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Masters in Biotechnology in Canada for International Students

In Canada, a Master's in Biotechnology is a 1.5 to 2-year programme offered by some of the country's top universities. This research-based programme is offered full-time, part-time, online, and on a fast-track basis. The cost of pursuing a Masters (MSc/MS) in Biotechnology from a Canadian university can range from 30,000 to 57,200 USD (including tuition and living expenses).

Graduate programmes in biotechnology are open to graduates of biology, chemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and related fields. Students must submit a thesis after completing their master's degree. 

Some of Canada's top universities also include training and internships in their programmes. 

Masters in Biotechnology in Canada: Highlights

Program

Masters in Biotechnology

Course

Post Graduation

Duration of the Course

2 Years

Eligibility

Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology


Entrance Exams

GRE

IELTS

TOEFL

Tuition Fees

₹ 31,86,581

Jobs

Analytical chemist, Biomedical scientist, Healthcare scientist, clinical biotechnology, Clinical research associate, Forensic scientist, Physician associate, Research scientist (life sciences), Scientific laboratory technician, Toxicologist, etc.

Average Salary

₹ 4,00,000 to INR 20,00,000

Why Masters in Biotechnology in Canada?

Biotechnology is a specialised field that requires more people to contribute to developing better products and a more sustainable future for humans. There are numerous reasons to pursue an MS in Biotechnology. Each applicant will have their own personal reasons for applying to the programme. 

The following are some significant reasons why this programme should be chosen.

  • Human progress: Humans have benefited the most from biotechnology. Biotechnology has significantly improved human life, allowing people to live longer and healthier lives. Over the years, biotech has given birth to prosthetics, speech therapy, and numerous other technological advancements.
  • Biotechnology assists people in better understanding and knowing more about the world around them. Biotechnology can expand the knowledge bank for animals, plants, the environment, and the earth. Using the new knowledge, more sustainable and environmentally friendly products can be developed that benefit everyone.
  • Better pay, and job opportunities: Graduates of this programme find work in various fields and industries. They aren't limited to a single field or career path. Animal biotechnology, plant biotechnology, environmental biotechnology, and other fields are available. Each specialisation's demand and pay grade will differ.
  • Career Growth: Career growth in biotechnology is extremely high; you can start at the bottom and work your way up to a senior scientist position. In Biotechnology, you can choose from a wide range of courses, have a lot of opportunities to advance professionally, and use better methods to advance your career.

Quick Read: Scope of Biotechnology

Who Should Study Masters in Biotechnology in Canada?

For those working in the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology, or related fields, a Master of Biotechnology in Canada can be a path to advancement. Students will gain a solid understanding of applied laboratory techniques, including both theoretical and practical concepts.

Course-based or thesis-based MSc in Biotechnology programmes are available in Canada. Scholarships and stipends are available in Canada to assist international students pursuing an MS in Biotechnology.

International students can contact programme supervisors for the thesis/research-based Biotechnology programme and receive generous stipends. Other factors that make Canada one of the best destinations for biotechnology students are its low tuition fees and plentiful job opportunities.

List of Masters in Biotechnology Courses in Canada

Graduates of biotechnology pursue careers in the chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and environmental industries, genetics and regenerative medicine, process control, and research and development. Examples of job titles are bio-informatician, biophysicist, quality control analyst, biomedical engineer, pharmaceutical sales representative, or crime lab technician.

  • Master of Biotechnology (MBiotech)
  • Honours Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
  • Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.) Biotechnology
  • Biotechnology Co-op (B.Tech.)
  • MSc and PhD in Biotechnology Science
  • Doctorate of Philosophy in Biotechnology
  • Master of Biomedical Technology (MBT)
  • Master of Science in Biology (Thesis)
  • Doctorate of Philosophy in Biotechnology
  • Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology
  • Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology and Genomics
  • Doctorate of Philosophy in Molecular Biotechnology and Biochemistry

Also, Read: Courses After BSc Biotechnology

Masters in Biotechnology in Canada: Course Curriculum

Biotechnology is defined as the invention and development of products and processes based on biological resources. 

The following core subjects make up the majority of the course curriculum:

  • Molecular biotechnology
  • Innovation and management
  • Communication in science and business
  • Biodiversity and biotechnology

Other subjects are offered as part of the course, depending on the departments that offer the degree. Drug development, microbiology, data science, biofuels/energy, DNA technologies, and other topics.

