- Level
- 3-Year Advance Diploma / Accelerated Programs
- CIP code
- 41.0101
- Duration
- 8 month fast-track programme (2 semesters)
- Field
- Biotechnology and Life Sciences
- Institution
- Public College
- Offer speed
- Fast Offer Speed5–7 days
Program overview
The fast-track biotechnology advanced diploma is a two semester fast-track credential for applicants with prior post-secondary study covering molecular biology, microbiology, analytical chemistry, cell culture, bioprocessing and quality assurance, compressed into two semesters.
Entry needs a related degree or diploma within the last five years at 60 percent, including two lab chemistry courses and one biochemistry course.
Durham College, a public Ontario college founded in 1967, delivers the fast-track biotechnology advanced diploma at its main Oshawa campus, a site it shares with Ontario Tech University. Durham lists the fast-track biotechnology advanced diploma on its PGWP list under CIP 41.0101, which meets the field of study rule for this credential. A programme under two years supports a permit matching its length, so the fast-track biotechnology advanced diploma points to a work permit of about eight months unless you stack a second eligible programme. A provincial attestation letter from Ontario is needed before the fast-track biotechnology advanced diploma can support a study permit application.
Applicants to the fast-track biotechnology advanced diploma need a related diploma or degree with a minimum of 60 percent. The English requirement is IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0, and first year tuition for the fast-track biotechnology advanced diploma is recorded at CAD 15,836. Durham charges a CAD 100 application fee and issues the attestation letter once first semester fees for the fast-track biotechnology advanced diploma are paid. For 2027 the fast-track biotechnology advanced diploma takes international students only in September 2027, so apply early and keep the deadline in view. Apply Study Visa manages the application for the fast-track biotechnology advanced diploma, the payment to Durham, the attestation letter and your study permit as one process.
What it costs per year · indicative
Living cost is an estimate; tuition is the institute's published international fee. We confirm exact, current figures before you pay anything.
Do you qualify?
These are the published minimums. Whether your profile fits — with your marks, gap and budget — is exactly what a free counsellor check confirms.
Admission requirements
Who can apply (guide for international students):
- Education: A related diploma or degree from a recognised institution, at 60 percent or above.
- English (meet any one): IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0; TOEFL iBT 88 with no section below 22, or 4.5 overall with no section below 4.5 on the new scale for tests taken from 21 January 2026; PTE Academic 60 with no section below 57; CAEL 70 with no section below 70; or the Duolingo English Test at 115.
- Application and payment: Durham charges a non-refundable CAD 100 application fee. First semester fees must be paid before Durham releases the provincial attestation letter needed for the study permit.
- Scholarship: Durham’s global entrance scholarship credits CAD 2,000 to your student account when you accept the offer. It is confirmed for intakes up to January 2027, and Durham renews it each cycle, so check the terms for your intake.
- Additional requirement: As a compressed programme it follows Durham’s higher English standard of IELTS 6.5.
- Work rights: Durham lists this programme under CIP 41.0101, supporting a permit of about eight months. You can stack a second eligible programme of at least eight months, finished within two years, to extend the permit. A PGWP also requires a language test at CLB 5 in all four abilities for college credentials, taken within two years of applying. This is separate from the English test you need for admission. No open work permit for a spouse or partner, since IRCC now limits those to master, doctoral and select professional programmes.
- Study permit: Apply Study Visa prepares the attestation letter request, the financial evidence and the Canadian study permit submission with you.
English requirements
Documents you'll need typical · we confirm yours
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Class 10 & 12 marksheets and certificates
- English test scorecard (IELTS / PTE / TOEFL) or MOI certificate
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Financial proof — bank statement / loan sanction + GIC
- Passport-size photographs
- Study-gap affidavit or work-experience letter (if applicable)
Getting documents right is the #1 reason applications succeed or get refused — our team checks every file before submission.
Career opportunities
Typical destinations for graduates:
- Laboratory Technologist: biotech firms
- Quality Control Analyst: pharmaceutical plants
- Research Assistant: university labs
- Bioprocess Technician: manufacturers
- Microbiology Technician: food testing labs
- QA Specialist: after experience
Reality check: As a compressed programme it follows Durham’s higher English standard for fast-track study.
About Durham College
- Type
- College
- Ownership
- Public
- Rating
- ★ 4.6
- Established
- 1967
- Reference No.
- O19361081012
