Masters in Biology in Canada: Fees 2024, Top Colleges, Placements & Salaries

Masters in Biology in Canada: Fees 2024, Top Colleges, Placements & Salaries

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Masters in Biology in Canada is a 2- year graduate level program which is designed for students who want to work in the fields of biotechnology, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. The program is offered in 40+ top Biology universities in Canada. Masters in Biology in Canada is available in both full-time and part-time course load.

International students having a 4-year bachelor’s degree from a recognized university can apply for Masters in Biology in Canada. Currently, the GRE requirement is waived almost in all universities in Canada. Students with native languages other than English have to provide evidence of English Language Proficiency through an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent to remain eligible for admission.

The annual tuition fees for Masters in Biology in Canada ranges from 8,000 CAD-27,000 CAD (4 lakhs to 16 lakhs INR) per year. The return on investment is also decent with the majority of graduates earning an average salary of 61,000 CAD (37 lakhs INR) per annum.

Masters in Biology in Canada: Highlights

Program Name Masters in Biology
Program Duration 2 years
Eligibility Criteria Bachelor of Science degree in a related subject, with a focus on proficiency in cell and molecular biology, organismal biology, ecology, developmental biology, and statistics in the recommended field of study. | 2/3 LORs | Personal statement | CV
GPA 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (83-86%)
English Proficiency

Requirements

TOEFL: IBT- 83 | IELTS: 6.5 | Pearson: 65
Tuition Fee Range 8,000 CAD-27,000 CAD (4 lakhs to 16 lakhs INR)
Average Salary 61,000 CAD (37 lakhs INR)
Top Employers Johnson & Johnson| Boston Scientific | Geltor | Siemens Healthineers | Christiana Care Health System

Masters in Biotechnology in Canada Top Universities

Canada has top universities for biology abroad, and being one of the developed nations, it holds numerous opportunities for students from underdeveloped and emerging economies. Tabulated below are some of the best-ranked universities for Masters in Biology in Canada with their respective programs, deadlines and fees:

University Name of the Program Program Deadlines Tuition Fees (CAD)
McGill University MS in Biology Fall Deadline [January 15, 2024] | Winter Deadline [August 1, 2024] 29,592
McMaster University MS in Biology January 31, 2024 17,096
Dalhousie University MS in Biology May 15, 2024 25,505
University of Waterloo MS in Biology [February 1, 2024] | [July 1, 2024] | [October 1, 2024] 23,088
The University of British Columbia MS in Biology December 7, 2023 9,500
University of Ottawa MS in Biology Fall deadline [February 1, 2024] | Winter Deadline [September 1, 2024] 9,720
Concordia University MS in Biology Fall Deadline [February 1, 2024] | Winter [September 1, 2024] 22,194
University of Victoria MS in Biology March 15, 2024 16,152
University of Calgary MS in Biological Sciences September Intake [May 1, 2024] | January Intake [September 1, 2024] | May Intake [January 1, 2024] 7,127

Why study Masters in Biotechnology in Canada?

Some of the main reasons to choose Canada as a study abroad destinations for pursuing Masters in Biology in Canada for international students are given below:

  • Canada houses some of the top universities in the world, including McGill University (QS rank #30); the University of British Columbia (#34); and McMaster University (#189).
  • An internationally recognized degree in MS in Biology is available from Canada through research facilities like highly revered laboratories.
  • Fees for a Master in Biology in Canada are quite affordable with tuition fees ranging from 8,000 CAD-27,000 CAD (4 lakhs to 16 lakhs INR).
  • Some of the top recruiters for a Master in Biology graduates in Canada include StemCell Technologies; Halogen Software; Nature Conservancy of Canada; etc.
  • Between 2022 and 2031, there are projected to be 2,500 new job opportunities for biological technologists and technicians all over Canada.

Masters in Biotechnology in Canada: Specializations and Syllabus

Masters in Biotechnology in Canada for international students typically lasts between 1-2 years. A thesis is occasionally required, in addition to a mix of research and coursework that makes up the program structure. The course is generally market-centric and driven by advanced science and technology. Some of the advanced topics in genetics, ecology, cell and molecular biology, and specialized electives may be covered in the coursework. As core and elective courses may vary from university to university, a range of courses are provided below for better understanding:

  • Core Courses
    • Advanced Cell Biology
    • Molecular Genetics
    • Ecology and Environmental Biology
    • Bioinformatics
    • Research Methods in Biology
    • Biostatistics
  • Elective Courses may include:
    • Cancer Biology
    • Aquatic Ecology
    • Immunology
    • Microbial Ecology
    • Neurobiology

Masters in Biology in Canada Requirements

Understanding the admissions process of Canadian Universities may seem to be complex but with the right approach it can be comprehended easily. Masters in Biology in Canada brings a combination of multiple subjects of science and also makes it more appealing in terms of its future prospects.