TOP Universities Offering Masters in Biotechnology in Canada

The biotechnology and life sciences sector in Canada is one of the country's fastest-growing industries, contributing significantly to the country's innovation economy. The biotechnology industry in Canada includes research, development, and manufacturing jobs. Small and medium-sized businesses that develop diagnostics, biopharmaceuticals, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and global corporations with research, development, and manufacturing operations in Canada that serve both domestic and international markets are among the industry's players.

University & College Name

QS World Rankings

City

University of British Columbia

46

Vancouver

University of Toronto (UoT)

25

Ontario

McGill University

31

Quebec

McMaster University

144

Hamilton

Saskatchewan University

510

Saskatoon

University of Calgary

235

Calgary

University of Alberta

212

Edmonton

University of Lethbridge

1201

Lethbridge

Lakehead University

414

Ontario

University of Manitoba

387

Winnipeg

University of Guelph

581

Guelph

York University

531

Toronto

University of Windsor

751

Windsor

University of Brock

1306

Ontario

Dalhousie University

272

Halifax

University of Waterloo

175

Waterloo

 

Cost of Studying Masters in Biotechnology in Canada

In comparison to many other countries, studying in Canada is very cost-effective. Tuition will most likely cost between C$ 20,000 and C$ 30,000 per year. This range is only an estimate and will differ depending on the institution and programme you are enrolled in. Housing, food, and other living expenses will vary depending on your location and personal needs, but  C$ 15,000 is a common estimate.

This master in biotechnology programme is offered full-time, part-time, online, and as a fast-track option. Studying for a Masters's (MSc/MS) in Biotechnology at a Canadian university can cost anywhere between C30,000 and C57,200 USD (including tuition and living expenses).

Tuition Fees

International students pay between 8,500 and 50,000 CAD in tuition fees for an MSc in Biotechnology in Canada. The University of Alberta, McGill University, and the University of Guelph are among Canada's most affordable Biotechnology Universities.

The programme application fee ranges between 141 and 187 CAD for international students studying MS in Biotechnology in Canada, is the most important factor to consider.

University Name

Course

Duration

Tuition Fees in INR

University of British Columbia (UBC)

  • Advanced Biochemistry and Molecular Energy
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Advanced Topics in Lipid Biology
  • Nucleic Acids: DNA/RNA Structure and Function
  • Epigenetics
  • Signalling
  • Computational Approaches in Biochemistry
  • Chemical Biotechnology
  • Gene Biotechnology
  • Chemical Biotechnology
  • Gene Biotechnology

2 Years

₹ 6,39,015

University of Toronto (UoT)

  • Business courses – Effective Management Practices
  • Biotechnology and Drug Manufacturing
  • Protein Chemistry Theory
  • Molecular Biology Lab; Protein Chemistry Lab
  • Biotechnology in Medicine.
  • Business – Fundamentals of Managerial Concepts; Society, Organizations and Technology.
  • Seminar – Bio partnering I & II
  • Work Term – Co-op placement in industry or university-based biotechnology laboratory, and continue initial placement or begin a new
  • Biotechnology in Agriculture & Natural Products.
  • Business – Management of Technological Innovation.
  • Elective course(s) – Either a Work Term or two science/business graduate courses.

24 Months

₹ 36,38,822

McGill University

  • Bioinformatics
  • Biotechnology Management
  • Biotechnology Laboratory 1 & 2
  • Genetics and Bioethics
  • Research Projects (1-4) – To provide the first-hand experience in a research laboratory of the university or the private and public sectors.

2years

₹ 3,44,186

Saskatchewan University

  • Bio-Medical Science (biomechanics, bioinformatics, injury)
  • Bio-Engineering (tissue engineering, biomaterials, drug delivery)
  • Medical Imaging & Diagnosis or Intervention

2 Years

₹ 5,04,883

University of Calgary

  • Business Fundamentals
  • Intellectual Property and Licensing
  • Project Management and Corporate Leadership
  • Finances in Biomedical Technology
  • Regulatory Affairs
  • Clinical Trials
  • Communication, Marketing, and Sales
  • Business Case Studies
  • Business Integration
  • Careers in Biotechnology

1-2years

₹ 14,56,070

University of Lethbridge

  • Agricultural Biotechnology

2years

₹ 15,53,033

Cost of Living in Canada

Another factor is daily life in Canada, which includes lodging facilities. The average cost of living in Canada is between 5,626.12 CAD and 18,753.75 CAD per year for international students.

