Innovations are a part of today’s modern landscape. The root of these innovations is scientists and technologists who are constantly tinkering in their labs to develop new products. The field concerned with creating new products through modifications and alterations in biological substances is biotechnology. The field of biotechnology is constantly growing at a rapid pace, and you can work in this field in specialised roles with a PhD in biotechnology. Read on to know how you can get a PhD in biotechnology in Canada, the top colleges you can opt for and the career prospects in the field.
PhD in Biotechnology
Biotechnology is the application of science and technology to biological organisms and objects to alter their properties and create new products for the general population. Thus, biotechnology is expected to be a promising field in the coming times. Biotechnology can be studied through undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral degrees. However, as this field is concerned with human health and living organism experimentation, the qualifications required are high. According to a survey conducted by BIOTECanada, it was reported that 88% of professionals working in this field hold a PhD. Thus, securing a PhD in biotechnology can be your best bet to build a promising career in this field and grab job opportunities offered to specialised professionals.
Why study PhD in Biotechnology in Canada?
Canada is a country that is heavily invested in the research and technology sectors. It promotes quality research and provides its students with the funds and resources to implement new innovations and projects. Completing a PhD in biotechnology from Canada is a good option for the following reasons:
Top-quality education
Check Your Eligibility for 80+ Universities across Canada
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Check Your Eligibility for 80+ Universities across Canada
Book a free counselling session and find universities where you can get an Admission!
Canadian universities provide excellent educational infrastructure. The country is the 4th highest-ranked country in the world for offering research opportunities to international students.
Financial aid opportunities
Canada offers various funding and financial opportunities to international students. Doctoral programs such as a PhD in biotechnology in Canada can also be studied while doing assistantships, which will further ease the financial burden.
Great prospects
Employers in Canada have reported a shortage of skilled workers and employees in the field of biotechnology. Almost 20% of top companies in Canada have vacancies for biotechnology doctorate holders. This translates to a great opportunity for biotechnology graduates to work in Canada and forge a bright career.
Specializations Available in Biotechnology in Canada
Biotechnologists work in various sectors of the economy such as agriculture, food products, pharma, etc. Thus, you have the opportunity to choose from one of these specialisations while applying for a PhD in biotechnology in Canada:
- Cellular and molecular biotechnology
- Medical biotechnology
- Food biotechnology
- Agricultural biotechnology
- Biomedical engineering
- Biochemistry
Colleges offering PhD in Biotechnology in Canada
The following is a list of top-ranked universities in Canada providing a doctorate in biotechnology:
University of British Columbia, Kelowna, Canada
- QS World University Rankings 2022: #37
- Courses offered: Doctor of Philosophy in Biotechnology
- Eligibility requirements: IELTS – 6.5
- Total course tuition fees: CAD 27,394
University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- QS World University Rankings 2022: #200
- Courses offered: Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Science – Cancer Biology
- Eligibility requirements: IELTS – 7.5
- Total course tuition fees: CAD 32,324
Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada
- QS World University Rankings 2022: #251
- Courses offered: Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
- Eligibility requirements: IELTS – 7.0
- Total course tuition fees: CAD 23,832
University of Guelph, Waterloo, Canada
- QS World University Rankings 2022: #501
- Courses offered: Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Agriculture – Breeding and Biotechnologies
- Eligibility requirements: IELTS – 6.5
- Total course tuition fees: CAD 59,040
Lakehead University, Ottawa, Canada
- QS World University Rankings 2022: #601
- Courses offered: Doctor of Philosophy in Biotechnology
- Eligibility requirements: IELTS – 6.5
- Total course tuition fees: CAD 57,000
Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada
- QS World University Rankings 2022: #1001 – #1200
- Courses offered: Doctor of Philosophy in Biotechnology – Chemical Biotechnology; Doctor of Philosophy in Biotechnology – Gene Biotechnology; Doctor of Philosophy in Biotechnology
- Eligibility requirements: IELTS – 6.5
- Total course tuition fees: CAD 94,018
Scholarships and Funding
A primary reason Canada is an international student hub is the scholarships and financial support afforded. The Canadian government and universities offer several scholarship programs to international students based on merit and financial need. International students can apply for the following scholarships among many others while applying for their PhD in biotechnology programme in Canada:
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship – $5000 per semester
- Vanier Doctoral Scholarships – $50,000 per year for up to 3 years
- International Tuition Scholarship, University of Lethbridge – $34,000
- School of Graduate Studies Fellowship, University of Lethbridge – $15,000 for a year; can be renewed for an extra year in PhD
- Merck Graduate Scholarship in Biosciences and Biotechnology, University of Toronto – $2,000-$3,000
- International Doctoral Fellowship for UBC doctoral students with excellent academic performance – $30,000 stipend +tuition fee(for 4 years); $18,000 funding package in 5th year
- Killam Doctoral Fellowship for UBC doctoral students who have completed 2 yrs of study – $30,000 annual stipend(2 yrs); plus $2,000 travel allowance
Eligibility Criteria for PhD in Biotechnology in Canada
The eligibility criteria for PhD programmes in Canada vary according to the university. However, the general requirements are similar across institutions and are listed below:
- Relevant master’s degree in a related field with a grade average of B- or above according to the Canadian grading system
- 3 Letters of Reference (LORs)
- GRE test scores (recommended)
- Proof of English proficiency through test scores such as IELTS or TOEFL. A score of 6.5 on IELTS and 86 on TOEFL is preferred.
