Germany has always been a superpower in scientific education and research. In recent years, Germany’s biotechnology sector has experienced tremendous growth. This is reflected from a record turnover of €4bn ($4.5bn) in 2017, as well as a higher number of employees in German biotech companies, which at 26,000 employees was significantly higher than in2016 (with 23,000 employees). In this post, we will look at the best universities for biotechnology, biomedical science, and bio-engineering in Germany. Additionally, we will also look at the job prospects (MS) in biotechnology in Germany.

Masters in Biotechnology & Bio-Engineering in Germany

Best Universities, Job Prospects, and Salaries

Co-authored by Parinita Gupta

Best Universities for Masters (MS) in Biotechnology in Germany

RWTH Aachen University

The Master’s program teaches candidates advanced information, skills, and methods in the subject of Biomedical Engineering, and thus guides them to higher scientific qualification and independence in this field.

There are 4 Semesters with the first semester covering the modules from medicine, engineering, and natural sciences. The Second & third semester focuses on modules on Medical Imaging/Guided Therapy, Tissue Engineering and Artificial Organs/Devices. Lastly, the fourth Semester is dedicated to writing the Master thesis.

This course has a requirement to prove proficiency in English and it can be proved by submitting only one of the following language test certificates:

TOEFL (minimum score: 95)

PBT (TOEFL ‘Paper-based’ Test) minimum score of 588

IELTS (minimum score: 6.5)

Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) Certificate minimum: Grade C

Related Article: Summer 2020 Deadlines for Masters in Germany

TU Dresden

This University also offers Masters in Molecular Bioengineering and the modules taught in the first three semesters fall into two categories: biomedical and technological modules. The biomedical modules comprise genomics and stem cell engineering proteomics, and chemistry with bio-molecules while the later include bioinformatics, bio-nanotechnology, and polymeric materials, biophysics and cellular machines.

Half of the 3rd semester consists of the work on a lab project and the 4th semester is devoted to the Master’s thesis. The requirement for the Master’s program needs a Diploma degree or a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in one of the following fields:

Biology / Life Sciences

Biotechnology

Chemistry / Biochemistry

Computer Science

Medicine

Nanotechnology

Physics

English language requirements:

TOEFL: minimum level 92 points internet-based or 600 points paper-based OR

IELTS: minimum level of 6.5

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University of Bonn

To apply for the Master’s program in Biotechnology in this university, students should earn a Life Science or Medical degree as mentioned above in this article from a recognized University with a minimum English language proficiency requirements of:

TOEFL (Paper) minimum 550 or

iBT minimum 80 and

TOEFL (Computer) minimum of 213

IELTS minimum of 6.0

This course has 4 semesters comprising of biochemistry and molecular biology, biotechnology bioinformatics, and economics in conjunction with an integrated practical course including Project work and Master Thesis in the last semester.

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University of Heidelberg

This University provides a degree program for Master of Science and the start of the program here is from Winter Semester only. The Master’s degree program in Translational Medical Research is a one-year program that consists of two semesters of study. The application procedure includes consecutive master’s programs with admission restriction, Translational Medical Research.

The first semester consists of four modules which also includes short practical courses in which students become acquainted with experimentation in the fields of molecular oncology, neurobiology, vascular medicine or other topics. And in the second semester, students carry out research for their Master’s thesis.

The accredited Master’s program is taught in English and has a modular structure and credit point system (based on the European Credit Transfer System – ECTS). They are internationally recognized. The minimum requirement for the Master’s course is ECTS credit – 60.

University of Tuebingen

The Master’s program in biomedical technology consists of 4 semesters and to apply for this program, students need to use the University of Tubingen’s ‘Online Application Portal’. The subject test is carried out in the month of February and the interviews and held in the month of March. The letter of admission is awarded by the end of March.

The essential documents required to submit before the online applications are:

1. Statement of Academic Purpose – Students need to discuss their academic and career objectives.

2. English Proficiency Requirements – All applicants whose native language is not English must show proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS). A minimum score of 90 (TOEFL iBT) is required and for IELTS a minimum total score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 6 per section is required to qualify.

3. Transcripts & Degree Certificate – Applicants have to submit complete academic records and copies of degrees awarded (Bachelor’s degree certificate).

Friedrich Alexander University (FAU)

The Masters in molecular medicine contains both theoretical (immunology, neurosciences, oncology, development, structural biochemistry, imaging, genetics, and systems medicine) and practical parts and offers exciting insights into the molecular bases of the human body. Duration for this Master of Science degree is 2 years (4 semesters) and the start of the program is in the winter semester. The teaching language preferred is English.

TOEFL: minimum level 92 points internet-based or 600 points paper-based

IELTS: minimum level of 6.5

Universitat Wuerzburg

The Masters in Bioscience at Wuerzburg University have a regular 2 years (4-semester duration). This course has a requirement of a Bachelor of Science in Biology or in a study program equivalent to it from a reputed university that. And the requirement to prove proficiency in English can be provided by submitting only one of the following language test certificates:

TOEFL – with at least 570 paper-based tests and 240 computer-based tests respectively, 90 internet-based TOEFL test points or IELTS score of 6.5 or better.

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Ruhr University Bochum

The Master of Science in Biology program has 4 semesters beginning from the winter semester. The course does require a basic understanding of experimental techniques; basic biological know-how acquired in the previous degree course from a reputed university. To qualify they require basic Mathematics and English skills (TOEFL test).

The course combines traditional basic disciplines such as cell biology, histology, biochemistry and pathology with recent progress in epigenetics, bioinformatics and developmental biology to secure a broad understanding towards innovative translational approaches in medicine.

