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PhD in Biology

Course Level: Doctorate
Course Duration: 3 Years
Course Language: English
Required Degree Master’s Degree

PhD in Population Studies

Course Level: Doctorate
Course Duration: 3 Years
Course Language: English
Required Degree Master’s Degree

About University

About National Institute of Scientific Research, Canada
 

Key Facts about INRS:

  • Founded: 1969

  • Headquarters: Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

  • Campuses: Located in Quebec City, Laval, Varennes, and Montreal

  • Language of Instruction: Primarily French, but many research projects and programs accommodate English speakers, especially at the graduate level.


Academic Structure

INRS is made up of four interdisciplinary research and training centers:

  1. INRS–Centre Eau Terre Environnement (ETE)
    Focus: Water, earth, and environmental sciences
    Location: Quebec City

  2. INRS–Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications (EMT)
    Focus: Energy, materials, and telecommunications
    Locations: Varennes and Montreal

  3. INRS–Centre Urbanisation Culture Société (UCS)
    Focus: Urban studies, culture, and society
    Location: Montreal

  4. INRS–Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie (AFSB)
    Focus: Health, biotechnology, and life sciences
    Location: Laval


Notable Features

  • Research-Focused: INRS ranks among the top Canadian institutions for research intensity (measured in terms of funding per faculty member).

  • Small Student Body: A tightly focused community of graduate students (~700 students), allowing close collaboration with professors.

  • International Collaborations: INRS is active in international research networks and encourages international students and partnerships.

  • Bilingual Environment: While French is the main language, many professors and labs operate bilingually.


Research Strengths

INRS is particularly strong in:

  • Environmental science and climate change

  • Public health and epidemiology

  • Nanotechnology and photonics

  • Urban planning and social development

  • Biotechnology and genomics

Study in Canada



Course Programs at National Institute of Scientific Research, Canada
 


1. Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie (Laval)

Focus: Life sciences, biotechnology, microbiology, and public health

Programs:

  • Master’s in Biology (M.Sc.)

  • PhD in Biology

  • Master’s and PhD in Virology and Immunology

  • Master’s and PhD in Epidemiology

  • Master’s and PhD in Medical Biology

  • Graduate Diploma in Population Health


2. Centre Eau Terre Environnement (Quebec City)

Focus: Environmental sciences, geology, water resources

Programs:

  • Master’s and PhD in Water Sciences

  • Master’s and PhD in Earth Sciences

  • Master’s and PhD in Environmental Sciences

  • Master’s and PhD in Hydrogeology and Geochemistry

  • Graduate Diploma in Environmental Management


3. Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications (Varennes & Montreal)

Focus: Energy, materials science, photonics, telecommunications, quantum technologies

Programs:

  • Master’s and PhD in Energy and Materials Science

  • Master’s and PhD in Telecommunications

  • Master’s and PhD in Photonics

  • Master’s and PhD in Nanotechnology

  • Joint programs in partnership with other institutions (e.g., Polytechnique Montréal, Université de Montréal)


4. Centre Urbanisation Culture Société (Montreal)

Focus: Urban studies, social sciences, cultural studies

Programs:

  • Master’s and PhD in Urban Studies

  • Master’s and PhD in Population Studies

  • Master’s and PhD in Social Sciences

  • Graduate Diploma in Regional Development and Urban Planning


‍ General Features of Programs:

  • Many programs include interdisciplinary approaches.

  • Research is the main component, often with a thesis or research project.

  • Some programs offer professional/structured tracks, while others are research-only.

  • Language of instruction is French, but research and supervision can often be done in English, especially for international students.


Interested in Admissions?

If you’re looking into applying:

  • You typically need a Bachelor’s degree for Master’s, and a Master’s for PhD.

  • You should contact potential research supervisors before applying.

  • International students are welcome and have scholarship opportunities.

