Bachelor of Science [BS] (Biological Sciences)
$21,855 /Yr
University of Calgary Bachelor of Science Biological Sciences is a four-year undergraduate degree requiring 120 units. International students pay CAD 31,349 to CAD 40,535 annually (INR 21.97 Lakhs to INR 28.39 Lakhs). The program admits students in Fall and Winter intakes. Eligibility requires senior secondary completion with strong science grades. This degree trains graduates for careers in environmental management, biotechnology, conservation research, and pre-professional pathways to medicine or veterinary science.
The program stands apart through three distinct concentration options: Biodiversity and Conservation, Biotechnology, and Genetics and Evolution. Each pathway combines foundational coursework in biology, chemistry, and mathematics with specialized electives and hands-on research experiences. The integrated Science Co-op Program offers 8 to 16 months of paid work experience embedded within your degree, accelerating career readiness. Ideal applicants have strong analytical skills, curiosity about living systems, and commitment to biological research or environmental solutions.
- 96.3% placement rate with average starting salary of CAD 70,000 (INR 49.08 Lakhs) upon graduation.
- Science Co-op Program provides real-world work experience while earning; international students eligible.
- Three concentration pathways allow specialization in conservation, biotechnology, or genetics research.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Fall 2027 intake are Open. International student deadline: 01 May 2027.
Winter 2027 intake applications closed on 01 September 2026. Indian applicants applying for Fall 2027 should begin credential evaluation (WES/ICEF) now to meet May deadline.
Also Check: University of Calgary Biological Sciences Admission
University of Calgary Bachelor of Science Biological Sciences Fees and Living Costs 2027
International undergraduate annual tuition ranges from CAD 31,349 to CAD 40,535 (INR 21.97 Lakhs to INR 28.39 Lakhs). All figures include tuition and mandatory ancillary fees assessed by the university.
| Fee Component | Amount (CAD) | Amount (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Tuition (International UG) | CAD 31,349 to CAD 40,535 | INR 21.97 Lakhs to INR 28.39 Lakhs | Ranges reflect program variation; Biology typically mid-range |
| Health & Dental Insurance (Mandatory) | CAD 2,270 | INR 1.59 Lakhs | Students’ Union Health & Dental Plan; auto-enrolled |
| Application Fee (One-time) | CAD 145 | INR 10,167 | Non-refundable; for international credentials |
| Acceptance Deposit (One-time) | CAD 500 | INR 35,060 | Applied toward first-term tuition within 30 days of offer |
| 4-Year Total Estimate | CAD 133,626 to CAD 167,120 | INR 93.67 Lakhs to INR 1.17 Crore | Tuition + insurance (4 years); excludes living costs |
International students are auto-enrolled in the mandatory Students’ Union Health and Dental Plan covering medical and dental services. Alberta has no provincial health insurance for short-term international residents; the university plan bridges this gap. No separate provincial application needed.
Tuition increases 6% annually for international undergraduate students starting 2025-26. Verify exact fees for your intake year on the Office of the Registrar website before finalizing your budget.
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of CAD 1 = INR 70.12 as of May 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.
Cost of Living in Calgary for Biological Sciences Students
| Expense Category | Monthly (CAD) | Monthly (INR) | Annual (CAD) | Annual (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-Bedroom, shared or dorm) | CAD 1,800 to CAD 2,500 | INR 1.26 Lakhs to INR 1.75 Lakhs | CAD 21,600 to CAD 30,000 | INR 15.14 Lakhs to INR 21.04 Lakhs |
| Food, Transport, Utilities, Other | CAD 1,592 | INR 1.12 Lakhs | CAD 19,104 | INR 13.39 Lakhs |
| Total Monthly | CAD 3,392 to CAD 4,092 | INR 2.38 Lakhs to INR 2.87 Lakhs | CAD 40,704 to CAD 49,104 | INR 28.53 Lakhs to INR 34.43 Lakhs |
| 4-Year Living Costs | CAD 162,816 to CAD 196,416 | INR 1.14 Crore to INR 1.38 Crore |
Key Insight: Calgary offers lower living costs than Toronto or Vancouver; biology students often find shared accommodation near campus for CAD 1,200 to CAD 1,800/month, reducing total living expenses by 15-20%.
