Food Science and Technology is the branch of science that deals with biological systems, microbiology, food nutrition, biochemistry, food processing, food production and quality management. It is a theoretical, technical and practical hands-on training course, that trains students to get the knowledge of biology, chemistry and food science to meet the needs of food industries. Food Technology graduates are highly sought after by employers in Canada.
With more than 290,000 employers, the Food industry is the third largest employer in Canada. The average annual salary of a food technologist in Canada is quite good which ranges between 30,700 CAD that may go upto 90,300 CAD. In this blog, we have prepared a guide for food technology courses in Canada, admission process, costs and scope of food technology in Canada.
Why Study Food Science and Technology in Canada?
Here are some of the reasons why studying food science and technology in Canada is worth it.
- High in Demand: The demand for skilled food nutritionist in the field of food science is approximately same as the supply of labour market in 2019-2028. There were around 12,700 jobs available in Canada for a food nutritionist in 2018 and this will grow by 4,900 new jobs openings along with same number of job seekers in the same field.
- Top Universities: Food Science and Technology courses in Canada is highly demanded programs in universities. There are around 22 university of Canada ranks in the QS Top World University Rankings out of which most of them offers food science and technology course in different level of study.
- Specializations: There are different types of food science and technology courses in Canada at different levels of study that you can choose to pursue. Some of the most popular specializations are food safety and quality assurance, food manufacturing, food safety management, nutrition and food service management, food science and agricultural chemistry and more.
Suggested: Complete guide on Masters in Food technology in Canada
Top Universities in Canada for Food Science and Technology Courses
Some of the top food universities in Canada are
- University of British Columbia
- University of Saskatchewan
- University of Guelph
- University of Manitoba
Let's have a brief overview of each of the food science colleges in Canada with the types of institutions, programs they offer along with some other points.
University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia is ranks as the Top 40 universities of Canada and offers admissions to both Bachelor and masters degree in Food Science. UB food science degree emphasizes hands on experience through extensive foundational science and food specific labs. This also gives opportunities to build business skills through hands-on opportunity such as working in food industries.
|
Institution Type |
Public |
|
The University of British Columbia, Vancouver World Ranking 2024 |
34 |
|
Average Annual Fees |
21,000 CAD |
|
Programs Offered |
|
University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan is one of the top research intensive, medical doctoral universities in Canada that offers admissions to both undergraduate and graduate degree in Food Science. The food science degree will teach you about the issues of global food involving the relationship between human health and food security to develop a healthy and safe nutritious food supply.
|
Institution Type |
Public |
|
345 |
|
|
Average Annual Fees |
23,022 CAD |
|
Programs Offered |
|
University of Guelph
The University of Guelph is a research intensive and learning centered university taht focuses for the excellence in the arts and sciences and the commitment to develop exceptional thinkers and engaged citizens. It offers admissions to two different degrees of food science that explores the processing and the product development of safe and healthy foods for the world.
|
Institution Type |
Public |
|
486 |
|
|
Average Annual Fees |
14,000 CAD |
|
Programs Offered |
|
University of Manitoba
University of Manitoba is located in Winnipeg Canada that offers the opportunity to students to conduct transformational research to foster success across disciplines. It offers Bachelor in Food Science and Masters degree in Food Science, that gives an opportunity to students to explore the raw commodities into safe, healthy and appealing foods. They also gives an option to students to focus on their studies on either business or the science.
|
Institution Type |
Public |
|
671-680 |
|
|
Average Annual Fees |
12,000 CAD |
|
Programs Offered |
|
Now, you know about the different types of universities and colleges offering food science courses in Canada, let's take a look on the eligibility criteria and admission requirements for getting admission to food technology universities in Canada
Eligibility Criteria and Requirements for Food Science and Technology Courses in Canada
The eligibility criteria and admission criteria may depend upon the choice of your program, however to get admission to food technology colleges in Canada, you will need to fulfil the following requirements
- Educational Qualifications
- English Language Proficiency Test
- Test Scores
Let's discuss about each of the requirements for admission to food technology courses in Canada
Educational Qualifications
For seeking admission to diploma or bachelor degree in food science and technology in Canada, you will have to complete your 10+2 level of education with chemistry and biology as compulsory ones. Admission to master's or pg diploma in food technology in Canada you have to complete your bachelor's degree in biotechnology or chemistry or food science related subjects from a recognised university. The cut off scores in your previous educations must be between 70% to 80%.
