Masters in Biology in Canada is a 2- year graduate level program that is offered across the country’s top universities. 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 4,990- 40,900 CAD (~INR 3.01 lakhs - 24.6 lakhs) per year. The return on investment is also decent with the majority of graduates earning an average salary of 66,000 CAD (~ INR 39.8 lakhs) per annum.
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: Top Biology Universities/Colleges in Canada

Highlights

Course Available MSc Biology
Course Type Full- Time | Part- Time
Intakes Fall | Winter | Spring
Program Duration 2 years
Eligibility Criteria 2 LOR(s) | CV | Personal Statement
English Proficiency requirements IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL-iBT: 90
Tuition Fees Range 4,990- 40,900 CAD (~INR 3.01- 24.6 lakhs)
Average Salary 66,000 CAD (~ INR 39.8 lakhs)

Top Universities for Masters in Biology in Canada

Tabulated below are some of the best-ranked universities offering Masters in Biology in Canada with their respective programs, deadlines and fees:

Name of the University Name of the Program Program Deadlines Tuition Fees (CAD)
The University of British Columbia MS in Biology January 15, 2023 9,300
McGill University MS in Biology Fall Deadline [January 15, 2023] | Winter Deadline [August 15, 2023] 4,990
McMaster University MS in Biology May 2023 Deadline [March 1, 2023] | September 2023 Deadline [May 31, 2023] 22,800
Dalhousie University MS in Biology January Intake [August 31, 2023] | May Intake [December 31, 2023] 40,900
University of Waterloo MS in Biology [February 1, 2023] | [July 1, 2023] | [October 1, 2023] 34,000
University of Ottawa MS in Biology January Intake [July 1, 2023] | September Intake [February 1, 2023] 16,760
University of Victoria MS in Biology March 15, 2023 15,840
Concordia University MS in Biology Fall Deadline [February 1, 2023] | Winter [September 1, 2023] 23,600

Why Study Masters in Biology in Canada?

Some of the main reason why one must choose Canada as a study abroad destinations for pursuing Masters in Biology in Canada:

  • Canada houses some of the top universities in the world, including McGill University (QS rank #31); the University of British Columbia (#47); and McMaster University (#152).
  • 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 4,990- 40,900 CAD (~INR 3.01- 24.6 lakhs). The average salary accounts stands at 60,000 CAD (~INR 36.2 lakhs) and returns on investment (ROI) are huge at 66,000 CAD (~INR 39.8 lakhs).
  • Some of the top recruiters for a Master in Biology graduates in Canada include StemCell Technologies; Halogen Software; Nature Conservancy of Canada; etc.
  • 1.2% annual growth is expected in this sector within British Columbia which will open approximately 1300 job openings. MS in Biology graduates would make 20.67 CAD/hour to 56 CAD/hour.

Masters in Biology in Canada: Admission Requirements

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
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Two LORs
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency
    • IELTS: 6.5 or equivalent
    • TOEFL-iBT: 90
  • CV

Also Check: Admission Process in Canadian Universities

Masters in Biology in Canada: Eligibility Requirements

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

Name of the University Percentage/ GPA Language Proficiency Scores Additional Documents
University of British Columbia B+ (76%) or better IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL-iBT: 90 No additional requirements
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)
University of Ottawa 70% (B) IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL-iBT: 79-80 Resume | Letter of Intent
University of Victoria B average or 70-74% IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL-iBT: 90 Letter of Intent | Current Resume | 2 LOR(s)
Concordia University B average or 70-74% IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL-iBT: 90 No additional requirements

Masters in Biology in Canada: Cost of Studying

The top universities a for Masters in Biology in Canada and their tuition costs as well as annual cost of living are as follows:

Tuition Fees:

Name of the University Annual Total Fees (in CAD) Total Fees (in INR)
Dalhousie University 40,900 24.7 lakhs
University of Waterloo 34,000 20.5 lakhs
Concordia University 23,600 14.2 lakhs
McMaster University 22,800 13.8 lakhs
University of Ottawa 16,760 10.13 lakhs
University of Victoria 15,840 9.5 lakhs
University of British Columbia 9,300 5.6 lakhs
McGill University 4,990 3.02 lakhs

Cost of Living in Canada

The estimated cost of living in Canada for international students is mentioned in the below table including cost of transportation, housing, personal expenses, etc :

Expenses (per year) Yearly estimated total (in CAD) Yearly estimated total (in INR)
Books and supplies 2,435 1.4 lakhs
Accommodation 10,390 6.2 lakhs
Internet 800 48,420
Food 5,700 3.45 lakhs
Transport/ Travel 570 34,500
Personal Expenses 1,320 79,900
Miscellaneous 500 30,265

