Master of Biotechnology

Students entering the program will normally have completed an honours bachelor’s degree with a minimum admission average of B (75% and higher) in one of the following fields:

• agriculture
• biochemistry
• biology
• biophysics
• biotechnology
• chemistry
• environmental science
• food science
• food production systems
• microbiology
• molecular biology and genetics

Other Requirements

• Honours bachelor’s degree with a minimum admission average of B (75% and higher in the last two years of full-time study)
• A strong science background (second-year molecular and cellular biology course or equivalent). Those applicants applying after having work experience will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the admissions committee.
• If your first language is not English, you will be required to submit an acceptable result from one of the approved standardized English language tests. Please make note of these departmental minimum test scores:
  • For TOEFL, a minimum score of 93, with a minimum score of 22 in each of the four categories
  • For IELTS, a minimum score of 7.0, with a minimum of 6.5 in each component
  • For Duolingo, a minimum overall score of 130, with a minimum score of 120 in each of the four categories
  • We only grant exemptions if you have received a university degree completed in English from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and/or the United Kingdom.
  • Please note that these test score requirements are higher than the general university requirements because this is a fast-paced, course-based graduate program. We cannot accept applicants with test scores lower than the minimums stated above.
• For international applicants, in order to assess whether your degree is equivalent to a four-year honours bachelor's degree, please review this information about international credential guidelines for specific countries. Post-graduate certificates and diplomas are not accepted as equivalents.
• A Graduate Record Examination (general) is not required.
• You do not need to find a supervisor before applying to the program. Students are matched to supervisors during the first semester based on the students' research interests.

The application for September 2026 intake closes on March 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (EST), with a document submission deadline of March 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (EDT).

• Students will be admitted to the Master of Biotechnology program from a range of undergraduate programs in the biological and life sciences.
• Students from other undergraduate programs, will be considered for admission if they have a sufficient background in the biological sciences (e.g., biomedical engineering).
• To be considered for admission, applicants should meet the minimum requirements of an honour's degree (usually four years) from a recognized post-secondary institution with a minimum 75% average over the last two years of full-time equivalent study. (Please note that this is a competitive program and incoming averages of successful applicants are typically above 80%.)
• We only offer a fall admissions intake.

International Applicants

If your first language is not English, you will be required to submit an acceptable result from one of the approved standardized English language tests. Please make note of these minimum test scores:

• For TOEFL, a minimum score of 93, with a minimum score of 22 in each of the four categories
• For IELTS, a minimum score of 7.0, with a minimum of 6.5 in each component
• For Duolingo, a minimum overall score of 130, with a minimum score of 120 in each of the four categories
• We only grant exemptions if you have received a university degree completed in English from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and/or the United Kingdom.
• Please note that these test scores requirements are higher than the general university requirements because this is a fast-paced, course-based graduate program. We cannot accept applicants with test scores lower than the minimums stated above.

For international applicants, to determine if your undergraduate degree is sufficient for application to our program, please review information about international credential guidelines for specific countries. Post-graduate certificates and diplomas are not accepted as equivalents.

What documents do I need to submit for my application?

You will be asked to upload your transcript(s), a resume/CV and the contact information of two academic references.

What transcripts are needed?

For the application process, you can submit scanned copies of your transcripts. Applicants who are accepted into the program will be required to submit final and official transcripts.

Do I need a statement of interest?

There is a very short statement of interest required on the OUAC application form. You do not need to write a separate statement of interest.

Should I have my references complete a reference letter?

Your referees will be sent an electronic form to complete; you do not need to ask them to write a reference letter.

Does it matter how much time it has been since my last school year?

For applicants who have been out of school for several years, please contact us to discuss appropriate references.

Do I need to find a faculty mentor before applying?

No, students do not need to find a faculty mentor before applying to the program. Students are supported by the faculty Program Director throughout the program and in addition, have a faculty advisor and/or external collaborator to support their progress during the summer placement.

Are there any entrance awards available?

There are no entrance awards available specifically for the MBIOT program. Please see the Scholarships and Awards webpage for information about internal and external graduate awards and their eligibility criteria.

Where do I apply?

Apply online through the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies at the University of Guelph. Visit the Applying to Guelph webpage for full details.

Is there an application deadline?

The next program intake is September 2026. Applications are now open and will close on March 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (EST), with a document submission deadline of March 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (EDT). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and we encourage international students to apply early.

Will I have the opportunity to apply for graduate teaching assistantships (GTA) during my MBIOT degree?

Yes, any student enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Guelph can apply for a GTA; however, there is no guarantee that you will receive a GTA. For a complete list of GTA positions available on campus, please visit Available TA Positions.

Can I extend my research project from 4 months to 8 months?

Yes, with agreement from their project supervisor, students can extend their project an additional 4 months, finishing at the end of the fall semester.

I have accepted my offer in WebAdvisor. How do I register and select courses, pay tuition, etc.?

Please see the Schedule of Dates in the Graduate Calendar to see when course selection opens/ends. The Registration Guide will help you through the registration process.

When can I start the MBIOT program?

Students can only start the MBIOT program on the first day of classes in September of each calendar year.

My previous degree program is not listed as one of the eligible programs. How can I determine if my previous degree meets the eligibility requirements?

Degree program names and courses taken vary by institution. The Admissions Committee will be looking for a strong science background, with at least a second-year molecular and cellular biology course or equivalent.

For international applicants, please refer to the International Credential Guidelines to determine the equivalency of your previous degree. Post-graduate certificates and diplomas are not accepted as equivalents.

I am an international applicant. Do I need to submit English proficiency test scores?

English proficiency test scores are not required for applicants whose first language is English. If your first language is not English, you will be required to submit an acceptable result of one of the approved standardized English language tests. Please make note of these minimum test scores:

• For TOEFL, a minimum score of 93, with a minimum score of 22 in each of the four categories
• For IELTS, a minimum score of 7.0, with a minimum of 6.5 in each component
• For Duolingo, a minimum overall score of 130, with a minimum score of 120 in each of the four categories

We only grant exemptions if you have received a university degree completed in English from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and/or the United Kingdom.

Please note that these test score requirements are higher than the general University requirements because this is a fast-paced, course-based graduate program. We cannot accept applicants with test scores lower than the minimums stated above.

How do international students apply for a study permit?

Please use the official offer of admission that you received from the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies to apply for your study permit. You can apply for a study permit with a conditional offer of admission. If you have specific questions about your study permit application or transition to the University of Guelph, please reach out to an International Student Advisor.