English Language Proficiency Test
Since most of the college and universities in Canada instructs in English language. International students seeking admission to food science courses in Canada and are not from English speaking countries will need to submit the following test scores
Additional Test Scores
You may have to submit the standardized test scores of SAT or ACT for bachelor degrees and GMAT or GRE scores for masters food science in Canada. However, in some cases these are not mandatory scores, but submit it may increase your chances for admission.
Documents Required for Food Science and Technology Courses in Canada
A list of some general documents taht are essential for admission to various food science courses in Canada are
- Educational Transcripts with original marksheets
- Bachelor degree certificate
- ELP Test scores
- SAT or ACT test scores (if applicable)
- GRE or GMAT Score (if applicable)
- Letter of recommendation
- Statement of purpose/intent
- Resume or CV
- Copy of your passport
- Proof of financial resources
- Study Permit Visa
Admission Process for Food Science and Technology in the Canada
There are usually three types of intakes seasons for admission to food science and technology in Canada in fall, winter and summer. Most of the colleges and universities open their doors for admission in the Fall semester and summer is the least one. So please make sure you can check the available intakes and the deadlines at the university website before the beginning of your application. The step-by-step guide for applications of food science degree Canada are
- The first step is to visit the university official website and check the program eligibility criteria.
- Complete the online application and pay the application fees.
- Upload all the required documents in the application form
- After completing the application form, you get an acknowledgment from the university side. You can also check the status of the application through the mail.
- Once you get an admission email from the university accept the offer and pay the tuition fees to confirm your acceptance.
Cost of Studying Food Science and Technology in Canada
The overall costs of studying food technology in Canada depends upon the university you are applying to and the lifestyle you choose. Therefore, the costs may be divided into two parts: Tuition Fees and living costs. Let's discuss it one by one
Tuition Fees
The tuition fees for food science and technology courses in Canada depends upon the degree and the study level you are applying for. The average tuition fees for different levels of food technology degrees are
- Diploma in food science: 10,000 CAD to 18,000 CAD.
- Bachelor Degree: 15,000 CAD to 36,700 CAD
- PG Diploma and Graduate Certificate: 10,000 CAD to 21,000 CAD.
- Masters Degree: 18,000 CAD to 39,000 CAD.
Living Costs
The estimated cost of living in Canada for a single person should be between 800 CAD to 1,500 CAD per month along with the program fees. These estimated costs may include depend on your type of accomodation, location and your personal expenses.
If these costs seem high to you, they are totally worth it if you dive into the scope of food science and technology in Canada.
Career Opportunities in Canada after Studying Food Science and Technology Courses
Food Science and Technology is a highly rewarding career option for if you are interested in starting your career as a food technologist. The scope of food technology in Canada cannot decrease due to a shortage of labour. The average salary and the job role may differ on the type of program and the level of study. On average, a food technologist in Canada can earn between 30,700 CAD to 90,300 CAD per year.
Below we have given the different types of job profiles along with their average salaries.
|
Job Role |
Average Annual Salary |
|
Food production manager |
75,049 CAD |
|
Food packaging technologist |
61,327 CAD |
|
Food processing technician |
55,671 CAD |
|
Product development chef |
52,972 CAD |
|
Food Safety Administrator |
64,140 CAD |
Scholarships to Study Food Science and Technology in Canada
There are different types of scholarships in Canada for international students who want to study in food science universities in Canada. However, most of the colleges and universities in Canada have low tuition fees in comparison to other countries. But getting a scholarship will help you in managing your expenses.
Below we have given a list of different types of food science scholarships in Canada for students studying in bachelor and masters degree.
|
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Benefits |
|
International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships, University of Guelph |
International students in first semester of post secondary studies |
20,500 CAD |
|
IMCD Canada Limited Scholarship, University of Guelph |
Students of food science and have a minimum of 75% grade |
5,000 CAD |
|
UMSU International Student Award, University of Manitoba |
Students must have 3.0 GPA |
1,000 CAD |
|
International Baccalaureate (IB) Excellence Awards, University of Saskatchewan |
International students having good academic scores |
20,000 CAD |
|
International Excellence Awards, University of Saskatchewan |
International students entering in first year and have good academic achievement |
10,000 CAD |
Pursuing a food science degree from Canada can help you in getting on a successful career path. You have different types of course choices to pick from and can start a lucrative career in food technology industry anywhere in the world. However if you are still confused and want some assistance for study abroad, reach out to Yocket Counselors to get expert advice.