
Course at a Glance
- BachelorDegree level
- 5 yearsDuration
- Ottawa (Main Campus), CanadaLocation
- BiochemistryField of study
- bilingualLanguage of instruction
- Ottawa (Main Campus)Campus
- Honours BSc BiochemistryAwards
- $42,059Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
Biochemistry is the chemistry of life. It provides the foundation for understanding all biological processes as well as the molecular basis and treatment of human disease.
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The biochemistry bachelor's provides you with the education you need to play a role in new and exciting areas of medical research. You will be exposed to cutting-edge research and knowledge. Our program prepares you for graduate studies and for an academic or research career in the medical sciences. What's more, biochemistry provides an excellent foundation for further studies in medicine and other areas of health care. You can choose an Honours BSc in Biochemistry, a major or a minor. If you want to pursue a career in experimental biochemistry, choose the Honours program. If you prefer a basic biochemistry education, choose a major. And if you want to focus on another discipline but are interested in biochemistry, choose a minor. If you have a particular interest in microorganisms and the role that the immune system plays in health and disease, you can also choose an Honours BSc in biochemistry with an option in microbiology and immunology. We also offer an integrated biotechnology program that lets you combine studies in biochemistry and chemical engineering and receive both a BSc in biochemistry and a BASc in chemical engineering in five years. As for the language of instruction, compulsory courses and many optional course units are available in either English or French. If you choose the Honours in Biochemistry, you have the opportunity to complete a full-year research project under the supervision of a professor from the departments of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Biology, Physics, or Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, or under the supervision of an affiliated principle investigator from one of the many research institutes in the National Capital Region. Given the breadth of research expertise within our program, you can conduct research in many areas of modern biomedicine, including biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, chemical biology, molecular biology, cell biology, proteomics, genomics, systems biology and bioinformatics. This program is offered in English and in French.
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
- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 6.5
- Study modefull-time
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
Minimum admission average: 80% (high school outside Canada). Prerequisite courses: English; Mathematics (preferably Calculus); Two of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics. Notes: A minimum combined average of 70% is required for all prerequisite courses in science and mathematics. Past experience indicates that students with a strong background in biology, chemistry and physics have an increased rate of success. See the list of recommended high school courses in science on the Faculty of Science website. OUAC code: OUQ. · English: IELTS 6.5; TOEFL iBT 86; PTE Academic 60; Duolingo English Test 120 · English test waiver: No English test required if the last three years of study were completed in English in an eligible country; uOttawa reserves the right to request a test at any time. · Application fee: CAD 104.00 · Deposit: CAD 2000.00
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$42,059 CAD / year≈ $30,926 / year
- Application feeNo application fee for this programme
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsUniversity of Ottawa Admission Scholarship (automatic, full-time, direct-entry faculties or Civil Law): admission average 95-100% = CAD 3,000; 90-94.9% = CAD 2,000; 85-89.9% = CAD 1,000 (2026-2027). French Studies Bursary CAD 4,000 (CAD 1,000 per year) for students taking at least 9 units per term in French. International students enrolled in a French-language program may be eligible for the Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship. Source: uOttawa Scholarships and awards overview.
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: Fall: May 1, 2027 (international applicants; documents by May 15, 2027).
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 Honours BSc Biochemistry cost?
CAD 42,059 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
5 years, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
Minimum admission average: 80% (high school outside Canada). Prerequisite courses: English; Mathematics (preferably Calculus); Two of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics. Notes: A minimum combined average of 70% is required for all prerequisite courses in science and mathematics. Past experience indicates that students with a strong background in biology, chemistry and physics have an increased rate of success. See the list of recommended high school courses in science on the Faculty of Science website. OUAC code: OUQ. · English: IELTS 6.5; TOEFL iBT 86; PTE Academic 60; Duolingo English Test 120 · English test waiver: No English test required if the last three years of study were completed in English in an eligible country; uOttawa reserves the right to request a test at any time. · Application fee: CAD 104.00 · Deposit: CAD 2000.00
Is there a scholarship?
University of Ottawa Admission Scholarship (automatic, full-time, direct-entry faculties or Civil Law): admission average 95-100% = CAD 3,000; 90-94.9% = CAD 2,000; 85-89.9% = CAD 1,000 (2026-2027). French Studies Bursary CAD 4,000 (CAD 1,000 per year) for students taking at least 9 units per term in French. International students enrolled in a French-language program may be eligible for the Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship. Source: uOttawa Scholarships and awards overview.
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