The Cosmetic Science program at Seneca Polytechnic is Ontario’s only laboratory-based graduate certificate program focused on the development of cosmetic and personal care products. Students gain practical experience in cosmetic formulation, product development, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and marketing while using industry-standard laboratory equipment.
The program combines science, innovation, and business concepts to prepare graduates for careers in the cosmetics and personal care industry. Students learn how to develop products from raw materials to finished formulations while understanding global regulations, product safety requirements, quality standards, and consumer expectations.
An optional work term stream is available, providing students with valuable industry exposure and practical experience in cosmetic product development and related sectors.
- Academic Requirement: • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Life Sciences or a related field. • International applicants must submit academic transcripts and graduation certificates. • Related science background is strongly recommended.
- ELP Requirement: • IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall (No Band Below 6.0) • PTE Academic: 60 • Duolingo English Test: 120-125 • TOEFL iBT: Minimum 22 in each skill • CAEL: 70 (Writing 60) • Cambridge English: 176 (No skill below 169)
- Special Requirement: • Science-related bachelor's degree preferred. • Students may apply for the optional Work Term stream (CSPC). • Additional fees apply for students participating in the optional work term. • Work term placement is student-driven and not guaranteed.
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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: $19,418
- Total Tuition Fee: $19,418
- Course Duration: 1 Year
- Credentials: Pg Diploma
- Intake: September 2026 May 2027
• Completed application form
• CAD $90 application fee
• Passport copy
• Bachelor's degree certificate
• Academic transcripts/marksheets
• English language test results (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL/Duolingo)
• Updated resume/CV (recommended)
• Proof of name change (if applicable)
• Any additional documents requested by Seneca Polytechnic
• Review application status through Seneca Student Home portal