Masters in Biology in Canada: Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for Masters in Biology, international students are required to have a 4-year bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field with B average or 70-74%. Masters of Biology degrees offered in Canada have specific requirements for their program which are listed as follows:

  • Official Transcripts of the 4-year bachelor’s degree in the relevant discipline
  • 3.0 out of 4.0 GPA or B average 0r 83-86%
  • SOP for MS in Canada
  • Two LORs
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency
  • CV
  • Canada Student Visa

Masters in Biology in Canada: Admission Requirements

To get admission into the Masters in Biology in Canada, proper courses must be taken into the undergraduate level. More requirements as per the university is given below:

University Percentage/ GPA Language Proficiency Scores Additional Documents
McGill University 3.0 out of 4.0 IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL-iBT: 86 2 LORs | CV | Research proposal | Personal Statement
McMaster University 8.5 GPA IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL-iBT: 92 Statement of Interest | 2 Letter of Recommendations | CV
Dalhousie University 3.0 out of 4.0 (B average) IELTS: 7 | TOEFL-iBT: 92 No additional requirements
University of Waterloo 75% IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL-iBT: 90 Resume | Supplementary Information Form | 3 LOR(s)
The University of British Columbia B+ (76%) or better IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL-iBT: 90 No additional requirements
University of Ottawa 70% (B) IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL-iBT: 79-80 Resume | Letter of Intent
Concordia University B average or 70-74% IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL-iBT: 90 No additional requirements
University of Victoria B average or 70-74% IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL-iBT: 90 Letter of Intent | Current Resume | 2 LOR(s)
University of Calgary 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 point system IELTS: 7.5 | TOEFL iBT:105 3 LOR | Statement of Interest

Masters in Biology in Canada Cost

This section explores the cost of studying in Canada, which includes tuition fees that range from 8,000 CAD-27,000 CAD (4 lakhs to 16 lakhs INR) and additional costs that average CAD 19,500 or 11 lakhs INR per annum. The top universities for Masters in Biology in Canada and their tuition costs as well as annual cost of living are as follows:.

Masters in Biology in Canada Fees

Masters in Biology in Canada Fees

University Tuition Fees (CAD) Tuition Fees (INR)
McGill University 29,592 18 lakhs
McMaster University 17,096 10 lakhs
Dalhousie University 25,505 15 lakhs
University of Waterloo 23,088 14 lakhs
The University of British Columbia 9,500 5 lakhs
University of Ottawa 9,720 5 lakhs
Concordia University 22,194 13 lakhs
University of Victoria 16,152 9 lakhs
University of Calgary 7,127 4 lakhs

Cost of living in Canada

This section explores the cost of living in Canada, including various factors such as accommodation, food, and transportation.

Expense Type Average Annual Expense (CAD) Cost for Indian Students (INR)
Accommodation 10,390 6 lakhs
Meals 5,700 3 lakhs
Transportation 572 34,700
Health Insurance 1,068 64,800
Personal Expenses 1,320 80,100
Total 19,050 11 lakhs

Cost of living in Canada

Masters in Biology in Canada: Scholarships

To cover the tuition expenses of Masters of Biology from Canada international students can avail various scholarships either from the universities or through external sources. A list of some popular scholarships to study in Canada is provided below:

Scholarship Awarded by (private/government/university) Eligibility Award Value (CAD)
International English Scholarship University of Ottawa Enrolled in course that is taught in English and from India or listed countries 17,500 CAD per year
Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES) – International University of Alberta Registered International students in graduate degree program 11,000 CAD
Ontario Graduate Scholarship Government Enrolled or registered in University in Masters 5,000 CAD per session for 2 years
McCall MacBain Scholarship McGill University Currently enrolled in course Cover entire tuition fees
John and Lena Graham Commonwealth Bursary Dalhousie University Resident of commonwealth country Four 1,000 CAD bursaries
Alberta Society of Professional Biologists Graduate Scholarship University of Alberta minimum GPA of 3.5 2,500 CAD per year

Masters in Biology in Canada: Jobs and Placements

After the completion of Masters in Biology in Canada, students can explore a range of research opportunities. Companies of agriculture, consulting firms, food, governmental and non-governmental bodies hire graduates for the roles of quality control specialist, researcher, consultant, etc. The average salary of graduates after a Master in Biology in Canada is 61,000 CAD (37 lakhs INR).

