HD in Biotechnology - Advanced at Algonquin College in Ottawa, Canada is a higher diploma in Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences programme. The programme runs for 3 years, delivered on campus. Teaching is in English. Tuition for international students is CAD 8,082 per semester (CAD 1,389 per semester for local students).
This three-year advanced diploma covers the scientific foundations behind biotechnology careers, mixing laboratory work with theory across chemistry and biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, tissue culture and microbiology, analytical instrumentation, biochemical engineering, and the quality and safety systems used in professional labs and manufacturing settings. Students carry out their own experiments using current laboratory instruments throughout the program.
Beyond the lab, the program includes contact with alumni, industry talks and networking events, and opportunities to work alongside professionals from industry and government bodies, offered through optional field placements or applied research projects, with a paid co-op term also available. Graduates are prepared for work as laboratory technologists or analysts across biotechnology, health, agriculture and environmental fields, including roles in producing and testing medical devices, manufacturing pharmaceuticals and biologics, and testing food and beverage products.
Requirements
Admission Requirements: Direct entry needs an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature-student standing (19 or older without a diploma, assessed by academic achievement testing for a fee). Program eligibility asks for Grade 12 English (ENG4C or equivalent) at 60% or higher, Grade 12 Mathematics (MAP4C or equivalent) at 65% or higher, and Grade 11 or 12 Biology, Chemistry or Physics at 65% or higher. Applicants presenting international transcripts must document these subjects and may be asked for proof of language proficiency; a domestic applicant with international transcripts must have them assessed by ICAS or WES. Language proficiency is met by IELTS Academic overall 6.5 with no band under 6.0, TOEFL iBT overall 88 with 22 in each component, or Duolingo English Test overall 120 with at least 120 in Literacy and nothing under 105. If applications exceed available places, selection is based on proficiency in English, Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry or Physics.
Application Details
Application Deadline:Domestic applicants apply through ontariocolleges.ca: for September 2027 entry the application portal opens 26 September 2026, the equal consideration date is 1 February 2027, and offers must be accepted by 1 May 2027, while later applications are still assessed as space allows; Algonquin publishes no separate equal-consideration date for the January 2027 intake. International applicants apply directly via Algonquin's own International Application Portal, not ontariocolleges.ca; instead of one fixed date the college posts a program-by-program closing-date list shortly before each term starts - for Fall 2026 most programs closed 16 September 2026, technology programs by 9-10 September; no Winter 2027 or Fall 2027 international list has been posted yet, so admission remains effectively rolling until each list is published and fills. These are institution-wide dates; this programme publishes no deadline of its own.
