Biomedical Engineering

What is Biomedical Engineering?

Biomedical Engineering (BME) combines principles of engineering with biology and medicine to design and create equipment, devices, software, and systems used in healthcare. From prosthetics to MRI machines, and from medical imaging to tissue engineering, this field is ideal for those passionate about both technology and human health. BME is interdisciplinary—integrating mechanical, electrical, chemical, and software engineering with biology, physiology, and clinical practice.

What you Learn… How?

In Biomedical Engineering, you explore both biological systems and technical design. You’ll learn to create and improve medical technologies through hands-on labs, software simulations, and real-world projects. The curriculum typically covers biomechanics, biomaterials, bioinstrumentation, physiology, systems modeling, and health informatics. Depending on the university, you may work closely with hospitals, health tech companies, or interdisciplinary research teams. Programs are often project-based, with emphasis on innovation, clinical translation, and problem-solving in healthcare.

Examples of First Year Courses

Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
Engineering Chemistry
Biology for Engineers
Linear Algebra for Engineering
Calculus 1 for Engineering
Introduction to Programming
Engineering Design

Sample Employment and Average Salary

Biomedical Engineer ($80,000)
Medical Device Engineer ($85,000)
Clinical Engineer ($75,000)
Research & Development Engineer ($90,000)
Bioinformatics Analyst ($95,000)
Regulatory Affairs Specialist ($85,000)

How To Get In?

Prerequisites

4U Calculus & Vectors
4U Advanced Functions
4U Chemistry
4U Physics
4U English
One 4U or Mixed Course

General Statments

Biomedical Engineering is highly interdisciplinary and competitive
Low to Mid 80’s for Tier 3+
Mid 90’s for Tier 1
Some programs may evaluate biology/chemistry performance more heavily
Strong ECs in healthcare, robotics, coding, biology, or research help

The NaviGrad Tutors Tiering system for Biomedical Engineering is as follows:

Tier 1

UWaterloo

Tier 2

UofT, McMaster

Tier 3

Carleton, Guelph, TMU, Queens

Tier 4

York, Ontario Tech

Tier 5

Others

Tier Requirments

Tier 1

Best Biomedical Program in Canada

Though saw a big dip in applicants in 2025

Waterloo

Tier One engineering at Waterloo (usually)

Very good supplementary, and grades around 98% is common (but not necessary)

Has become less competitive but is very volatile based on year

Tier 2

Low 90’s for normal consideration

High 80’s with special consideration (Above Average Extracurriculars)

McMaster

General Engineering First Year

Everyone applies for the mainstream Engineering

They admit about 10,000 students a year, with over 15,000 applicants

94%+ is considered safe, though 92%+ should suffice

UofT

Only Possible through Engineering Science

Under Biomed Stream

Very Competitive - Low Spots

97%+ and good supplementary needed

Video interview needed

Acceptance rate is 7-8%

Tier 3

Good Biomed Engineering programs with great opportunities

High 80 average, with minimal Extracurriculars

Good for backups, and safe bets

Tier 4

Decent Programs that do allow you to get jobs after, but should only be backups

Low to Mid 80’s, and non important Extracurriculars will suffice

Tier 5

Extra Backups if needed

Usually Last resort

Not offered in many other Universities

Student History

<-- Mechanical Engineering

Civil Engineering -->

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