Check Out: Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students
University of Calgary Biological Sciences Admission 2027
The Bachelor of Science Biological Sciences program admits international students in Fall and Winter semesters. Course registration for both semesters occurs concurrently; students must confirm their start term at application.
Acceptance rates for science programs at UCalgary range 10-20% based on admission average. The program does not specify separate selectivity for biology, but strong science grades (10+2 or equivalent with 70%+ in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics) significantly improve competitiveness for Indian applicants.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Academic Eligibility | Senior secondary completion (12+2 in India) with grades 70% or higher in Science subjects |
| Science Prerequisites | Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics (all required); Physics strongly recommended |
| Intake Terms Available | Fall (September) and Winter (January) |
| International Student Acceptance Rate | Estimated 10-20% (UCalgary science programs) |
| Admission Average Expected | 75-85% for strong competitiveness |
University of Calgary ranks 211th globally (QS 2026) and 200th (THE 2026), reflecting strong research output in science disciplines. Biology students benefit from research-intensive coursework and access to faculty-led investigations.
English Language Proficiency (ELP) for Indian Students
International students from India must demonstrate English proficiency through approved standardized tests. IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT are widely recognized.
- IELTS Academic: minimum overall 6.5 band; 6.0 minimum in each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).
- TOEFL iBT: minimum 83 total score; 20+ in Reading, 19+ in Writing, 20+ in Speaking, 18+ in Listening.
- Duolingo English Test: accepted; minimum score 110 (UCalgary approves select pathways).
- Many Indian students prepare with mock IELTS in 3-4 months if starting from 6.0 baseline; budget 12,000-18,000 INR for test fees and coaching.
Tip for Indian Students: If your IELTS score falls 0.5 bands below the requirement, explore UCalgary’s Pre-Master’s ESL program (3-6 months). This pathway improves visa approval odds with immigration officers.
University of Calgary Biological Sciences Application 2027
Application deadlines and status are shown below. Indian applicants must plan credential evaluation (WES/ICEF) and document gathering 8-10 weeks before the target deadline.
| Intake | Expected Deadline | Application Status | Notes for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 | 01 May 2027 | Expected Open January 2027 | Plan WES evaluation 10 weeks prior; early submission improves chances |
| Winter 2028 | 01 September 2027 | Expected Open June 2027 | Shorter processing window; apply immediately upon portal opening |
UCalgary uses direct online application through their admissions portal. Submit transcripts via WES or ICEF to ensure official evaluation reaches the university. Application fee (CAD 145) is non-refundable.
Application Tip: Credential evaluation services (WES) take 5-7 days for Indian transcripts; apply 12 weeks before your target deadline to build buffer time.
University of Calgary Biological Sciences Scholarships 2027
University of Calgary offers CAD 20,000+ in scholarships for first-year international undergraduate students. Renewable scholarships require strong academic maintenance (GPA 2.60+).
| Scholarship | Amount (CAD) | Amount (INR) | Eligibility (Biology Students) |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Entrance Scholarship | Up to CAD 20,000 (renewable) | Up to INR 14.02 Lakhs (over 4 years) | First-year international UG with English proficiency; renewable years 2-4 with GPA 2.60+ |
| President’s Admission Scholarship | Varies (typically CAD 5,000-15,000) | INR 3.51 Lakhs to INR 10.52 Lakhs | Admission average 95%+ (10+2 equivalent); open to all faculties |
| International Student Athletes Award | CAD 10,000 | INR 7.01 Lakhs | Years 2-4 entry; athletic eligibility required |
The International Entrance Scholarship offsets approximately 50% of your first-year tuition. Renewable support reduces your net 4-year cost from INR 1.17 Crore to ~INR 65 Lakhs (before living costs). No additional application required; scholarship awarded automatically upon admission if eligible.
