Three Routes Start
University degree

Life sciences (pre-health)

Pre-university DEC (2 years) + BSc sciences biologiques (3 years)

22 of 30 verified for Quebec; "start something" routes use national figures · How we verify
Quebec works differently: trades are a nearly free DEP then a CCQ apprenticeship; college is a 3-year DEC at a cégep (tuition-free for residents); university is 3 years after a 2-year pre-university DEC. Numbers from IMT en ligne, CCQ, FIQ scales and the Relance surveys.
Years to credential5
First real paycheque~5 years
Time in a classroom85%
Total cost$16,000
Typical debt after$8,000
Demand in QuebecSteady

The first ten years

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Mostly in schoolEarning

Earnings by year, roughly

What's in "net by year 10"
Earnings, years 1 to 10$318k5 years at $0 while in school, then $56,800 rising to $68,000 by year five, flat after
Program cost−$16ktuition and fees
Typical (medians)$302kthe number on the card
Low to high$252k to $351kpay 15% under or over the median, cost 15% more or 10% less

Not counted: income tax, rent, food, loan interest, inflation, and unemployment gaps. They apply to every route, so they change the size of each number more than the order. Pay is the Quebec median before tax from the sources on this page.

The picture

What the day-to-day isBiology, chemistry and stats; large lecture halls; research opportunities if you seek them out.
What actually stops peopleGetting in is fine. Getting into medicine, dentistry or pharmacy afterwards is the real filter, and most don't.
The downsideOn its own, the degree leads to lab-tech or sales roles at modest pay. It is a stepping stone, and the step is steep.
If you're the parentRight if your child is committed to a professional program afterwards. Have a plan B conversation before, not after, four years.
Local opportunities in Quebec

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How to enter

What you need
  • Courses: Biology, Chemistry, Advanced Functions
  • Average around 75+
Deadlines in Quebec
  • Université applications: March 1 for fall (McGill January 15); cégep DEC required for Quebec students
  • AFE (Aide financière aux études) in spring

Next steps in Quebec

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In QuebecYear-5 and demand are estimates: most biologist jobs need a master's.
www.quebec.ca

◐ Partly verified Cégep fees; CCAFE 2025-26 tuition and fees; Relance université 2025 (biology $27.29/h, only 39.5% in related jobs); IMT 21110

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