College Diploma - Biotechnology

The Biotechnology diploma is a two-year laboratory science program training technicians for research, pharmaceutical and quality control laboratories.

Coursework covers general and organic chemistry, cell biology and biochemistry, microbiology and aseptic technique, molecular biology including DNA extraction, PCR and electrophoresis, genetics, analytical chemistry and instrumentation such as chromatography and spectroscopy, cell culture technique, bioprocessing and fermentation, quality assurance and Good Laboratory Practice, and laboratory safety and documentation. Laboratory hours are substantial and technique-focused — graduates are expected to be bench-ready.

Employability here rests on hands-on technique rather than theory. Laboratories hire on whether a candidate can run a protocol accurately, document it properly and work sterile, and this program is structured around producing exactly that. Ontario’s pharmaceutical, food testing and research sector provides a steady employer base across the GTA.

Humber Polytechnic — formerly Humber College — is Ontario’s largest public college and a Designated Learning Institution (DLI O19376943122). The North campus in Etobicoke is its main site, running technology, engineering, health science, business and skilled trades programs in purpose-built labs and shops rather than lecture halls, with three intakes a year and the deepest employer network in the Greater Toronto Area.

Its field maps to CIP 26.1201 (Biotechnology). Important: this is a college credential rather than a degree, so it is not exempt from the November 2024 PGWP field-of-study restriction — eligibility depends on this CIP field appearing on IRCC’s eligible list when you apply. Humber publishes a PGWP-eligible program list with CIP codes; check it, and confirm with an Apply Study Visa counsellor before committing. IRCC makes the final decision.