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MS in Microbiology in Canada: Top Universities, Fees, Scholarships & Salaries

Trisha • 12 Mins read • 29 Jul 25

MS in Microbiology in Canada

Latest updates

IELTS computer-based examinations are scheduled from 2nd Aug 2025- 27th Dec 2025
TOEFL examination 2025 is scheduled on 1st August- 27th Dec 2025

MS in Microbiology in Canada is a 2-year degree program that provides theoretical and practical-based training in the study of microorganisms. MS in Microbiology at V offers strong career prospects to students with high salaries. After an MS in Microbiology in Canada, candidates can get a job scope in industries including healthcare, pharmaceutical, environmental industry, and research institutes.

The eligibility criteria for MS in Microbiology in Canada include a Bachelor's degree in microbiology/biotechnology/ biochemistry or any related field with a minimum of 85% marks. Annual fees for MS in Microbiology in Canada. The specialisations of MS in Microbiology in Canada include Clinical Microbiology, Industrial Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology, and many more.

The best universities for MS in Microbiology in Canada include University of British Columbia, University of Alberta and University of Manitoba, University of Ottawa, and University of Victoria. The career options after MS in Microbiology in Canada are microbiologist, Clinical research associate, quality assurance specialist, and many more. The top recruiters of MS in microbiology in Canada include the Public Health Agency of Canada, Amaris Consulting, AGAT Laboratories, McGill University, Humber River Hospital, etc. The salary package for MS in Microbiology in Canada graduates is CAD 50,000 LPA - CAD 80,000 LPA.

MS in Microbiology in Canada: Quick Highlights

The table below contains information about MS in Microbiology in Canada duration, eligibility, fee structure, syllabus, and many more.

Particulars	Details
Duration	2 years
Level of Program	Post graduate
Eligibility	Bachelor’s in microbiology/biotech/biochemistry /related fields with minimum 85% marks
Entrance Exams	IELTS /TOEFL/ GRE
Annual Fees	CAD 8,000–CAD 32,000
Core Syllabus	Microbial Physiology Microbial Genetics & Genomics,
Elective Specialisations	Clinical Microbiology Industrial Microbiology Environmental Microbiology
Top Universities	University of British Columbia University of Alberta University of Manitoba University of Ottawa University of Victoria
Career Options	Microbiologist Clinical Research Associate, Quality Assurance Specialist
Top Recruiters	Public Health Agency of Canada Amaris Consulting AGAT Laboratories McGill University Humber River Hospital
Salary Range	CAD 50,000 LPA–CAD 80,000 LPA

MS in Microbiology in Canada: Important Dates and Events

The important dates and events of MS in Microbiology in Canada include IELTS and TOEFL dates. Check out the table below for details.

Events	Dates
IELTS computer-based examination 2025	2nd Aug- 27th Dec 2025
TOEFL examination 2025	1st August-27th Dec 2025

Application Deadlines

The time period for the application process for MS in Microbiology in Canada is from July to December.

University	Application Deadlines
University of British Columbia (UBC)	Nov 30, 2025
University of Manitoba	Oct 1, 2025
University of Alberta	Aug 1, 2025

Visa Application Timeline

The table below contains detailed information on the Canadian student visa application timeline

Process	Timeline
Preparing and submitting an application	3-4 months before program start
Biometrics appointment	1-2 weeks after application
Initial visa processing	2 weeks to 6 months
Medical exam	1-4 weeks, depending on scheduling and results availability
Additional document requests	can add days or weeks
Visa approval and issuance	After the decision, 2-3 weeks for visa stamping and passport return

Why Choose MS in Microbiology in Canada?

The major advantages of studying MS In Canada include funded research-based opportunities, interdisciplinary studies, industry collaboration, and placement opportunities. Read below to know in detail about why to choose MS in Microbiology in Canada:

Funded Research-Based opportunities for students

The universities in Canada, such as the University of British Columbia, McGill, and the University of Toronto, offer research-based theses in microbiology. Such institutions are usually funded by national research organisations such as NSERC and CIHR. Students can receive grants and stipends during the course.

Interdisciplinary studies

Canadian Universities offer interdisciplinary courses, and therefore, candidates get a chance to join the leading fields of environmental microbiology, antimicrobial resistance, virology, microbial genetics, and many more.

Industry Collaboration

Canadian Universities usually collaborate with hospitals, government research, and pharmaceutical firms. As a result, students have industrial exposure even at the University degree level.

