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1 min read11 June 2026

Guide to Chemical Engineering Courses & Universities in Canada

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Guide to Chemical Engineering Courses & Universities in Canada

If you are thinking about pursuing chemical engineering programs in Canada, numerous top institutions offer these courses to international students. Chemical engineering involves the planning, conversion, creation, advancement, operation, and administration of industrial processes that convert raw materials into valuable goods. Similar to science, it originates in the laboratory, but it advances through the design and implementation of full-scale operations, maintenance, testing, and process optimization.

Therefore, if you wish to study chemical engineering in Canada, this article provides comprehensive details regarding chemical engineering programs in Canada, available international student scholarships, the admissions procedure, and much more.

Table of Contents:

  1. Why Study Chemical Engineering in Canada?
  2. Top Chemical Engineering Universities in Canada
  3. Eligibility Criteria and University Requirements for Chemical Engineering Programs in Canada
  4. Documents Required for Chemical Engineering in Canada
  5. Admission Process for Chemical Engineering in Canada
  6. Cost of Studying Chemical Engineering Courses in Canada
  7. Scholarships for Chemical Engineering in Canada
  8. Career Opportunities in Canada After Chemical Engineering in Canada

Why Study Chemical Engineering in Canada?

Nowadays, a chemical engineering qualification in Canada is a field experiencing significant growth and relevance. The responsibilities of chemical engineers are wide-ranging, spanning biotechnology, aerospace, biomedical, and petroleum sectors. Before committing to this discipline, international students often want to understand the advantages of taking a chemical engineering program. Some of these benefits include:

1. Exciting Career Prospects: Chemical engineering presents diverse career paths for international students. For chemical engineers, the period from 2019 to 2028 is projected to bring 3,600 new job openings alongside 5,500 new job seekers. Once qualified, graduates can choose employment that aligns with their personal interests and the required skill sets. Available job titles include food hygiene engineer, process engineer, professor, biochemical engineer, pharmaceutical engineer, and others.

2. Obtain a High Level of Education: A chemical engineering credential can be engaging and provide students with an advanced standard of learning. Chemical engineers possess extensive technical expertise in biochemistry, chemistry, engineering, information technology, and materials science. Furthermore, these professionals acquire hands-on experience utilizing equipment such as scientific experiments, computational developments, and pilot plants.

3. International Opportunities: If you are someone who desires to travel and work across various nations, a chemical engineering qualification comes with the added benefit of global employment prospects. Working in different countries allows you to experience new professional and personal cultures while expanding your skill set even further.

4. Chemical Engineers can Change the World: Most everyday items used by people require the work of chemical engineers to be manufactured. They strive to protect the environment by creating alternative technologies to combat acid rain, lead pollution, and the greenhouse effect.

Top Chemical Engineering Universities in Canada

Programs in chemical engineering comprise tutorials, seminars, lectures, computer practice sessions, practical laboratory assignments, as well as both independent and collaborative group projects. Several of the chemical engineering universities in Canada are:

  1. University of British Columbia
  2. McGill University
  3. University of Calgary
  4. University of Toronto
  5. Queen’s University
  6. Dalhousie University

Specific details regarding these premier chemical engineering universities are outlined below:

1. University of British Columbia

The Chemical and Biological Engineering program at UBC was established in response to the rising demand for biomedical, biotechnology, and bio-resource engineering. The department is actively involved in applied research; studies led by CHBE faculty deliver advanced and sustainable answers to demanding local and global challenges faced by industry and society.

Type of University

Public

Course Duration

UG:4 years (full time)
PhD: 3.32 years (full time)
PG: 2 years (full time)

Popular Course

Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical and Biological Engineering, Doctor of philosophy in chemical and biological engineering, Master of science in chemical and biological engineering

Tuition Fee

UG: 3137168.49 CAD/ Per Year
PhD: 9,131.31 CAD/ Per Year
PG: 9,131 CAD/Per Year

2. McGill University

Chemical Engineering provides graduate education at both the Master's and Doctoral levels. International students will study thermodynamics, transport phenomena, chemical engineering principles, biotechnologies, energy science and engineering, materials science and engineering, process design, and related topics.

