Previously we looked at the top Master’s programs in Biomedical Sciences and Engineering with no tuition fees. In this post, we will look into the Best Master’s programs in Biomedical Sciences and Engineering with generous Scholarships in Europe. The advantage of applying to these programs is that apart from offering high-quality education and training, these programs provide opportunities for multiple scholarship schemes. So, even if you fail to get a free ride (full scholarship along with living allowance), you could still get 50 – 75% tuition fee scholarship.

Top 25 Masters Programs in Biomedical Science & Engineering with Full Scholarships in Europe

I have selected all the programs after evaluating the course content, research strengths, interdisciplinary nature, departmental profiles, industry links, and program reviews. Besides, I have listed only those programs that are entirely taught in English.

MSc (by Research) Biochemistry & MSc Integrated Immunology – University of Oxford

Oxford is a world leader in the field of Biochemistry and Immunology. The Masters in Biochemistry program provides opportunities for cutting-edge laboratory research applying techniques in bio-nanotechnology, biophysics, computational biology, microscopy, molecular biology, structural biology, and systems biology. You will get exposed to a broad range of fields including cell biology, chromosome biology, drug discovery, epigenetics, host-pathogen interactions, membrane proteins, ion channels and transporters, and RNA biology. In this 2-year MRes program, there are no taught courses examined by written papers, but you will have access to a wide range of lecture courses at a taught master’s level and foundation or preliminary level, as appropriate. Read more about the Masters in Biochemistry program at Oxford.

The MSc in Integrated Immunology course is a 1-year program that covers both the fundamental (basic) and clinical (applied) aspects of immunology within the broader context of the basic sciences and biomedicine. While the first taught term focuses on the fundamental science of immunology, the second term explores the clinical and therapeutic aspects of immunology. This MSc program comes with a fixed course curriculum – all modules are compulsory and there are no options for electives.

The tuition fees at Oxford are very high (total tuition fees range from GBP 32, 000 to GBP 38, 000). But, the University offers several generous scholarship schemes for international students to cover tuition fees and living expenses. Some of the popular scholarship schemes for Biological & Biomedical Sciences at are Clarendon Fund Scholarship, Felix Scholarship, and Rhodes Scholarship to name a few.

MPhil in Computational Biology – University of Cambridge

The graduate program is aimed at introducing students in the biological, mathematical and physical sciences to quantitative aspects of modern biology and medicine, including bioinformatics. Students will be exposed to Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Genetics, Zoology, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Human Evolutionary Studies. There will be research opportunities at the groups based in the Clinical School including Oncology and the Diabetes and Inflammation Laboratory. Additionally, the program receives support from the European Bioinformatics Institute and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in Hinxton.

Like Oxford, there are multiple scholarship schemes available for the international students (e.g. Gates Cambridge Scholarship). Learn more about the MPhil in Computational Biology program at Cambridge.

Master’s in Cancer, Stem Cells and Developmental Biology – Utrecht University

The program focuses on the understanding processes underlying cancer and developmental biology using techniques and applications of post-genomic research, including microarray analysis, next-generation sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics, and advanced microscopy techniques. You explore research questions concerning embryonic growth, stem cells, signaling pathways, gene regulation, evolution, and development in relation to health and disease using various model systems.

The 2-year program includes theory courses, seminars, and guest lectures led by renowned scientists in the field. The courses are interactive in nature and will challenge you to improve your writing and presentation skills.

Apart from tuition fee scholarships, there are also opportunities for receiving a monthly stipend (grant) to cover living expenses. Read more about the Master’s program at Utrecht University.

Intake: Sep & Feb

MSc Biomedical Engineering – ETH Zurich

It’s a great interdisciplinary program to receive training at the interface between biology, medicine, engineering, and physics. The MSc Biomedical Engineering program at ETH Zurich draws its curricula from eight different departments and provides individually tailored training in one of five subdivisions (tracks) within biomedical engineering – Bioelectronics, Bioimaging, Biomechanics, Medical Physics, and Molecular Bioengineering.

