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.
Explore: 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).