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Study MSc Biotechnology in Germany

ApAmarnath pratapwarOct 19, 2022

MSc Biotechnology in Germany- English-Taught Programs 

The MSc Biotechnology program in Germany is a second-cycle degree program. Usually lasting 1.5 to 2 years, the program is divided into 3 to 4 semesters. This course is perfect for students with a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology and relevant fields. It will deepen their knowledge, and skills and improve their opportunities for higher positions. The good news is that a handful of German universities deliver MSc Biotechnology as an English-taught course. Thus, international students enroll without learning the advanced German language. There are a total of 33 English-taught MSc Biotechnology programs in Germany. And all these courses offered here have an international focus. 

Biotechnology which works on combined principles of biology, chemistry, and engineering has made rapid progress in recent years. This is mainly due to advances in genome research, cell biology, and technological progress. It can also be assumed that growth in these areas is predicted to accelerate further. Since German education is recognized worldwide, an MSc Biotechnology degree can open up international employment opportunities.

MSc Biotechnology in Germany: An overview

Degree type  Master of Science, MSc
Duration  1.5 to 2 years 
University fees in Euros/year  84 to 720.6 (semester contribution)
1,000 to 3,000 (tuition fees)
Medium of teaching  English 
Annual salary of biotechnologists in Germany  78,644 Euros/year (ERI)

MSc Biotechnology in Germany: Curriculum (English-taught)

MSc Biotechnology is an intensive, research-oriented and laboratory-based course. German universities teach the course with in-depth theoretical, and practical training and lab sessions. Each course has compulsory and elective modules. Thus, it can be customized for each student. The curriculum usually covers the following specializations in the biotechnology field. 

  • Cell biology
  • Microbiology
  • Bioanalytics
  • Bioprocess engineering
  • Protein purification
  • Laboratory diagnostics

It comprises 90 to 120 credit points depending upon the duration. The first semester of the course is organized into lectures, seminars, practical courses, and projects. Alongside academic content, students are also introduced to important interpersonal skills from the first semester itself.

From the second semester, students can plan their studies according to their interests and specialization. Students are continuously introduced to independent research from the second semester onwards. The third and/or fourth semesters are reserved for a stay abroad or an internship followed by a master’s thesis. The thesis project involves conducting experiments under the supervision of a faculty member. This work might also be done somewhere other than a university, such as a company or a research facility.

The course is usually offered as general biotechnology MSc or specialized course like

  • Applied Biotechnology
  • Chemical Biotechnology
  • Food Biotechnology
  • Plant Biotechnology
  • Microbial Biotechnology
  • Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

After successful completion, the students receive the academic degree of Master of Science or M.Sc. in Biotechnology.

Best German universities for MSc Biotechnology

The English-language range of courses in MSc in Biotechnology offers employment in biotechnological companies, institutions, and government. You can apply to these courses via Uniassist or Gyanberry. 

 

University Name  Course Offered  Duration 
Mannheim University of Applied Sciences Master of Science Biotechnology 1.5 years
University of Applied Sciences Offenburg Biotechnology 1.5 years
Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg Biotechnology course

Master of Science, application-related

1.5 to 2 years (3 or 4-semester options)
Ansbach University of Applied Sciences Applied Biotechnology 1.5 years
Munich University of Technology Chemical Biotechnology 2 years 
University of Hohenheim Food microbiology and biotechnology 2 years 
Technische Universität Kaiserslautern Biology – Microbial & Plant Biotechnology 2 years 
Hamburg University of Applied Sciences Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 1.5 years 
Anhalt University of Applied Sciences Molecular Biotechnology 1.5 years 
University of Giessen Insect Biotechnology and Bioresources 2 years 

Fees for MSc Biotechnology in Germany

In Germany, public universities offer almost all of the MSc Biotechnology programs. Some public universities charge a tuition fee ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 Euros per year. Others charge only a semester fee starting from 84 to 720.6 Euros per year. 

University Name  Course Offered  Fees (Euros/year)
Mannheim University of Applied Sciences Master of Science (MSc) Biotechnology 3,000 (tuition fees) and 720.6 (semester contribution)
University of Applied Sciences Offenburg Biotechnology, MSc 3,000 (tuition fees) and 568 (semester contribution)
Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg Biotechnology course

Master of Science (MSc), application-related

703 (semester contribution)
Ansbach University of Applied Sciences Applied Biotechnology, MSc 84 (semester contribution)
Munich University of Technology Chemical Biotechnology 124 (semester contribution) 
University of Hohenheim Food microbiology and biotechnology 3,000 (tuition fees) and 373.4 (semester contribution)
Technische Universität Kaiserslautern Biology – Microbial & Plant Biotechnology 499 (semester contribution)
Hamburg University of Applied Sciences Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 680.8 (semester contribution)
Anhalt University of Applied Sciences Molecular Biotechnology 1,000 (tuition fees) and 172 (semester contribution) 
University of Giessen Insect Biotechnology and Bioresources 593.8 (semester contribution) 

Living costs in Germany for international students 

The average living cost in Germany is 861 Euros per month which adds up to 10,332 Euros per year. Students usually have to pay for rent, food, health insurance, utilities, and transport. 

Expense Type  Cost in Euros/month 
Accommodation

(Hall of residence, flatshare or private flat)

250-400
Food  230
Health insurance 108
Utilities  40
Transportation  30
Personal expenses  60

Depending on your field, you can have additional expenses, such as those for specialized books and other materials. To know more about living expenses in Germany and how to manage them, click here. 

Admission requirements for MSc Biotechnology in Germany

Since admission to public universities in Germany is competitive, you will need an above-average bachelor’s degree in biotechnology. A degree in related areas, like bio-engineering, bioprocess engineering, biochemical engineering, or food engineering is also accepted by a few universities. Some universities recognize bachelor’s degrees with 180 credit points, while others require 210. Typically you will be asked to submit the following documents for admission

  • German or international Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology or relevant fields 
  • English language test score (TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.0)
  • Passport
  • Motivational letter 
  • Internship certificate (preferred)

German is the primary language used in university laboratories. Some universities thus will want you to show proof of your A2 level in German. But many do not need confirmation of German language proficiency. Once you are accepted into a university, you will be asked to submit a student visa and health insurance. You can contact German Embassy or us for a German visa.

Career prospects after MSc Biotechnology in Germany 

An MSc in Biotechnology covers a wide range of subjects and thus opens up career prospects in different fields of biotechnology. Graduates of the program are qualified to hold both laboratory and project management positions. They can work in the disciplines of analysis, production, quality control, and research and development. 

Small to large-scale biotechnology-related organizations usually hire MSc Biotechnology graduates for the following roles

  • Biotechnologist
  • Research scientist 
  • Process engineer
  • Bioprocess engineer
  • Environmental health and safety officer
  • Biostatistician
  • Analyst
  • Biomedical equipment technician
  • Clinical technician

You can even choose to work in Germany after postgraduation. You will need a post-study work visa to stay in Germany for work. The country is known for its large-scale research institutes that employ many biotechnologists. The average salary of a biotechnologist in Germany is 78,644 Euros a year. Depending on the experience and level of education it ranges from 54,658 and 95,789 Euros a year. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

In Germany, the MSc Biotechnology program is structured into three to four semesters lasting 1.5–2 years.

Several public German universities provide MSc Biotechnology programs in English, particularly for international students.

A bachelor’s degree in biotechnology or related fields, like bio-engineering, biochemical engineering, or food engineering is the minimum requirement to get admitted to an MSc Biotechnology degree in Germany. 

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