
Doctor of Philosophy in Bioinformatics (PhD)
Course at a Glance
- PhDDegree level
- 5.3 yearsDuration
- Vancouver, CanadaLocation
- May 2027 · September 2027Intakes
- BioinformaticsField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- VancouverCampus
- Doctor of Philosophy in Bioinformatics (PhD)Awards
- $10,082Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
The Doctor of Philosophy in Bioinformatics (PhD)is an interdisciplinary program that combines the application of computer technology to the management and analysis of biological data. The result is that computers are being used to organize data generated from experiments into databases, develop new algorithms and software, and use this software for the interpretation and analysis of the data into meaningful biological information.
Read more
For the past ten years, our PhD program has been training students to organize, visualize, analyze and interpret biological data. Students have access to bioinformaticians at the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University and the BC Cancer Agency, and have exposure to the latest technologies to develop their skills. Strategic Program Objectives: To build on British Columbia's reputation and excellence in bioinformatics. To integrate bioinformatics into basic biology to further current research excellence in other life science sectors of the province. To foster collaborations locally, nationally and internationally. For specific program requirements, please refer to the departmental program website $40,000 Minimum funding per year * 46 Enrolled students 85.0% Graduation rate 5.3 Average years to completion * All full-time UBC PhD students receive, at a minimum, this amount of funding in each of the first four years. For latest program-specific funding packages, please review details under Tuition & Financial Support or the program website.
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 7.0
- Study modeDissertation
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies minimum: a bachelor's degree with a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC); individual programmes may set higher minimums. Applicants from a university outside Canada where English is not the primary language of instruction must submit an English language proficiency test taken within the last 24 months. · English: IELTS 7.0 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 100; Duolingo English Test 125 · English test waiver: Applicants whose degree is from a university where English is the primary language of instruction are not required to submit an English language proficiency test (UBC Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies English language requirement). · GRE/GMAT: The GRE is not required. · Application fee: CAD 168.25 (international applicants); CAD 118.50 (Canadian citizen / permanent resident / refugee / diplomat)
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$10,082 CAD / year≈ $7,413 / year
- Application feeNo application fee for this programme
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsInternational Tuition Award (ITA) CAD 3,200.00 per year for eligible individuals, as published in the programme fee table.
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: May 2027 intake - international applicants: 31 October 2026; September 2027 intake - international applicants: 15 January 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 Doctor of Philosophy in Bioinformatics (PhD) cost?
CAD 10,082 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 7.0 overall is the score listed for this programme.
When does it start?
Intakes listed for this programme: May 2027, September 2027.
How long is it?
5.3 years, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies minimum: a bachelor's degree with a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC); individual programmes may set higher minimums. Applicants from a university outside Canada where English is not the primary language of instruction must submit an English language proficiency test taken within the last 24 months. · English: IELTS 7.0 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 100; Duolingo English Test 125 · English test waiver: Applicants whose degree is from a university where English is the primary language of instruction are not required to submit an English language proficiency test (UBC Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies English language requirement). · GRE/GMAT: The GRE is not required. · Application fee: CAD 168.25 (international applicants); CAD 118.50 (Canadian citizen / permanent resident / refugee / diplomat)
Is there a scholarship?
International Tuition Award (ITA) CAD 3,200.00 per year for eligible individuals, as published in the programme fee table.
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