Type of University

Public

Course Duration

PhD: 4 to 5 years
PG: 20 months (full time)

Popular Course

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Chemical Engineering, MEng in chemical engineering

Tuition Fee

PhD: 18,901 CAD/Per Year
PG: 25,725 CAD/Per Year

3. University of Calgary

Chemical engineering stands as one of the most broadly applicable engineering branches, meaning the techniques and competencies you acquire will translate to a wide array of practical work settings. These fully accredited programs feature a shared first year consisting of 10 courses covering sciences, mathematics, engineering principles, computing, communications, and design. These classes will establish a strong foundation for your engineering education and introduce you to various engineering specialties.

Type of University

Public

Course Duration

UG: 4 years (full time)
PG: 2 years (full time)

Popular Course

Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Chemical Engineering, Master of Science in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering

 

Tuition Fee

UG: 20,172 CAD/Per Year
PG: 8,081 CAD/Per Year

4. University of Toronto

U of T is an exceptional institution for pursuing chemical engineering programs and hosts one of the leading curricula globally. International students can choose from bioprocess engineering, biomolecular and biomedical engineering, chemical and materials process engineering, environmental science and engineering, among others.

Type of University

Public

Course Duration

UG:4 years (full time)
PG: 2 years (full time)

Popular Course

Bachelor of Applied Science [B.A.Sc.], (MASc) in Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry

Tuition Fee

UG: 62,250 CAD/Per Year
PG:1553713.16 CAD/Per Year

5. Queen’s University

Chemical Engineering is a foundational engineering discipline that merges the study of chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics with engineering science, design, and economics. International students will learn to design safe, efficient, sustainable, and economical processes and products.

Type of University

Public

Course Duration

UG: 4 years (full time)
PG:2 years (full time)

Popular Course

BSc in chemical engineering, M. Eng. Chemical Engineering

Tuition Fee

UG: 50,926 CAD/Per Year
PG:1084291.23 CAD/Per Year

6. Dalhousie University

The process engineering and applied science department at Dalhousie University prepares international students for professional careers across multiple sectors linked to processing industries, encompassing oil and gas, food, and minerals. Students will help advance sustainable engineering development as a core priority for process and related industries to maintain environmental responsibility.

Type of University

Public

Course Duration

UG:4-5 years (full time)
PG: 

Popular Course

Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering, MEng Chemical Engineering

Tuition Fee

UG:23,478 CAD/Per Year
PG: 19,655 CAD/Per Year

Eligibility Criteria and University Requirements for Chemical Engineering Programs in Canada

Before enrolling in chemical engineering courses in Canada, international applicants need to review the eligibility criteria and university requirements. The key details are outlined below:

  1. Education Requirements
  2. English Language Proficiency Test
  3. Canadian Study Permit
  4. Additional Requirements

Let us examine these requirements in further detail:

Education Requirements

Most Canadian universities require a bachelor degree in chemical engineering or a related discipline for master program applicants. For undergraduate degree programs, completion of high school is necessary, with an average score of at least 75-80 percent.

English Language Proficiency Test

If English is not your first language, you must submit English language proficiency test scores. This includes the TOEFL with a minimum score of 92 iBT and 21 in each section, or the IELTS with an overall score of 7.0 and 60 on each sub-test.

Canadian Study Permit

Overseas students wishing to pursue chemical engineering courses in Canada must apply for a Canadian study permit. Applications will be processed only after obtaining an acceptance letter from a university.

Documents Required for Chemical Engineering Programs Canada

Canadian universities ask for several additional documents during the admission procedure. Some of these include:

  • Official Transcripts
  • Proof of Language Proficiency Test
  • 2 or 3 Letter of Reference
  • SOP
  • Updated Resume
  • GPA score of 3.0 out of 4.0 (Past 2 years of study)
  • Letter from Bank stating – funds available for study
  • Certificates of extra curricular activities

Add more necessary documents required

Admission Process for Chemical Engineering in Canada

Chemical engineering is a fascinating discipline. International students interested in chemical engineering courses in Canada will receive a top-tier education alongside tutorials, seminars, and computer practice sessions. To secure admission at Canadian universities, students should follow these steps:

1. Begin by choosing your preferred program, whether it is a bachelor degree program or a master degree program in chemical engineering. Then, select a suitable university that offers these chemical engineering courses.

2. Once you have chosen the university, proceed to fill out the online application form available on the official university website.

