Bachelor of Science in Honours Biology (Optional Co-op)

Application Fees : CAD$ 251

Undergraduate Entry Requirements:

1. Academic Achievement: International students applying for undergraduate programs at the University of Waterloo are expected to have a minimum academic achievement of 80% or above in their secondary school studies.  

2. English Language Proficiency: The accepted English language tests and their minimum score requirements are as follows:

   • IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.5 in writing, 6.0 in reading, 6.0 in listening, and 6.5 in speaking.
   • TOEFL: Minimum score of 90 on the Internet-based Test (iBT).
   • PTE: Minimum score of 63.
   • DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission to the University of Waterloo. The university receives a large number of applications and admission decisions are based on a holistic assessment of various factors, including academic performance, test scores, personal statements, and letters of recommendation.

The University of Waterloo offers several scholarships and financial aid options to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and contributions to the community. 

1. International Master's Award of Excellence: This scholarship is available to international students entering a research-based master's program. It provides funding of up to $2,500 per term for a maximum of five terms.

2. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS): The OGS is a merit-based scholarship available to domestic and international students pursuing a graduate degree at the University of Waterloo. The scholarship provides funding of up to $15,000 per year for a maximum of two or three years, depending on the program.

3. President's Scholarship of Distinction: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to top international students entering an undergraduate program at the University of Waterloo. The scholarship covers full tuition for up to four years of study.

4. International Student Entrance Scholarships: These scholarships are available to high-achieving international students applying for undergraduate programs. The value of the scholarships varies and is renewable for up to four years, based on academic performance.

5. Faculty-specific Scholarships: Various faculties at the University of Waterloo offer scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships are based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and involvement in extracurricular activities within the respective faculty.

6. Donor-funded Scholarships: The university receives generous contributions from donors, which are used to establish scholarships for international students. These scholarships may have specific eligibility criteria and application processes.

It is important to note that the availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines for scholarships may vary. To apply for scholarships, international students are typically required to submit an application for admission to the university. Some scholarships may have additional application requirements, such as essays or reference letters. It is important to carefully review the scholarship information and follow the application instructions provided.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Honours Biology program at the University of Waterloo have a wide range of career opportunities available to them. The Bachelor of Science in Honours Biology program at the University of Waterloo provides graduates with a strong foundation in biological sciences and prepares them for diverse and rewarding career opportunities in fields such as research, healthcare, environmental conservation, biotechnology, education, and science communication. Additionally, participation in the optional co-op program enhances students' practical skills, industry experience, and employability.

1. Research Scientist: Graduates can pursue careers as research scientists in various fields such as molecular biology, genetics, ecology, microbiology, or biochemistry. They may work in research institutions, government agencies, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical companies, or academic institutions, conducting research to advance scientific knowledge and develop new technologies.

2. Environmental Consultant: Graduates with a focus on ecology, environmental biology, or conservation biology may work as environmental consultants, assessing environmental impact, conducting biodiversity surveys, and developing conservation strategies for organizations, government agencies, consulting firms, or non-profit organizations.

3. Biotechnologist: With expertise in biotechnology, graduates can work in biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical companies, or research institutions, developing new drugs, vaccines, or diagnostic tools, conducting genetic engineering experiments, or working on bioprocessing and fermentation techniques.

4. Healthcare Professional: Graduates interested in healthcare careers can pursue further education or training to become physicians, veterinarians, dentists, pharmacists, or physiotherapists. They may also work in healthcare administration, public health, or medical research.

5. Ecologist: Ecologists study the interactions between organisms and their environments, and graduates with a focus on ecology can work as ecologists in government agencies, environmental consulting firms, non-profit organizations, or academic institutions, conducting field research, habitat assessments, and ecological monitoring.

6. Science Educator: Graduates interested in education can pursue careers as science educators, teaching biology at the high school or college level. They may also develop educational materials, curriculum, or programs for science education initiatives or outreach programs.

7. Biomedical Researcher: Graduates interested in biomedical sciences can work as biomedical researchers, studying diseases, developing therapies, or conducting clinical trials in academic institutions, research hospitals, or pharmaceutical companies.

8. Conservation Biologist: Graduates interested in conservation biology can work as conservation biologists, developing conservation plans, monitoring endangered species, and managing natural habitats for conservation organizations, government agencies, or non-profit organizations.

9. Science Writer or Communicator: Graduates with strong communication skills can work as science writers, communicators, or journalists, writing articles, reports, or press releases on scientific topics for newspapers, magazines, websites, or science communication organizations.

10. Entrepreneur: Graduates with entrepreneurial aspirations can start their own biotechnology companies, environmental consulting firms, or science-related businesses, developing innovative products, technologies, or solutions to address societal needs.