Documents required
The following documents are required while applying for a PhD in Biotechnology in Canada:
- Official transcripts of previous academic qualifications
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) outlining research interests
- CV/resume
- Proof of entrance tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, etc., required to study in Canada
- Research proposal is also referred to as ‘Statement of Interest’.
- Documents of criminal record check
- Proof of citizenship
- Canadian study visa
- Work permit if you wish to work in Canada
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Canada varies depending on location, accommodation type and lifestyle. Generally, an international student needs 800-1,000 CAD per month to live in Canada. This amounts to around 10,000-12,000 CAD per year. These expenses can be covered through scholarships, internships, research assistantships, part-time jobs, etc.
How to apply for PhD in Biotechnology in Canada
The applicants can follow the below-mentioned steps to apply for a PhD in biotechnology in Canada:
- Before applying, check whether you fulfil the eligibility criteria for your desired program.
- In case the university you are applying for a PhD in biotechnology in Canada requires approval of the supervisor for the application form, get the supervisor’s approval.
- Fill up the application form and upload the required documents.
- Complete the online application and submit it.
- Pay the required application fees.
- Keep an eye on the university website for updates about admissions.
- If successfully admitted, pay your tuition fees and receive your acceptance letter.
- With the acceptance or offer letter, apply for a Canadian study permit as soon as possible.
Job Prospects
As discussed earlier, biotechnology is a very wide field with applications in many sectors of the economy. This gives biotechnology programme graduates plenty of career opportunities. Given below is a list of industries in Canada that offer job opportunities to biotech degree holders:
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Biological sciences
- Life sciences
- Bioinformatics
- Dentistry
- Physiotherapy
- Veterinarian
- Forensic science
- Research assistant
- Law (environmental law, patent law, etc.)
- Government
- Healthcare
- Food industry
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Environmental management
- Teaching
A PhD graduate in biotechnology can apply for specialised roles in various fields out of reach for master’s and bachelor’s degree holders. The following jobs are some of the highest-paying for doctorate graduates in biotechnology in Canada:
- Research Scientists: 56,000 CAD per year – 140,000 CAD per year
- Biotech Analyst: 51,000 CAD per year – 72,000 CAD per year
- Aquatic Science Biologist: 61,000 CAD per year – 98,000 CAD per year
- Organic Chemist: 45,000 CAD per year – 65,000 CAD per year
- Biotechnology Technician: 38,000 CAD per year – 55,000 CAD per year
- Research Assistant: 47,000 CAD per year – 63,000 CAD per year
- Research Associate: 51,000 CAD per year – 68,000 CAD per year
- Medical Advisor: 68,000 CAD per year – 100,000 CAD per year
Conclusion
Biotechnology is a booming field in Canada, with the country heavily invested in research and academics. Completing a PhD in biotechnology in Canada can help you build a successful career in the country and acquire quality education from some of their best universities. Studying abroad can be a confusing process for someone applying to a foreign school for the first time. To make this process simpler, LeapScholar offers you a host of resources and services to guide you through the admission process and help you make the right decision for your future. Check out our website and get all the help you need whenever you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which province in Canada has the highest pay for Biotechnology professionals?
Location plays a vital role in the pay package you can secure. Working in a province more focused on your field can fetch you a better salary. For biotechnology in Canada, Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta are considered the best provinces to work in.
2. What is the duration for a PhD in Biotechnology in Canada?
A PhD in Biotechnology in Canada can be completed within 3-5 years.
3. Is funding available for students pursuing PhD in Canada?
Yes, most Canadian universities offer basic funding for their PhD students. This means that all PhD students will receive an assured minimum stipend from their department or university.
