One of the most cutting-edge fields today is Biomedical Engineering. Combine that with the one-stop destination of pursuing it in one of the world’s most developed countries, Canada, and you have your dream all set for you. Pursuing Biomedical engineering in Canada, especially if you’re an international student, is even more lucrative given the country’s employability rate and the tech-savvy nature of the numerous big tech companies investing and setting up base.
Approximately 15 Canadian universities offer Master’s Degree Programs in Biomedical Engineering that are taught in English. These programs are offered as Master of Science (MS/ MSc), Master of Engineering (M.Eng), and Master of Applied Science (MASc) degrees.
According to QS Subject Rankings 2022, 17 universities from Canada are ranked among the top 600 universities in the world for Engineering and Technology programs. In this blog, we will take you through some of the best university and course options available to international students who want to pursue a master’s in Biomedical Engineering in Canada.
Overview: Masters in Biomedical Engineering in Canada
Below is a brief overview of the master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Canada for international students.
| Program level | Postgraduate |
| Duration of program | 1.5 – 2 years |
| Annual tuition fees | 9,500 – 22,000 CAD |
| Common Entry Requirements | Minimum 4-year undergraduate degree in any physical/biological field of study
Minimum GPA 7.5 – 8 in Bachelor’s Degree IELTS/TOEFL/English Language Proficiency test minimum scores of 6.5 or 90 respectively |
| Top Universities for MS Biomedical Engineering | University of Toronto,
University of British Columbia, University of Alberta, McMaster University. |
| Scholarships Available | Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
BME Excellence Awards Delta Kappa Gamma World Fellowships and many more. |
Why Study Master in Biomedical Engineering in Canada?
The field of biomedical informatics investigates the development and application of cutting-edge quantitative and computational techniques to tackle complex issues in all areas of biology and medicine. Companies are searching for engineers that comprehend the medical applications of diagnostic imaging equipment, biotechnology experts with expertise in tissue engineering, and mechanical engineers knowledgeable in biomaterials to build breakthroughs like artificial joints more than ever before.
Canada has become the pit stop for such companies. Due to its emphasis on luring foreign students who can subsequently immigrate and its high regard for the caliber of its colleges, Canada is one of the most well-liked study destinations in the world, with some of the best student cities.
- Industrial Rise: Moreover, by 2026, Canada’s biomedical industry is expected to increase by up to 7%, according to the Ministry of Health and Sciences.
- Annual Income: In addition, it has been averaged that Canadian graduates with a master’s degree in biomedical engineering make an average income of CAD 67,000 a year.
- Employability: Employability has also increased multifold ever since The Times Higher Education-exclusive Global University Employability Ranking 2022, created by the HR consultant Emerging, included eleven Canadian universities in its listing.
- Safety: According to the Global Peace Index 2022, Canada ranks 12th to be the safest country in the world.
Top Universities Offering MS in Biomedical Engineering in Canada
Due to the immense popularity of the upcoming field, many universities in Canada have started introducing Biomedical Engineering programs in their curriculum. Some of the top universities for studying a master’s in biomedical engineering in Canada for international students have been listed below:
| Universities | Types of Biomedical Engineering Degrees | Program Duration | Times Higher Education Ranking 2023 | QS Top Universities Ranking 2023 |
| University of Toronto | Masters of Applied Sciences | 3 years | 18 | 34 |
| Masters of Engineering | 2 years | |||
| University of British Columbia | Masters of Applied Sciences | 2-3 years | 40 | 47 |
| Masters of Engineering | ||||
| University of Alberta | Masters in Sciences | 2-3 years | 118 | 110 |
| McMaster University | Masters of Applied Sciences | 2 years | 85 | 152 |
| McGill University | Masters of Engineering | 2 years | 46 | 31 |
| Western University | Masters of Engineering Sciences | 2 years | 172 | |
| University of Ottawa | Masters of Applied Sciences | 2 years | 137 | 237 |
| Masters of Engineering | 2 years | |||
| University of Calgary | Masters in Sciences | 2 years | 201-250 | 242 |
| Masters of Engineering | 1.5 years | |||
| Queen’s University | Masters of Applied Sciences | 2 years | 251-300 | 246 |
| University of Saskatchewan | Masters of Engineering | 2 years | – | 473 |
| Masters in Sciences | 2 years |
Admission Requirements for MS in Biomedical Engineering in Canada
Some of the eligibility criteria for pursuing a master’s in biomedical engineering from Canada are listed below:
- 4-year Bachelor’s degree in a physical/biological subject (Biotechnology, Engineering, Medicine, etc.)