Scholarship Reality: Even without merit scholarships, UCalgary’s 6-year repayment graduate loans (available to international students through Canadian lenders) make biology education affordable compared to US private universities.
Also Check: Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada
University of Calgary Biological Sciences Salary 2027
Graduates of UCalgary science programs earn an average starting salary of CAD 70,000 (INR 49.08 Lakhs) upon graduation. Salary ranges for biology-related entry roles span CAD 58,000 to CAD 72,000 (INR 40.65 Lakhs to INR 50.49 Lakhs) depending on employer and specialization.
| Role / Sector | Starting Salary (CAD) | Starting Salary (INR) | Career Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Analyst / Conservation Officer | CAD 58,000 to CAD 68,000 | INR 40.65 Lakhs to INR 47.68 Lakhs | Government agencies, NGOs, consulting firms |
| Biotech Research Scientist | CAD 62,000 to CAD 75,000 | INR 43.47 Lakhs to INR 52.59 Lakhs | Pharmaceutical, biotech, research institutes |
| QA / Quality Assurance (Lab) | CAD 55,000 to CAD 70,000 | INR 38.57 Lakhs to INR 49.08 Lakhs | Food, pharma, environmental testing labs |
| Graduate Entry (Average) | CAD 70,000 | INR 49.08 Lakhs | All sectors combined; UCalgary placement rate 96.3% |
Source: UCalgary Graduate Employment Survey, Science Faculty 2025; Glassdoor salary data for Canadian entry-level science roles.
Take-home pay after Canadian federal and provincial (Alberta) taxes is approximately 70-75% of gross. A CAD 70,000 salary nets ~CAD 52,500 annually. No detailed income tax breakdown is required; use an online Canadian tax calculator (taxtips.ca) to estimate your specific after-tax income based on province of employment.
ROI Reality: 4-year degree cost (INR 1.17 Crore) nets ROI of 3.5-4 years at starting salary. Graduate school or co-op earnings (CAD 25,000-40,000 per 8-month placement) accelerate payback to 2.5 years.
Read More: Salary and Career Prospects for Biological Sciences Graduates in Canada
Canada Student Visa and Work Rights for Biological Sciences Students
International students from India can work in Canada during their studies and transition to permanent residence after graduation. The post-study work pathway is designed to retain talented graduates in the Canadian workforce.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Valid for up to 4 years (matching your degree duration); no employer sponsorship required initially.
- Open work permit status allows you to work for any Canadian employer in any role without advance job offer; full-time and part-time employment both count toward PR pathways.
- Express Entry pathway: After 12 months of Canadian work experience, apply for permanent residence; federal skilled worker and provincial nominee routes available; typical processing 6-12 months.
- Eligible for spousal/dependent sponsorship after securing stable employment (salary CAD 50,000+); family reunification timelines 12-24 months.
Visa Reality: Canadian student visa and PGWP approvals are streamlined for Indian applicants with university admission letters; visa processing typically 4-6 weeks from application.
Check Out: Canada Student Visa for Indian Students
University of Calgary Biological Sciences Ranking 2027
University of Calgary’s Biological Sciences program ranks 163rd globally in the QS Subject Rankings for Biological Sciences. The university itself ranks 211th overall (QS 2026) and 6th-7th in Canada for biological research output.
| Ranking Agency | Ranking / Score | Category |
|---|---|---|
| QS World Subject Rankings 2026 | 163rd | Biological Sciences |
| Times Higher Education (THE) 2026 | 200th | Overall University Ranking |
| ARWU 2025 | 151st | Overall University Ranking |
| EduRank Biology & Life Sciences | 6th in Canada | Research Output Ranking |
The 163rd global ranking in biological sciences reflects UCalgary’s strong research contribution in ecology, conservation, molecular biology, and environmental sciences. Faculty publications in these fields consistently appear in high-impact journals.
