How to Apply to Biology at the University of Manitoba: Apply to the Faculty of Science, Declare Biological Sciences, Biochemistry or Microbiology After 24 Credit Hours, with Optional Co-op, and Requirements for Canadian, International (Including Chinese) and Transfer Students

The University of Manitoba (UM) is in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Biology-related undergraduate degrees are in the Faculty of Science and lead to a Bachelor of Science (BSc): the Faculty of Science admission bulletin lists the life sciences as Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Genetics and Microbiology. You do not choose a specific major on the application: you apply to the Faculty of Science and declare an Honours or Major program after at least 24 credit hours. Below is what UM publishes for September 2027 entry, for Canadian applicants, international applicants, applicants from China and transfer students. Medicine, nursing, pharmacy and health degrees such as those in Interdisciplinary Health are outside this guide; see UM’s website.

1. Degrees and options

• Biological Sciences (BSc): the Biological Sciences (BSc) program page lists Honours and Major (both with a Co-op option) and a Minor; expected duration is 4 years full time. UM says that beyond the common core you can specialize in biology, botany, ecology, genetics and zoology. The page lists six themes (ecology and environmental biology; integrative biology; cell, molecular and developmental biology; environmental and integrative physiology; evolution and biodiversity; genetics), says elsewhere that you choose one of five theme areas, and its “Honours and Major themes” block shows only two concentrations (Molecular, Cellular and Systems Biology; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology). UM is inconsistent about the number of themes, so check the Academic Calendar.
• Biochemistry (BSc): the Biochemistry (BSc) program page says it is offered jointly by the Departments of Chemistry and Microbiology, with Honours and Major options (both with Co-op) over 4 years; Honours includes a final-year research project and students can apply for Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA). Sample courses: BIOL 1030, CHEM 1100, 1110 and 1120, CHEM/MBIO 2700 and 2710 (Biochemistry 1 and 2), CHEM 2720 (Modern Biochemistry Laboratory), CHEM 4670 (Drug Design and Drug Discovery).
• Microbiology (BSc): the Microbiology (BSc) program page lists Honours and Major (both with Co-op) and a Minor, with sample courses such as MBIO 1010, 2420, 3010 and 3282; UM says hands-on research with a faculty member is possible as early as second year. Genetics (BSc) is also named in the Faculty of Science program and Co-op lists; its program page was not among the pages read, so check it on UM’s website.
• Honours and Major: Honours is about 120 credit hours with a degree GPA of at least 3.00, full time only, normally including a research project or research course, and UM calls it the smoothest route to graduate studies; Major is about 120 credit hours with a degree GPA of at least 2.00, full or part time, with flexible electives, and UM says it does not provide the same level of professional training. Both need at least 24 credit hours with specific courses and grades to enter.
• Biological Sciences sample courses (as listed): BIOL 1410 (Anatomy of the Human Body), BIOL 2260 (Biology of Fungi and Lichens), BIOL 2500 (Genetics 1), BIOL 2600 (Computational Biology), BIOL 3312 (Community Ecology), BIOL 3360 (Animal Behaviour), BIOL 4300 (Evolution and Adaptation), BIOL 4480 (Comparative Endocrinology).
• Facilities: the Biological Sciences page mentions the Buller Greenhouse, the Stewart Hay Memorial Museum and the WIN Herbarium.
• Accreditation: professional accreditation for the biology degrees is not published on the pages read; check UM’s website.

2. Getting into biology-related programs: you do not choose a major on the application

• UM says that when you apply to the Faculty of Science as a direct or advanced entry student you do not select a specific major. Each Major or Honours program has its own entry requirements and is usually declared after at least 24 credit hours, generally at the end of first or second year. The declaration form is on the Faculty of Science Academic Advising page.
• The program pages say that to declare Honours or Major in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry or Microbiology you must first be accepted into the Faculty of Science, then fill in the form on the Academic Advising page once you meet the entry requirements. The Biological Sciences page also says the degree can be a stepping stone to professional programs such as medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy and dentistry; the admission requirements of those professional programs are not covered in the pages read.
• University 1 students who qualify can transit to the Faculty of Science through the Aurora system (see section 9) and may choose a four-year Major they qualify for at that point, or the General degree. For an Honours program, contact the Faculty of Science office.
• The specific entry courses and grades of each program are in the Academic Calendar (course catalogue), which the program pages point to; that catalogue is not among the pages read, so check it on UM’s website.

