Master of Science [MS] (Immunology)
Field of Study:
$6,088 /Yr
University of Calgary Master of Science [M.S] Immunology is a two-year thesis-based research degree at the Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary. International applicants pay C$23,756 (INR 16.39 Lakhs) per year in tuition; the minimum entry GPA is 3.3 on a 4.0 scale. The programme accepts three cohorts per year: September, January and May.
The MSc Immunology develops expertise in innate immunity, cancer immunology and microbiota-immune crosstalk through supervised laboratory research. Every international thesis-based student receives a guaranteed annual stipend of C$25,455 (INR 17.56 Lakhs), which covers the full annual tuition cost. Ideal candidates hold an undergraduate life-sciences degree with an immunology course completed and a confirmed faculty supervisor.
- The Cumming School of Medicine sits adjacent to Foothills Medical Centre, giving MSc students direct access to clinical research settings and biospecimen resources.
- Three annual intake windows allow Indian students to match programme start dates with supervisor availability and visa processing timelines.
- Graduates qualify for a two-year Post-Graduation Work Permit, enabling employment in Canada’s growing biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the January 2027 intake are Open. International student deadline: 01 August 2026.
Indian applicants should initiate WES credential evaluation immediately; assessment takes 4 to 6 weeks and must be complete before submitting the application.
Also Check: University of Calgary MSc Immunology Admission Requirements
University of Calgary MSc Immunology Fees and Living Costs 2027
International students at UCalgary MSc Immunology pay tuition assessed annually by the Board of Governors. The table below covers all mandatory costs for the two-year thesis programme.
| Fee Component | Amount (C$) | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Tuition (International, Thesis-based MSc) | C$23,756 | INR 16.39 Lakhs |
| Annual Health and Ancillary Fees | C$2,270 | INR 1.57 Lakhs |
| Application Fee (one-time, non-refundable) | C$145 | INR 10,005 |
| Tuition Deposit (payable on offer acceptance) | C$500 | INR 34,500 |
| Year 1 Total (tuition + fees + one-time costs) | C$26,671 | INR 18.40 Lakhs |
| Year 2 Total (tuition + annual fees) | C$26,026 | INR 17.96 Lakhs |
| Two-Year Programme Total | C$52,697 | INR 36.36 Lakhs |
Source: University of Calgary Office of the Registrar, tuition schedule 2025-26. Fees verified June 2026.
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of C$1 = INR 69.0 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.
- Thesis-based MSc tuition is exempt from the 6% increase applied to course-based and professional graduate programmes in 2025-26.
- The C$500 (INR 34,500) tuition deposit is credited toward first-term tuition and must be paid within 30 days of receiving an offer.
- Full-time MSc students are auto-enrolled in the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) Health and Dental Plan, included in the C$2,270 annual fee.
- Alberta has no provincial health insurance scheme for international students; the GSA plan serves as the primary coverage for the duration of study.
Cost of Living in Calgary for MSc Immunology Students
Calgary is more affordable than Toronto or Vancouver for graduate students. Annual living expenses for an MSc Immunology student range from C$26,040 to C$38,160 (INR 17.97 Lakhs to INR 26.33 Lakhs).
| Expense Category | Annual (C$) | Annual (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared or 1-BR near campus) | C$16,200 to C$24,000 | INR 11.18 Lakhs to INR 16.56 Lakhs |
| Food and Groceries | C$4,800 to C$6,600 | INR 3.31 Lakhs to INR 4.55 Lakhs |
| Transport, Utilities and Internet | C$2,640 to C$3,960 | INR 1.82 Lakhs to INR 2.73 Lakhs |
| Personal and Miscellaneous | C$2,400 to C$3,600 | INR 1.66 Lakhs to INR 2.49 Lakhs |
| Total Annual Living Cost | C$26,040 to C$38,160 | INR 17.97 Lakhs to INR 26.33 Lakhs |
Also Check: Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students
ROI reality: The guaranteed stipend of C$25,455 (INR 17.56 Lakhs) covers annual tuition of C$23,756 (INR 16.39 Lakhs), leaving a surplus of C$1,699 (INR 1.17 Lakhs) per year. Students who also win the Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship can offset most living costs through institutional support alone.
University of Calgary MSc Immunology Admission 2027
The MSc Immunology is a thesis-based degree with three intake periods per year: September, January and May. Admission is research-driven; every successful applicant arrives with a confirmed faculty supervisor and secured funding.
