Overview

The Biology M.Sc. at the University of Ottawa provides students with a sophisticated platform for advanced scientific inquiry within a collaborative academic environment. This programme is delivered through the Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology, a long-standing partnership that integrates the extensive research expertise and facilities of two major universities. Students engage in rigorous academic training designed to prepare them for high-level roles in research, policy, and specialized scientific industries.

Why Biology at the University of Ottawa?

Choosing this programme means joining one of Canada’s top 10 research universities, located in the heart of the nation's capital. The Faculty of Science is a recognised centre of excellence, hosting world-class core facilities for molecular biology, genomics, and isotope analysis. Through the joint institute, students gain the unique advantage of accessing professors, diverse course catalogues, and specialised laboratories across both the University of Ottawa and Carleton University campuses. This collaborative framework fosters a rich intellectual community and provides a breadth of expertise rarely found in a single institution.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: CAD 9721 per semester
National fee: CAD 2844 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Research and Communication in Biology
Biotechnology
Advanced Field Ecology
Applied Biochemistry
Neuroethology
Bayesian Statistics for Biologists
Biological Data Science in R
Biophysical Techniques
Molecular Methods

Careers with Biology

Graduates of this programme are well-equipped for diverse professional paths in the global scientific landscape. The rigorous training in research methodology and communication prepares individuals for careers in environmental consultancy, biotechnology firms, and government agencies. Many alumni secure roles as research associates, laboratory managers, or policy advisors. Furthermore, the programme provides a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue doctoral studies, with an available fast-track option for high-achieving students to transition directly into a PhD without completing a master's thesis.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Biotechnology

Ecology

Biochemistry

Applied Biochemistry

Neuroethology

Bioinformatics

Biophysical Techniques

Advances in Protein Engineering

Molecular Methods

Ethnobotany and Ethnopharmacology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-05-04 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-09 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

60 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Ottawa, Canada

Disciplines

Biology View 63 other Masters in Biology in Canada

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Have a bachelor’s degree in with a specialization, or a major in Biology (or equivalent) with a minimum average of 70% (B).

Demonstrate a good academic performance in previous studies as shown by official transcripts, research reports, abstracts or any other documents demonstrating research skills.

2 Recommendation letters

Transcripts

Resume

A letter of intent outlining your career goals and proposed research area.

We recommend that you contact potential thesis supervisors early. To register, you need to be accepted by a thesis supervisor.

International students must show proof of funding in the form of a supervisor stipend and a combination of scholarships and/or in-trust accounts.

A good knowledge of either English or French and good ability to write in English is required.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Ottawa and/or in Canada, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

19442 CAD / year

≈ 19442 CAD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

5688 CAD / year

≈ 5688 CAD / year

Additional Details

Ontario residents: $2,456.70/ semester

Living costs

Ottawa

Canada

1168 - 1925 CAD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Biology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Ottawa

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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