Programs Overview
Are you a prospective student? Here at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME), we connect researchers across the University of Toronto and its partner hospitals to develop innovative solutions to improve human health.
At the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME), we have 3 graduate programs and 2 undergraduate programs.
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Graduate programs
Doctor of Philosophy
Research degree that exposes candidates to cutting-edge research in a laboratory
Master of Applied Science
Research degree that exposes candidates to cutting-edge research in a laboratory
Master of Engineering
Professional degree that exposes candidates to biomedical device design to commercialization
Graduate programs comparison
| Stream: | Research | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Program: | PhD / MASc | MEng |
| Focus: | Research intensive training in a laboratory or clinical setting. | Training in biomedical device design, implementation, and commercialization. |
| Career Interests: | Individuals pursuing careers in academia, healthcare, government, or industry, who have a passion for research and development. • Motivated to conduct cutting-edge research • Passionate about academic collaboration and science communication • Keen on becoming key opinion leaders with distinct research specialization | Individuals interested in medical device production from design to implementation in human patients. • Seeking product design knowledge • Interested in learning entrepreneurship fundamentals • Eagar to gain real-world experience in the healthcare sector |
| Degree(s) Required: | Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Applied Science (for PhD only), or Master of Engineering (PhD only). | Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science. |
| Outcome: | Program graduates excel as leaders in academia, industry, and government agencies across the globe. | Through work-integrated learning, graduates emerge as company founders, technology leaders, and start-up creators in the healthcare sector. |
| Program Length: | approx. 2 years (for MASc) or approx. 4 years (for PhD) | 1 year |
| Funding: | Unit-funded | Self-funded |
| Curricula: | • Coursework • Committee Meetings • Qualifying/Bypass Exam (for PhD) • Thesis • Defense • Final Oral Exam (for PhD) | • Coursework • Practical Experience |
Undergraduate programs and opportunities
| Year | Description | Opportunities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Engineering Science (EngSci) program students learn fundamentals of different science disciplines and begin team-based design training through praxis courses. | |
| 2 | EngSci students continue to receive foundational training through courses including BME205. Students select their major at the end of the second year. | USRA PEY Co-op |
| 3 | Biomedical Engineering major program students deepen their knowledge through rigorous academic and experiential training. | USRA PEY Co-op |
| 4 | Major students may focus on skill advancement and further knowledge and competencies through the completion of specialization courses, thesis, and design/capstone projects. |
| Year | Description | Opportunities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Engineering students establish knowledge in math and applied & basic sciences. | |
| 2 | Students expand knowledge and gain a greater depth of understanding through enhanced lab experiences and design opportunities. | USRA PEY Co-op |
| 3 | Bioengineering minor students may elect to pursue specialization courses grouped into three themes: Molecular Engineering, Cell & Tissue Engineering, and Clinical Engineering. | USRA PEY Co-op |
| 4 | Minor students may focus on skill advancement in one of the three themes (mentioned above) toward becoming a specialist in their respective field. |
Read more student news & stories
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2025 Orientation + BBQ
We held an orientation today for incoming graduate students in the MEng, MASc, and PhD programs, followed by our annual BBQ to foster connections between new and current students. Looking forward to a productive and engaging academic year.
How boutIQ is improving cell culture media with AI
boutIQ Solutions, a Toronto-based biotech startup, is transforming cell therapy by using AI and machine learning to optimize cell culture media formulations. Their innovative approach tackles one of regenerative medicine’s toughest challenges: keeping lab-grown cells healthy, functional, and clinically ready.
Nanoparticles, internships, and a mission to cure cancer | Student Spotlight
Meet Alyssa Apilan, a MASc student in Professor Gang Zheng’s lab, where she’s pioneering nanoparticle formulations to combat liver cancer. Here, Alyssa shares her academic journey and how international internships in Italy and Singapore helped her grow both professionally and personally.
iBEAM 2025: Biomedical Engineering in Action
Join us for a glimpse into iBEAM 2025, a hands-on biomedical engineering workshop hosted by the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at the University of Toronto in partnership with the U of T Enrichment Academy. Over two days, students explored nanotechnology, biomaterials, and tissue engineering through interactive lab activities led by Drs. Penney Gilbert and Lindsey Fiddes. From gold nanoparticles to engineered pancreas tissue, this initiative empowers high school students from underrepresented communities to discover the possibilities of science and innovation.
24 BME students offered Ontario Graduate Scholarships
24 BME graduate students receive Ontario Graduate Scholarships The OGS is a merit-based scholarship that supports graduate students pursuing excellence in academic research across disciplines at publicly funded universities in […]
Four BME trainees recognized with NSERC awards for doctoral and postdoctoral research
Four BME trainees recognized with NSERC awards for doctoral and postdoctoral research Four students and postdoctoral fellows from the University of Toronto’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) have been awarded […]
Six BME Master’s Students Awarded 2025 CIHR CGS-M Scholarships
Six BME Master’s Students Awarded 2025 CIHR CGS-M Scholarships Six MASc students from BME have been awarded the 2025 Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s (CGS M) from the Canadian Institutes […]
Congratulations to the graduation class of 2025!
Today, we had the pleasure of celebrating the convocation of more than 40 students from the Master of Applied Science, Master of Engineering, and Doctor of Philosophy programs at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering. Congratulations to all our graduates on reaching this important milestone—keep moving forward with confidence and purpose!
Discovery Program marks 10 years of STEM outreach for Toronto high school students
Discovery Program marks 10 years of STEM outreach for Toronto high school students On June 5, 2025, the University of Toronto’s Myhal Centre hosted an end-of-semester program symposium experience for […]
BME Student receives Connaught PhDs for Public Impact Fellowship Program
The Connaught PhDs for Public Impact Fellowship Program offers U of T doctoral students an opportunity to explore the world of public scholarship.
Three BME Students Awarded CIHR Doctoral Research Scholarships
Three BME Students Awarded CIHR Doctoral Research Scholarships Three doctoral students from the University of Toronto’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) have received the highly competitive Canadian Institutes of Health […]
Celebrating the 41st Student Research Conference (ToBE)
Celebrating the 41st Student Research Conference (ToBE) On May 9, 2025, the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto hosted the Toronto Biomedical Engineering Conference (ToBE), one of […]