- Minimum CGPA 7.5 – 8 in the Bachelor’s degree (Some universities may require CGPA above 8.5)
- GRE Score (Not mandatory for all universities)
- IELTS/TOEFL minimum score of 6.5 or 90 respectively, or any English language proficiency test with minimum passing scores
- 2/3 letters of recommendation from the previous college are advised to give an edge.
- Specific colleges may ask for research proposals/Statements of Purpose on admission.
- Approval from a supervisor to supervise your master’s thesis.
Cost of Studying Masters in Biomedical Engineering in Canada
| Universities | Tuition Fees (Academic Year 2023-24)* |
| University of Toronto | CAD 12,400 |
| University of British Columbia | CAD 9,500 |
| University of Alberta | CAD 19,750 |
| McMaster University | CAD 22,769 |
| McGill University | CAD 18,844 |
| Western University | CAD 18,880 |
| University of Ottawa | CAD 19,570 |
| University of Calgary | CAD 21,900 |
*Tuition fee may vary depending on the thesis/non-thesis course opted for.
Cost of Living in Canada for International Students
Moving to a foreign city and settling down there entails costs across many different sectors; from food to transport, partying to lodging, all the aspects need to be factored into a combined spending sheet. Without question, the cost of living in Canada will vary based on the province that overseas students choose to call home. The cost of living has changed significantly over time. On average, the cost of living for an international student in Canada averages CAD 15,000 – CAD 22,000, excluding the tuition fee.
Scholarships for Masters (MS) in Biomedical Engineering in Canada
Along with being a favorite student destination, Canada proves to be one of the most lucrative solutions to a student’s pocket. The number of scholarships offered to international students in itself is plentiful. Below listed are some of the significant scholarships handed out by universities to international students wishing to pursue a master’s degree in biomedical engineering from Canada:
| University | Scholarship Name | Amount Granted/Duration |
| University of Toronto | Delta Kappa Gamma World Fellowships | CAD 5,300/year |
| Mitacs Globalink Graduate Fellowship | Varies | |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship | CAD 15,000/year | |
| University of British Columbia | Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | CAD 50,600 for three years |
| McMaster University | Ontario Graduate Scholarship | CAD 15,000/year |
| University of Alberta | Thesis/Course-based Masters recruitment Scholarship | CAD 22,100 for one term |
| McGill University | BME Excellence Awards | CAD 13,400 (one-time) |
| Western University | Western Graduate Research Scholarship | Varies |
International students can also work while studying in Canada to reduce their financial burden.
Job Opportunities: Masters (MS) in Biomedical Engineering in Canada
Professionals with knowledge that transcends the traditional bounds of science and engineering are in high demand in the biomedical sector. This leads to a focus on particular areas of Biomedical Engineering, such as:
- Biomedical imaging: It contributes to the advancement of imaging technologies used to scan human tissue and organs and enhance the capacity to evaluate medical disorders.
- Biomaterials: Learn about the adaptability of silk-based biopolymers and the advantages they offer for self-assembly, biomaterials engineering, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.
- Delivery of drugs: Work on developing therapeutic material delivery systems for the body, having applications for vaccinations and cancer therapies
- Wearable sensor technology: Look into environmentally friendly materials for cutting-edge uses, such as detecting pollutants and infections or enhancing sports performance.
Students worldwide can make substantial salaries with a postgraduate degree in biomedical engineering. Biomedical engineering, a developing area of applied sciences, allows students to work in fields that combine the knowledge of two pure disciplines. Globally, there are more postgraduate positions available in biomedical engineering. Students who earn a postgraduate degree in biomedical engineering from Canada can work in fields with comfortable median incomes.
Conclusion
Canada is one of the best countries to study for a master’s degree in biomedical engineering since there are more opportunities for work there in disciplines related to the field. Due to the parallel evolution of technology and the globe, biomedical engineering in Canada gives you a significant advantage over most nations.
Making a decision requires considering elements including price, academic standard, on-campus amenities, and global rankings. Thousands of students have benefited from our admissions counseling services to get into the institutions of their dreams. Please schedule a video consultation with one of our specialists for further information.