High Placement opportunities

Skilled microbiologists are in high demand in Canada, particularly in areas such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food safety, and the environmental monitoring industry. Therefore, Microbiology graduates can achieve high-paying jobs in Canada.

MS in Microbiology in Canada: Tuition Fee

The annual fees for MS in Microbiology in Canada range between ₹2,00000 to ₹11,00000. The table below contains the university-wise fee structure of the MS in Microbiology in Canada.

University	Tuition Fees in (CAD)	Annual Tuition fees in (inr)
McGill University	CAD 17439 - CAD 2215	₹11,00,000- ₹14,00000
The University of British Columbia	CAD 9512	₹6,00000
University of Ottawa	CAD 28536	₹18,00,000
University of Calgary	3170 CAD	₹2,00000
University of Victoria	7926 CAD	₹5,00000
Dalhousie University	17438 CAD	₹11,00000

MS in Microbiology in Canada: Living Costs

The living costs in Canada range between ₹6,65,580-₹8,47,768. The table below contains the details on living costs in detail.

Category	Living costs in (CAD)	Living costs in (INR)
Accomodation	On campus lodging- CAD 8,000-CAD 10,000 per year Shared apartment - CAD 400-CAD 700 per year	On campus lodging -₹505377- ₹631721
Food and drinks	CAD 200- CAD 600 per year	₹25268-₹37903
Health Insurance	CAD 840	₹53064
Utilities	CAD 1296-CAD 1980	₹81871-₹125080
Total	CAD 10,736-CAD 14,120	₹6,65,580-₹8,47,768

MS in Microbiology in Canada: Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an MS in Microbiology course in Canada, candidates must have a 4-year Bachelor’s degree in a related field with a minimum 85%. The table below contains important information on MS in Microbiology in Canada.

Category	Details
Educational Qualification	4 years Bachelor's in a related field with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4 or a minimum 85%
English proficiency	IELTS: minimum 6.5 TOEFL- minimum 86
Documents required	LOP, SOP, Resume, academic transcripts, IELTS/ TOEFL score care

MS in Microbiology in Canada: Application Process

The application process for MS in Microbiology in Canada includes deciding the MS category, shortlisting Universities, checking the eligibility criteria, filling out the online application form, and paying the fees.

Step 1- First, candidates must shortlist the universities that provide MS in Microbiology.

Step 2 - Candidates need to achieve a minimum B+ grade in a 4-year bachelor's degree in Microbiology or related subjects. Candidates need a minimum of 86 on the TOEFL and a minimum 6.5 on the IELTS exam to be eligible for the application.

Step 3 - Applicants must collect all required documents, such as academic transcripts, English IELTS/TOEFL score cards, CV, resume, statement of purpose, and LOR.

Step 4- To apply, candidates must fill out the application form from the specific University website. Next, they have to attach/upload the required documents and then pay the application fees.

Step 5- Candidates will be called for the interview process. The University will verify all the documents, and if selected, the applicant will receive an application letter.

MS in Microbiology in Canada: Documents required

Here is a list of all documents required for MS in Microbiology in Canada:

Statement of Purpose ( SOP )
2-3 Letter Of Recommendation
Academic Transcripts
Degree Certificate /Provisional Certificate
Curriculum Vitae (CV.)
TOEFL score card
Passport Copy

MS in Microbiology in Canada: Entrance Exams

The entrance exams for MS in Microbiology in Canada include IELTS, TOEFL, and GRE. The table below contains important information about top entrance exams for MS in Microbiology Canada.

Exam Name	Conducting Body
IELTS	British Council, IDP, Cambridge Assessment
TOEFL	Educational Testing Service (ETS)
GRE	ETS

GRE Preparation Tips

The preparation strategies for GREs to qualify for MS in Microbiology include step-by-step division of time, practicing the quantitative section in sequence, and understanding the traps in the logic section. Read below to know about GRE preparation tips:

In the quantitative section, for strengthening the connection between concepts, the students must start with Arithmetic and then move to algebra and geometry.
Candidates must devote 3-4 days to each topic and then switch to the next.
For the GRE logic section, students must practice detecting the actual question and the traps. They must keep a record of all the traps they fall for and review it on a regular basis.

IELTS/ TOEFL Preparation Tips

Preparation strategy on IELTS /TOEFL involves practice exams, vocabulary increase, regularity, time-tables, and development of scanning abilities in reading passages. To find details about the preparation strategies for IELTS / TOEFL, read below.

