The best biotechnology degree from Universities of Germany

Biotechnology is the use of living systems and organisms to develop and create new products; the focus is to utilize studies and research to develop content and scientific advances for the betterment of life, health, and the environment. Higher education in biotechnology provides ample experience and research opportunities to understand techniques and explore new methods. One of the top locations to study biotechnology is in Germany.

Why Germany?

Germany has quickly become one of the leading countries in Europe for biotechnology-focused companies and research institutions, especially within the past five years. Overall there are a total of around 202 research facilities in Germany, split between universities, colleges, and non-academic research institutions. Funding for universities and research institutions is provided through the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (FMER). Though most programs in German universities are offered in the native language of the country, most master's programs in biotechnology are offered in English, to assist transfer and international students with more opportunities for higher education.

Admission criteria

For the master's program in biotechnology, admission costs are free for both residency students and international students. Students are required to find their housing and provide for outside necessities, but the actual education process is free, to encourage high performers looking to study in the best locations to apply. The average cost of living, which includes accommodation, expenses, food, travel, and insurance, typically comes to around $800 (close to €700). Students are not allowed to study part-time in this specific program; only full-time applicants are accepted.

Before acceptance, prospective students must show proof of previous schooling transcripts and degrees attained. Prospective students must have a degree in either medical fields or life science; other science or engineering degrees may be accepted depending on university options. Students must show proof of prior research experience, as well as display sound content knowledge of biology and life sciences. To meet application standards, prospective students must also be able to offer proof of proficiency in the English language; this can be shown either through valid nationality certificates or by taking the English proficiency exam. Work experience is not required, though it is highly recommended.

A typical master's degree in biotechnology lasts for about two years total; four total semesters, including an in-depth practicum or research internship. Programs offer experience in the identification, characterization, and production of components in biological organisms. Each program offered in Germany provides some practicum or in-field experience to conduct further study in specific areas.

Top Universities for biotechnology

1. University of Bonn

A top university in Germany that offers degrees in higher education for biotechnology is the University of Bonn. The University of Bonn is a part of the 11 best universities in Germany. Furthermore, they are also known to be one of the top research universities in the world and offer a great course that provides specialization in biotechnology.

Basic Information

• The course that Bonn offers is known as Molecular Biotechnology and Biotech (MSc).
• The course duration is for 2 years (full-time)
• The University of Bonn has no tuition fees .
• The criteria for eligibility required mentions that any student who wants to enroll for this course must have a bachelor's degree in the relevant subject, with a GRE score of 200+.
• As for the language requirements, the University of Bonn accepts an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in every element. They also accept TOEFL scores of 72 (minimum) and 94 (maximum) as an overall score.

Even though there are no tuition fees for the University of Bonn, accommodation fees are still applicable, unless you can get a scholarship for the same. Moreover, even if Bonn does not ask for German language certification for the course, learning German to live in and around the university is essential.

2. Technical University Munich

The Technical University Munich is another well-renowned university, ranking as one of the top universities nationally and internationally. The university has been applauded for the research they have been doing and is respected for having a whopping 17 noble prize winners. At TUM, biotechnology is also available as a specialization.

Basic Information

• The course that is offered is known as Molecular Biotechnology (MSc).
• The course duration is for 2 years (full-time)
• The Technical University Munich does take a tuition fee of €103, per semester.
• The criteria for eligibility required mentions that any student who wants to enroll for this course must have a bachelor's degree in the relevant subject, with a GRE score of 310+.
• As for the language requirements, the Technical University Munich accepts an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in every element. They also accept TOEFL scores of 88 (minimum) as an overall score.

3. Saarland University

Founded in the year of 1948, Saarland University is a modern research university located in Saarbrücken. The university is known for being an international university, with a wide bilingual faculty body - German and French. Hence, Saarland university is also tooted as the European University due to the bilingual culture that has been practiced for eons. Furthermore, Saarland University has been recognized and awarded for its amazing research in various fields. Unlike the previous two universities, Saarland university does not have a specialization in biotechnology.

Basic Information

• The course that they offer is known as Biotechnology (MSc).
• The course duration is for 2 years (full-time)
• The Saarland University has no tuition fees .
• The criteria for eligibility required mentions that any student who wants to enroll for this course must have a bachelor's degree in the relevant subject, with a GRE score of 320+.
• As for the language requirements, Saarland University accepts an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in every element. They also accept TOEFL scores of 80 (minimum) as an overall score.

4. University of Leipzig

The Leipzig university is one of the world's oldest universities and the second-oldest universities - consecutively in Germany. The university was founded in 1404 and has been making its name in the field of education ever since. They have expanded in the fields of research and teaching for more than 600 years and counting. They have had an impressive alumnus, out of which nine have won noble prizes.

The University of Leipzig provides a specialization in biotechnology as their course.

Basic Information

• The course that Leipzig offers is known as Molecular Biotechnology and Biotech (MSc).
• The course duration is for 1.5 years (full-time)
• The University of Leipzig has no tuition fees .
• The criteria for eligibility required mentions that any student who wants to enroll for this course must have a bachelor's degree in the relevant subject, with a GPA of 7.0 overall.
• As for the language requirements, the University of Leipzig accepts an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in every element. They also accept TOEFL scores of 85 (minimum) as an overall score.

5. Justus Liebig University Gissen GieBen

The Justus Liebig University Gissen GieBen is also known as the University of Giessen as a short form. It is a public research university and is named after its founder. The University of Giessen has quite a few courses available, including medicine and nursing. Hence, they have two university hospitals available at the campus sites, which are the only private hospitals in Germany.

At Giessen, you will be able to choose between two biotechnology specializations.

Basic Information

• The courses that Giessen offers are known as Agro-Biotech (MSc) & Insect Biotech & Bioresources (MSc).
• The course duration is for 2 years (full-time), respectively.
• Both the courses have no tuition fees .
• The criteria for eligibility required mentions that any student who wants to enroll for this course must have a bachelor's degree in the relevant subject, with a GRE score of 320+.
• As for the language requirements, the University of Bonn accepts an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in every element. They also accept TOEFL scores of 80 (minimum) as an overall score.

The universities mentioned above usually deal with specializations in biotechnology, and if that is not your call, don't worry. There are several other universities that provide a variety of courses in biotechnology and the medium of language is English in most.

Must Know

• The universities in Germany would require a bachelor's degree which is equivalent to 4 years of graduation. The GPA requirements fluctuate according to the university and the type of course you would be entering.
• It's ideal to have a German proficiency certificate, even if your course is taught in English.
• Some universities waive off the tuition fee but will keep application fees as well as some student union fees that range between €70-€80.

Career options

Once the program is completed, students studying biotechnology have a multitude of options for future careers. 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.