Explore available research groups before applying at University of Calgary Graduate Programmes. The table below lists all academic eligibility requirements.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Degree | Bachelor’s in Life Sciences, Biochemistry, Biology, Microbiology or related field |
| Minimum GPA | 3.3 on a 4.0 scale over the final two full-time years of study (minimum 60 credit units) |
| Prerequisite Course | Undergraduate-level course in Immunology |
| Supervisor Requirement | Faculty supervisor from the Immunology Research Group must confirm funding before application |
| Reference Letters | Two academic references required |
| Supporting Documents | Curriculum Vitae (CV) and written funding confirmation from proposed supervisor |
| Indian Equivalent GPA | 75% aggregate in the final two years of BSc or related undergraduate programme |
- Contacting a supervisor 3 to 6 months before the application deadline gives Indian applicants time to align research interests and secure confirmation letters.
- The Immunology Research Group spans the Cumming School of Medicine and the Department of Biological Sciences, offering a wide range of supervisor options.
- Indian applicants with degrees from recognised universities must arrange a WES credential evaluation, which typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to complete.
English Language Requirements for UCalgary MSc Immunology
The MSc Immunology requires higher English proficiency than UCalgary’s general graduate threshold. All four tests below are accepted; minimum scores are programme-specific.
| Test | Minimum Overall Score | Per-Component Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 7.5 | 6.0 in each band |
| TOEFL iBT | 105 | Not specified |
| PTE Academic | 75 | Not specified |
| Duolingo English Test | 145 | 125 in each sub-score |
- IELTS 7.5 is a full band above UCalgary’s general graduate requirement of 6.5; Indian applicants from English-medium colleges typically need 3 to 6 months of targeted preparation.
- TOEFL iBT 105 favours strong reading and listening performance; Indian candidates who studied science through English often find this format more predictable than the IELTS speaking band.
- The Duolingo English Test at 145 is a fast and affordable option for applicants from English-medium undergraduate programmes, with results available within 48 hours.
Tip for Indian students: The supervisor confirmation letter is the hardest part of this application to obtain. Identify three to five faculty members whose research overlaps with your thesis interest, then email them with a concise research statement before approaching deadlines.
University of Calgary MSc Immunology Application 2027
UCalgary accepts MSc Immunology applications for three intakes per year. All deadlines below are for international students; the online application portal remains open year-round.
| Intake | Programme Start | International Application Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2027 | 1 January 2027 | 1 August 2026 | Open |
| May 2027 | 1 May 2027 | 1 December 2026 | Not Yet Open |
| September 2027 | 1 September 2027 | 1 April 2027 | Not Yet Open |
- Identify two to five supervisors from the UCalgary Immunology Research Group whose published work aligns with your intended thesis topic.
- Submit the online application via the UCalgary graduate portal and pay the C$145 (INR 10,005) non-refundable application fee at the time of submission.
- Upload academic transcripts, CV, two academic reference letters, ELP test scores and written funding confirmation from your proposed supervisor.
- Indian applicants must include a WES (World Education Services) credential evaluation report; allow 4 to 6 weeks for WES to process the assessment.
Application tip: The January 2027 international deadline of 1 August 2026 falls before most Indian university results cycles close. Begin supervisor outreach no later than 3 months before the deadline and have WES evaluation in progress before writing to potential supervisors.
University of Calgary MSc Immunology Scholarships 2027
UCalgary MSc Immunology students have access to multiple funding sources. The most significant is the programme’s guaranteed stipend, which covers tuition in full and is built into every international thesis-based admission offer.
| Funding Source | Annual Amount (C$) | Annual Amount (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervisor Guaranteed Stipend (International Thesis MSc) | C$25,455 | INR 17.56 Lakhs | Covers full annual tuition of C$23,756; guaranteed for 2 years |
| International Graduate Tuition Award | C$3,060 (one-time) | INR 2.11 Lakhs | Tuition support award for international graduate students |
| Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES) | C$11,000 to C$15,000 | INR 7.59 Lakhs to INR 10.35 Lakhs | Merit-based provincial award via Faculty of Graduate Studies |
| Graduate Award Competition | C$700 to C$36,000 | INR 48,300 to INR 24.84 Lakhs | Annual competitive pool; amount varies by award category |
- The stipend of C$25,455 (INR 17.56 Lakhs) per year exceeds annual tuition by C$1,699 (INR 1.17 Lakhs), giving students a small buffer for living expenses.
- AGES applications open each autumn and require a strong academic record; Indian applicants who secured a first-class undergraduate result are competitive candidates.
- The Graduate Award Competition distributes funding across research, teaching and external fellowships; students may hold multiple awards simultaneously.
Also Check: Canada Scholarships for Indian Students
Scholarship reality: Unlike most international MSc programmes, the UCalgary Immunology MSc guarantees that tuition is covered before you set foot in Calgary. The real financial challenge is living costs; targeting AGES in Year 1 and a Graduate Award in Year 2 is the most direct path to covering accommodation.