Universities in Canada



Masters Course Programs at National Institute of Scientific Research, Canada
 


INRS Master’s Programs – Overview

Program Name

Duration

Tuition Fees/Year (USD)

M.Sc. in Biology

2 years

~$14,000

M.Sc. in Environmental Science

2 years

~$14,000

M.Sc. in Water Sciences

2 years

~$14,000

M.Sc. in Earth Sciences

2 years

~$14,000

M.Sc. in Epidemiology

2 years

~$14,000

M.Sc. in Virology and Immunology

2 years

~$14,000

M.Sc. in Energy and Materials Science

2 years

~$14,000

M.Sc. in Telecommunications

2 years

~$14,000

M.Sc. in Urban Studies

2 years

~$14,000

M.Sc. in Social Sciences

2 years

~$14,000

M.Sc. in Population Studies

2 years

~$14,000

Graduate Diploma in Environmental Management

1 year

~$13,000

Graduate Diploma in Regional Development & Planning

1 year

~$13,000

 

LL.M (Master of Law) in Canada



PhD/Doctorate Course Programs at National Institute of Scientific Research, Canada
 


INRS PhD Programs – Overview

PhD Program Name

Duration

Tuition Fees/Year (USD)

PhD in Biology

4 years

~$14,000

PhD in Environmental Science

4 years

~$14,000

PhD in Water Sciences

4 years

~$14,000

PhD in Earth Sciences

4 years

~$14,000

PhD in Epidemiology

4 years

~$14,000

PhD in Virology and Immunology

4 years

~$14,000

PhD in Medical Biology

4 years

~$14,000

PhD in Energy and Materials Science

4 years

~$14,000

PhD in Telecommunications

4 years

~$14,000

PhD in Photonics

4 years

~$14,000

PhD in Urban Studies

4 years

~$14,000

PhD in Social Sciences

4 years

~$14,000

PhD in Population Studies

4 years

~$14,000



National Institute of Scientific Research, Canada for International Students
 


International Students at INRS

INRS is very welcoming to international students, particularly because of its research-focused graduate programs and the university’s global collaborations. Around half of its student body consists of international students, which makes it a very diverse academic environment.


Programs Available

INRS offers only graduate-level programs:

  • Master’s (M.Sc.)

  • Doctorate (PhD)

  • Postdoctoral research opportunities

  • Some graduate diplomas (shorter, professionally oriented)

Programs are offered in areas such as:

  • Environmental sciences

  • Public health and epidemiology

  • Biotechnology and biology

  • Telecommunications, energy, and materials science

  • Urban studies and social sciences


Language of Instruction

  • The primary language of instruction is French.

  • However, many professors supervise research and conduct lab work in English, especially at the Master’s and PhD levels.

  • It’s possible to complete a thesis or dissertation in English, and some programs may allow coursework in English.

  • INRS encourages international students to learn French and offers French language support.


Tuition Fees & Funding

  • For international students, tuition is around $13,000–$14,000 USD per year, depending on the program.

  • INRS is highly supportive of international students financially:

    • Scholarships, bursaries, and research assistantships are widely available.

    • Many students receive full or partial funding, especially in research-based programs.

    • Funding often includes monthly stipends to cover living expenses.


Admission Requirements

To apply, international students generally need:

  • A Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s) or a Master’s degree (for PhD), with strong academic standing.

  • A research proposal or statement of interest.

  • To identify and contact a potential research supervisor before applying (important step).

  • Language proficiency proof (usually French or English, depending on program).


Living in Quebec

INRS has campuses in:

  • Quebec City

  • Montreal

  • Laval

  • Varennes

Living costs in Quebec are generally lower than in other parts of Canada, especially compared to cities like Toronto or Vancouver. The province has a unique French-speaking culture, affordable housing, and access to healthcare.


Immigration & Study Permits

International students must:

  • Apply for a CAQ (Québec Acceptance Certificate) – required for studying in Quebec

  • Apply for a Canadian Study Permit

  • INRS provides support and guidance during this process



Admission Process of National Institute of Scientific Research, Canada
 


Step-by-Step Admission Process at INRS

1. Choose Your Program

  • Visit the INRS website to explore Master’s, PhD, and diploma programs.

  • Decide on the research field that matches your academic background and interests.

  • INRS is organized into 4 research centers, each with specific program areas (e.g., Environment, Health, Energy, Social Sciences).


2. Find a Research Supervisor

  • Most programs at INRS require you to contact a potential research supervisor before applying.

  • Browse the faculty directory by research area or department.