3. Prerequisites: Canadian applicants

• Direct entry to Science: Manitoba high school graduation with five full credits at the Grade 12 level in courses designated S, G, U or C, plus the Bachelor of Science requirements: English 40S, Applied Mathematics 40S or Pre-Calculus Mathematics 40S, one of Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science or Physics 40S, and one more academic 40S course, with an 80% average and no less than 60% in each course. UM adds that when more eligible applicants apply than there are places, the averages needed will be higher than the stated minimum. (Direct Entry bulletin, 2026–2027 edition)
• Other provinces: the same page lists Science requirements by province, all at an 80% average with at least 60% in each course. Alberta: ELA 30-1, Math 30-1 or 30-2, one of Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Physics 30 or Computing Science (Advanced Level CTS, 5 credits), plus one academic Grade 12 university-preparatory course. British Columbia and Yukon: English 12, Pre-Calculus Math 12 or Foundations of Math 12, one of Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, Computer programming or Physics 12, plus one academic Grade 12 university-preparatory course. Ontario: ENG4U, MHF4U or MCV4U, one of SBI4U, SCH4U, ICS4U or SPH4U, plus one 4U or 4M academic course. Saskatchewan: English 30, Pre-calculus Math 30 or Foundations of Math 30, one of Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science or Physics 30, plus one 30-level academic course. New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Quebec CEGEP have their own entries; check your province on that page.
• Biology-related prerequisites: the Science direct-entry rule lists Biology as one of several science options and does not require high school Biology by itself; the university-level entry courses and grades for Biological Sciences, Biochemistry and Microbiology are in the Academic Calendar, which is not among the pages read, so check it on UM’s website. The British Columbia list on the bulletin reads “Anatomy and Physiology” rather than Biology; confirm with admissions whether Biology 12 is accepted.
• University 1 (the undecided route): a direct-entry application to Science that falls short is automatically considered for University 1, with no new application and no second fee. You can also apply to University 1 directly: English 40S, Mathematics 40S and two academic 40S courses with a 70% average and at least 60% in each. Canadian citizens and permanent residents below that are automatically considered for Limited Admission (65% average, at least 55% in each; some registration restrictions and performance standards apply, with extra supports).
• Tests and essays: for direct entry to Science the pages above list only subjects and grades; they do not mention SAT or ACT scores or an essay.

4. International applicants

• Three general requirements: the international admission requirements page says you must (1) demonstrate English proficiency, (2) meet the general requirement for your country or curriculum (IB and the British GCE have their own entries), and (3) meet the requirements of the program you choose.
• Grades: for Science, the program requirement is English, senior-level Mathematics or Pre-Calculus Mathematics, one of Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science or Physics, and a fourth academic course, with an equivalent 80% average and at least 60% in each. IB: a diploma with an overall minimum of 24, three Higher Level and three Standard Level courses and no grade below 3; for Science, an equivalent average of IB 5 (80%) over English, Mathematics, one science and a fourth academic course, at least two at HL, with no grade below 3 (60%). British GCE: at least two A-Level courses and three GCSE/IGCSE/O-Level courses; for Science, an equivalent B (80%) average over English or First Language Literature, Mathematics, one science and a fourth academic course, at least two at A-Level, with no grade below D (60%).
• Alternative route: from Fall 2026, international applicants who did not complete Grade 12 Mathematics or English because of their curriculum stream may be considered for University 1 under an alternate international category (five senior-level courses, English or Mathematics plus three academic courses, 80% average, at least 70% in each); applicants who took English or Mathematics but did not reach the minimum grade are not eligible.
• English: the English language proficiency page lists IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each skill (One Skill Retake accepted); TOEFL iBT 86 overall with 20 in each section for tests taken before January 20, 2026, and the new-scale 4.5 overall with 4.0 in each section for tests from January 21, 2026 (the page gives “before January 20” in one place and “from January 21” in another, so January 20 itself is unassigned: please confirm); Duolingo 120 overall with 105 in each component; CAEL 60; Cambridge C1 or C2 at 180; PTE 58; IAEP Level 5. Scores are valid for two years and must be valid at the start of classes. Waivers include, for example, a full IB Diploma with at least 24 points taught in English (effective Fall 2026), grade 4 or higher in IB HL English or AP English, and specified years of study in Canada, and there is a list of exempt countries.
• Credential evaluation and proof of funds: not published on the pages read; ask the international admissions team (international.applications@umanitoba.ca).
• Scholarships for international students: see section 7.

