The Biotechnology – Advanced (BTA) program at Seneca Polytechnic prepares students for careers in biotechnology, life sciences research and laboratory-based scientific industries.
Students gain advanced knowledge in molecular genetics, immunology, virology, tissue culture, biochemistry and cell biology while developing strong laboratory and research skills. Through a combination of theoretical learning and hands-on laboratory experience, students learn scientific methods, experimental techniques, quality assurance procedures and biological data management.
Graduates are prepared for careers in biotechnology companies, research laboratories, pharmaceutical organizations, healthcare research facilities and life sciences industries.
- Academic Requirement: • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. • Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics background is recommended. • International applicants must have successfully completed Grade 12 or equivalent secondary education. • Complete academic transcripts and graduation certificate are required.
- ELP Requirement: • IELTS Academic: Overall 6.0 with no band below 5.5 • PTE Academic: 58 • Duolingo English Test: 105–110 • TOEFL iBT: Minimum 20/30 in each skill • CAEL: 60 • Cambridge English: 169 with no skill below 162
- Special Requirement: • Students study molecular genetics, immunology, tissue culture, virology, biochemistry, histology, cell biology and biotechnology research techniques. • Program includes laboratory-based scientific training and applied research experience. • Optional work-term stream (BTAC) available for eligible students. • Additional fees apply for students participating in the optional work-term stream. • Students gain experience in laboratory procedures, quality assurance, quality control and biological data management.
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Students whose study permit applications are still pending may request a deferral to the next available intake, provided the request is submitted before Day 10 of classes and the program is available. Deferrals are granted only once.
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Students awaiting an IRCC decision must still meet the deferral deadline. Requests submitted after Day 10 of classes will not be approved solely because a study permit decision is pending.
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Students may alternatively withdraw and apply for a refund by submitting the required withdrawal form and supporting documentation. Applicable administrative fees may be deducted.
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If a study permit application is refused, students may defer their admission and request a new Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) to support a future study permit application. PAL issuance is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
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Refund requests due to study permit refusal must include a copy of the official IRCC refusal letter and be submitted within 14 days of the refusal date.
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Only the refusal letter associated with the intake being withdrawn from will be considered for refund eligibility.
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Students whose second study permit application is refused before the start of classes may still qualify for a refund, subject to Seneca’s refund policy.
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Deferral requests are subject to program availability, and late requests may require a written appeal.
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Approved late deferrals may be subject to a CAD $200 late fee.
- Application Fee: $90
- LOA Deposit: $0
- Annual Tuition Fee: $18,314
- Total Tuition Fee: $56,470
- Course Duration: 3 Years
- Credentials: Advanced Diploma
- Intake: September 2026, January 2027
• Valid Passport (Photo and Signature Pages)
• Complete Secondary School Transcripts (All Years)
• Secondary School Graduation Certificate
• Official English Translation of Documents (if applicable)
• Proof of English Language Proficiency (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, Duolingo, CAEL or Cambridge English)
• CAD $90 Non-Refundable Application Fee
• Updated Resume / CV (Recommended)
• Statement of Purpose (Recommended)
• International Student Application Cancellation Form (Required only if changing agents)
• Documents must be uploaded in PDF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, TIFF or GIF format
• Maximum file size allowed per document is 10 MB
• Admission is subject to academic eligibility, document verification and seat availability
• Students interested in the work-term stream must meet eligibility requirements
• Early application is recommended due to limited laboratory seat availability