The candidates should not begin IELTS/ TOEFL preparation without taking a preparatory test. This will assist them in knowing their strengths and weaknesses, and will help in preparation
Vocabulary building is one of the key parts in IELTS/ TOEFL preparation as it is the candidate to write improved essays. The students should read English newspapers and English books to increase their vocabulary.
Candidates should make a particular study plan and adhere to it. It is preferable to set achievable goals monthly or weekly and monthly.

MS in Microbiology in Canada: Syllabus

The topics covered in MS in Microbiology are Medical microbiology, industrial and applied microbiology, and Biosafety. Check out the table below to know in detail about MS in Microbiology in Canada syllabus.

Topics Covered	Details
Medical Microbiology	Immunology (e.g., lymphoid system, antibodies, immune cells, complement, hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, transplantation) Basic Bacteriology (structure, metabolism, toxins, genetics, sterilization) Medical Bacteriology (hosts, pathogenicity, Gram +/-, intracellular bacteria) Basic Virology (virus nature, structure, replication, detection) Medical Virology (herpes, hepatitis, retroviruses, prions, etc.) Medical Mycology (mycoses types) Medical Parasitology (protozoa, parasites, helminths) Other Infectious Disease Topics (epidemiology, AIDS, hypersensitivity, immunodeficiency, etc.)
Industrial & Applied Microbiology	Microbial factors affecting life & death in food Significance of microorganisms in food safety Enumeration methods Rapid microbiological detection methods (PCR, EIA, typing) Microbial technology (starter cultures, fermentation) Microbiology of air, water, and soil
Biosafety	Principles of biosafety, protection, and immunoprophylaxis Containment, risk assessment Transportation, importation, and disposal

Ms in Microbiology in Canada: Core Courses

The core courses offered in MS in Microbiology in Canada are Microbial Physiology, Microbial Genetics, Microbial Ecology, Virology, Immunology, and Bacteriology. Check out the table to know in detail about the MS in Microbiology in Canada course.

Core Subjects	Description
Microbial Physiology	Study of metabolic processes, growth, and function of microorganisms.
Microbial Genetics & Genomics	Genetic mechanisms gene expression, and genome analysis in microbes.
Microbial Ecology	Study of Interactions of microbes with each other and their environments.
Virology	Study of virus structure replication pathogenesis.
Immunology	Immune system function mechanisms host-microbe interactions.

Ms in Microsoft in Canada: Elective Courses

The elective courses in MS in Microbiology in Canada include Clinical Microbiology, Industrial Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology, and Molecular Microbiology. Check out the table below for detailed information on MS in Microbiology in Canada elective specialisations.

Specialised Electives Category	Details / Focus Areas
Clinical Microbiology	Advanced diagnostic microbiology Clinical pathology correlation Infectious disease management, antibiotic resistance hospital epidemiology molecular diagnostics.
Industrial Microbiology	Food and beverage microbiology fermentation technology quality control microbial bioprocessing environmental monitoring Biosafety in production.
Environmental Microbiology	Microbial ecology water and air microbiology bioremediation environmental monitoring Waste Treatment Microbiology.
Molecular Microbiology & Genetics	Genetic engineering molecular diagnostics PCR and nucleic acid-based testing Microbial genomics and bioinformatics.
Biosafety & Biosecurity	Laboratory safety risk assessment containment practices occupational health related to microbiological risks.

MS in Microbiology in Canada: Cut off

Canadian Universities require IELTS/ TOEFL scores for MS in Microbiology. Check out the tables below for MS in Microbiology in Canada cut off.

The IELTS cut-off for MS in Microbiology in Canada is as follows:

University	Overall, IELTS cut-off
University of Toronto	7
University of British Columbia	7
McGill University	6.5
University of Waterloo	6.5
Mcmaster University	6.5
University of Toronto	7

MS in Microbiology in Canada: TOEFL cut off

The table below contains TOEFL cut-off scores for MS in Microbiology in Canada.

University	Overall cut off	Sectional cut off
University of Toronto	93 (for most of the programs)	TOEFL writing: 22 TOEFL speaking: 22
Western University	Minimum score: 86	20 in each section
Queen’s University	88	TOEFL Writing:24 TOEFL Reading: 22 TOEFLSpeaking: 22 TOEFL Listening: 20
Simon Fraser University	93	20 in every section
Concordia University	90	20 in each section
Victoria University	90	20 in each section
University of Manitoba	86	20 in each section

MS in Microbiology in Canada: Best Universities/ Colleges

Canada has multiple Universities that offer MS in Microbiology. The following table contains the list of the best universities/ colleges in Canada along with Qs world rankings.

