Biotechnology finds applications in various fields like manufacturing life-saving drugs and medicines, food products like bread and wine, and agricultural sciences where it plays a vital role in eliminating crop weeds to produce abundant crops so that it can meet food requirements.
Table of Contents
- What is Biotechnology?
- Why Study Biotechnology in Germany
- Curriculum of Biotechnology in Germany
- Top Universities for Masters in Biotechnology in Germany
- Eligibility Criteria
- Documents Checklist
- Study Intakes in Germany 2024
- Application Process
- Career after Masters in Biotechnology
- Top Recruiters in Germany
- Conclusion
- FAQs
What is Biotechnology?
Biotechnology is the field of science that combines the knowledge of biology and technology to produce useful healthcare products and services by using an organism, or a component of an organism or other biological system for the betterment of humanity.
As we all know, humanity has faced challenges in the last few years, whether it is a global pandemic like COVID-19 that fabricated major health challenges, scarcity of sufficient foods for the increasing population due to disturbed weather patterns and environmental pollution.
In these devastating times, science provides the ultimate solution to us. The domain that deals with all these issues is known as Biotechnology. This field is continually emerging and growing. Hence, bigger opportunities have been created in this field and will be continue to generated in future to safeguard the earth from unknown guests.
With a masters in Biotechnology in Germany, one can become equipped with skills that can be used for a wide scope of career opportunities.
Why Study Masters in Biotechnology in Germany?
1. High Academic Excellence
Germany is home to many world-renowned universities which have contributed a lot in establishing the global benchmark in the field of education.
Top-class academic curriculum, modern infrastructure, advanced technology and skilled faculty have contributed much to making Germany a pioneer in the global education sector.
2. Zero Tuition Fees
The higher educational programmes are funded by the Government of Germany so International students do not have to pay tuition fees in public universities.
Only certain administrative charges are applicable which are nominal. This makes higher studies affordable in the country in comparison to many other countries.
3. Skill-based learning system
MS in Biotechnology in Germany follow a dual study curriculum where equal focus is placed on theoretical as well as practical learning.
Students enrolled in a dual study programme will complete their academic lessons from the university while getting vocational training from a company with which the university has a partnership.
4. Global Ranking 2024
According to the QS World University Ranking 2024, about 49 German universities have made their way into the global list which is counted as the very best.
Germany witnessed a higher surge in incoming Indian students in the year 2023 as compared to 2022 when approximately 44,000 aspirants went there to fulfil their dreams.
5. Multicultural exposure
International students pursuing Biotechnology in Germany are often exposed to various extracurricular and cultural activities along with their regular study program where they can interact with the global community and take part in vibrant fests based on certain themes.
Germany possesses several natural wonders, historical and cultural attractions, and vibrant nightlife, along with delectable cuisine
6. Job opportunities while studying
Non-EU students pursuing masters in Biotechnology in Germany are supposed to get 120 full days or 240 half days annually to engage in employment opportunities.
This not only helps them polish their skills but also provides financial support to stay in Germany without any worry about expenses.
7. Chance to learn the German language
German is the most spoken native language in European countries. Learning German can open a lot of doors for foreign students as most local companies here rely on people who can speak German.
Furthermore, learning a foreign language is always a great option since one can work as a translator or even travel the whole world and become a better communicator.
8. Travel to Europe on Study Visa
Foreign students having study visas from Germany can travel the other European countries. It is the one of biggest advantages of studying in Germany where a student can travel visa-free in Schengen countries.
Curriculum of Masters in Biotechnology in Germany 2024
The curriculum of the MS in Biotechnology in Germany is an intensive, research-oriented and laboratory-based course. German universities teach the course with in-depth theoretical, and practical training and lab sessions.
The curriculum usually covers the following specializations in the biotechnology field:
- Bioanalytics
- Cell Biology
- Bioengineering
- Microbiology
- Industrial Biotechnology
- Medical Biotechnology
- Genetic engineering
- Nanobiotechnology
- Biostatistics
- Bioinformatics
Top Universities for Masters in Biotechnology in Germany
Most of the German universities offer Biotechnology courses as M.Sc and MS degrees. They can be interchangeably used because they both are known as Masters in Science.
While the M.Sc degree program offers in-depth theoretical knowledge with less or no practical exposure, the MS degree provides both theoretical and practical exposure to the students.
Here, we have enlisted the top biotechnology universities in Germany along with their QS World Ranking, tuition fees and specialisations they offer in masters in biotechnology.
| University | QS World University Ranking 2024 (By subject) | Average tuition fees (per year) | Specialisations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München | 22 | Only semester fees | M.Sc. Molecular and Cellular Biology |
| Universität Heidelberg | 24 | Only semester fees | MS Molecular Biotechnology |
| Technical University of Munich | 50 | €4000-6000 | M.Sc. Bioinformatics M.Sc. Biotechnology (under Biology) M.Sc. Biomass Technology M.Sc. Biomedical computing M.Sc. Chemical Biotechnology M.Sc. Industrial Biotechnology M.Sc. Molecular Biotechnology M.Sc. Food Technology and Biotechnology |
| Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen | 58 | €1500-2000 | M.Sc. Microbiology M.Sc. Nanoscience |
| Freie Universitaet Berlin | 80 | €1500-2000 | M.Sc. Medical Technology M.Sc. Physico Technical Medicine M.sc. Bioinformatics and Systems Biology |
| University of Göttingen | 96 | Only semester fees | M.Sc Molecular Medicine |
| Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet Freiburg | 100 | €1500-2000 | M.Sc. Bioinformatics M.Sc. Systems Biology |
| Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn | 117 | Only semester fees | M.Sc in Microbiology M.Sc. in Immunobiology M.Sc. Life Science Informatics M.Sc. Cell Biology M.Sc. Food Technology |
| Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin | 126 | Only semester fees | M.Sc Quantitative Molecular Biology |
| Universität Hamburg | 137 | Only semester fees | MSc Molecular Life Sciences |
Also read- Public vs Private Insurance in Germany
Eligibility Criteria for Masters in Biotechnology in Germany
Direct Admission
Indian students who have completed their undergraduate degree program in B.Tech (Biotechnology)/B.Pharma/MBBS of 4-5 years duration are eligible to get admission to Masters in Biotechnology in Germany directly by applying on the university website.
