to ensure full engagement in discussions and group learning.

Some modules may include assignments and group projects, the preparation for which may take place ahead of the module.

Between modules, students complete a reflection paper and/or a briefing note developed in consultation with their advisor. These papers support the integration of new learning, the connection of concepts to professional contexts, and thoughtful consideration of how insights can be applied in practice.

In addition, a managerial exchange assignment is due before Module 3 and other assignments are due for module 5.

No, the IMHL program is considered fulltime. However, the structure of the program is designed to accommodate working professionals. The five modules take place over 12 months, each running for two weeks, and students continue in their professional roles throughout the program.

A significant amount. The IMHL is an international program and does not focus solely on Canadian or North American healthcare systems. The Worldly Module examines health systems around the globe. In addition, the International Module is hosted in a different nation, where students learn directly from senior leaders within that country’s health system (for example, the module in England focuses on the NHS).

Yes. Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management program, and acceptance into the IMHL program, the 15 graduate credits can be brought forward to the IMHL program.

As such, you will only have 30 credits to complete to receive your Master of Management degree. This will in turn reduce the overall cost of the program - you will only pay for 30 credits in the IMHL (67% of the regular tuition).

You must still attend all 5 modules and 4 workshops and complete all corresponding assignments. However, you will not be required to do the Managerial Exchange (3 credits) of the Final Master’s paper (12 credits).

Please contact us for more information at info.imhl [at] mcgill.ca (subject: Transferring%20credits%20from%20GCHM%20to%20IMHL) .

The eligibility of applicants is assessed based on their educational background and work experience.

• Admission to the IMHL requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in health or social sectors, including at least two years in management or leadership roles.
• Candidates must hold a university degree or equivalent experience and demonstrate leadership responsibilities.

The first step in the application process is to complete the Personal Information Form. This will allow our team to determine your eligibility and guide you through the admission process.

Using the instructions the IMHL team provides, you will submit application, which includes a curriculum vitae and transcripts. Applicants must also pay an application fee. An admission interview may be conducted to verify English language abilities. Once offered admission, applicants must secure their place in the program with a non‑refundable deposit.

Note: Funding must be established before the start of the program. Please inform our office if a third-party sponsor will be providing you with financial support.

For more information, please review our website.

The application requirements are the same for all applicants.

Due to the in-Canada portion of the program, international students must obtain a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) approval and a study permit for the duration of the in-Canada module only.

Entry requirements may be needed for the international module as well. The program office will give further instructions about this process during the program.

No, English Proficiency Tests (TOEFL and IELTS) are NOT required. However, your English language abilities may be verified during an admission interview.

Please note the program is delivered in English (all modules and workshops). However, all written work can be done in English or French.

No. Eligibility confirmation is simply the first step in the application process. It allows you to begin your application, after which your full file will be reviewed to determine whether you will be offered admission.

Admissions for the cohort starting in November 2026 are open. The early application deadline is June 1, 2026. Submitting your application by the Early Application Deadline ensures priority consideration and demonstrates your commitment to joining the program. Early applicants benefit from additional time to prepare for enrollment and secure their place in a highly competitive cohort. We encourage you to apply early to maximize your opportunity for admission.

Rolling admissions means that applications are reviewed, and admission decisions are made, on an ongoing basis. We continue to admit qualified candidates until the program reaches capacity.

We would need to review your complete work and education history to evaluate eligibility. Please complete the Personal Information Form and send your CV to info.imhl [at] mcgill.ca (subject: Eligibility%20review) .

Yes. Students are expected to maintain their professional roles while in the IMHL program. A key strength of the program is the continuous integration of learning and practice. Concepts introduced in the classroom can be applied directly in the workplace, and real-world experience is brought back into the classroom for deeper reflection. This reciprocal process strengthens both learning and professional practice.

The IMHL meets five times over one year (three modules online and two in person), with each session lasting 11 days. All additional program activities are designed to align smoothly with ongoing professional responsibilities.

Yes. Students may change jobs while in the program without any issue. In fact, many participants advance into more senior leadership roles during their IMHL experience, often because of the insights and capabilities they develop throughout the modules.

Yes. Because the IMHL is designed as a leadership development program, applicants must have a minimum of five years of professional experience in healthcare and at least two years in a leadership role. This ensures that participants can meaningfully apply concepts in their day to day responsibilities and engage fully in the reflective learning process.

We also meet individually with applicants to help assess whether their experience and current responsibilities provide the right foundation for success in the program.

The IMHL is designed for experienced working professionals across the healthcare sector. Each cohort brings together participants from around the world, typically representing about 17 countries, and spanning a wide range of disciplines and leadership roles.

Many participants come from clinical backgrounds, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and psychologists. Others bring valuable expertise from fields such as management, engineering, economics, law, and more.