In most instances, the classroom coursework is completed in the first two semesters of the program. The semester project requires a 50% workload and is generally done in the second semester of the program. The program typically finishes with a 6-month Master thesis project, which can be done either in an academic laboratory or in the industry. Know more about the Masters in Biomedical Engineering program at ETH Zurich.

ETH is one of the leading universities in the world and supports outstanding and deserving candidates by offering multiple scholarship schemes. For those who are interested in the biological and biomedical sciences, have a look at the MSc Biology program at ETH.

MSc in Molecular Biomedicine – University of Copenhagen

The curriculum is focused on experimental work with the molecular biology of human disease and is a joint effort between the two faculties of science and health, both on the same campus in Copenhagen. It’s a research-oriented program and provides a great platform for a career in the academia and industry. The University of Copenhagen is one of the top institutes in the world for biomedical & pharmaceutical studies and research. The University offers scholarships in the form of tuition fee waivers to meritorious students of all nationalities. Learn more about the MSc in Molecular Biomedicine program at Copenhagen.

Master’s in Life Science Technologies – Aalto University

The Master’s Programme in Life Science Technologies offers a multidisciplinary curriculum focusing on important aspects of current biomedical research, covering fields such as biological data analysis and modeling, advanced biomaterials and bioelectronics, biomedical engineering and neuroscience.

The programme has altogether six majors out of which the Department of Computer Science offers two. The majors are related to the department’s research areas of Digital Health, Data Science and Big Data, Machine Learning, Data Mining, and Probabilistic Modelling, and Complex Systems. Learn more about the Program at Aalto Univesity.

Intake: Aug/Sep

MSc Biomedical Engineering – University of Oulu

The 2-year program focuses on biomechanics and medical imaging as well as biomedical signal and image processing. The programme will give you relevant skills and core knowledge of the latest methods, tools, and technologies combined with issues such as anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, biomedical measurements, medical physics and imaging techniques, biomedical signal and image processing, machine learning, e-Health, and health technology applications.

The University of Oulu has a long tradition in the education and research in Biomedical Engineering (BME). The programme is offered jointly in two faculties at the University of Oulu, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering. The applicant can select from the two alternatives (1) or (2). Degrees to be obtained:

1. Master of Science (Technology); with focus on biomedical signal and image processing, machine learning, and measurement and analysis of biomedical data

2. Master of Health Sciences; with focus on biomechanics, medical imaging, and health technology applications

Intake: Aug/Sep

Read more: Program Link 1 & Program Link 2

Masters in Biomedical Technology – University of Tampere

The Master’s Degree Programme (MDP) in Biomedical Technology is intended for students with a Bachelor’s degree in biological, computational or mathematical sciences who want to attain in-depth knowledge and hands-on skills in the crossroads of molecular biology, cell technology and bioinformatics with the focus on human health.

The Master’s Degree Programme in Biomedical Technology at the University of Tampere provides multi-disciplinary education that combines natural sciences with technology with a specific focus on methods that have the potential to advance human health. The programme brings together the expertise and methods in a large spectrum of natural, medical, and engineering sciences, including biology, chemistry, medicine, genetics as well as statistics, computational and data sciences. There are three options for specialization: molecular biology, cell technology, and bioinformatics. Visit the official program page to know more.

Intake: August

MSc Biomedical Engineering – Chalmers University of Technology

The aim of the programme is to prepare students for a professional career by providing in-depth knowledge in biomedical engineering. During the first year, the programme provides students with a general interdisciplinary base of medical and biomedical qualified engineering skills. The general skills are then extended in the application-oriented specializations in the second year.

Students can undertake their Master’s thesis projects at international universities/companies – preliminary Boston, USA; Edmonton, Canada; Innsbruck, Austria, and many more.

