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).
At a glance
Degree:Higher Diploma
Field:Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Duration: 3 years
Delivery: On Campus
Language: English
Local tuition: CAD 1,389 / semester
International tuition: CAD 8,082 / semester
Information for the 2027/28 academic year · Last reviewed September 2026 ·
Program details
Overview
Overview Learn the science that drives biotechnology careers. The three-year Biotechnology - Advanced Ontario College Advanced Diploma program gives you a strong overview of the science that drives biotechnology. With a mix of laboratory and theory courses, you learn about: cellular and molecular biology microbiology and tissue culture chemistry, biochemistry and analytical instrumentation biochemical engineering quality systems for professional labs and manufacturing environments lab safety and biosafety As a student, you have the opportunity to carry out experiments and use state of the art laboratory instruments and tools throughout the program. You will meet alumni, and have the opportunity to attend industry talks and professional networking events. You have the opportunity to work with government and industry professionals through optional field placements or through participation in industry-aligned applied research projects. Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op work term are subject to availability and academic eligibility. Please note admission to the co-op program does not guarantee a co-op placement. Graduates of this program can pursue careers as lab technologists or analysts in biotechnology, health, agriculture and environmental fields. Graduates may seek employment in the production and testing of medical devices, the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and biologics and the production and testing of food/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.