Which master's course in Canada suits a graduate with BSc and MSc in Microbiology and IELTS 6.5?
A Master of Biotechnology is the strongest Canadian pick for a BSc and MSc Microbiology graduate with IELTS 6.5, since programs like McGill's and the University of Saskatchewan's accept a 6.5 overall score and build directly on lab and molecular biology training for biotech and pharmaceutical roles.
Because you already hold both a BSc and MSc in Microbiology, the decision is less about eligibility and more about whether you want an industry-facing degree or a second research degree, since a straight MSc in Microbiology would largely repeat coursework you have already completed.
Why Biotechnology Beats a Second Microbiology Degree Here
- More industry-oriented than a thesis-only MSc, positioning you for biotech, pharmaceutical and diagnostics roles rather than another academic credential.
- McGill's Biotechnology Graduate Program accepts an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 or higher, matching your current score exactly.
- The University of Saskatchewan's Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology graduate program also lists IELTS 6.5 as its minimum, with specific section requirements worth checking.
Biotechnology vs Public Health vs a Second Microbiology Degree
| Master's | Best For | IELTS Fit at 6.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology (McGill, Saskatchewan) | Biotech, pharma, quality control roles | Meets the 6.5 minimum directly |
| Public Health (MPH, e.g. UBC) | Epidemiology, government health roles | Often needs closer to 7.0, worth confirming per intake |
| Microbiology/Molecular Biology (thesis MSc) | PhD track, pure research | Meets requirements but overlaps with your existing MSc |
This Information Is Also Available On
McGill University's Biotechnology Graduate Program admissions page; the University of Saskatchewan's Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology graduate program page.
My Advice
Since you already hold an MSc, I would not default to another MSc in Microbiology just because it feels like the safest continuation. Use this second Canadian degree to add something you do not yet have on paper, whether that is industry exposure through Biotechnology or a public health pivot, and lead your application with your specific MSc thesis topic so admissions committees see this as deliberate specialisation, not repetition.
Looking for a specific course in Canada?
We will find the universities that offer it, and whether you will get in.
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