  • Email the professor with:

    • Your CV

    • Academic transcripts

    • Statement of research interests

    • Why you’re interested in their work

Tip: This is one of the most important steps. Admission often depends on finding a supervisor willing to accept you into their lab.


3. Prepare Your Application

You’ll need to gather the following documents:

  • Academic transcripts (with certified translations if needed)

  • Diploma(s) or proof of previous degrees

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  • Statement of Purpose / Letter of Intent

  • Letters of Recommendation (usually 2)

  • Proof of language proficiency:

    • French (typically not mandatory if your program can be done in English)

    • English (TOEFL or IELTS, if applicable)

  • Passport copy


4. Apply Online

  • Submit your application via the INRS online application portal.

  • Pay the application fee (around $100 CAD, subject to change).

  • Make sure to upload all required documents and indicate the research supervisor who has agreed to work with you.


5. Wait for Admission Decision

  • After your application is reviewed (including your match with a supervisor), you will receive a decision.

  • If accepted, you’ll get a formal admission letter, which is required for immigration purposes.


6. Apply for Immigration Documents

As an international student in Quebec, you must apply for:

  1. CAQ (Québec Acceptance Certificate) – from the Government of Quebec

  2. Study Permit – from the Government of Canada

INRS provides step-by-step assistance for these processes after admission.


7. Secure Funding (if needed)

  • Many INRS students receive financial support from:

    • Research assistantships

    • Institutional scholarships

    • External funding (e.g., Canadian government scholarships)

  • You can also apply for funding when applying or after admission, depending on the program.



Intake And Eligibility of National Institute of Scientific Research, Canada
 


Intake at INRS

INRS offers flexible intake periods, especially since most programs are research-based and depend on the availability of a supervising professor.

General Intake Information:

  • Three main intakes per year:

    • Fall (September) – Most popular

    • Winter (January)

    • Summer (May)

  • Some programs may have rolling admissions, meaning you can apply year-round and begin once accepted and ready.

Admission depends heavily on finding a research supervisor. Start the process at least 6–9 months in advance.


Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility varies slightly between Master’s and PhD programs, but here's a general overview:

For Master’s Programs:

Academic Requirements:

  • A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., biology, environmental science, engineering, sociology, etc.)

  • A minimum GPA equivalent to 3.0/4.0 or B average

Other Requirements:

  • Research experience or academic background relevant to the program

  • Letters of recommendation (typically 2)

  • Statement of purpose / research interest

  • Language proficiency (French or English – see below)


For PhD Programs:

Academic Requirements:

  • A Master’s degree in a related discipline

  • Strong academic record (minimum GPA 3.2/4.0 or equivalent recommended)

Other Requirements:

  • Proven research ability (thesis, publications, etc.)

  • Strong match with a research supervisor

  • Two letters of recommendation

  • Statement of research interests or proposed project


Language Requirements

INRS is a bilingual institution:

  • French is the main language of instruction, but many programs accept English-speaking students (especially at the graduate level).

  • You can complete your research, thesis, and sometimes courses in English if your supervisor agrees.

Language Proficiency:

  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum 79–90 (depends on program)

  • IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall

  • French: Required for certain programs (especially coursework-based ones)



Scholarship Available at National Institute of Scientific Research, Canada
 


INRS Scholarships & Financial Aid for International Students

Scholarship / Funding Name

Eligibility

Amount (USD/year)

Notes

INRS Entrance Scholarship

New Master’s & PhD students

~$3,700–$5,900 (one-time)

Automatically considered upon admission.

INRS Excellence Scholarship

Outstanding academic record

~$7,500–$15,000

Renewable annually; based on academic excellence.

INRS International Student Scholarship

International Master’s & PhD students

~$5,900–$11,000

Supports international students with financial needs.

INRS Research Scholarship / Assistantship

Students with research projects

Varies (~$15,000–$25,000)

Offered by research supervisors from grant funds; most students receive this.

MERIT Scholarship – Quebec Government (PBEEE)

Excellent international students (PhD)

~$25,000/year + benefits

Highly competitive; for top international PhD students.

Mitacs Globalink Research Award

Research projects in partnership (PhD)

~$6,000–$15,000

For research internships or collaborations (domestic or abroad).