5. Applicants from China

• Credential: the China entry on the international admission requirements page reads “Upper Middle School Graduation Certificate”, a high school diploma with five full credits at the senior level.
• Science grade requirement: English, senior-level Mathematics or Pre-Calculus Mathematics, one of Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science or Physics, and a fourth academic course, with an equivalent 80% average and at least 60% in each course. The page does not say which Chinese high school courses correspond to these subjects.
• Gaokao: the admissions pages read do not say how gaokao results are used, and do not describe an interview, an evaluation agency or huiKao (academic proficiency) documents. Ask the international admissions team.
• Transcripts: official transcripts are required; a transcript not in English needs an English translation from the issuing institution or a certified translator, who must include a copy of the original and the translation in sealed envelopes signed across the seal. Electronic transcripts must be sent by the issuing office directly to applicant.services@umanitoba.ca; transcripts forwarded by the applicant are unofficial.
• Alternative route: whether the University 1 alternate international category applies to the Chinese curriculum is not stated; confirm with admissions.

6. Dates and fees (as printed by UM)

• Deadline for September 2027: the Science direct-entry page gives undated cycles: Fall (September) March 1, Winter (January) October 1, Summer (May) February 1. The Direct Entry bulletin (2026–2027) prints Fall 2026 March 1, 2026; Winter 2027 October 1, 2026; Summer 2027 February 1, 2027, and does not print a September 2027 date. The entrance awards page lists “Mar. 1, 2027, admission application and entrance scholarship consideration (Fall 2026) deadline”, whose label and year do not match; confirm the September 2027 deadline with admissions.
• Application fee: CAD 100 for Canadian citizens and permanent residents, CAD 130 for international applicants, non-refundable; the application counts as received only after it is submitted and the fee is paid.
• Documents: using Fall 2026 direct entry as the example, high school grades are due by May 1 (final grades for completed courses, mid-term grades for courses finishing by June 30); only grades received by then count toward direct-entry eligibility, and applications with no grades after it are moved to University 1 automatically. July 7 is the final deadline for all remaining documents, including final transcripts and English proficiency. Applicants self-report Grade 12 courses and actual or estimated final grades for a preliminary assessment; all final decisions need official transcripts, and offers to current high school students are conditional on final grades.
• Offers: eligible, competitive Canadian high school applicants may receive a conditional preliminary offer before documents are complete. Decisions are posted to the application portal, where you accept or decline; an offer not accepted by the deadline lapses. Most undergraduate programs do not offer deferrals.

7. Tuition and scholarships

• Tuition estimate: the tuition and financial supports page gives estimates for a full course load over Fall and Winter: about CAD 8,200 for Canadian citizens and permanent residents and about CAD 28,000 for international students in Science (University 1: CAD 7,400 and CAD 25,800). The estimates include program and lab fees, the Winnipeg Transit U-Pass, the gym pass and the students’ union health and dental plan, and for international students the Manitoba international student health insurance; textbooks are not included. The page does not print the academic year; check the undergraduate tuition and fees page and the rates approved by the Board of Governors.
• Entrance scholarships (everyone): applicants are considered automatically once they have applied, paid and submitted transcripts; UM says at least five eligible courses are needed, with an average of at least 85% over the best five. (entrance awards page)
• International students: the international entrance scholarships page lists two kinds. The General Entrance Scholarship needs an application by March 1, the international tuition rate, an average of at least 85% over the best five approved courses and at least 24 credit hours over Fall and Winter; values are tiered by average, and the page’s 2024–2025 example is CAD 3,000 for 95% and above, CAD 2,000 for 90% and above and CAD 1,000 for 85% and above. The International Excellence Entrance Scholarship offers one award of CAD 25,000 (a 90% average over five approved courses) and two of CAD 10,000 to full-time direct-entry students on a study permit paying international fees; the entrance awards page lists its deadline as December 1, 2026, so confirm whether that applies to September 2027. UM also says international students in their first year of post-secondary study in Canada cannot apply for the general bursary.
• Other awards: the entrance awards page lists awards that need a separate application, for example the Alumni Association Entrance Scholarship (August 1 deadline) and entrance bursaries (July 15 deadline); check the conditions there.

