phd biotechnology in germany

• General Information
• Tuition fees

Application & Admission

Language requirements, program features.

• List of Universities

2720 Study programs

Study Biotechnology in Germany: 21 Universities with 22 English Degree Programs

All important info for international students in germany (2024/2025).

Biotechnology is a cutting-edge field where biological processes are harnessed for technological advancement. It merges molecular biology, genetics, and bioengineering to develop products and technologies that improve our lives. Students explore DNA manipulation, biofuel production, and biopharmaceuticals, learning how to apply living organisms in medical, agricultural, and environmental applications. This field offers practical experience with laboratory techniques, product development, and regulatory issues. Graduates embark on careers in diverse sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food production, and waste management, where they innovate sustainable solutions and tackle global health challenges with biotechnological ingenuity.

Study Programs in English

Universities

Universities in International Rankings

€ 0 (19 programs for EU citizens, 14 programs for Non-EU citizens)

€ 10,000 per semester (1 program for EU citizens/Non-EU)

Winter Semester

between April 30 and March 31

Summer Semester

between May 15 and July 15

Top-ranked German Universities in Biotechnology

public Technical University

No. of Students: approx. 47,000 students

Program Fees: € 0 - € 4,000 (per semester)

public University

No. of Students: approx. 27,000 students

Program Fees: € 0 (per semester)

Tuition Fees

3 english degree programs for biotechnology in germany.

HTW Berlin - University of Applied Sciences Berlin

Mba & engineering life science management.

Technische Universität Dresden Dresden

Physics of life.

Offenburg University of Applied Sciences Offenburg

Biotechnology.

Application Deadlines

Winter Semester 2024/2025

Summer Semester 2024

Winter Semester 2025/2026

Open Programs

22 programs

23 programs

Application Modes

Application process.

Hochschule Merseburg / Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg Halle (Saale)

Engineering and management.

Friedrich Schiller University Jena Jena

Molecular life sciences.

Philipps-Universität Marburg Marburg

Molecular biotechnology (mbt).

TOEFL Scores

Cambridge Levels

5 (1 program )

72 (1 program )

B2 First (FCE) (6 programs )

7 (3 programs )

95 (3 programs )

C2 Proficiency (CPE) (5 programs )

Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg Halle (Saale)

Pharmaceutical and industrial biotechnology.

Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Mainz

Molecular biotechnology.

University of Göttingen Göttingen

Molecular life sciences: microbiology, biotechnology and biochemistry.

3-6 semesters

→ View all programs with online courses

Master of Science

Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Engineering

Master of Business Administration

Winter intake

Summer intake

Winter & Summer intake

List of all German Universities offering English-taught Study Programs in Biotechnology

Anhalt University of Applied Sciences

Program Fees: € 1,160

M.Sc. (Master of Science)

Ansbach University of Applied Sciences

Program Fees: € 0

Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg

Constructor University

Program Fees: € 10,000

B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science)

Friedrich Schiller University Jena

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• Study in Germany /

PhD in Biotechnology in Germany: A Guide

• Updated on  
• Aug 10, 2023

One of the most well-liked places to study abroad is Germany , where 3,600 international graduates complete their doctorates annually. Germany has a great reputation for offering excellent higher education, in-depth research, and a range of programmes. Students from across the world are flocking to this beautiful country to take advantage of the fantastic student life there and finish their degrees at their preferred universities.

Germany is one such place that offers various kinds of great courses in Biotechnology like Ph.D. in Biotechnology. The manipulation, change, and replication of genes are done in biotechnology, a branch of modern science, to generate affordable products for the betterment of society. It is a steadily growing global industry with a variety of exciting job prospects. Increasing numbers of applicants are now entering into creating a career in biotechnology and attempting their hands at core research in the expanding sector.  

This blog will assist in explaining the procedure if you’re interested in obtaining a PhD in Biotechnology in Germany.

This Blog Includes:

Why choose biotechnology in germany, list of phd in biotechnology colleges in germany, eligibility for phd in biotechnology in germany, fees & funding for phd in biotechnology in germany, scholarships for phd in biotechnology in germany, career scope phd in biotechnology in germany, job after biotechnology studies in germany.

A broader branch of biology known as biotechnology uses technology to produce goods made from living things. Studying in Germany is advantageous since the biotech clusters that were built there have become important centres for research and development.