This program is specifically designed for the graduates of Electrical Engineering, Bioengineering, Engineering Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Engineering Mathematics or Automation, and Mechatronics Engineering. Click here for more details.

Intake: August

Masters in Biomedical Science and Engineering – Tampere University of Technology

This program combines life sciences with engineering. The program offers you an international and multidisciplinary environment to learn from our faculty of recognized scientists. This will ensure an up-to-date transfer of knowledge on a broad range of topics pertaining to applications of engineering on health and well-being. As a graduating student, you will have broad career possibilities – academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. Read more!

Intake: August

Master’s in Medical Engineering – KTH Royal Institute of Technology

KTH is a leading technical university promoting state-of-the-art education. The master’s programme teaches the advantages and limitations of the current technology underlying clinical applications. Students are given the knowledge base that is necessary for them to improve and develop the medical technology of the future. Topics covered – Medical Imaging and Image Analysis, Implants and Biomaterials, Medical Information Systems, Biomechanics, Healthcare Logistics, Radiation Therapy, and Patient Safety.

One important field is imaging techniques, such as ultrasound and MRI. Another main area is simulation analysis – the development of software to create virtual environments in order to analyze processes in, for example, healthcare. A third major field is biomedical implants, dealing with the construction of artificial body parts. Patient safety is an essential part of the education, and the safety perspective is present in every course of the programme. Learn more about the KTH Program.

Intake: Aug/Sep

MSc Biological and Biomolecular Science – University College Dublin (UCD)

The MSc program at UCD follows a Negotiated Learning approach. That means there is no fixed course curriculum. Students will choose modules according to their profile and career objectives. The course combines developing a range of core, biologically relevant practical skills with the opportunity to undertake a specialized area of taught study negotiated by the student. In completing this course, all students obtain substantial experience in practical laboratory skills, research teamwork, data management, quantitative data analysis, and scientific communication. Potential areas for specialized, negotiated study are cell biology & genetics, microbiology & infection biology, and biochemistry & synthetic biology.

Typical career opportunities are available in the industry, health and research, such as Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Microbiology, Process Control, Technical Transfer, Research and Development, and Regulatory Affairs, Scientific Editor or Writer, Lab Technician or Analyst roles. Learn more about the MSc program at UCD. You might also like MSc programs in NanoBio Science, Biotechnology, Biotherapeutics, and Biotechnology & Business.

Intake: Sep/Oct

MSc (by Research) Biomedical Sciences (Life Sciences) – University of Edinburgh

This one-year program provides an excellent base for a research career in Biomedical Sciences. You will learn valuable research skills, biomedical laboratory techniques and a wide range of other transferable skills that will give you an advantage for the rest of your career.

The programme includes seminars, taught modules and two research projects in our world-recognized research laboratories. We will also cover a range of valuable transferable skills including critical analysis of research papers, learning how to write a project grant application and literature review, and data presentation and statistical analysis.

Apart from full tuition fee scholarships, there are also opportunities for living allowance. Read more about the MScR Biomedical Sciences program at the University of Edinburgh. Other programs along with scholarship schemes at Edinburgh are:

MSc (by Research) Cardiovascular Biology

MSc Human Anatomy

MSc (by Research) Integrative Neuroscience

MMedSci (by Research) Medical Sciences

MPH Public Health

MSc Regenerative Medicine: Clinical and Industrial Delivery

MSc (by Research) Reproductive Sciences

MSc Science Communication and Public Engagement

Intake: Sep/Oct

MSc Biomedical Engineering and MSc Experimental and Medical Biosciences – Linkoping University (LiU)

This MSc Biomedical Engineering program combines fundamental concepts and knowledge in engineering, biology, and medicine to develop innovative technologies, materials, processes, and systems, with the aim of improving healthcare. Students will expand your skills and knowledge in engineering, mathematics, physics, multidimensional signal generation, and analysis, and will combine medical informatics with biomedical modeling applied to human anatomy.

