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25 August 2025

4 minutes read

5 Best Biotechnology Universities in Canada: Top Universities for Biotechnology in Canada for Indian Students

Dirghayu Kaushik
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Dirghayu Kaushik

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Founder & CEO

Dirghayu Kaushik is the co-founder and CEO of Ambitio. He started this platform because he’s been in your shoes—navigating confusing websites, second-guessing college choices, and trying to make sense of what actually matters in an application. A graduate of IIT BHU, Dirghayu combines personal experience with data-backed guidance to help students apply smarter. Whether it’s choosing the right course, building a standout profile, or writing essays that don’t feel forced, his mission is simple: to make getting into your dream university less overwhelming, and a little more honest.

23 August 2024

4 minutes read

Key Takeaways

  • Biotechnology universities in Canada offer top biotechnology program options with strong research in microbiology, molecular biology, and genetic engineering.
  • Biotechnology universities in Canada provide bachelor of science, master of science, and applied degree programs for international students.
  • Biotechnology universities in Canada ensure practical skills through laboratory training, placements, and careers in biopharmaceutical and industrial biotechnology.

Biotechnology has provided new horizons for Indian students looking to study abroad. Canada is a fantastic choice, with great opportunities to study biotech programs, modern labs and degrees that are accepted everywhere.

Canadian universities have, some of the best in the world, opportunities that provide international exposure to research and the potential for global careers. They aim to expose students to a career in biotech.  

Why Study Biotechnology in Canada as an Indian Student?

Did you know that Canada is about to experience rapid growth in the biotech industry by 2025? Indian students will have access to progressive research and development facilities, experience the world globally, and advance practical skills in many disciplines such as microbiology, molecular biology, and genetic engineering. 

biotechnology universities in canada 1

That is why, Canadian biotech courses help international students find job possibilities in the biomedical engineering industry biopharmaceutical industries and industrial biotech. With great placement opportunities and rewarding career opportunities for most students pursuing these courses. 

What are the Different Learning Options to Study in Canada?

Fun fact, Canadian University students will find programs that align to their interest levels. In Canada international students will have the opportunity to take applied degree programs or research their topic of interest. 

Learning types will include:

  • Coursework-based Programs: Matriculation focuses on practical cognitive skills, practical laboratory experience and the business and management components. 
  • Research-based Programs: Matriculation focuses on sequencing, virology and epidemiology and research opportunities, but would be completed outside of the formal structure of graduate classes, losing a bit of structure. 
  • Professional Applied Degrees: Non-thesis qualifying programs centered on practical learning experiences, with academic training in the biotech industry, employing practical and research knowledge. 

Here’s a quick comparison of the options:

Learning OptionFocus AreaCareer Pathway
Coursework-based ProgramsLab training, courseworkBiotech technologist, job-ready
Research-based ProgramsResearch and developmentGenetic engineering, biodefense
Professional Applied DegreesApplied degree programsBiopharmaceutical, business roles

Top Biotechnology Universities in Canada

Did you know? Several Canadian universities are among the best in the world for their work in biotech or biological sciences or chemical engineering. 

1. University of Alberta

This Canadian university is one of the best in the country for offering biotechnology courses in Canada options that will allow students to have research experiences in areas such as microbiology, molecular biology, and genetic engineering. Things needed to apply include transcripts, proof of GPA, statement of purpose, and IELTS or TOEFL scores.

2. University of Toronto, Ontario

The University of Toronto has biotech courses in Canada through their Faculty of Life Sciences. They focus on lab exposure, bioinformatics, and industrial biotech. Required documents are letter of recommendation, resume, personal statement, and GRE/GMAT scores.

3. University of British Columbia

This university is one of the best institutions in Canada for biotech.  Students have the opportunity to study a bachelor of science and master of science in biotech. Required application documentation is ACT/SAT scores, secondary school diploma and science credits. 

4. McGill University

McGill University has several popular courses; biological sciences, biomedical engineering and biochemistry. Required documents for foreign students are transcript records, GPA transcripts, IELTS or TOEFL scores and details about intended program start date. Coursework includes applied degree programs and specialist program offerings.

