Course at a Glance
- PhDDegree level
- North Campus (Edmonton), CanadaLocation
- Biological SciencesField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- North Campus (Edmonton)Campus
- Doctor of PhilosophyAwards
- $10,519Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
The Department of Biological Sciences offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy. It strives to develop scholars familiar with literature in their field, capable of identifying new problems and new directions of endeavour in their field, and competent with the methods of data collection and analysis essential to do research.
Read more
Students will fulfil these objectives through several forums: a supervised research program, coursework, participation in seminar programs, and defending their dissertation. The Department has research laboratories and instructional facilities for 250–300 graduate students. There are facilities for digital image processing, electron and confocal microscopy, analytical chemistry, molecular biology, fermentation, biotechnology, DNA synthesis and sequencing, cultivation of microbial cells and cells of yeasts, plants, insects and mammals. Facilities include large holding tanks for aquatic animals, and controlled environment rooms including an extensive greenhouse complex. Extensive reference collections are available for research with microfungi, vascular and cryptogamic plants as well as vertebrates and invertebrates, including major collections of fishes, fossil plants and vertebrates, insects and parasites. All potential applicants are encouraged to first correspond with academic staff in whose research laboratories they might want to study. Additional information is found at Biological Sciences (see Graduate Studies – For Applicants).
Is this course right for you?
Our counsellors check your profile against this programme's entry criteria and tell you where you stand — before you pay anything.
What we look at
- Your subject background and grades
- Your English score, or how to get one
- Budget, including living costs
University & programme
Canada- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 6.5
- Study modeThesis Based
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
The Department’s minimum admission requirements are a 4-year undergraduate degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.3 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework. Where applicable, applicants must provide proof of English Language Proficiency (see English Language Requirement ). Any one of the following is acceptable: A minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (internet-based) of: For tests written before January 21, 2026: 100 overall with a score of at least 22 on each of the individual skill areas For tests written on or after January 21, 2026: 5 overall with a score of at least 4.5 on each of the individual skill areas an equivalent score on an English Language Proficiency test approved by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies Applicants must identify a potential supervisor willing to provide supervision. Applicants must have the minimum guaranteed funding, attained through one or a combination of: Scholarships Teaching assistantships External funding Applicants are also required to submit the following: A complete Departmental Package (Curriculum Vitae, Financial Support Information, and Research Interest Form). See the Department website for form and format details. Three letters of reference. Academic letters of reference are preferred. APPLY NOW ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Faculty: Science Delivery Mode: On Campus Program Type: Thesis Based Degree Level: Doctoral Program Requirements · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 90; PTE Academic 61 · English test waiver: Applicants may satisfy the requirement without a test by holding a degree, or its academic equivalent, from an institution recognised by the University of Alberta at which the language of instruction is English; GPS also maintains a list of international post-secondary institutions at which the language requirement is English. The requirement is not waived for students temporarily in Canada, and departments and GPS may require further demonstration of proficiency. Source: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/graduate-studies/resources/policies-procedures/graduate-program-manual/section-5-admissions/5-8-english-language-proficiency-requirement.html · Application fee: CAD 135.00 for all applications to graduate programs, charged at the end of the online application and payable by credit card only (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover; Visa/Mastercard debit and prepaid cards are not accepted). Source: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/graduate-studies/resources/policies-procedures/graduate-program-manual/section-5-admissions/5-4-application-fee.html
The usual set for this level. Your counsellor confirms the exact list for this university.
- Academic transcripts
- English test score (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport copy
- Statement of purpose (optional)
- Recommendation letters (optional)
Cost & scholarships
- Tuition$10,519 CAD / year≈ $7,734 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsThe Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies administers over CAD 35 million each year in scholarships, awards and financial support for graduate students; opportunities vary by faculty. GPS states that there are limited funding opportunities for students in part-time graduate study or completing a certificate programme. SourceView scholarship page
Application timeline
Typical timings. Deadlines differ per university and intake.
- 1Prepare documents1–2 weeks
- 2Submit application1–3 weeks
- 3Receive offer letter2–6 weeks
- 4Apply for visa4–8 weeks
Application deadline: Starting term(s): Fall Winter. All applicants: Fall application window: Oct. 1 – Feb. 1 Winter application window: May 1 – Aug. 1 Source: Graduate Program Application Deadlines (https://www.ualberta.ca/en/graduate-studies/admissions-programs/apply/deadli…
Visa & support journey
- Offer letterFrom the university
- Visa guidanceExpert support
- Pre-departureAccommodation & travel
- Ongoing supportEven after you arrive
Student stories
Real students. Real results.
- Average rating
- 4.9
- Google reviews
- 360+
- Rated five stars
- 95%
Average rating
Google reviews
Rated five stars
“I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent assistance provided during my student visa process. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive at every stage, from document preparation to submission guidance. Their clear communication and professional approach made the process much easier and more efficient.”
1 / 8
Nihad K, 5 out of 5 stars
Every review below is a real Google review — see all of them
Frequently asked questions
How much does Doctor of Philosophy (Biological Sciences) cost?
CAD 10,519 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
What are the entry requirements?
The Department’s minimum admission requirements are a 4-year undergraduate degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.3 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework. Where applicable, applicants must provide proof of English Language Proficiency (see English Language Requirement ). Any one of the following is acceptable: A minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (internet-based) of: For tests written before January 21, 2026: 100 overall with a score of at least 22 on each of the individual skill areas For tests written on or after January 21, 2026: 5 overall with a score of at least 4.5 on each of the individual skill areas an equivalent score on an English Language Proficiency test approved by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies Applicants must identify a potential supervisor willing to provide supervision. Applicants must have the minimum guaranteed funding, attained through one or a combination of: Scholarships Teaching assistantships External funding Applicants are also required to submit the following: A complete Departmental Package (Curriculum Vitae, Financial Support Information, and Research Interest Form). See the Department website for form and format details. Three letters of reference. Academic letters of reference are preferred. APPLY NOW ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Faculty: Science Delivery Mode: On Campus Program Type: Thesis Based Degree Level: Doctoral Program Requirements · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 90; PTE Academic 61 · English test waiver: Applicants may satisfy the requirement without a test by holding a degree, or its academic equivalent, from an institution recognised by the University of Alberta at which the language of instruction is English; GPS also maintains a list of international post-secondary institutions at which the language requirement is English. The requirement is not waived for students temporarily in Canada, and departments and GPS may require further demonstration of proficiency. Source: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/graduate-studies/resources/policies-procedures/graduate-program-manual/section-5-admissions/5-8-english-language-proficiency-requirement.html · Application fee: CAD 135.00 for all applications to graduate programs, charged at the end of the online application and payable by credit card only (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover; Visa/Mastercard debit and prepaid cards are not accepted). Source: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/graduate-studies/resources/policies-procedures/graduate-program-manual/section-5-admissions/5-4-application-fee.html
Is there a scholarship?
The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies administers over CAD 35 million each year in scholarships, awards and financial support for graduate students; opportunities vary by faculty. GPS states that there are limited funding opportunities for students in part-time graduate study or completing a certificate programme. Source View scholarship page
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