Some universities like the Technical University of Munich want students to undergo the qualification check on Uniassist before making an application for the course on their website.
Indirect Admission
In case an Indian student has completed his/her undergraduation in a 3-year degree course like B.Sc in Biology, Chemistry or any related field, they have to complete the preparatory course through Studienkolleg to become eligible for masters.
Age Criteria
An Indian student must be 21 years old to pursue masters in Germany.
Documents Checklist
Following is the list of required documents which are compulsory to submit while applying for M.Sc or MS in Biotechnology in Germany:
- Minimum CGPA of 7.0 or GPA of 3.5 in bachelor’s degree course.
- Academic transcripts like marsheets, degrees, school/college leaving certificates etc.
- Duly completed Application form
- Depending on the university, students may be asked to produce an aptitude test score. For example, for TUM, Indian students may be asked for GATE scores. Some other universities offering MSc/MS Biotechnology in Germany may ask for GRE scores.
- Results of English-language proficiency tests such as IELTS/TOEFL.
6.5 for IELTS
60-90 for TOEFL - Some universities need German proficiency like TestDAF
- 2-3 Letters of Recommendation
- 1-2 Statement of Purpose
- 2 years of work experience (non-consecutive course)
- APS Certificate
- 2 passport-sized photographs
- Blocked Account for showing proof of funds (Minimum €11,208 must be deposited before applying for study visa)
- CV (if required)
- Passport
- Evaluation of Bachelor’s certificates by Uniassist
- Health Insurance
Study Intakes in Germany 2024
| Intake type | Commencement of Application | Application Deadlines | Commencement of Session |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer intake | December 2023 | January 2024 | April-May 2024 |
| Winter intake | January 2024 | May 2024 | August-September 2024 |
Also read- Scholarship in Germany
Application Process for Masters in Biotechnology in Germany 2024
Indian students desiring to pursue the M.Sc. in Biotechnology in Germany are required to apply on a common portal, Uniassist. However, some universities have their official portal for the same.
The preparation for applying to German universities should be initiated at least 1 year before the commencement of the session in particular or desired intake. This is so because assembling required documents and preparation for standardized tests might take time which can be compensated if the process commenced earlier.
Biotechnology Jobs in Germany for Indian Students 2024
Below is the list of popular Biotechnology jobs in Germany. The average salary of biotech graduates in Germany ranges from 39,000 euros-80,000 euros per year, depending upon employer, job title, work experience etc.
| Job Title | Annual Salary (per year) |
|---|---|
| Clinical Research Scientist | €40,000 – €80,000 |
| Biotechnology Consultant | €50,000 – €90,000 |
| Genetic Counselor | €40,000 – €70,000 |
| Bioinformatics Analyst | €45,000 – €80,000 |
| Senior Biotechnologist | €65,000-€74,000 |
| Biotechnology Scientist | €45,000-65,000 |
Also read- Costs of Living in Germany 2024
Top Recruiters in Germany
There are diverse career options for international students who pursue an M.Sc in Biotechnology in Germany as they have opportunities to work with reputable companies.
Following is the list of some top employers in the Biotechnology sectors which provide immense career growth options to Biotech graduates in Germany:
Agricultural Companies
- Monsanto (now part of Bayer),
- Syngenta
- DuPont Pioneer
Bioengineering Companies
- Amgen
- Genentech
- Biogen
Environmental Biotechnology Companies
- Ecolab
- Novozymes
Government Agencies
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Pharmaceuticals Companies
- Pfizer
- Novartis
- Johnson & Johnson
Conclusion
Biotechnology is an integral part of the Biological and Medical Sciences. It is an emerging field of the 21st century. Today, it finds applications in various fields like manufacturing life-saving drugs and medicines, food products like bread and wine, and agricultural sciences where it plays a vital role in eliminating crop weeds to produce abundant crops so that it can meet food requirements.
Pursuing MS/M.Sc in Biotechnology in Germany is rewarding for those students who have a background in Biology and the medical field since it requires a lot of perseverance and hard work to meet community challenges.
German universities offer not only in-depth academic knowledge but also internships and diverse career options to Indian students in various biotechnological sectors like Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Engineering, Genetic Engineering, Food technology etc.
FAQs
Can an Indian student pursue part-time work while studying in Germany?
Indian students studying in Germany are eligible to work part-time to manage their expenses and polish relevant skills. The most common part-time jobs which students can pursue while continuing their studies are virtual assistant, video editor, library assistant, dog walker, cab driver, graphic designer, translator, tutor etc.
The average salary in Germany for an international students pursuing part-time jobs is 9.25-12.00 euros per hour.
Students are allowed to work for 20 hours per week during the semester and 120 full days or 240 days during breaks. They are not allowed to do any freelancing work.
What is the average cost of living in Germany for an Indian student pursuing masters in Biotechnology?
The average cost of living in Germany for an Indian student pursuing masters in Biotechnology can be varied according to location and lifestyle preferences. However, on average it falls in the range of 12,000-14,000 EUR.
Do German universities accept gap year?
German universities generally accept study gaps of 5 years for postgraduate programs including biotechnology providing strong justification for useful and productive utilisation of the gap should be provided during the application process.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