University of Gottingen

The Masters in Molecular Medicine degree program provides deeper knowledge of topics relating to molecular medicine and clinical theory such as immunology, oncology, genetics, cell biology, and pharmacology. This degree program has a duration for 3 semesters and the program starts from the winter semester only.

Candidates with a native language other than English can furnish evidence of English language test, such as:

Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English with the grade “passed” or better

IELTS level 7 or higher

TOEFL score of at least 550 points in the paper-based

TOEFL score of at least 213 points in the computer-based test

TOEFL (internet-based) score of at least 80 points

C1 or C2 test certificate according to CEFR (Common European Framework of References)

LMU Munich

The Masters in Biology program offers students to further deepen their knowledge through a variety of specialized modules. The duration of the course is for 2 years (4 semesters) and it covers the modules which include Anthropology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Human Biology, Microbiology, Plant Sciences, Systematic biology, and Zoology.

The language proficiency requirement is:

TOEFL (iBT) minimum score 90 and 95 for paper-based score

IELTS (minimum score B2: 5.5 / C1: 7.0)

Ulm University

The Master in Molecular Medicine at this university is the ideal postgraduate program for students who have obtained a bachelor’s degree in a life science subject. The bachelor’s degree course includes molecular life science, biochemistry, biomedical science, human biology, molecular biology, biotechnology. It’s a full-time course with a standard duration of 4 semesters.

The other entrance requirement is the proof of adequate knowledge in English with either a TOEFL iBT score of 100 points or more or 701 points or more in TOEIC or 7.0 or more points in the IELTS or Certificate in Advanced English or Certificate of Proficiency in English in the Cambridge exam.

Luebeck University of Applied Sciences

The Master’s degree course in Biomedical engineering consists of engineering principles to study biology, medicine, behavior, and health along with physical, chemical, mathematical, and computational sciences. This University offers a degree in Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering. Prerequisites for this course are a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a reputed institute. The duration for this course is for four semesters (120 ECTS credits).

HAW Hamburg

This University offers a degree for a Master of Science program with 3 semesters. Eight modules are offered in the first academic year, subdivided into lectures, seminars, practical courses, and projects. The study ends with the master thesis, where students prove their competence in research and development and they are provided with a period of 6 months for completion.

The entry requirement for this program is a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a reputed university and a thorough knowledge of the English language with a TOEFL (internet-based) score of 87 and IELTS (minimum band 5.5) or CAE, CPE, FCE (minimum C). Students can apply for the Master’s program in either summer or the winter semester.

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TU Munich

TU Munich is arguably the best university in Germany. But, a drawback is that most of the Master’s programs in Biosciences are taught in the German language. Only the MSc Biomedical Computing program is taught in English.

Related Articles:

Best Free Masters Programs in Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering in Europe (Taught in English)

Best Masters Programs in Biotechnology and Biomedical Science in Europe with Full Scholarships

Best Biotechnology Masters Programs in Europe with Focus on Business, Commercialization & Entrepreneurship

Biotech Job Market Scenario in Germany for Foreign Students

There are around 700 biotech-pharma companies, 250 biotech startups, more than 400 higher education institutions, and approximately 1,000 public research organizations, including the Max Planck Society, Helmholtz-, Leibniz-, and the Fraunhofer Associations. All these organizations absorb graduates holding Masters’s degrees in Biotech and Biomedical Sciences/Engineering.

The international workforce contributes greatly to the country’s successful biotechnology and life sciences industry in Germany. Just like the US, Germany has also got biotech hotspots (clusters). The most prominent ones are Bonn, Mannheim, Heidelberg, Martinsried, and Berlin. So, studying close to these clusters could be very advantageous for international students. If you are interested in academic research within the biotech field, Munich is the place to be. Read more about the top biotech clusters in the world.

Job Prospects after doing Masters (MS) Biotechnology in Germany

Most employment is focused in the field of research and studies, continuing knowledge growth to create better products. Graduates can enter areas focused on food, environmental studies, pharmaceutical, and medicine; they can participate in product testing, development, control, research, and development. With the recent growth in the past five to ten years, biotechnology companies have expanded and utilized Germany as their home locations due to ample research and testing facilities. A degree from an accredited German university in biotechnology can almost guarantee a position with a company upon graduation, either in Germany or anywhere in the world.

Related Article: How to Get Jobs in Europe after Masters as an International (Non-EU) Student

In Germany, the degree in Medicine and Natural Sciences are listed on top of the highest paying degrees. So, the opportunities are good after MS in Biotechnology. You’ll have a good scope to work in various industries like Education & research, Private biotechnological companies, governmental health organizations and more. The highest paying degrees in Germany are as follows.

Salaries after MS Biotechnology in Germany

With a Master’s degree in Biotechnology, starting salary averages around 42,000 euros gross per year. As per PayScale, the average salary for a Biotechnology Research Scientist in Germany is €50,040. The general rule of thumb is: the larger the company, the higher the pay.

In start-ups and companies with around 100 employees, new hires are brought on board at 30,000-50,000 euros gross, while in larger companies starting pay is more like 40,000 to 60,000 euros. In the private sector, wages are generally higher than at universities and research institutions. Biotechnologists at a pharmaceutical company earn around 55,000 euros – while at a research institute roughly 42,000 euros is more the norm. Categorized by professions, a food chemist earns around 33,000 euros per year, biologists some 46,000 euros and chemical engineers something like 54,000 euros.

About Parinita Gupta: Parinita is a full-time banking professional. Additionally, she is also a passionate blogger and digital marketer.

She mostly writes about the Banking & Finance, Technology, and FinTech sector. But, she also enjoys writing on other topics as well. You can follow her on Twitter.

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Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.