• The QS Global Rankings 2022 list includes more than 22 biotechnology colleges from Germany among the top 200 institutions worldwide
• More than 500 biotech businesses are located in Germany, with 75% of them having a commercial connection to the pharmaceutical sector
• In Germany, public universities predominately make up the elite institutions. Consequently, there are no course costs for international students to pay
• German biotechnologists make an average monthly salary of roughly 12,600 euros. Examine the employment options in Germany!
• Biotech companies driven by artificial intelligence are dominating the industry and anticipate significant growth between 2020 and 2024
• Germany Trade & Invest estimates that in 2020, the 660 biotech businesses in Germany made a record 4.9 billion Euros in revenue and spent about 1.8 billion on R&D

Also Read: Top Universities and Colleges in Berlin | Leverage Edu

In Germany, a PhD programme typically lasts three to four years with a maximum extension of six years, as is the case in several colleges. The majority of PhD programmes in Germany are offered by state universities, which don’t charge students any tuition. In Germany, biotechnology colleges offer the following popular PhD programmes:

Also Read: All About The University of Cologne

Although each university may have its own unique requirements, the following are the general prerequisites for admission:

Academic requirements: Candidates must have earned a master’s degree in biotechnology, bioinformatics, or a related field from an accredited university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 90%.

Language requirements: Students must pass the TOEFL or IELTS to demonstrate their ability in English. There is no required minimum score, though. The DSH-2 test, which measures German language competency, must be passed by applicants.

Documents: When applying for admission, the following documentation is necessary:

• All transcripts of grades
• Updated resume
• Motivation statement
• Evidence of German language exams

Also Read: Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich: Ranking, Fees, Eligibility …

There are no tuition costs for students applying to PhD programmes at public universities. However, there are extra costs associated with living in Germany and supporting research initiatives. Despite the opportunities for free study, students still need to cover extra costs, for which they might search for fellowships and PhD scholarships in Germany. 

Even though the majority of German universities do not charge tuition for undergraduate or PhD programmes, a student still needs to cover other costs. In addition to living expenses, this also includes health insurance, semester admissions, and donations to student organisations. The following are a few of the well-known scholarship programmes for studying in Germany:

Also Read: Biotechnology Courses: Scope, Fees, Colleges | Leverage Edu

Germany’s biotech industry is expanding steadily, and there are currently around 27,544 people employed in this field. 

• This industry has seen significant changes since 2014, including a rapid expansion of its market radius. The rationale is that, throughout time, a lot of startups have emerged, collectively increasing the biotech sector’s overall output.
• In Germany, a professional employed in the biotechnology sector may expect to make between 9,500 and 16,500 euros per month.
• Despite more than 50% of people earning 13,700 Euros each month, the payout is comparatively good.
• Qiagen N.V., Rentschler Biotechnologie, and Miltenyi Biotec GmbH are the three largest employers in the German biotech sector. 
• Medical or industrial biotechnology is the foundation for employment in the German biotech sector.

Also Read: Computational Biology: Courses, Universities & Scope

Given below are some jobs along with the annual salary of the job profiles after pursuing Biotechnology courses in Germany:

A. Students can expect a significant return on investment from biotechnology in Germany. The average income for graduates of this programme is from EUR 52,500 – EUR 66,100 per year.

A. In Germany, the average salary for a biotechnologist is €80,702 per year and €39 per hour. Biotechnologists’ salaries typically vary from €56,088 to €98,295.

A. The majority of German institutions have zero charges on tuition for PhD programmes, and financing is available from numerous government agencies, research groups, and other organisations.

Hope this blog gave you all the necessary information regarding PhD in Biotechnology in Germany. For more such information visit us at Leverage Edu.

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My daughter has completed M.Sc. Medical Biotechnology through GATEB from Bhartiar University, Coimbatore with highest score and third ranked from the University and trying to pursue her Ph. D. Programme in Medical Biotechnology from Beloved Germany. Financially I am not in a position to send her , she is a brilliant student but due to poor financial condition she could not go aboard. If there is any opportunity she can shine and can do for the Germany as well as for the whole world.

Hey Sanjib. Scholarships is one way to study in Germany. Some of the popular scholarships available for biotechnology students include: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship, Kaad Scholarship, JN Tata Endowment Scholarship, and MAWISTA Scholarship. You daughter must meet the eligibilty requirements of the scholarship to apply. Moreover, the documents (ex. the academic transcripts, IELTS Score, etc) must be submitted before the deadline. Do note that the deadline for each of these scholarships vary. To learn more about studying in Germany consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.

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PhD Studies & Research

Science and research in Germany are characterised by a distinguished infrastructure, a wide variety of disciplines, well-equipped research facilities and competent staff. Germany offers various career opportunities for international PhD students and researchers.

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Doctorate Program

Medical Life Science and Technology (PhD-Program)

The PhD program in Medical Life Science and Technology provides high-level scientific training for students with a background in medicine, natural and life sciences or engineering.

Course Homepage

• 6 Semesters (Full Time)

Apply online via the website of the degree program

• Possible for both winter and summer semester
• Student Fees: 85.00 €

Information on Degree Program

Program profile.

This three-year program provides high-level scientific training for students with a background in medicine as well as for those with a background in natural and life sciences or engineering. We are looking for highly motivated applicants with a strong record of academic achievement and a keen interest in scientific research.

