MS in Biology in Canada - Colleges and Fees 2025

Canada has strong public health programs and education system. This makes it an ideal place for students looking to study biology or other health-related sciences. Students who choose to study MS in Canada can get a world-class education with a Masters in Biological Science. This program is designed for people who want to work in the fields of biology, biotechnology, medical research, and pharmaceuticals. The Masters in Biological Science is also available online, which makes it more accessible for students who are not able to attend classes regularly. If you are considering studying abroad, this program is perfect for you because it is offered internationally with medium of instruction being English. 

Highlights for MS in Biology in Canada

Top 10 MS in Biology College in Canada

The list below features top 10 Universities in Canada for Masters in Biology with their respective subject rankings globally.

(Source: QS and US News) 

MS in Canada Cost/Fees

Masters in Canada fees for the 1st year student is INR.11.5 Lacs along with the average yearly living cost of 6 Lacs which can sum upto around INR.17 Lacs per year. It is a significant investment for students who are looking to enter the field of Biology. However, due to high Return on Investment (ROI), you can still consider going for the course. 

(Note: Average first year tuition fees is based on 521 MS courses in Canada; Average living expense is based on 174 colleges in Canada)

Student visa cost for Canada

The cost of a Canadian student visa for Indian citizens has increased by about 40% in the last two years. This is due to the increase in demand for Canada’s education system and the growing number of students from India. Right now it roughly costs around CAD 150 i.e. roughly INR. 9000. 

MS in Biology requirements for Canada- eligibility criteria

• Undergraduate degree with at least 4 years of education (including those obtained through distance learning) from a recognized university or college

• English proficiency: TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), IELTS score of 6.0, or equivalent, with no band less than 6.0

• 2-3 Letter of recommendation

• A good CV showcasing your extra curricular activities

• A statement of purpose (SOP)

• A good GRE score (highly recommended) 

Work permit after MS in Biology in Canada

Your Canadian study permit expires after 90 days of graduation. You can apply to stay and work under the Post Graduation Work Permit Program. The process of obtaining a work permit for an international student is straightforward. If you have an offer letter from a Canadian employer before your start date of work and have completed the necessary application steps before your start date, you are good to go. To qualify for this program, you must have completed at least one year of full-time study and have obtained your degree from a recognized university in Canada. 

MS Biology scholarships for Canada

There are several scholarships available to study MS in Biology in Canada. You need to see if you are eligible for the scholarship or not. Some of the scholarships available to Indian students include:

• Canada India Awards for Science, Technology and Innovation (CIANSA)

• Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program (OGSP)

• NSERC- Canada Graduate Scholarships

MS Jobs and Salaries in Canada

After completing a master's degree in Biology, there are many opportunities for students to pursue their career. As a student, you can take up an entry-level position in a lab or research facility, work for a biotech company, or even become a teacher. Students with an MS in Biology can also choose to work as a scientist at an academic institution, or even at a private company that does research and development. You can earn somewhere around CAD 56,000 in a year with this degree. 

The Canadian Society of Zoologists (CSZ) also provides information on the following scope for jobs after MS in Biology:

• Lab Technician

• Research Assistant

• Program Manager

• Analyst

(Source: Payscale)

Top Recruiters for Masters in Biology in Canada 

After pursuing a Masters degree in Biology, you can work both in Public and private sector.  You can work as a Program Manager in the field of Public health or as a Researcher at any University. Some of the top recruiters hiring students from this field as researchers and teachers are University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, University of Montreal, etc. There are many biotech companies which also look for Biology graduates to hire. Some of them are Biovectra, Medicago, Notch Therepeutics, Quebec, etc. 

Masters in Biology in Canada FAQs

Q. What are the requirements to be eligible for Masters in Biology in Canada?

A. The eligibility requirements for a master's degree in biology will vary from one school to another. Generally, you need to have completed an undergraduate degree in biology or a related field and have scored well on your undergraduate exams.

Q. What are the advantages of studying Masters in Biology in Canada?

A. Studying a master's degree is advantageous as it will help you gain expertise and improve your skillset. It will also give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs in Canada.

Q. How much does it cost to pursue a Masters degree in biology in Canada?

A. It takes around 20-25 Lakhs on an average in Indian currency to pursue masters in Canada. 

Q. What are the best universities for Masters degree programs in Canada?

A. To pursue masters in Biology, some of the recommended universities are McMaster University, University of Montreal, University of Alberta, University of Ottawa, Simon Fraser University, etc.

Q. Can I work while studying for my Masters degree?

A. If your study permit includes a condition that allows you to work on or off campus, you may be able to work in Canada while studying. All other standards must also be met.

Q. How long does it take to complete a Masters degree program?

A. It typically takes around 2 years to complete your Masters in Biology degree program.

Q. Can I work in Canada if I have an international master's degree?

A. If you are planning on working in Canada with your international Master’s degree then you will need to apply for permanent residency.

Q. What is required to get into a master’s program in Biology?

A. The requirements for entrance into a master’s program vary from institution to institution but most universities will require you to have at least a bachelor's degree with high grades or GRE scores, an undergraduate degree in biology or related field, and strong letters of recommendation.

Q. What are some of the benefits of pursuing an advanced degree in Biology?

A. After pursuing Masters in Biology, you can get high paying job opportunities in the related fields with competitive pay along with many other research opportunities. You can easily enter into the field of public health, research, teaching, etc. 

Q. What are the disadvantages of studying masters in Biology in Canada?

A. Some students may find it difficult to maintain the workload and may experience burnout. 

Q. What are the career prospects after completing a master's degree in Canada?

A. The career opportunities vary depending on what field you choose to specialize in. For instance, if you pursue masters in biology, there are many job opportunities available related to research, advising, and teaching.

Shikha Kumari06-30-2022 15:35