5. University of Saskatchewan

This university offers strong biotechnology courses focused on agricultural biotechnology and biopharmaceutical research. Admission requirements include Ontario secondary school diploma or equivalent, statement of purpose, and reference/recommendation letters. Additionally, there is placement support to support graduates to find employment in the biotech field.

Popular Courses in Biotechnology Degree Offered by Top Universities and Biotech Colleges in Canada

Did you know that there are biopharmaceutical aspects and biodefense research built into some of the biotech programs in Canada, this means foreign students will not only have different options, but they will have popular courses or pathways to one of both degrees and their research experience.  

Here are some pathways to consider:  

  • Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology: Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology is to research and learn about life sciences, develop lab skills, and genetic engineering.  
  • Master of Science in Biotechnology: Not only involves coursework but research, such as, biochemistry, molecular-biology and sequencing.  
  • Non-Thesis Professional Programs: Applied degrees that involve an industrial biotechnology component with job placement and career in biotechnology.

Comparison of common programs:

Degree TypeFocus AreaLength of Time
Bachelor of ScienceFundamental biotechnology theory and lab skills4 years
Master of ScienceResearch potential, specialization2 years
Non-thesis ProgramIndustrial training,  experiential skill set1-2 years

Top Biotech Companies for a Career in Biotechnology

Fun fact: Canada has some of the world’s leading biotechnology companies that provide research and development jobs and are always looking to hire graduates.

Top biotechnology companies are hiring, specifically in biodefence, sequencing, viral, and applied biotechnology research. If you’ve studied science in biotechnology, biomedical engineering or biopharmaceutical specialization, you could enter a rewarding career.

biotechnology universities in canada 2

Here is a summary of a few leading biotech firms in Canada:

Biotech CompanyArea of WorkCareer Roles
STEMCELL TechnologiesBiomedical researchResearch technologist
Zymeworks Inc.BiopharmaceuticalsBiopharma researcher
MedicagoIndustrial biotechnologyTechnologist, R&D
AbCelleraBioinformatics, sequencingMolecular biologist
VBI VaccinesVirology, epidemiologyVaccine development expert

Conclusion

Foreign students are discovering the educational opportunities available through Canada’s biotechnology sector – their academic qualifications, advanced laboratories, and comprehensive research programs in biological sciences.

With applied degree programs, biotechnology program options, and programs that benefit graduates, Canada is an ideal environment to make your educational decisions.

Contact the experts at Ambitio to learn more about the best institutions to study in Canada.

FAQs

Which are the best biotechnology universities in Canada for Indian students?

The best biotechnology universities in Canada include the University of Toronto, University of Alberta, McGill University, University of British Columbia, and University of Saskatchewan.

What are the admission requirements for biotechnology universities in Canada?

Biotechnology universities in Canada generally require transcripts, GPA scores, IELTS or TOEFL, a statement of purpose, resume, and sometimes standardized tests like GRE, SAT, or GMAT.

Do biotechnology universities in Canada offer both bachelor’s and master’s programs?

Yes, biotechnology universities in Canada offer bachelor of science, master of science, and non-thesis applied degree programs to suit different career paths.

Why should international students choose biotechnology universities in Canada?

International students prefer biotechnology universities in Canada because of world-class laboratories, strong research opportunities, high placement rates, and exposure to biotech companies.

Are there affordable biotechnology universities in Canada for Indian students?

Yes, some biotechnology universities in Canada such as the University of Saskatchewan and University of Alberta offer comparatively affordable tuition fees along with quality education.

What courses do biotechnology universities in Canada usually offer?

Biotechnology universities in Canada usually offer courses in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetic engineering, industrial biotechnology, and bioinformatics.

What career opportunities follow after graduating from biotechnology universities in Canada?

Graduates from biotechnology universities in Canada can pursue careers in biomedical engineering, biopharmaceuticals, biodefense, research and development, and industrial biotechnology.

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