The MSc Experimental and Medical Biosciences program will prepare you for a scientific career within the broad field of the life sciences, with particular emphasis on understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms related to health and disease. The programme has been designed to provide students with frontline knowledge in biomedicine and related subjects. It unites theoretical knowledge with practical skills, as is most clearly seen in the individual experimental projects.

The master’s programme in Medical Biosciences at LiU received the highest rating in the Swedish Higher Education Authority’s assessment of Sweden’s biomedicine programmes, with five of the evaluated learning outcomes being appraised as Very High Quality and the sixth as High Quality – the best result of all international biomedicine master’s programmes in Sweden.

Intake: Aug/Sep

Related Articles:

Best Masters (MS) Biotechnology Programs in USA

Best Masters (MS) Biotechnology Programs in Canada

Top MS Biomedical Engineering Programs in USA

MSc Biomedical Sciences – University of Strathclyde

It’s one of the finest programs in the UK as you will receive the high-quality teaching in the leading Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences at Strathclyde. This course will provide training on fundamental techniques for the four disciplines – biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, and pharmacology. There is an opportunity to undertake a summer project. Besides, you will also learn vital transferable skills in statistics, communication, ethics, science writing and critical analysis of data – the perfect way to prepare for any future career.

Apart from solid core modules, there is a wide range of elective modules on in vivo Biology, Drug Discovery, Haematology, Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Immunology, Clinical Pharmacology, Pathology, and Applied Microbiology. There are quite a few scholarship schemes to cover tuition fees (partial & full) and living expenses. Know more about the Biomedical Sciences program at Strathclyde.

Intake: Sep/Oct

You might also like MRes in Biomedical Sciences and MSc Advanced Pharmacology programs at the University of Strathclyde.

MSc Biomedical Sciences – Radboud University

It’s a very flexible program that gives students the opportunity to construct their own programme based on personal academic and professional interests. You could study molecular, clinical or cognitive segments of human diseases and medicine, and also healthcare system. Know more about the Masters in Biomedical Sciences program at Radboud University. You might also like their Master’s programs in Mechanisms of Disease and Medical Biology.

Intake: September

Masters’ in Medical Research – Uppsala University

The Master Program in Medical Research at Uppsala gives motivated students good conditions to proceed with postgraduate studies and the opportunity for informed choice of specialization and thesis projects. The programme provides you with a theoretical base, practical experience of two research projects, a broad and deep insight of current biomedical research and a valuable network of contacts with researchers.

Students will spend the first year taking courses from one of the Master’s programmes offered by the Medical Faculty of Uppsala University. The second year involves individual research practices in the form of laboratory projects carried out in research groups at Uppsala University, or sometimes at Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Stockholm University, Karolinska Institute, biomedical companies or a government agency.

Intake: Aug/Sep

Master’s in Biomedicine – Karolinska Institute

The programme provides cutting-edge knowledge and essential practical skills for an academic research career within the field of molecular medicine. It focuses on understanding disease mechanisms at a molecular level, particularly for the most common and widespread diseases, with the aim of developing future methods for the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.

Karolinska Institute is one of the world’s leading universities in the biomedical field, and one of the best in the world for medical studies. Visit the official program page.

Intake: Aug/Sep

Masters in Biomedicine – Lund University

The programme is given in an internationally leading research environment at the Faculty of Medicine at Lund University. Students get trained to perform independent medical research within academic institutions or the life-science industry. It’s an extremely flexible program, with a wide range of elective courses; e.g. neurobiology, tumor biology, infectious or metabolic diseases and/or independent research projects.

There are also opportunities for studying abroad with one of Lund’s international partner universities or do an internship with a life-science company. Learn more!

