Overview

The Microbiology and Immunology M.Sc. at the University of British Columbia provides an advanced platform for investigating the complex interactions between microorganisms and their hosts. This programme integrates the study of bacteria, viruses, and fungi with cutting-edge immunological research to address global health challenges. Students develop high-level expertise in analytical thinking and scientific communication through a combination of rigorous coursework and original thesis research.

Why Microbiology and Immunology at the University of British Columbia?

The university has maintained a distinguished reputation in this field since 1915, fostering a collaborative community of biochemists, cell biologists, and immunologists. Students benefit from access to the Life Sciences Institute, which houses state-of-the-art facilities for advanced flow cytometry, high-throughput biology, and imaging. Strong links with affiliated hospitals and organisations like the Genome Sciences Centre provide unique opportunities for translational research and innovation. The environment is specifically designed to support interdisciplinary work alongside leading experts in infectious diseases and immunotherapy.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: CAD 9884 per year
National fee: CAD 5626 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum requires both coursework and the completion of a research thesis. Modules may include:

Microbial Pathogenesis
Molecular Genetics
Virology
Microbial Ecology
Immunology
Biotechnology
Epigenetics
Cell and Developmental Biology
Geomicrobiology

Careers with Microbiology and Immunology

Graduates are well-prepared for diverse professional paths in industry, academia, and the public sector. Many alumni secure roles in forensics with the RCMP, manage natural resources for city municipalities, or work as technical experts in clinical hospital settings. The programme also serves as a robust foundation for those pursuing professional degrees in Medicine, Dentistry, Law, or Pharmacology. Additionally, many students successfully transition into doctoral research programmes at prestigious institutions worldwide.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

The role of the microenvironment and inflammation in the promotion of cancer metastasis
The role of the MEK/ERK pathway in regulating cytoskeleton-dependent B cell responses to immobilized and cell-bound antigens
Early-life gut microbiota dysbiosis in children with atopic dermatitis
Evaluating microbial community responses to blended biofuel contamination
Elucidating the mechanism of type 2 innate lymphoid cell-mediated tumour elimination

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-05-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-15 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

100

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IELTS

7

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Credits

30 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Vancouver, Canada

Disciplines

Medicine Microbiology Immunology View 11 other Masters in Immunology in Canada

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

148 _{(quantitative)}

4 _(analytical)

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7

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

All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.

A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Many programs require a statement of interest, sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.

Applicants should browse faculty profiles and indicate in their application who they are interested in working with. No commitment from a supervisor prior to applying is necessary, but contacting faculty members is encouraged.

Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.

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.

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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 British Columbia 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

9884 CAD / year

≈ 9884 CAD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

5626 CAD / year

≈ 5626 CAD / year

Living costs

Vancouver

Canada

1590 - 2686 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 Microbiology and Immunology.

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

Living costs

Vancouver

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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