Graduate Mobility Scholarship (INRS)

For research abroad (Master’s/PhD)

~$1,500–$3,000 (travel grant)

Supports international research exchanges during studies.



National Institute of Scientific Research, Canada Campus & Accommodation Facilities
 


INRS Campuses & Accommodation Overview

Campus

Location

Accommodation Available

Type of Housing

Estimated Monthly Cost (USD)

Notes

Centre Eau Terre Environnement (ETE)

Quebec City

Yes

On-campus residence (shared units)

$300–$500

Located in downtown Quebec; modern student housing available.

Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotech

Laval

Yes

On-campus residence (individual or shared apartments)

$350–$550

Close to lab facilities; limited availability—early application advised.

Centre Urbanisation Culture Société

Montreal

No (INRS does not offer its own housing here)

Off-campus housing (shared rentals or studios)

$500–$800

Montreal offers many rental options; INRS supports with housing search.

Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécom (EMT)

Varennes / Montreal

No (for Varennes campus)

Off-campus only

$500–$750

Students often live in Longueuil or Montreal and commute.


General Accommodation Info for INRS Students:

  • On-campus housing is available at Quebec City and Laval campuses.

  • Montreal and Varennes campuses do not have INRS-managed residences — students rent off-campus apartments or shared housing.

  • INRS provides support to help international students find housing (including online listings, housing guides, and student services).


Estimated Monthly Living Expenses (including accommodation):

City

Average Total Monthly Cost (USD)

Quebec City

$800–$1,100

Laval

$850–$1,150

Montreal

$900–$1,300

Varennes area

$850–$1,200



Students Life at National Institute of Scientific Research, Canada
 


Academic and Research Culture

At INRS, students are deeply involved in advanced research from the start. You’ll work closely with your supervisor, often as part of a lab or research team, and participate in projects that can have real-world impact. This means you’ll spend a lot of time in labs, research centers, or out in the field, depending on your area of study.

Despite the intense academic focus, the environment is supportive rather than competitive. Faculty members are approachable, and student-supervisor relationships are usually strong and collaborative.


International and Multicultural Environment

INRS welcomes students from all over the world — in fact, nearly half of the student body is international. This makes for a diverse and multicultural environment where you can easily meet people from different backgrounds. Many labs operate in English, and international students are well supported.


‍‍ Student Life and Community

Because it’s a smaller institution, the student community at INRS is very connected. You’ll get to know your peers and professors well, especially within your research center. There are student associations, such as the Comité étudiant (student committee), which organizes academic events, cultural activities, and social gatherings.

There are also opportunities to attend and present at conferences, participate in research seminars, or get involved in interdisciplinary projects.


Living in Quebec, Montreal, Laval, or Varennes

Each INRS campus is in a different city or suburb in Quebec:

  • Quebec City: Beautiful, historic, and walkable with a vibrant cultural scene.

  • Montreal: One of Canada’s largest cities, full of festivals, nightlife, and diverse neighborhoods.

  • Laval: Suburban and quieter, with quick access to Montreal.

  • Varennes: A smaller, peaceful town with proximity to Montreal.

Living costs are relatively affordable, especially compared to other Canadian cities like Toronto or Vancouver.


Language and Integration

French is the main language in Quebec, and while it’s not always required for academic work at INRS, it’s helpful for day-to-day life. INRS offers French language courses and supports students in integrating into the local culture. Many students pick up conversational French during their stay, even if they start with little or no knowledge.


‍ Activities and Recreation

While INRS doesn’t have large-scale sports facilities like big universities, you still have access to:

  • Campus-organized activities like hikes, game nights, or networking events.

  • Local gyms, pools, and recreation centers.

  • Student-organized events, movie nights, and cultural outings.

The natural surroundings in Quebec offer great options for skiing, hiking, biking, and kayaking — depending on the season.



Placements in National Institute of Scientific Research, Canada
 


Career and Placement Outcomes at INRS

Although INRS doesn’t have a traditional "placement cell" like some undergraduate institutions, its graduates enjoy strong career prospects, especially in research, academia, government, and high-tech industries. Here's what you can expect:


Where Do INRS Graduates Work?

