Top Universities for MS in Biostatistics

Updated on 15 April, 2024

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

Biostatistics is a wide discipline that involves applying statistical tools and methods to analyze and interpret biological data. It involves using statistical techniques to research medicine, public health, and biology and developing new tools to get insights into these areas. Biostatistics has become an indispensable tool in solving major real-world community health issues such as Cancer, HIV, Covid-19, etc. This amalgam of science and statistics has gained a lot of significance in recent years, creating a huge demand for biostatisticians with relevant training and skills. Hence, many top universities are offering courses like  MS in Biostatistics.   

 

Eligibility: 

A bachelor’s or professional degree is a must. It is recommended that applicants have a background in mathematics, health sciences, or science. Apart from this, the applicant should be able to program in a computer language. Also, sound knowledge of calculus and linear algebra at the collegiate level is another requirement. 

Specializations:

MS in Biostatistics is an immaculately designed course that offers specializations to students in various subjects. Students can gain in-depth knowledge about Epidemiology, Research Methods in Public Health, Biostatistics for Public Health, Introductory Longitudinal Data Analysis, and Linear Regression and model, among many others. Also,  based on their interests, requirements, and advice from faculty, students can choose from subjects such as Statistical Inference, Psychometric Analysis & Measurement in Public Health Research, Machine Learning in Public Health, etc. A culminating project in the form of a thesis and applied experience through internships is also mandatory per the course structure. 

Job Prospects:

The number of jobs in biostatistics is expected to grow ten times faster in the coming years. It will enable professionals to perform interventions such as tracking and extracting missing data, survey research, longitudinal data evaluation, statistical investigation of genetic data, etc. Completing MS in Biostatistics can enhance your employment prospects in the Public Health Sector, Pharmaceutical Firms, Clinical Settings, Federal Agencies, Laboratories, Hospitals, and Research organizations. Even WHO (World Health Organization) and state health departments employ qualified biostatisticians with the required skills. With a degree in biostatistics, a candidate can also get an opportunity to serve as a senior research consultant in revered universities. Some common roles offered to begin a career in biostatistics include

  • Data Scientist
  • Machine Learning Scientist
  • Biostatistician
  • Quantitative Scientist
  • Data Analyst
  • Research Scientist
  • Principal Investigator
  • Professor/ Teacher

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Top Universities for MS Biostatistics:

Healthcare and medical industries have been witnessing rapid changes in terms of their development. Since the building blocks of this industry are based on biology and statistics, the relevant tools and concepts of biostatistics have been in great demand. It has now become integral to all health services and life sciences. Catering to this increased demand for biostatisticians, numerous top-notch industries across the globe in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Europe have begun offering bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees for those passionate about this industry.    

United States

The United States has some of the top universities in the world. The universities actively engage in high-level research. Living expenses in the USA depend on location, which can be in the range of USD 18,000 – USD 25,000 annually.

Let’s have a look at the top universities in the United States offering MS in Biostatistics

University

US News Rank 2022

Tuition Fee

Alumni

Harvard University #1 $52,456 (for a two-year course)  Fernando Bruno, 2020, AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow, National Institutes of Health’s Center for Translation Research and Implementation Science and Epidemiologist. 
John Hopkins University  #1 $76,200 (Annual) Russel Baker,  Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for New York Times
University of Washington #3 $ 31530 (Annual)  NA
University of Michigan #4 $ 48, 542 Trivellore Raghunathan, Director and Research Professor at the Institute for Social Research
University of North Carolina #5 $ 35, 580  NA

Intake: Three intakes for the MS course are available for admission. However, this may vary with the University/College.

  • Spring: Begins in January, and deadlines vary with the university. 
  • Summer: May; however, it is available for only a few programs. 
  • Fall: August and September

Application Process:  Documents needed are:

  • All Transcripts ( 10th, 12th, UG, Diploma)
  • Personal Statement
  • Certificate of Graduation
  • Certificate validating your English Proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, GRE)
  • Resume 
  • Reference Letters

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United Kingdom

Let’s have a look at the top universities in the United Kingdom offering Ms in Biostatistics.

College Name 

QS Global Ranking

Living Expense (Annual)

Tuition Fee

Alumni

Imperial College London #4 £18009 £30,500 Alex Mitcham, Streaming Data Analyst at Sony Music
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine University of London # 25 £ 15, 180  £11,750 NA
Aberystwyth University  #401 £3330 £18009 NA
University of Essex #48 £ 11,890 £22,300

Tony Sewell, CBE

 

Director of the London-based charity Generating Genius

University of Leicester #171 £ 714 (Monthly) £18, 885 Lisa Matthews, Director Biostatistics

Intake: There are three intakes to Apply for an MS course in the UK.