3. Collect all necessary paperwork, including your undergraduate degree certificate and any other supplementary documents requested by the specific university, and submit them.

4. After uploading your documents and English language proficiency test scores, wait for the admission outcome.

5. Upon receiving an admission acceptance letter from a university, you must respond to the email within the specified timeframe and pay the tuition fees.

6. Having fulfilled all official admission prerequisites, you can now apply for your Canadian study permit and subsequently organize your travel to Canada.

Cost of Studying Chemical Engineering Courses in Canada

Canada places a strong emphasis on education and has established a robust educational framework for students from around the globe. To help you understand the financial requirements, we have outlined the tuition fees and living costs associated with studying chemical engineering in Canada.

Tuition Fee

Universities in Canada determine their own tuition rates, which depend on various factors such as your chosen program and whether you are pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies. For an international student, the average tuition cost for chemical engineering courses in Canada is 27,312 CAD.

Cost of Living

A variety of housing options are accessible to international students. Expenses fluctuate as students typically spend between 3,000 and 7,500 CAD annually for on-campus housing. Private shared rentals generally cost around 8,400 CAD per year plus utilities. Conversely, university residences are often more affordable, and certain institutions offer meal plans enabling students to purchase meals at campus dining facilities.

Scholarships for Chemical Engineering in Canada

Eligibility for scholarships among international students wanting to study in Canada is determined based on exceptional academic performance and outstanding English proficiency scores.

University Scholarships

Eligibility Criteria

Benefits

University of British Columbia Public Scholars Award

It is eligible for international students pursuing a doctorate at UBC.
Selection is generally determined by the excellence of the research proposal, as dictated by its goals, methodology, significance, and planned dissemination.
Once awarded, students must provide a study report at the end of the funding year.
Once awarded, scholars must deliver a study report at the end of the funding year.

 

 

 

 

10,000 CAD for 2 years.

Also, UBC Public Scholarship provides research allowances and a stipend for alternative projects.

 

University of Calgary International Scholarships

Offered to international graduate students

500 to 60,000 CAD

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships

Offered to international UG students at UToronto

covers the tuition fees

Ontario Graduate Scholarships

Students must pursue a full-time graduate course for more than two terms to be eligible for this Canada scholarship.
The selection of awardees depends on the institution. Results are based on the criteria and ranking metrics that the university follows for its scholars.

Masters and Doctorate degrees at Ontario-based Institutions

10,000 CAD for 2 terms to 15,000 CAD for 3 terms

Career Opportunities in Canada After Chemical Engineering in Canada

Earning a degree in chemical engineering equips you with specialized competencies that facilitate job applications. Graduates have access to diverse employment prospects after finishing a chemical engineering program in Canada.

Job Roles

Average Salary

Colour Technologist

17,000 to 20,000 CAD

Petroleum Engineer

25,000 to 35,000 CAD

Energy Engineer

20,000 to 30,000 CAD

Chemical Engineer

28,600 CAD

Chemical engineering programs in Canada explore various fields like chemistry, physics, science, and biology. If you are also keen on taking up chemical engineering courses in Canada, get in touch with our Ashiraj professional and plan your Canadian venture successfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best universities for masters in chemical engineering in Canada?

<p>Some of the top universities offering chemical engineering courses are: McGill University Queen’s University University of British Columbia University of Toronto</p>

Is the GRE score compulsory for applying for a masters in chemical engineering?

<p>A GRE score is not strictly mandatory at Canadian universities that offer a master in chemical engineering. Nevertheless, it remains optional, allowing international applicants to submit their test results if they have them.</p>

What are the best job options available for chemical engineer graduates?

<p>Best job options for chemical engineer graduates are: Food Engineer Mining Engineer Petroleum Engineer Process Engineer</p>

Are chemical engineers in demand?

<p>Yes, chemical engineering roles are in high demand, as qualified professionals find employment across numerous consulting practices, research and educational institutions, manufacturing sectors, and processing industries.</p>

What marks are needed for chemical engineering?

<p>Admission for the UG program relies on a point system evaluated on your matric exam and NBT (National Benchmark Test) results. A minimum requirement of 80% for mathematics and 70% for physical science applies to all the students.</p>

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Guide to Chemical Engineering Courses & Universities in Canada