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:

Name of the Award Offered by Value (in CAD)
UVic Fellowship Awards University of Victoria 17,500 per year
UVic Graduate Awards University of Victoria 10,000 per year
Concordia Merit Scholarship Concordia University 10,000
International Tuition Award University of British Columbia 3,200 per year
Bursary University of Ottawa 4,800
Entrance Scholarships University of Waterloo 1,000- 3,000

Masters in Biology in Canada: Jobs and Salaries

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 66,000 CAD (~ INR 39.8 lakhs).

Roles Average Salary (in CAD) Average Salary (in INR)
Aquatic Biologist 57,085 34.4 lakhs
Wildlife Biologist 59,500 35.9 lakhs
Senior Ecologist 102,600 61.9 lakhs
Research Scientist 39,000 23.5 lakhs
Environmental Scientist 59,700 36.03 lakhs
Research Associate, Molecular Biology 48,500 29.2 lakhs
Biostatistician 69,950 42.2 lakhs
Ecologist 52,675 31.8 lakhs

Explore: High Paying Jobs in Canada

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:

Name of the University Annual Tuition Fees (in CAD) Average Annual Salary (in CAD)
University of British Columbia 9,300 65,000
McGill University 4,990 86,000
McMaster University 22,800 61,000
Dalhousie University 40,900 61,000
University of Waterloo 34,000 67,000
University of Ottawa 16,760 85,000
University of Victoria 15,840 62,000
Concordia University 23,600 70,000

Masters in Biology in Canada: Specializations

MSc Biology is a thesis- based program for the health sciences students. Below is a list of the research areas in which students can work in their respective universities:

  • Neurobiology & Behaviour
  • Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology
  • Conservation, Ecology, Evolution & Behaviour
  • Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics
  • Cell and Developmental Biology
  • Ecology and Evolution
  • Environmental Physiology
  • Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • Microbiology and Plant Biology
  • Radiation Biology
  • Bioinformatics, Systematics and Evolution
  • Ecology and Environmental Biology
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Physiology, Cell and Developmental Biology

Masters in Biology in Canada: University Comparison

A brief comparison between some of the highest-ranked universities offering Masters in Biology in Canada is tabulated below:

Basis McGill University University of British Columbia McMaster University
QS Rankings 2023 #31 #47 #152
Tuition 9,300 4,990 22,800
GRE Not required Not required Not required
GPA/ Grades/ Percentage 3.0 out of 4.0 B+ (76%) or better 8.5 GPA
English Language Scores IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL-iBT: 86 (20 in every component) IELTS: 6.5 (individual component 6.0) | TOEFL-iBT: 90 IELTS: 6.5 (5.5 in each section) | TOEFL iBT 92
LOR 2 LOR(s) Not required 2 LOR(s)
CV Required Not required Required
Personal Statement Required Not required Required
Average Annual Salary 86,000 CAD (~51.9 lakhs) 65,000 CAD (~INR 39.2 lakhs) 61,000 CAD (~INR 36.8 lakhs)

Masters of Biology in Canada from the top universities is one of the best options to consider. The return on investment is 66,000 CAD (~ INR 39.8 lakhs) which is more than the tuition fees students have to pay for the programs.

FAQs

Ques. How to study MS in Biology in Canada?

Ans. International students applying to MS in Biology from Canada must have a 4-year bachelor’s degree with a B average (3.0 GPA or 83-86%). Also, a proof of English language proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent); CV; 2 LORs; and a Statement of Interest.

Ques. What is the average salary for MS Biology in Canada?

Ans. The average salary of MS Biology graduates in Canada is 66,000 CAD (~ INR 39.8 lakhs).

Ques. What are the eligibility requirements for a Master’s degree in Biology?

Ans. Students applying to a Master’s degree in biology must have a 4-year Bachelor’s degree with a B average (3.0 out of 4.0). Moreover, international students applying for MSc Biology in Canada must have an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.

Ques. What is a Master of biology degree called?

Ans. The Master of Biology degree is referred to as a Master of Science (MS) degree that lasts 2 years.

Ques. What is the ROI of a master’s degree in biology?

Ans. The tuition fee for a master’s degree in biology from Canada is 4,990- 40,900 CAD (~INR 3.01- 24.6 lakhs). Comparatively, the ROI is huge with 66,000 CAD (~INR 39.8 lakhs).