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Biotechnology

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Program Code: BT211
CIP Code: 41.0101
PGWP-Eligible: Yes
Credential: Diploma
Start Dates: January, September
Program Length: 4 semesters
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Pathways: Explore Pathways
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Apply for September 2025 and get your chance to win $5,000 toward tuition* See details.

Program Overview

Humber's Biotechnology program begins your journey to an exciting and vibrant career in the dynamic field of biotechnology. Our program is designed  to develop, hone and enhance the essential skills that employers seek, making you career-ready from graduation! 

Our program emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning and scientific exploration. Our expert professors deliver engaging lessons that provide a foundational understanding of the diverse disciplines within the field. Through immersive laboratory sessions, you will master the techniques and skills demanded by industry leaders.   

Distinguished by our state-of-the-art laboratory facility, we offer unparalleled opportunity to engage in hands-on experimentation and exploration. Cutting-edge experimentation is led by our esteemed faculty & staff - a select group of experts dedicated to developing our learners personally and professionally. With each member a leader in their domain, they are uniquely suited to equip you with the competitive advantage needed for success in your future endeavours.  

We are excited to journey with you along the path to unlocking a world of opportunities. Together, we can turn your passion for science into a thriving career. 

Options for program start and completion timelines: 

September (Fall) start – begin your studies in September and complete the program in two academic years with the summer off

January (Winter) start - begin your studies in January and fast-track your journey, completing the program in four consecutive semesters

The Humber Advantage

State-of-the-art Facility

Step into our laboratory, where learning transcends the theoretical realm. Immerse yourself in an environment filled with cutting edge instrumentation and spectroscopic tools, providing learners with hands-on training and technical skills that exceed industry expectations.

Dedicated to nurturing your growth, our laboratory space serves not just as a space for experimentation and scientific inquiry, but as a dynamic environment where classroom lessons seamlessly merge with practical applications. As a student in the Biotechnology program, you will spend over 300+ hours in our laboratory learning cutting-edge molecular biology, biochemical, and chemistry techniques from research and industry-trained experts dedicated to preparing you for an exciting career in biotechnology!

bio lab

Life Sciences Lab 

A Program Designed For YOU

Humber's Biotechnology program has been carefully designed to ignite your passion and unleash your potential. Our four-semester, two-year program has you engaging with wet-laboratory work on day one to support, reinforce, and provide essential context to your theoretical teachings.

Our expert Faculty are focused on transforming you into a confident, career-ready graduate through lecture-based and experiential learning, supporting and guiding you every step of the way.

DNA molecule spiral

The Humber Experience

The Right Fit

Are you a naturally curious individual, with an interest in how and why the natural world behaves in the way that it does? Do you have a keen eye for detail, a knack for problem-solving, a passion for innovation, and an insatiable interest for scientific inquiry? Are you ready to push the boundaries of scientific discovery? If so, let us help you get ready for an exciting and fulfilling career in Biotechnology!

Testimonials

Interested in Biotechnology at Humber yet want to know more before enrolling?

Let's GO! 

Your Career

Graduates from the Biotechnology program have boundless opportunities awaiting them, as the field is highly interdisciplinary. With widespread applications across a variety of industries, the demand for skilled professionals in this field has never been higher. Graduates may choose to explore entry-level laboratory science roles in diverse sectors such as: 

  • agriculture 
  • bioinformatics 
  • biomedical
  • chemical synthesis/analysis 
  • environmental analysis/assessment 
  • food and beverage 
  • forensics 
  • genomics/genetic engineering 
  • health care 
  • nanotechnology 
  • pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical 
  • quality assurance/control 
  • research and development 

...or they may choose to advance their credentials by exploring pathways to higher education. Eligible Biotechnology graduates can pursue Humber's Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences entering directly into the third year of degree studies.

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Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025 Course-Based North Open
Jan 2026 Course-Based North Open
Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025 Course-Based North Open
Jan 2026 Course-Based North Open

Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International students in Canada could be eligible for an automatic scholarship*.  Apply now!

Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.

Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025 Course-Based North Open
Jan 2026 Course-Based North Open

Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International applicants outside of Canada can apply through Humber International. Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.

Upcoming Recruitment Events

News Feed

See More News 
Health Sciences Students Will Spend Reading Week Helping Children in Guatemala

Health Sciences Students Will Spend Reading Week Helping Children in Guatemala

Wed, December 18, 2019

An upcoming faculty-led trip was recently highlighted on @globalnewsTO.

Nursing and Paramedic students will spend the February 2020 reading week helping children and adults, conducting health assessments in Guatemala.

#MakingADifference #CulturalHumility


Read the Full Article >

Read More
Premier Ford Tours Nursing Labs

Premier Ford Tours Nursing Labs

Thu, February 27, 2020

Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Colleges and Universities Ross Romano, and other local MPPs, attended Humber recently.

The visit was to echo their early February Nursing announcement and to discuss the implications with senior administrators at Humber.

The Provincial Government announced its intention to amend the 1991 Nursing Act, thereby permitting interested Colleges to offer baccalaureate Nursing programs. Humber College will be seeking approval to offer stand alone Nursing education, with the BScN nomenclature, commencing in 2021. Visitors toured the facilities and spoke with our students.

Watch Premier Ford's visit of Humber's North Campus >

Read More

No news at this time.

Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber Polytechnic reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.

GET YOUR $125 APPLICATION FEE BACK*

Apply On Us This September!

Apply through OCAS between June 14 - July 19, 2024 and be registered full-time on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 and receive a $125 credit equal to the domestic application fee.

To qualify, get started by filling out the APPLY ON US form.

*This promotion is open to domestic applications for the September 2024 program intakes only. Offer not valid for existing applicants or applications.

International Students with a valid Study Permit or Letter of Introduction (LOI)* can receive a Waiver Code to cover the $100 September 2024 application fee.

Bringing You Our A-Game

A Humber education is second to none, benefit from:

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How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by July 15, 2024 to receive your Application Fee Credit. Applications for September will remain open as long as the program availability status shows Open.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Matthew DaCosta, program co-ordinator
437.565.1523
matthew.dacosta@humber.ca


Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

Find out more about the student experience and everything that Humber has to offer Future Students.

for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!

How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission selection is based on the following three requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

    • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including these required courses:
      • Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U or equivalent)
      • Grade 12 Mathematics (MAP4C, MCT4C, MDM4U, MCB4U, MGA4U, MCV4U or MHF4U or equivalent)
      • Grade 11 or 12 Biology (SBI3C, SBI3U or SBI4U or equivalent)
      • Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry (SCH3U, SCH4C or SCH4U or equivalent)

    or

    or 

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

If you do not meet the admissions requirements for this program, we can help!

●Humber's Academic Upgrading and Exploratory Programs can help you improve your skills and meet admission requirements.

●If you require English language support, please consider the English for Academic Purposes program.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

Equipment & Device Requirements

Semester 1

Details and Specifications Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications
Processor Intel i5-8300H (PC)
4-core or higher 64bit (Mac) (PC) 		Intel i5-8300H (PC)
4-core or higher 64bit (Mac)
OS Windows 10 (PC)
OS 10.15 (Mac)		 Windows 10 (PC)
OS 10.15 (Mac)
Memory 8GB of RAM 8GB of RAM
Storage 256GB 256GB
Monitor Laptop Laptop
Other Built-in microphone and webcam, Software: Adobe creative and Microsoft office Suite Built-in microphone and webcam, Software: Adobe creative and Microsoft office Suite

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Matthew DaCosta, program co-ordinator
437.565.1523
matthew.dacosta@humber.ca


Fees & Financial Aid

The 2024/2025 fee for two semesters was:

  • domestic: $4,064.34
  • international: $17,143.90

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
View Transfer Out Opportunities From This Program  
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