1. Academic and Research Careers

  • Many Master’s and PhD graduates go on to postdoctoral research or faculty positions.

  • INRS alumni can be found in universities, government research institutes, and international labs.

  • Some students continue studies or research at top institutions in Canada, Europe, and the U.S.

2. Industry and Private Sector

  • Graduates in fields like biotech, environmental science, telecommunications, photonics, nanotech, and AI are recruited by:

    • R&D departments of multinational companies

    • Clean energy and green tech firms

    • Pharmaceutical and biotech companies

    • Engineering and tech consultancies

3. Government and Public Sector

  • INRS has strong ties with provincial and federal agencies in Canada.

  • Many alumni work in:

    • Public health and epidemiology

    • Environmental regulation and policy

    • Urban planning and development

    • Energy and climate science


‍ Support for Career Development

INRS provides career support services such as:

  • Career counselling

  • Networking events

  • Workshops on CV writing, job search, and interviews

  • Internships and industry research collaborations

  • Professional development programs

INRS also encourages and supports students in attending scientific conferences and symposia, which help with networking and career exposure.


Employment Rate and Highlights

  • The employment rate for INRS graduates is very high, especially among PhD holders.

  • A large percentage of alumni are employed in research-intensive roles within 6–12 months of graduation.

  • Many Master’s students are offered roles in labs or continue into PhD studies, often within the same institution or through international collaborations.


International Opportunities

  • INRS’s strong global research collaborations give students a competitive edge for international careers.

  • Programs like Mitacs, PBEEE, and other partnerships often open doors for work experience abroad.



Acceptance Rate of National Institute of Scientific Research, Canada
 


Estimated Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 30% – 50%
(Varies by program and research supervisor availability)


Why the Acceptance Rate Is Selective but Flexible:

  1. Graduate-Only and Research-Focused:
    INRS admits only Master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral students, not undergraduates. Since it's a research-intensive institution, admission heavily depends on finding a supervisor who is willing to take you on for a project — more so than just GPA or test scores.

  2. Supervisor-Driven Admissions:
    A strong match with a research supervisor often determines whether your application will succeed. Even highly qualified students may be declined if no professor is available to supervise their research topic.

  3. Smaller Student Body:
    INRS has a small student population (around 700 total students), so the number of available spots is limited each year, particularly in highly specialized labs.

  4. International Student Welcoming:
    Despite its selectiveness, INRS is very welcoming to international students, and nearly half the student body comes from outside Canada. If you have a solid academic background and a clear research plan, your chances are good.


Tips to Improve Admission Chances:

  • Contact potential supervisors early.

  • Tailor your statement of purpose to align with their research.

  • Highlight research experience and publications if any.

  • Make sure your application documents (CV, letters, transcripts) are strong and well-organized.



Campus Location of National Institute of Scientific Research, Canada
 


1. Centre Eau Terre Environnement (ETE)

  • Location: Quebec City, Quebec

  • Focus Areas: Water sciences, earth sciences, environmental engineering

  • Address:
    490, rue de la Couronne, Quebec City, QC G1K 9A9

  • Located in downtown Quebec City, close to government offices and the Saint Lawrence River.


2. Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie (AFSB)

  • Location: Laval, Quebec

  • Focus Areas: Biotechnology, microbiology, public health, medical biology

  • Address:
    531, boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC H7V 1B7

  • Situated near the Cité de la Biotech, a major biotech hub in Canada.


3. Centre Urbanisation Culture Société (UCS)

  • Location: Montreal, Quebec

  • Focus Areas: Urban studies, population studies, culture and society

  • Address:
    385, rue Sherbrooke Est, Montreal, QC H2X 1E3

  • Right in the heart of downtown Montreal, close to UQAM and cultural institutions.


4. Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications (EMT)

  • Locations:

    • Varennes Campus: Focus on energy and materials

    • Montreal Campus: Focus on telecommunications and photonics

  • Addresses:

    • 1650, boulevard Lionel-Boulet, Varennes, QC J3X 1S2

    • 800, rue de la Gauchetière Ouest, Montreal, QC H5A 1K6

  • Varennes is a suburban city near Montreal; the Montreal location is central and urban.

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