Students work in every type of health organization - hospitals, community care, public health, government ministries, international agencies, foundations - and across the full spectrum of health, from promotion and prevention to treatment and system leadership.

Across the last five cohorts, the IMHL has welcomed an average of 42 students per group, representing approximately 17 countries. Participants average 40 years of age and bring about 15 years of professional experience. Each cohort also maintains a balanced representation of women and men.

Explore our student profiles.

Please see: fees for the IMHL program. Billing is paid in 4 per-credit-based installments throughout the program (fees are due every term, for 4 terms) regardless of your location or citizenship status.

Note: Funding must be established before the start of the program. Please inform our office if a third-party sponsor will be providing you with financial support.

The IMHL is a private, self-funded program and there are very limited scholarships available at this time. We encourage applicants to explore the possibility of shared financial support with their employers, to form a partnership to further develop their education and healthcare management skills.

Please consult the Masters Student Funding Opportunities website to verify eligibility for other funding opportunities.

Applicants must verify any loan eligibility before the start of the program.

Please note that the IMHL program is NOT eligible for financial support programs offered by the Quebec government’s Aide financière aux études (AFE) but may be eligible for private loans depending on your residency status. More information on the AFE eligibility and other government funding for private programs is available through the º£½ÇÉçÇø Scholarship and Student Aid Office.

Tuition fees are the same for all IMHL students, regardless of location or citizenship status.

No, the IMHL program is NOT eligible for the McCall MacBain Scholarship program.

We encourage all or our students to work with their own organizations to share the financial burden of the program. Agreeing to work on projects of interest to your organization may help to develop the type of partnership that can achieve this. Please contact us for more information at info.imhl [at] mcgill.ca.

We have had this occur in the past and will work with you. You will learn to observe and understand non-verbal cues and meanings outside of language.

The IMHL program sends a letter to the organization being visited. If impossible to visit the organization, we work with the student to focus on an organization outside of employment (volunteering etc).

Yes! The IMHL program concludes in the Fall term. IMHL graduates are invited to participate in º£½ÇÉçÇø’s formal Convocation, which takes place in the Spring (late May or early June). Graduates will cross the stage with other º£½ÇÉçÇø graduates to receive the official Master of Management diploma.

Please note: If a module is missed, or a required assignment has not been completed, graduation may be delayed, and you may not be able to finish with your cohort. Graduates with outstanding fees will not receive their diplomas.

As an alumnus/alumna of º£½ÇÉçÇø, you automatically have access to the lifelong º£½ÇÉçÇø Alumni services. As a graduate of the IMHL program, you become part of a healthcare management community. We always welcome you back to join in future sessions and hold alumni events from time to time. Our students often stay in touch and make time to see each other following the completion of the program.

Upon completion of the International Master of Health Leadership (IMHL), graduates leave with a depth of preparation that reflects the academic rigour and expectations of a master’s degree. The program supports experienced health professionals in moving into broader leadership roles, often well beyond their original clinical or operational scope. IMHL graduates have gone on to take on senior executive and system-level positions, including leading hospital departments, assuming national and international leadership roles in global health organizations, and transitioning into strategic and policy-focused positions. For some, the degree has enabled a shift from frontline clinical practice to executive responsibility; for others, it has supported advancement into quality improvement, health system transformation, or academic leadership roles. Across these paths, the IMHL provides graduates with the analytical skillset, leadership confidence, and professional credibility required to lead complex healthcare organizations and systems with impact.

Here are several examples of the career paths our alumni have pursued after completing the IMHL program:

• Board Member of an international humanitarian health organization
• Clinical Quality Improvement Consultant within a provincial health system
• Founder and Executive Lead of an independent healthcare organization
• President of a national health research agency
• Director of a pandemic preparedness and emergency readiness research unit
• Executive Director of a primary care and community health organization
• President of a national professional medical association
• Medical Director of an Indigenous or community-based health authority
• Global Head of Vaccines and Immune Therapies within the life sciences industry
• Senior Policy Advisor at a national public health agency
• Strategic Leader for business development and organizational growth
• Regional Department Lead within a provincial health authority
• Health Research Planning and Programming Officer in a public health organization
• Advisory Council Director for an international global health non-profit
• Senior Manager of Clinical Services in a large academic hospital
• Senior Director of Health Technology Sales within a multinational digital health company
• Director of Product Compliance and Regulatory Affairs in the health technology sector
• Vice Dean in an academic medical institution
• Deputy Clinical Director at a university-affiliated healthcare organization
• Founder and Executive Director of a professional education or innovation institute
• Chief Health Officer for an international health insurance or healthcare organization
• Chief of Humanitarian Field Operations and Emergency Response for a global children’s health organization