8. Co-op (paid work terms)

• The Science Co-op page for prospective students says Science Co-op stretches the four-year Major or Honours degree to about five years, with a minimum of three and a maximum of four work terms of four months each (starting in January, May or September); the equivalent of three work terms is needed for the co-op designation. Eligibility includes: being a full-time student in a listed program; having completed most second-year requirements; being between 54 and 90 credit hours at the end of the fall term of the application year with at least 30 credit hours left; and a degree GPA of at least 2.50 for Majors or 3.00 for Honours (Psychology excepted). UM stresses that meeting the requirements does not guarantee a place: enrolment is limited and an intake interview is required. Life and Physical Sciences students generally apply in the Winter term of second year, with interviews between May and July and results by the end of August (the page uses 2026 as its example).
• International students: the page says two different things. The “International students” section says that international students with a valid study permit who meet the other requirements no longer need a separate co-op work permit; the schedule section still says all international students admitted to Science Co-op are deferred by one term and start in the Summer term to allow time to obtain the Co-op Work Permit, and recommends the summer-start schedule for international students. Confirm with Science Co-op (scicoop@umanitoba.ca). International students are also not eligible for Canadian federal positions requiring secret-level clearance.
• Fee: a work term fee is charged for each confirmed four-month work term; the page prints CAD 710.80 for 2026–27.

9. Transfer students (Advanced Entry)

• Who counts: applicants with 24 or more credit hours of college or university study (moving between faculties at UM, coming from another institution, or taking a second degree). Faculty of Science Advanced Entry needs at least 24 credit hours and an Adjusted GPA (AGPA) of at least 2.00; for 30 to 71 credit hours the lowest 6, 9 or 12 credit hours are dropped according to a table, and from 72 credit hours the most recent 60 are used with the worst 12 dropped. Second-degree applicants need a CGPA of at least 2.00 or an AGPA of at least 2.30. All applicants who meet the minimum criteria are admitted. (Faculty of Science Advanced Entry bulletin, 2026–2027 edition)
• Changes from Fall 2027: Section 9 of the same page says Advanced Entry will also require a 3-credit course that meets UM’s mathematics requirement and 6 credit hours of Faculty of Science courses at the 1000 level or higher with a C or better; transit from University 1 (once a year in mid-June, no fee, no application) adds the same two conditions on top of a 2.00 CGPA over 24 credit hours.
• Deadlines (as printed, no September 2027 date): the Science page prints Fall 2026 March 1 for international applicants and June 1 for Canadian citizens and permanent residents, Winter 2027 July 1 and October 1, and Summer 2027 November 1, 2026 and February 1, 2027; the documentation deadline is 15 days after each application deadline.
• Transfer credit: courses are assessed one by one and assigned a UM equivalent where one exists, otherwise possibly general (unallocated) credit; the Faculty of Science considers only external courses completed within the last ten years (or fewer). Course outlines may be requested, and only successful applicants are told of transfer credit results. UM has an online transfer credit resource. The pages read do not describe a dedicated pathway from colleges; ask admissions.

Checklist

• Confirm your high school subjects: English, mathematics, one science and one more academic course, with an 80% average and at least 60% in each (international applicants: use the entry for your curriculum).
• Ask admissions to confirm the application and document deadlines for September 2027; the pages read do not print them.
• International applicants: check the validity period of English test scores and the waiver conditions; applicants from China should ask the international team how gaokao and Chinese courses are mapped.
• After admission, complete 24 credit hours and the specific course and grade requirements of your program, then declare with the Faculty of Science; if you want Co-op, plan for the 54 to 90 credit-hour window.

This guide is based on the University of Manitoba’s public web pages; requirements, dates and fees are subject to UM’s current pages and replies from the admissions office.