collageMaster’s in Biotechnology in Canada is 1.5 to a 2-year program offered by some of the top-ranking universities. This research-oriented program is available as a full-time, part-time, online, and fast-track course. The cost of studying (including tuition and living expenses) while pursuing Masters (MSc/MS) in Biotechnology from Canadian Universities can cost you around 30,000 to 57,200 USD.
Graduates in biology, chemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and related fields are eligible for the graduate programs in biotechnology. On completion of the master’s degree, students are required to submit a thesis. Some of the top universities in Canada also offer training and internships as a part of their curriculum.
While an MS in biotechnology from the USA seems to be popular among study abroad aspirants, Canada offers you other options for pursuing biotechnology after graduating. These include short term courses like postgraduate diplomas and certificates in biotechnology. Various specializations are also available for international graduates. Known for its immigration friendly-policies makes Canada a perfect study destination over USA for international students looking to settle abroad.
Why Study Masters in Biotechnology from Canada?
As per BioTalent Canada:
- Around 5000 companies in Canada make-up the Canadian bioeconomy, hence, making it a world leader in this sector.
- Employers report skill shortage in around 33% of their employees in the biotechnology and life science sector.
- British Columbia has one of the largest biotechnology and life science sectors in Canada with around 310 organizations.
- Canada offers a BioTalent student work-integrated learning program.
- It offers 7000 USD in co-op wage subsidies to the bioeconomy employers for hiring students registered in STEM & business courses in Canadian post-secondary institutions.
As per a BIOTECanada, 75% of the employees in biotech industry held a masters or a bachelors degree in the field. It was also recorded that an individual with a masters degree was offered 29% more salaries in comparison with a bachelors holding indivdual.
Top Universities Offering Masters in Biotechnology in Canada
Masters in biotechnology degree program available at a limited number of universities in Canada. Some of the Canadian colleges and universities also offer postgraduate diploma and certificate programs. The details of the colleges/universities, the programs offered and tuition are tabulated below:
| Ranking (Country Rank) | University | Degree Offered/Course Duration | Application Deadlines | Program Fees (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masters in Biotechnology | ||||
| #1 | University of Toronto (Mississauga) | MBiotech (24 months) | January 10 | 34,120 |
| #3 | McGill University | MScA Biotech Applied Masters (16 months) | March 31 | 12,300 |
| #16 | University of Guelph | MBiotech (24 months) | Currently Closed | 20,800 |
| #29 | Brock University | MSc Biotech (24 months) | Rolling | 35,690 |
| Graduate Certificate/Diploma in Biotechnology | ||||
| #3 | McGill University | Graduate Certificate (6-8 months) | March 31 | 15,030 |
| #top 50 research institute in Canada | Centennial College of Applied Arts and Technology | Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology (12 months) | Rolling | 11,700-23,400 |
| #top 50 research institute in Canada | Durham College | Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology (12 months) | Rolling | 10,100 |
| #22 | Concordia University | Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology and Genomics (12 months) | February 1 | 15321 |
| Specialization in Biotechnology | ||||
| #22 | University of Windsor | Masters of Medical Biotechnology (16 months) | March 1 (Fall) July 1 (winter) | 20,400 |
| #30 | University of Lethbridge | Masters in Agricultural Biotechnology (24 months) | February 1 | 15,250 |
| #29 | Brock University | Masters in Gene Biotechnology Masters in Chemical Biotechnology (24 months) | Rolling | 35,690 |
Masters in Biotechnology in Canada: Course Curriculum
The use of products and processes that are based on biological resources for invention and development broadly defines biotechnology. The course curriculum majorly comprises of the following core subjects:
- Molecular biotechnology
- Innovation and management
- Communication in science and business
- Biodiversity and biotechnology
Depending upon the departments offering the degree, other subjects that are offered as a part of the course. Some of these subjects are drug development, microbiology, data science, bio-fuels/energy, DNA technologies, etc.
