Admission Requirements
MSc: Biology
- 4-year (honours) Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with thesis work or equivalent
- B+ (77%) average in the last 10 credits of the honours subject
- A- (80%) required for a Teaching Assistantship – not guaranteed
- A (85%) required for an Entrance Scholarship – not guaranteed
PhD: Biology
- Master of Science degree or equivalent
- B+ (77%) average in graduate courses only
- A- (80%) required for a Teaching Assistantship – not guaranteed
- A (85%) required for an Entrance Scholarship – not guaranteed
Master of Biotechnology
- 4-year (honours) Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent in Life Science
- B+ (77%) average in the last 10 credits of the honours subject
International students should review the Graduate International Student Admissions website which provides detailed information on admission requirements, study permits, language requirements, expenses, employment conditions, immigration, and student services.
Application Deadlines
Students are encouraged to submit their applications on or before the following dates to be considered for full funding packages.
MSc & PhD: Biology
| Admission Term | Domestic Student Deadline | International Student Deadline |
| Fall Term (September) | March 1 | March 1 |
| Winter Term (January) | November 1 | August 1 |
| Summer Term (May) | March 15 | December 1 |
Master of Biotechnology
| Admission Term | Domestic Student Deadline | International Student Deadline |
| Fall Term (September, next year) | March 1 | March 1 |
| Winter Term (January 2025 only) | November 1 | August 1 |
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MSc: How to Apply
The application process to graduate studies at Carleton for all prospective students is the same and must be completed online.
All applicants for the MSc & PhD programs must have a supervisor for their graduate research program secured prior to applying. To find a supervisor, applicants should review the Research Areas page and directly contact the Faculty or Adjunct Professors whose research area is of interest.
International MSc students are admitted only in very rare exceptions. Email the Graduate Administrator before applying.
Fast-Track
A student already registered for the MSc may be permitted to transfer to the PhD program following a recommendation by the departmental graduate committee and successful completion of the Qualifying Examination required of PhD candidates. Contact the Graduate Administrator for more information.
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MSc: Financial Support
When you submit your application for admission to Carleton, you are automatically considered for funding and if you are eligible, you will be notified in your Offer of Admission and Funding.
Prospective students are encouraged to apply for Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS), which are awarded annually to outstanding students by the federal and provincial governments.
International student funding from Carleton (including teaching and research assistantships) is limited and is only available to a few outstanding international applicants.
Please note that the Master of Biotechnology program is not eligible for internal admissions funding.
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Required Documents
After you have submitted your online application and application fee has been processed, Carleton will email you instructions on how to access Carleton Central where you can upload the required documents not uploaded within the application.
| Document/Forms | Details |
| Transcript(s)* | All post-secondary transcripts are required |
| Letters of Reference | Two (2) are required and should be submitted by former professors (preferably your project/thesis supervisors), or qualified persons at your place of employment. |
| Statement of Intent | One (1) is required. This should outline your background and experience in biology in one page. |
| Preference Form | One (1) is required. This form is available in the online application under “Supplementary Forms” |
| CV/Resumé | One (1) is required. Your CV/Resumé should include a list of publications, if applicable. |
| Language Proficiency (ESL Test Scores) | Required, if applicable. For Carleton’s ESL requirements and policies, please visit the ESL Requirements website. |
*Applicants with International Transcripts (except from USA) need to carefully review your Country specific document requirements for the WES ICAP prior to starting your application. Additional details can be found under Transcripts: International Applicants.
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