Program information

Department/School Biology
Faculty Faculty of Science
Admit term(s)

Fall (September – December)

Winter (January – April)

Spring (May – August)

Application and document submission deadline(s)

February 1 (for admission in September)

July 1 (for admission in January of the following year)

October 1 (for admission in May of the following year)

Delivery mode On-campus
Program type Master's, Research
Length of program 24 months (full-time)
Registration option(s) Full-time, Part-time
Study option(s) Thesis

Research fields - Graduate research fields are used to better define a student's research concentration

Bioinformatics, Systematics and Evolution

Ecology and Environmental Biology

Microbiology

Molecular Genetics

Physiology, Cell and Developmental Biology

Watch the How to apply to Waterloo graduate studies video

What does it take to get in?

Minimum admission requirements

  • A 75% overall standing in the last two years, or equivalent, in an Honours Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent.

Supervisors

  • Review the finding a supervisor resources
  • Before applying to the program, students are strongly advised to establish contact with potential supervisors. It is a good strategy to identify whether the potential supervisors that students would like to undertake research with have available positions and funding.

Application materials

  • Resume

  • Supplementary information form (SIF)
    • The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enrol and your experience in that field. Review the application documents web page for more information about this requirement
    • If a statement or letter is required by your program, review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion
  • Transcript(s)

  • References
    • Three references are required; at least 2 academic
  • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
    • TOEFL 90 (writing 25, speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)

How much will it cost?

What can you expect at Waterloo?


    This program page is effective September 2023; it will be updated annually.  Any changes to the program page following this date will be indicated with a notation. 

    We strive to provide you with the necessary information on each of our program pages.  Was there something you found helpful?  Was there anything missing?  Share your thoughts.

    Program Contact

    April Wettig at awettig@uwaterloo.ca
    519-888-4567, ext. 46392