How to Get Admissions in MS Biotechnology in Canada?
Graduates of biological sciences, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology/genetics, agriculture, and related fields can apply for masters in biotechnology in Canada. The admission prerequisites vary slightly among the universities offering the program. Given below are the details of university-specific eligibility, admission, and application requirementsLooking for Admissions here? or need Help?Register Now
University of Toronto (UofT), Mississauga Campus
UToronto, Mississauga offers a 24 months Masters in Biotechnology program having two major fields of study- Biopharmaceutical and Digital Health Technology. The offers 13 graduate courses in both business and science. The degree also includes 8-12 months of paid work experience. Admission requirements for international students applying for this program are listed below:
Eligibility
- The minimum grade required in bachelors is B, which means that the GPA should be 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 and the percentage must be around 78-81%.
- GRE scores
- The interview is conducted by both science and business departments.
Language Proficiency: International applicants from non-native English speaking nations are required to submit proof of English language proficiency (ELP). ELP test scores can be submitted as proof of proficiency. The minimum test score requirements for admission in UofT are as follows:
- TOEFL: 93 (iBT), 22 (speaking and writing)
- IELTS: 7.0
Supporting Documents: Letter of Intent, CV (updated), and three letters of recommendation
McGill University
McGill University offers a 16-month long applied masters program in biotechnology. This 45-credit program has a course-based curriculum with in-house molecular biology training and a six to eight-month research internship. The admission in McGill’s biotechnology program requires applicants to fulfill the following criteria.
Eligibility
- GPA requirement for McGill is higher than UofT. The minimum GPA requirement is 3.2 on a scale of 4.0. This means that the grade required is B+ and the percentage required is 82-84%.
- GRE score, optional
Language Proficiency: You are required to fulfill following minimum score requirement if submitting a TOEFL or IELTS score:
- TOEFL: 86
- IELTS: 6.5
Supporting Documents: Two letters of recommendation
University of Guelph
Masters in biotechnology at the University of Guelph are offered under the department of molecular & cellular biology and department of management. With 4 semesters, the course duration is of around 2 years. The last two semesters are dedicated to the research project. You are required to fulfill the following requirements for securing admissions with the University of Guelph:
Eligibility:
- GPA in the undergraduate degree must be 3.0 on a scale of 4.0. For applicants with grading scores- B is the minimum requirement. This is equivalent to 75%.
- GRE scores are not required.
Language Proficiency: Minimum test score requirements are as follows:
- TOEFL: 89
- IELTS: 6.5
Supporting Documents: Resume/CV (You must submit an updated resume/CV along with the application package), and two letters of recommendation.
Brock University
Under the faculty of mathematics and science of the Brock University is offered MS Biotechnology program. The program comprises of 6 terms. There are two specializations available within the program: Chemical Biotechnology and Gene Biotechnology. International applicants are required to fulfill the following minimum requirements for admission:
Eligibility:
- Applicants must have a minimum of 78% in their bachelor’s degree. Honors undergraduate degree is required. This means that the applicant must have 4 years of UG with a higher degree of specialization.
Language Proficiency: You must submit the following minimum test scores:
- TOEFL: 80
- IELTS: 6.5
Supporting Documents: Three letters of recommendation, statement of research interest, and resume (updated).
University-specific Eligibility and Admissions Requirements
Given below is a table briefly summarizing the eligibility, document requirements, and language scores required for admissions in Masters in Biotechnology in Canada:
| University/Requirements | UToronto | McGill University | University of Guelph | Brock University |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GPA | 3.0/4.0 | 3.2/4.0 | 3.0/4.0 | 3.0/4.0 |
| GRE | Yes | No (optional) | No | No |
| Resume | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| LOR | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| TOEFL | 93 | 86 | 89 | 80 |
| IELTS | 7.0 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
The admissions with UofT and McGill are highly competitive due to the stringent admissions policy and a large number of applicants. The University of Guelph has a higher ELP requirement than McGill. If you have less score on the ELP tests, it is suggested to apply for Brock University.