Intake: August

MSc Biomedical Engineering – University of Twente

This engineering programme trains students in research, design and the development of innovative products and processes that will benefit the healthcare sector. You will develop medical innovations that really contribute to better care. This dynamic, interdisciplinary field combines engineering and natural and life sciences, such as biology, nanotechnology, physics, electrical engineering, chemistry, and mechanical engineering. During the program, you can specialize in one of three tracks: Imaging & Diagnostics, Neural & Motor Systems, and Bio-nanotechnology & Advanced Bio-manufacturing. Click here for more details.

Intake: Sep/Oct

MSc Biomedical Sciences – Leiden University

The program offers interdisciplinary approaches to address scientific and societal challenges in the field of biomedical sciences. It will prepare you for a career in academic research, industry, policy making, and communication & education. It is a perfect program if you are interested in studying at the intersection of medicine and the natural sciences. You will learn about the causes of specific illnesses, the molecular, genetic and physiological mechanisms of disease, methods for diagnosis and the translation of knowledge to actual treatment (from bench to bedside). Read more about the MSc Biomedical Sciences program at Leiden University.

Intake: Sep & Feb

Masters in Infection and Immunity – Erasmus MC

The two-year program by Erasmus University Rotterdam and Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam aim to train students in translational research at the crossroads of infection and immunity by top-quality research groups at Erasmus MC. The program will combine intensive training in fundamental and advanced immunology and microbiology with extensive training in clinical and population-based research. One important competency required will be the ability to effectively collaborate within and outside the research group.

After two years, the Research Master program ‘Infection & Immunity’ will result in a master thesis, to be presented at the yearly Research Master ‘Infection & Immunity’ symposium. Apart from generous scholarship schemes to cover the tuition fees, there are also opportunities to receive a generous living stipend up to EUR 850 per month. Know more about the Master’s program at Erasmus MC.

Intake: Sep/Oct

MSc in Biomedical Science – Wien University of Applied Sciences

The 2-year Master’s program combines biomedical knowledge of cellular and molecular mechanisms and processes with methods and technologies in biomedical diagnostics. Wien University of Applied Sciences is the largest university of applied sciences for health in Austria and the largest training provider for biomedical science. The institute has got close collaborations with Vienna Hospital Association (KAV) and Medical University of Vienna. It’s a great program for the folks who want to work on genomics, proteomics and cell biology. Scholarships are limited, but there are opportunities for candidates with extensive work experience and from under-privileged & hardship background. Visit the program page.

Other Programs with Partial Scholarships and/or Full Scholarships for Specific Nationalities

MSc Biomedical Science – Aston University

This program will prepare you for a broad spectrum of career opportunities, spanning the academic, commercial, industrial and healthcare applications of biomedical sciences. You will gain an in-depth understanding of disease processes from the molecular to the body/systems level, along with the development of an informed and critical appreciation of recent scientific developments in relation to diagnostic laboratory pathology. The key modules are Human Diseases, Immunology, Toxicology, Endocrinology, and Human Physiology. The scholarships (~86% of tuition fees) are available for students coming from Africa and South America only. Learn more about the MSc Biomedical Science program at Aston.

MSc Biomedical Engineering – University of Warwick

It’s a great program for education and training in biomedical engineering. Some of the key areas that are covered in this program are biomechanics, biomaterials, systems biology, and medicine, synthetic biology, computational intelligence in biomedical engineering, neural engineering, medical imaging, biomedical signal processing, healthcare technologies, telemedicine, medical sensors, and diagnostics. The scholarship schemes are limited at the MSc level. But, there are opportunities for international students, especially for Indian and Chinese applicants. Learn more about the MSc Biomedical Engineering program at Warwick.

Master of Biomedical Sciences – KU Leuven

It’s an excellent program as you will have the opportunity to carry out research in a domestic or foreign laboratory, gain in-depth knowledge of the field, strengthen your scientific skills and learn the latest scientific methodologies. Even if you don’t get any scholarship, the tuition fees (EUR 6, 000) is still very much affordable. Learn more about the Biomedical Sciences program at KU Leuven.