  • Fall Intake: September/October
  • Winter Intake: January-February
  • Spring/Summer Intake: May 

Application Process:  Documents needed are:

  • All Transcripts (10th, 12th, UG, Diploma)
  • Personal Statement
  • Certificate of Graduation
  • Certificate validating your English Proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS)
  • Resume 
  • Reference Letters
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Canada 

Let’s have a look at the top universities in Canada offering Ms in Biostatistics.

College Name 

Global Ranking

Living Expense

Tuition Fee

Alumni

University of Waterloo #8 CAD $ 20, 400 (Annual) CAD 7696+800.95 (Per Term) Princess Alexander, CEO and Founder of Learmond
McGill University #3 CAD 1078 (Per Term) CAD 5551 (Annual) Gilles Paradis, MD, MSc, FRCPC, FACPM, FAHA, FCAHS, Strathcona Professor and Chair (2012-2020)
University of Ottawa #8 NA NA NA
Queen’s University #16 NA NA NA
University of Saskatchewan #20 NA CAD 9,396.00  Annshirley Aba Afful, Biostatistician
 

Intake: With three intakes at the Universities in Canada,  it is best to apply early 

  • Winter Term: January-April
  • Spring Term: May-August 
  • Fall Term: September-December 

Application Process: Admission requirements for Canadian University are as follows:

  • A bachelor’s degree of four years in Actuarial Science or a similar course
  • Good academic score, equivalent to 78% of Canadian score
  • Three academic references
  • TOEFL (score of 90)
  • IELTS (minimum band 7) 

Top Universities in Canada

York University, Canada McGill University University of Toronto
McMaster University University of Alberta University of Manitoba
University of Calgary Brock University Trent University

Australia

Let’s have a look at the top universities in Australia offering Ms in Biostatistics.

College Name 

Global Ranking

Living Expense

Tuition Fee

Alumni

University of Sydney #2 AUD $ 22000 AUD $ 52,500 

Peter Ayre

 

(PhD, 2019; Adv Maths – Honours, 2014) is a Strategy Consultant at Expert360

University of Melbourne #1 NA AUD $ 78, 714 Dr. Kavitha Krishnan, Mammographic density and breast cancer expert
University of Queensland #3  AUD $18,600 (2 Years) AUD $ 21,391 (Annual) NA
Monash University #4 AUD $ 22,000 (Boarding school) AUD $ 13,200 (24 Credits) Profesor Andrew Forbes, Head of the school of Biostatistics
University of Adelaide #7 AUD $ 37,000 (Annual) AUD $39,500 ( 24 units) NA

Intake: With most Universities having flexible intake, it is best to apply during September. The MS course in Australia is maximum for 24 months and a minimum of 18 months.  

Application process: The documents needed are:

  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Medical Insurance
  • All transcripts
  • Proof of Funds
  • Internships
  • Work experience (If any)
  • English Proficiency test (TOEFL, GRE

Top Universities in Australia

University of Western Australia Queensland University of Technology University of Technology Sydney
Australian National University University of Newcastle Australian Catholic University
Southern Cross University Federation University Bond University, Robina

Europe

Let’s have a look at the top universities in Europe offering Ms in Biostatistics.

 

College Name 

Global Ranking

Living Expense

Tuition Fee

Alumni

University of Zurich #19 CHF 1700 (Monthly) CHF 130 (Monthly)   
University of Valencia #88 $ 13762 (Annual) $ 9576 (Annual)  
Rigas Stradina Universitate NA EUR 3500  (Annual)  
Heidelberg University #2 EUR 292.15 (Monthly) EUR 14,100  
University of Copenhagen #8 NA            US$10,920 (For two years)  

Intake:  The fall intake for universities in Europe will end by 15th August 2022. It’s best to apply six months before the course begins. 

Application Process: For studying in Europe, Universities have various language mediums to teach. However, if you prefer English as the teaching medium, it is important to have an International Certificate in English at the B2 level. Other than that, you need the following:

  • All previous certificates, including 10th and 12th mark sheets
  • Entrance test scorecard
  • Previous work experience letter
  • Internship letter
  • Letter of motivation
  • Bachelor’s degree Diploma/Diploma in Health or Social Sciences
  • Additional Research work/Publications
  • Resume
  • TOEFL Score
  • IELTS Score

FAQ’s

Who should apply for MS in Biostatistics?

If you are interested in analyzing and interpreting biological data using statistical tools and have a basic understanding of math and statistics, then the program is ideal for you.

Does the program have research options?

The course structure of MS in Biostatistics is designed in such a way that research is incorporated into it. The research areas available for students include machine learning, clinical trials, biomedical imaging, etc.

What job prospects are available after completing the program?

After completing the master’s program successfully, you become a biostatistician by profession. You can take up various job roles, including data analyst, software developer, statistical programmer, data scientist, research consultant, etc.

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upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

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