University of Calgary MSc Immunology Placements 2027
MSc Immunology graduates enter Canada’s pharmaceutical, biotech, regulatory and academic sectors. The degree is valued as a terminal qualification for industry roles, removing the PhD requirement for several research-facing positions.
| Career Role | Entry Salary (C$) | Entry Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Research Scientist (Pharma/Biotech) | C$65,000 to C$85,000 | INR 44.85 Lakhs to INR 58.65 Lakhs |
| Regulatory Affairs Specialist | C$55,000 to C$75,000 | INR 37.95 Lakhs to INR 51.75 Lakhs |
| Medical Science Liaison (MSL) | C$75,000 to C$95,000 | INR 51.75 Lakhs to INR 65.55 Lakhs |
| Research Associate / Lab Scientist | C$50,000 to C$65,000 | INR 34.50 Lakhs to INR 44.85 Lakhs |
| Postdoctoral Fellow (Academic) | C$45,000 to C$55,000 | INR 31.05 Lakhs to INR 37.95 Lakhs |
Source: Statistics Canada Job Bank 2026; ZipRecruiter Canada (Immunology Research Scientist) 2026; SalaryExpert Canada 2026.
- Research Scientist roles at pharma companies in Alberta require either a strong thesis publication or a completed industry internship during the MSc.
- Regulatory Affairs is the most accessible industry entry path for MSc graduates; the role does not require a PhD and values the lab-to-documentation skill set built during a thesis programme.
- Calgary hosts a cluster of biotech firms and UCalgary spin-off companies that actively recruit from the Cumming School of Medicine graduate pool.
- Alberta Health Services and the Public Health Agency of Canada recruit immunology-trained graduates for epidemiology and infectious disease surveillance roles.
All figures are gross pre-tax. After federal and Alberta provincial taxes, CPP contributions (5.95%) and EI premiums (1.62%), take-home pay is typically 55 to 65% of gross salary.
Read More: University of Calgary Graduate Placements and Salary Data
ROI reality: A Research Scientist starting salary of C$65,000 to C$85,000 (INR 44.85 Lakhs to INR 58.65 Lakhs) recovers the full two-year programme cost of C$52,697 (INR 36.36 Lakhs) within one year of employment. The funded stipend model means most students graduate with minimal or no education debt.
Canada Student Visa for MSc Immunology 2027
Indian students admitted to UCalgary MSc Immunology require a Canadian Study Permit. Holders of unconditional offer letters with adequate financial proof and a clean travel history receive Study Permits within 8 to 12 weeks through the Student Direct Stream (SDS).
- Submit a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of C$20,000 (INR 13.80 Lakhs) through an approved Canadian bank as proof of financial support for Year 1.
- After graduating, apply for the PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit); a two-year MSc programme qualifies for a two-year open work permit with no employer restriction.
- After 12 months of skilled Canadian work experience, MSc Immunology graduates are eligible for the Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker programme to obtain Permanent Residency.
- Dependents of Study Permit holders (spouse or common-law partner) may apply for an open spousal work permit valid for the duration of the MSc programme.
Also Check: Canada Student Visa Process for Indian Applicants
Visa reality: The two-year PGWP aligns exactly with the MSc duration, giving immunology graduates uninterrupted work rights immediately after convocation. Graduates who secure a Research Scientist or Regulatory Affairs role above C$62,000 (INR 42.78 Lakhs) are competitive Express Entry candidates within 12 months of starting work.
University of Calgary MSc Immunology Ranking 2026
UCalgary holds a confirmed subject-level ranking in Life Sciences and Medicine, the primary discipline cluster for the MSc Immunology programme. The following table presents rankings from QS and Times Higher Education (THE), the two indices most referenced by pharma and academic employers.
| Ranking Index | Subject / Category | Global Position | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings by Subject | Life Sciences and Medicine | 126th | 2026 |
| QS World University Rankings by Subject | Medicine | 132nd | 2026 |
| QS World University Rankings (Overall) | All Disciplines | 211th | 2026 |
| Times Higher Education (THE) World Rankings | Overall | 200th | 2026 |
- The 126th position in QS Life Sciences and Medicine places UCalgary in the global top 10% for this subject cluster, ahead of many larger Canadian research universities.
- QS Medicine at 132nd reflects the Cumming School of Medicine’s output in clinical and basic science research, including immunology and infectious disease.
- Full subject-level performance data, including H-index and employer reputation scores, is available at University of Calgary Academic Rankings.
Honest take: QS Life Sciences and Medicine at 126th globally positions a UCalgary MSc Immunology degree as credible with international pharma recruiters and competitive for postdoctoral applications at top global research institutions. The ranking reflects sustained research investment in the Cumming School of Medicine rather than general university prestige.