Food, books, materials, travel expenses, health insurance, and visa applications are all examples of living expenses. Tuition, programme application fees, and living expenses are all included in the cost of pursuing a Master's in Biotechnology in Canada.

Kind of Expenses

Amount in CAD

Program Application Fees

195

Canadian Study Permit Application Fees

306

TOEFL Fees

325

IELTS Fees

247

GRE Fees

300

Airfare

1800

Health Insurance

13026

Masters in Biotechnology in Canada: Eligibility Criteria

The prerequisites for an undergraduate degree vary depending on the minor or specialization chosen. However, an overall 6.5 band score on the IELTS exam is usually required. The master's programme is a non-thesis programme that provides students with hands-on experience through internships with its partner, the Institute of Parasitology. Students must have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and a 3.2/4.0 GPA to be considered for this programme (or its equivalent).

  • Bachelor's degrees require a minimum grade of B, which translates to a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and a percentage of 78-81 per cent.
  • GRE results
  • Both the science and business departments conduct the interview.

Exams Required to Study Masters in Biotechnology in Canada

Exam Name

Minimum and Score

GPA

3.0/4.0

LOR

3

TOEFL

80

IELTS

6.5

Scholarships to Study Masters in Biotechnology in Canada

Scholarship Name

Description

Eligibility

Amount in CAD

Ontario Trillium Scholarship

Postgraduates from all over the world who want to pursue a doctorate degree in Ontario, Canada, can apply for the Ontario Trillium Scholarship. The graduate chair of the admitting programme is required to nominate a qualified individual.

Academic qualifications, research proposal, and Leadership abilities.

$40,000 CAD

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship is designed to attract highly qualified international students who want to pursue doctoral studies in Life Science at Canadian educational institutions.

Academic qualifications, research proposal, and Leadership abilities.

$50,000 CAD

University of Calgary Graduate Awards

The University of Calgary offers numerous awards and scholarships to deserving students in a variety of fields.

These are competitive awards that are given based on individual merit.

$5000CAD

University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF)

The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF) is given to academically talented students and provides a total award of $14,000 CAD for master's degree studies and $18,000 CAD for doctoral degree studies.

They require a valid study permit, admission in a full-time program and good academic record is required.

$18,000 CAD

Québec Excellence Scholarships

This opportunity is provided by the Government of Québec to international students interested in doctoral and postdoctoral research.

Require admission in a good academic school with a good record.

$35,000CAD

Career after Masters in Biotechnology in Canada

International students can work in various sectors, including the industrial sector, medical sector, food manufacturing, plant biotechnology, universities, colleges, and other institutions.  Biotechnology graduates in Canada could earn between 45,000 and 100,000 CAD and more. 

Biotechnology jobs and salaries in Canada include:

Job Profile

Salary in (CAD)

Quality Control Analyst

67,500 CAD

Clinical Research

55,926 CAD

Quality Assurance Analyst 

72,500 CAD

Chemical Engineer

80,000 CAD

Research Scientist

80,000 CAD

TOP Recruiters

Biotech industries are booming worldwide, and there is a growing demand for biotech professionals with relevant experience in a variety of global markets. Similarly, the biopharmaceutical industry is expanding globally, with large companies in various countries offering lucrative job opportunities. Biopharmaceutical companies make up a significant portion of the biotech industry. Looking for biotech jobs in another country could be the ticket to a new career.

  • Cornerstone Search Group
  • The Hennessy Group, Inc.
  • PharmaBio Staffing
  • JP Boyle Associates
  • CSI Executive Search

How to Apply for Masters in Biotechnology in Canada?

  • Check with the university you're applying to see if the admissions process differs from what you're used to. To begin, take the following steps:
  • Choose a master's programme in biotechnology and fill out the online application available at the respective universities to begin your application process.
  • Prepare the paperwork that all universities require, including a letter of intent, letters of recommendation, and other important documents.
  • Include all relevant information in your application and submit it before the program's deadline.
  • The university where you will continue your studies will send you a letter of acceptance and other information about studying in Canada.
  • To begin, the visa application process, which can take up to 60 days and requires several important documents, is the final step.

Quick Read: Canada Student Visa

Apart from a master's degree, Canada, as a world leader in the bioeconomy, offers international students a variety of postgraduate biotechnology courses. MS Biotechnology programmes in Canada can last up to two years, including research, thesis writing, and internships. The degree can cost anywhere between 30,000 and 50,000 USD for international students. A postgraduate can find high-paying jobs in the bioeconomy industries.

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