Masters in Biotechnology in Canada: Cost of Study
Studying in Canada for international applicants means a lot of expenses like application fees, test fees, health insurance, travel, stay, tuition, etc. These expenses can be broadly divided into three categories- Pre-arrival, tuition, cost of living post-arrival in Canada. The details of the expenses are as follows:
Pre-Arrival Costs
Pursuing a master’s degree abroad requires an applicant to spend a specific amount of cost on tests, visa applications, insurance, travel, etc. An approximation of these costs is tabulated below:
| Type of Expense | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Program Application Fees | 113-150* |
| Canadian Study Permit Application Fees | 235** |
| Health Insurance | 10,000 |
| IELTS Fees | 185-190 |
| TOEFL Fees | 160-250 |
| GRE Fees | 205-230 |
| Airfare | 450-1400 |
*Depends on the university
**150 USD for a Canadian Study Permit and 85 USD is Biometric fees.
Tuition Fees
The tuition comparison among the universities offering masters in biotechnology is given in the image below:
Cost of Living in Canada
The cost of living in Canada includes accommodation, food, transport, beverage, etc. The description of expenses are tabulated below:
| Type of Expense | Cost in USD/year |
|---|---|
| Books and Material | 756-1510 |
| Food and Beverage | 3000-4000 |
| Accommodations | 4,500-15,000 |
Scholarships for Pursuing Masters in Biotechnology in Canada
UofT offers some program-specific scholarships, however, other universities do not have any specific scholarships for international students studying masters in biotechnology. The details of the scholarships available at UofT and other universities are as follows:
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS): Offered by UToronto and University of Guelph, OGS, offers international graduate applicants with an amount of 11,300 USD per session. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic achievements.
- Merck Graduate Scholarship in Biosciences: Available to international graduate students applying to UofT. The scholarship offers an amount of 1500-2200 USD/year.
- MBiotech Impact Award: Continuing students (second year) of UofT MBiotech course can avail of this scholarship offering an amount of 1100 USD/year.
- School of Graduate Studies University-Wide Scholarships: Around 15 awards are available to international students applying to the school of graduate studies of UToronto.
- Vanier Graduate Scholarship: Available to international graduate applicants, the Vanier Graduate Scholarship offers an amount of 37,800 for up to three years.
- Brock Scholars Award: Based on the grades of the applicants, the award is available to international graduate applicants for Brock University. The amount varies from 3000-12000 USD.
Masters in Biotechnology: Scope in Canada
Canada is a world leader in the bio-economy (biotechnology) with a number of companies, universities, and hospitals working in the four major sectors of bio-economy. These are:
- Bio-health
- Bio-energy
- Bio-industrial technology
- Agricultural biotech
A skill shortage in the biotechnology and life science industry has been reported in 33% of the employers. This results in a rising demand for skilled labor within the industry. Postgraduates in biotechnology can apply for various sectors. Some of the popular jobs available to a fresher with masters in biotechnology are listed below with the median salaries offered in Canada.
| Job Title | Salary/Annum (USD) | Job Title | Salary/Annum (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality Control Analyst | 67,500 | Pharmaceutical Sales | 50,930 |
| Quality Assurance Analyst | 72,500 | Chemical Engineer | 80,000 |
| Product Development Engineer | 92,352 | Business Development | 77,955 |
| Research Scientist | 80,000 | Clinical Research | 55,926 |
| Technical Writer | 92,352 | Laboratory Analyst | 42,000 |
As a world leader in bioeconomy Canada offers international students with a variety of postgraduate courses in biotechnology apart from a master’s degree. MS Biotechnology from Canada can last up to 2 years which will include research/thesis and internship. The degree can cost conclusively anywhere around 30,000-50,000 USD for international students. A postgraduate can land into high paying jobs available in the bioeconomy sectors.
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