You will find several post-graduate diploma courses in biotechnology in Canada. Biotechnology is one of the flourishing professions globally, with rising demand for skilled researchers, scientists, and professionals in several spheres related to genomics, pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, laboratories, research and development, and medical devices, among other sectors.
Top PG Diploma Courses in Canada for Biotechnology
Here are some of the best picks for your needs:
Name of the Institution
Course Name
Fees (in CAD)
Duration
Intakes
Admission Requirements
Algonquin College
Biotechnology-Advanced (Co-Op and Non-Co-Op Version)
$46,435.60
3 years
Fall and Winter
Centennial College
Biotechnology-Advanced (Fast-Track) (Optional Co-Op)
$16,377
2 years
September, January, May
Georgian College
Biotechnology- Health Ontario College Diploma Program
$9,036.08
2 years
Fall and Summer
Concordia University
Biotechnology and Genomics (GrDip)
N/A
1 year
September, January, May
Durham College
Biotechnology-Advanced (Fast-Track)
$8,956.68 (Year 1) + $7,823.94 (Year 2)
Two semesters
September
Eligibility
Eligibility criteria vary across educational institutions. The common guidelines include the following:
- OSSD or equivalent.
- Some institutions may require bachelor’s degrees or diplomas
- Grade 12 English and Mathematics in most cases
- Other Grade 11/12 subjects, including Biology and Chemistry in some cases
- Proof of English language proficiency
Duration of the programs
The average duration for these courses is around 1-3 years.
Application cycle/Academic cycle/Intakes
The intakes are mostly in September, January, and May.
Fee
The average fees are CAD 9,000-46,000 for these types of programs.
Job Prospects
There are several employment opportunities in fields like biotechnology research, laboratories, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, agriculture, and more. Some leading employers in the country include the following:
- Apotex Inc.
- Mill Street Brewery
- Griffith Laboratories
- Kisko Products
- bioMerieux
- Campbell Soup Company
- Maxxam Analytics
- Hermann Laue Spice Company
- Cosmetics Laboratories Inc.
Some of the career positions include microbiologists, microbiology analysts, research technologists, quality control technologists, quality assurance analysts, and associate scientists. There are plenty of options at government and ministry agencies and laboratories, along with educational institutions, natural health products brands, environmental companies, quality control laboratories, fermentation units, and more.
FAQs
Is a diploma in biotechnology worth it in Canada?
A diploma in biotechnology is worth it in Canada. Canada offers an attractive salary in this field, while there are plenty of opportunities at government and private laboratories and other entities.
What is the scope of a diploma in biotechnology?
There is a vast scope in the biotechnology field. Some of the biggest employment opportunities in the field include medical scientists, forensic science technicians, environmental biotechnologists, microbiologists, medical scientists, geneticists, molecular biotechnologists, R&D scientists, and more.
Is biotechnology in demand in Canada?
Biotechnology is a rapidly-growing educational field in the Canadian market. It fuses technology, science, and engineering. The bio-economy in the country is expected to need thousands of skilled professionals over the next few years, particularly across the agriculture and medicine industries.