Masters in Biology in Canada: Jobs and Placements

Job Title Average Salary (CAD) Average Salary (INR)
Research Scientist, Biotechnology 58,843 35 lakhs
Aquatic Biologist 60,194 36 lakhs
Biologist 56,111 34 lakhs
Biostatistician 68,000 41 lakhs
Environmental Scientist 59,047 35 lakhs
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist 64,657 39 lakhs
Research Associate 52,439 31 lakhs
Wildlife Biologist 61,000 37 lakhs

Masters in Biology in Canada: Return on Investment

The top universities in Canada demonstrate a high return on investment after a Master in Biology. The ROI of some of the top universities is provided below:

Masters in Biology in Canada: Return on Investment

University Total Tuition Fee (CAD) Average Graduate Salary Per Year (CAD)
McGill University 29,592 75,000
McMaster University 17,096 100,000
Dalhousie University 12,752 60,000
University of British Columbia 28,500 78,258
University of Ottawa 26,871 108,992
Concordia University 22,194 91,133
University of Victoria 8,076 72,000
University of Calgary 7,127 75,000

Masters in Biology in Canada v/s Masters in Biology in USA

Parameter Masters in Biology in Canada Masters in Biology in USA
Program Duration 2 years 1-2 years
Eligibility Criteria Bachelor of Science degree in a related subject, with a focus on proficiency in cell and molecular biology, organismal biology, ecology, developmental biology, and statistics in the recommended field of study. | 2/3 LORs | Personal statement | CV Bachelor's degree from an accredited university | 3 LORs | SOP | resume/CV
GPA 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (83-86%) 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (83-86%)
English Proficiency

Requirements

TOEFL: IBT- 83 | IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL: IBT- 7.0 | IELTS: 87
Tuition Fee Range 8,000 CAD-27,000 CAD (4 lakhs to 16 lakhs INR) 29,000 USD-66,000 USD (24 lakhs-55 lakhs INR)
Average Salary 61,000 CAD (37 lakhs INR) 70,000 USD (58 lakhs INR)
Top Employers Johnson & Johnson| Boston Scientific | Geltor | Siemens Healthineers | Christiana Care Health System Pfizer | Novartis | Genentech, Inc. | Abbvie | Food and Drug Administration

Masters of Biology in Canada from the top universities in the country is one of the best options to consider. Biologists and related scientists in Canada are high in demand in both laboratories and fields. Jobs in Canada for graduates span various sectors, including government agencies, environmental consulting firms, resource companies, as well as chemical, pharmaceutical, and biotech companies, along with health and educational institutions.

FAQs

Ques: Is Canada good for studying biology?

Ans: Some of the main reasons to choose Canada as a study abroad destinations for pursuing Masters in Biology in Canada for international students are given below:

  • Canada houses some of the top universities in the world, including McGill University (QS rank #30); the University of British Columbia (#34); and McMaster University (#189).
  • An internationally recognized degree in MS in Biology is available from Canada through research facilities like highly revered laboratories.
  • Some of the top recruiters for a Master in Biology graduates in Canada include StemCell Technologies; Halogen Software; Nature Conservancy of Canada; etc.

Ques: How much does a Masters in biology cost in Canada?

Ans: Fees for a Master in Biology in Canada are quite affordable with tuition fees ranging from 8,000 CAD-27,000 CAD (4 lakhs to 16 lakhs INR).

Ques: Which university offers the best master's degree for biology in Canada?

Ans: Some of the universities offering the best Masters in Biology in Canada are:

  • McGill University
  • McMaster University
  • Dalhousie University
  • University of Waterloo
  • The University of British Columbia
  • University of Ottawa
  • Concordia University
  • University of Victoria
  • University of Calgary

Ques: Are biologists in demand in Canada?

Ans: Yes, between 2022 and 2031, there are projected to be 2,500 new job opportunities for biological technologists and technicians all over Canada.

The expansion of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical research, development, and production, along with ongoing health research, is leading to a rising need for skilled biologists in Canada.

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