University Name	Global Rank
University of Toronto	29
University of British Columbia (UBC)	40
McGill University	27
University of Calgary	211
University of Guelph	504
University of Alberta	94

MS in Microbiology: Canada Vs India

MS in Microbiology in Canada has a different curriculum focus from that of the Indian Microbiology course. Check out the table below to know about MS in Microbiology: Canada vs Indiafrom

Particulars	MS in Microbiology (Canada)	MSc in Microbiology (India)
Duration	2 years	2 years
Course Type	Postgraduate Master's degree	Postgraduate Master's degree
Eligibility	Bachelor's degree with ~80-85% aggregate; IELTS 6.5	Bachelor's degree with 50-60% aggregate
Admission Tests	Usually, no GRE required; IELTS/TOEFL required	Entrance exams (e.g., IIT JAM, CUET-PG) or merit-based
Tuition Fees	CAD 8,000 to CAD 32,000 (~₹4.97 to ₹19.88 lakh per year)	₹10,000 to ₹525000 per year
Curriculum Focus	Microbial genetics, immunology, virology, microbial ecology	Microbial physiology, genetics, immunology, virology, fermentation tech, soil & aquatic microbiology
Research Component	Thesis or course+thesis-based	Semester system with theory and practical, research-oriented
Career Scope	Research, academia, healthcare, biotech, pharma, environment	Healthcare, research centers, agriculture, pharma, academia
Average Salary Post-degree	Approximately CAD 50,000 - 80,000 (~₹31 - 49 lakh/year)	₹6LPA- ₹24 LPA
Top Institutes	University of Toronto, McGill University, UBC	Delhi University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Aligarh Muslim University

MS in Microbiology in Canada: Career Scope

The top careers for MS in Microbiology in Canada include research scientist, quality control specialist, clinical research associate, and many more. The table below contains detailed information on each career opportunity.

Job Role	Key Functions
Research Scientist	Design, plan, and conduct experiments Analyse data and interpret results
Quality Control Specialist	Develop and implement quality control procedures Test and inspect products/materials to meet standards
Clinical Research Associate	Organize and monitor clinical trials Recruit and screen trial participants
Research Technician	Support lab research by preparing and conducting experiments Collect and analyze samples
Laboratory Manager	Oversee daily lab operations and personnel Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards
Research & Development Lab Technician	Prepare materials and set up equipment for research Conduct experiments and collect data

MS in Microbiology in Canada: Salary Package

The average salary for MS in Microbiology in Canada ranges between ₹33,16,539-₹42,38,853. Check out the table below to know about the salary package for MS in Microbiology in Canada.

Job Profiles	Average Annual Salary (CAD)	Average Annual Salary (INR)
Research Technician	CAD 64,100	₹4049337
Laboratory Manager	CAD 54,000	₹3411298
Quality Control Specialist	CAD 57,000	₹3600814
Research Scientist	CAD 55,000	₹3474470
Clinical Research Associate	CAD 7,100	₹4238853
Research & Development Lab Technician	CAD 52,500	₹3316539

FAQs for MS in Microbiology in Canada

Ques . What is the fee structure of McGill University for MS in Microbiology course?

Ans . The fee structure of MS in Microbiology course in Canada ranges between ₹ 11,00000-₹14,00000

Ques . What are the top career options for MS in Microbiology graduates?

Ans . The career options for MS in Microbiology graduates are Microbiologist, Clinical research associate, Quality assurance specialist, and many more.

Ques . What is the salary range of MS in Microbiology in Canada?

Ans . The average salary of MS in Microbiology in Canada ranges between CAD 50,000 LPA and CAD 80,000 LPA

Ques . Do candidates need an English proficiency certificate to enter a Canadian University for MS in Microbiology course?

Ans . Yes. Candidates need IELTS/TOEFL scores to prove English proficiency during MS in Microbiology course.

Ques . What are the minimum marks required in a Bachelor's degree to get admissions in MS in Microbiology course?

Ans . The minimum marks required in a Bachelor's degree for admission to the MS in Microbiology course are 85%.

Ques . How much do MS in Microbiology graduates earn in Canada?

Ans . MS in Microbiology graduates in Canada earn a salary range of about CAD 50,000 LPA- CAD 80,000 LPA.