Master of Engineering in Biomedical Systems
Designing the future of healthcare
UVic's Master of Engineering in Biomedical Systems will provide you with knowledge and experience in biomedical systems and devices. You will learn about human physiology on different scales from cells to organ systems and how to apply it to medical device design. You will apply principles of material science, human factors and ergonomics, usability, and risk management in the design and implementation of biomedical devices. The program combines core and elective courses with experiential learning through a technical project and an optional co-op term.
Admission
You must meet the minimum admissions requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. An undergraduate degree in Engineering or Applied Science is preferred. We may consider relevant industrial experience combined with other types of degrees, diplomas or certifications.
If your first language is not English, you must provide proof of language proficiency. Learn more about language requirements, including allowable exemptions and tests.
Review our general admission requirements for more information.
Even if you meet the language requirements, you may be required to take English language courses in addition to your other course work.
The admissions selection process is competitive. Typically, between 14 and 20 students are admitted to the program each year. Not all students who meet the minimum requirements will be admitted.
Please apply for admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Your application must include:
- Online application
- Two complete assessment reports from professional or academic contacts. We recommend that your referees attach a letter of reference to their assessment report. Reference letters must be on official letterhead and signed by the referee.
- Official transcripts
- English language proficiency (if applicable)
- Official confirmation of degree(s)
- Statement of intent (one-page letter explaining your career goals and highlighting your strengths and achievements)
- resumé/CV
Transcripts, confirmations of degrees, and English language proficiency tests must be sent directly to the Graduate Admissions & Records Office from the issuing institution. See Submission of documents.
Application deadlines
| Canadian | International | |
| May 2024 intake | March 31, 2024 | October 31, 2023 |
| September 2024 intake | July 31, 2024 | January 31, 2024 |
| January 2025 intake | November 15, 2024 | May 31, 2024 |
| May 2025 intake | March 31, 2025 | October 31, 2024 |
International students are encouraged to consider processing times for visa and other documents required to enter and study in Canada.
Program information
Tuition and fees
The MEng in Biomedical Systems program is self-funded, and students must secure their own funding before beginning their studies. Students are eligible for awards or bursaries. More information on funding and employment opportunities are available from the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Students are responsible for paying tuition. More information on tuition & fees are available from the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Frequently asked questions
What are the English language requirements?
If your primary language is not English, you must provide proof of English language proficiency. Learn more about language requirements, including allowable exemptions and tests.
Do I need a supervisor to apply?
You do not need to find a supervisor before applying. We recommend you study our faculty listing and consider who you might work with for your technical project.
My undergraduate degree isn’t in Engineering. Can I still apply?
Your undergraduate degree must be in engineering or applied science. If you have another type of degree or diploma combined with relevant industrial experience, you may be considered. Applicants with a degree other than engineering or applied science should be able to demonstrate knowledge in math, statistics, and calculus.
Can you please review my transcript and let me know if I am eligible to apply?
Please refer to Graduate Admissions and our website for admission requirements to Faculty of Graduate Studies and to the MEng in Biomedical Systems. We only evaluate completed applications.
Can my employer write a reference?
We require two assessment reports from professional or academic contacts. We strongly recommend that your referees attach a reference letter to the assessment report. Reference letters must be on official letterhead and signed by the referee.
I can’t find the program in the application portal.
The MEng in Biomedical Systems is offered by the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Can I apply before finishing my undergraduate degree?
You can apply before finishing your undergraduate or another graduate degree if the degree is completed before the entry point for which you are applying. You will be required to submit unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended including the in-progress degree.
Applicants who receive a provisional offer of admission will need to submit all official documentation before being granted full admission and being allowed to register in courses.
Is there a minimum word length for the statement of intent?
Please keep your statement of intent to one page (normally 200-250 words double-spaced on size 12 font).
What happens after I submit my application?
Graduate Admissions and Records will review your application. If it meets the minimum requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, your application will be forwarded to the program for review and a decision.
How can I defer my start date?
You must have provisional, conditional or full offer of admission to request a deferral. Please contact the Program Coordinator with your request for an entry point change. EPCs are only granted once per student. If you need to change a second time, you will have to pay the application fee again.
What scholarships are available to me?
The MEng in Biomedical Systems program is self-funded, and students must secure their own funding before beginning their studies. Students are responsible for paying tuition. More information on tuition & fees are available from the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Students are eligible for awards or bursaries. More information on funding and employment opportunities are available from the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Please click here for teaching assistant positions in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Make sure that you review application requirements and deadlines carefully.
How do I find a supervisor for my technical project?
We recommend you study our faculty listing and consider who you might work with for your technical project. Students may initiate a discussion with a supervisor or seek assistance from the graduate program director to help identify a supervisor.