Honest Take: QS 163 places UCalgary in the top 25% of universities globally for biology. This ranking is meaningful for graduate school and postdoctoral fellowship applications, especially in conservation and environmental research.
Bachelor of Science Biological Sciences at University of Calgary FAQs
Ques. Can international students work during their studies in the Biological Sciences program?
Ans. Yes. International students on a valid study permit can work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. The integrated Science Co-op Program (8-16 months) counts as work experience and is fully authorized; co-op salaries range CAD 25,000 to CAD 40,000 (INR 17.53 Lakhs to INR 28.05 Lakhs) depending on role and sector.
Ques. What are the three concentration pathways available in Biological Sciences?
Ans. The three concentrations are Biodiversity and Conservation (focusing on ecosystem management and species preservation), Biotechnology (emphasizing molecular techniques and biomedical applications), and Genetics and Evolution (covering heredity, population genetics, and evolutionary mechanisms). Students select their concentration in second year based on their interests and course performance.
Ques. Is there a separate medical or veterinary preparatory track within the program?
Ans. No formal pre-med track exists, but the curriculum includes all prerequisite science courses required for medical and veterinary school applications (anatomy, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics). Many graduates successfully transition to professional programs; the 96.3% placement rate includes those entering graduate and professional schools alongside workforce entry.
Ques. What is the cost difference between Fall 2027 and Winter 2027 intakes for international students?
Ans. Tuition and fees are identical for both intakes (CAD 31,349-40,535 annually). The primary difference is timing: Fall intake aligns with the Northern Hemisphere academic calendar, while Winter intake may compress first-year coursework into a shorter period. Both intakes have equal access to scholarships and co-op opportunities.
Ques. How does the University of Calgary Biological Sciences program compare to similar programs at University of British Columbia or University of Toronto?
Ans. UCalgary’s program emphasizes hands-on research and co-op integration earlier than many peers, with lower total cost (CAD 140,000-180,000 vs. CAD 160,000-220,000 at UBC/U of T due to Calgary’s lower living expenses). QS ranking for Biology places UCalgary (163rd) below UBC (90th) but comparable to regional Canadian peers. Graduate salary outcomes (CAD 70,000 starting) align across all three institutions; career differentiation comes from research specialization rather than university name.
The Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences at University of Calgary is ideal for Indian students seeking research-intensive science education with integrated work experience, affordable total cost, and clear pathways to Canadian permanent residence. The program’s three concentrations, 96.3% placement rate, and co-op integration make it competitive for both graduate school and immediate-entry biotech and environmental science careers. Budget 4 years, INR 1.17 Crore (tuition + mandatory fees) plus INR 1.14-1.38 Crore (living costs), for a total of INR 2.31-2.55 Crore before scholarships. Apply for Fall 2027 by 01 May 2027 to secure admission and maximize scholarship eligibility.
Important Alert
- Application Deadline for Fall 2027 Intake - Apr 1, 2027
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $21855 (CAD 30782) |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Housing | $11701 (CAD 16480) |
| Books and supply | $426 (CAD 600) |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $19063 (CAD 26849) |
| 2023 | $19063 (CAD 26849) |
| 2021 | $11816 (CAD 16642) |
Important Dates
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline for Fall 2027 Intake | Apr 1, 2027 |
Scores Required
Required Document List
Complete Application
Application Fee
Official Transcripts
English Language Requirements
A copy of the Passport
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Key Resources for Your Study Abroad Journey
Course Guides
Top Undergraduate Courses in Canada: Fees 2024, Top Colleges, Admissions, Placements & Salaries
Career and Placement after Course
?Biologists have career opportunities in areas such as:
- Environmental Management and Conservation
- Scientific Research
- Biotechnology
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 710/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,485/Yr$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jared J. Davis Grant | Scholarship per student$ 710/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,420/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| University of Montreal Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific |
Similar Programs
| Program | Important Date | Total Fees | Median Exams Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application Deadline for Fall 2027 Intake (1st Apr 2027) | USD 21,855 /Yr CAD 30,782 /Yr |
|
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