The UCalgary MSc Immunology suits applicants who have identified a research direction and are ready to match with a supervisor before applying. The funded model means the net cost of the degree is lower than a single year’s living expenses once the stipend is counted. For Indian students targeting Canada’s pharma or biomedical research sector, few MSc Immunology options match the combination of funded research access and clinical proximity that UCalgary offers.
MSc Immunology at UCalgary FAQs
Ques. What is the minimum IELTS score for MSc Immunology at the University of Calgary?
Ans. The MSc Immunology programme requires an IELTS Academic overall score of 7.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each individual band. This is higher than UCalgary’s general graduate threshold of 6.5. Indian applicants from English-medium institutions typically need 3 to 6 months of targeted preparation to reach this level.
Ques. Is funding guaranteed for international students admitted to UCalgary MSc Immunology?
Ans. Yes. Every international thesis-based MSc student receives a guaranteed annual stipend of C$25,455 (INR 17.56 Lakhs) for the first two years of the programme. This amount exceeds the annual tuition of C$23,756 (INR 16.39 Lakhs) by C$1,699 (INR 1.17 Lakhs), leaving a small net surplus.
Ques. What research areas are available under the UCalgary MSc Immunology programme?
Ans. Research areas span innate immunity, cancer immunology, microbiota-immune crosstalk, immunometabolism and infectious disease. Supervisors are drawn from the Cumming School of Medicine and the Department of Biological Sciences, covering basic science, clinical and computational immunology directions. This breadth allows students to align their thesis with bench research, translational work or bioinformatics-led immunology projects.
Ques. Can UCalgary MSc Immunology graduates apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit?
Ans. Yes. A two-year MSc Immunology at UCalgary qualifies graduates for a two-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The PGWP allows employment with any Canadian employer without restriction; skilled work experience during this period counts toward Express Entry Permanent Residency eligibility after 12 months.
Ques. How do I find and secure a supervisor for the UCalgary MSc Immunology programme?
Ans. Browse the Immunology Research Group faculty pages on the Cumming School of Medicine website and identify supervisors whose active projects match your thesis topic. Email each with your CV and a research statement; a written supervisor confirmation and funding letter must accompany the formal application. Beginning outreach 3 to 6 months before an intake deadline maximises the chance of securing confirmation in time.
Important Alert
- Application Deadline for January 2027 Intake - Aug 1, 2026
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $6088 (CAD 8575) |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Housing | $11701 (CAD 16480) |
| Health Insurance | $508 (CAD 716) |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $16867 (CAD 23756) |
| 2023 | $5059 (CAD 7125) |
| 2021 | $7099 (CAD 9998) |
Important Dates
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline for January 2027 Intake | Aug 1, 2026 |
| Application Deadline for May 2027 Intake | Dec 1, 2026 |
| Application Deadline for September 2027 Intake | Apr 1, 2027 |
Scores Required
Required Document List
Complete Application
Application Fee
Official Transcripts
English Language Requirements
A copy of the Passport
Resume
Two Letters of Recommendation


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Career and Placement after Course
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Researcher,
- Project Manager;
- Academia, including post-doctoral research;
- Government,
- Clinical Microbiology,
- Consulting,
- Public Health,
- School and Guidance Counsellors.
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Key Graduate Scholar Award | Scholarship per student$ 1,065/Yr$1,500 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,420/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| 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 | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific |
Similar Programs
| Program | Important Date | Total Fees | Median Exams Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application Deadline for Winter Intake (1st Sep 2026) Application Deadline for Fall Intake (1st Feb 2027) Application Deadline for Summer Intake (1st Feb 2028) | USD 6,901 /Yr CAD 9,720 /Yr |
| ||
Application Deadline for January 2027 Intake (1st Aug 2026) Application Deadline for May 2027 Intake (1st Dec 2026) Application Deadline for September 2027 Intake (1st Apr 2027) | USD 6,088 /Yr CAD 8,575 /Yr |
| ||
-- | USD 21,056 /Yr CAD 29,656 /Yr |
|
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To be eligible for admission to the MSc in Data Science program at the University of Calgary, you must have a four-year bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, mathematics, statistics, or engineering, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, or an equivalent degree from a recognized institution. And if English is not your first lamguage, a valid ELP test score is necessary.
You can apply for the M.Eng Chemical and Petroleum Engineering proghram of the University of Calgary if you have completed a four-year bachelor’s degree in chemical or petroleum engineering with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0. You must submit your official transcripts as well as a copy of your cetificate. International students must also submit a valid ELP test score unless eligible for exemption.
The University of Calgary offers Masters programs in various academic disciplines. However, the university does not offer masters program in International Relations.