Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs & Quality Operations (raq)

The Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs & Quality Operations (RAQ) graduate certificate program at Seneca Polytechnic prepares science graduates for careers in pharmaceutical regulation, quality assurance, compliance, and healthcare product management. Students develop a strong understanding of Canadian and international pharmaceutical regulations, drug approval processes, quality systems, regulatory compliance, manufacturing standards, and submission preparation. The program combines regulatory affairs knowledge with quality operations training, enabling graduates to work effectively within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and healthcare industries. Students may also choose an optional work term stream to gain practical industry experience.

Program Requirements
  • Academic Requirement: Ontario University Degree or College Degree equivalent in Science Background in Chemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field International applicants may be required to provide additional academic documents Canadian Citizens/Permanent Residents educated outside Canada must provide WES or ICAS evaluation
  • ELP Requirement: IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 PTE Academic: 60 Duolingo: 120–125 TOEFL iBT: Minimum 22 per skill CAEL: 70 (Writing no less than 60)
  • Special Requirement: Science-related post-secondary qualification required for admission
Refund Policy

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Students may alternatively withdraw and apply for a refund by submitting the required withdrawal form and supporting documentation. Applicable administrative fees may be deducted.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Only the refusal letter associated with the intake being withdrawn from will be considered for refund eligibility.

  • 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.

  • Deferral requests are subject to program availability, and late requests may require a written appeal.

  • Approved late deferrals may be subject to a CAD $200 late fee.

Key Facts
  • Application Fee: $90
  • LOA Deposit: $0
  • Annual Tuition Fee: $17,019
  • Total Tuition Fee: $17,019
  • Course Duration: 1 Year (2 Semesters)
  • Credentials: Ontario College Graduate Certificate
  • Intake: September 2026 January 2027 May 2027
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Checklist

Required Documents

  • Valid Passport

  • Degree Certificate

  • Complete Academic Transcripts

  • Updated Resume/CV

  • English Language Test Results

  • Statement of Purpose

  • WES/ICAS Evaluation (if applicable)

  • Previous Visa Documents and Refusal Letters (if applicable)

Academic Requirements

  • University or College Degree in Science

  • Preferred backgrounds:

    • Chemistry

    • Biology

    • Pharmaceutical Sciences

    • Biotechnology

    • Life Sciences

    • Related Scientific Disciplines

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0

  • PTE Academic: 60

  • Duolingo: 120–125

  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum 22 per skill

  • CAEL: 70 (Writing 60 minimum)

Program Information

  • Campus: Seneca@York, Online

  • Delivery: Online, Flexible

  • Duration: 1 Year (2 Semesters)

  • Credential: Ontario College Graduate Certificate

  • School: School of Biological Sciences & Applied Chemistry

  • Intakes: January, May, September

  • PGWP Eligible: Yes

Optional Work Term

  • Optional Work Term Stream Available (RAQC)

  • Work Term May Be Paid or Unpaid

  • Student-Driven Job Search

  • Additional Fees Apply

  • Work Term Can Be Completed In Person, Online, or Hybrid

Career Opportunities

  • Regulatory Affairs Associate

  • Regulatory Affairs Assistant

  • Quality Assurance Associate

  • Quality Assurance Investigator

  • Documentation Administrator

  • Medical Information Associate

  • Regulatory Compliance Specialist

  • Pharmaceutical Quality Coordinator

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