The PhD program in Medical Life Science and Technology consists primarily of an experimental scientific project that is performed in the laboratory of a faculty member. The practical work is complemented by interdisciplinary lectures, seminars and practical courses. About 50 research groups from various departments, working with a wide variety of techniques, actively participate in our program. The projects cover a diverse range of topics within and continuously expanding the boundaries of the program's main research areas: cardiovascular, imaging, immunology and infection, neuroscience, oncology and molecular medicine.

Medical students of the Technische Universität München can be admitted well before obtaining their final medical degree. In an attempt to improve their clinical-scientific education, they will be able to follow their regular medical studies and the training within the PhD program in parallel.

The PhD program is hosted by TUM School of Medicine and a part of the TUM Medical Graduate Center and therefore of the TUM Graduate School. All students will become members of the Graduate School and benefit from its offers, such as financial support for international research activities, free soft skills courses and manuscript proof-reading, to name just a few.

The goal of the program is to give our students a thorough scientific training and the tools to become successful and independent researchers.

Researcher, also in industry.

Program structure

In addition to the dissertation project, students will participate in lectures, practical courses, seminars and lab rotations relating to their projects. To accommodate the individual project schedules, students can choose when to take these classes. However, it is recommended that they sign up for classes during their first semesters in the program. Advice on how best to organize course schedules will be provided by the program coordinator on an individual basis.

Successful participation in classes is determined in several ways, including written or oral exams, presentations and reports. In order to graduate, 138 credit points are required in research work and 38 credit points in course work, 4 more credit points for defense.

Language of instruction

Required language skills for admission:

You need sufficient English language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline. Learn more about recognized certificates and other ways to prove your English language skills .

This evidence of your language proficiency confirms that you comply with the minimum language requirements for admission to the program. Depending on the program and your individual background, it may be necessary for you to keep working on your language skills during your studies. Be sure to take a look at the services of our Language Center.   

Language of instruction:

The language of instruction for this program is English.

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Academic Regulations: Application, Studying and Exams

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Application and Admission

Application process.

We require applicants to either have successfully completed their medical studies or hold a Master's degree or Diplom in natural sciences, engineering, psychology or a related discipline or to be current medical students of the Technichal University of Munich. Medical students of the Technical University of Munich may apply after passing the first part of the "Ärztliche Prüfung". If accepted, these students will be able to alternatingly complete their MD and PhD training. Students who have successfully completed their Bachelor's degree and are currently enrolled in a Master's program at the Technical University of Munich can also apply and may be accepted under certain circumstances. These students will have to show proof of successful completion of their Master's degree within one year.

Documents required for the online application

• Degree Certificate and Diploma or Subject and Grade Transcript of Studies to Date
• Degree Certificate and Diploma
• Proof of English Language Proficiency
• Higher Education Entrance Qualification
• Transcript of Records
• Evidence of Preliminary Medical Examination
• Letter of Motivation
• Complete and Current Résumé

We may require additional documents depending on your educational background and your  country of origin . Complete the online application to receive a comprehensive list of the required documents. 

Documents required for enrollment

• Application for Enrollment (signed)
• Degree Certificate and Diploma (certified copy)
• Transcript of Records (certified copy)
• Most Current Photo (as for ID)
• Digital notification of your health insurance status from a German public health insurance provider (requested by applicant)

We may require additional documents depending on the type of educational background you earned and your country of origin . After accepting an offer of admission in TUMonline, you will receive a list of documents you must submit to TUM in hardcopy for enrollment.

Application deadlines

Application deadline for winter semester: 15.05. Application deadline for summer semester: 15.11. Prospective students apply via the website of the degree program .

Admission process

Selection takes place through an aptitude assessment procedure. Aptitude assessment is a two-part procedure after the submission of an official application to a program. In this procedure, the TUM school or department determines whether you meet the specific requirements for its master’s degree program. 

In the initial stages, the grades you obtained during your bachelor's and master’s program, as well as your written documents, will be evaluated using a point system. Depending on the amount of points accumulated, applicants are invited to an admissions interview.

• Information on the Aptitude Assessment (German)

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Best Global Universities for Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology in Germany

These are the top universities in Germany for biotechnology and applied microbiology, based on their reputation and research in the field. Read the methodology »

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Here are the best global universities for biotechnology and applied microbiology in Germany

Ruprecht karls university heidelberg, technical university of munich, free university of berlin, humboldt university of berlin, eberhard karls university of tubingen, rwth aachen university, university of freiburg, karlsruhe institute of technology, university of gottingen, university of munich.

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• # 55 in Best Universities for Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology
• # 57 in Best Global Universities  (tie)

Heidelberg University is a public institution that was founded in 1386, earning it the title of Germany's oldest... Read More

• # 64 in Best Universities for Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology
• # 79 in Best Global Universities

The Technical University of Munich, sometimes called TUM, is a public institution that was founded in 1868. The... Read More

• # 97 in Best Universities for Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology
• # 87 in Best Global Universities

The Free University of Berlin is a public institution that was founded in 1948. The university has three main campuses... Read More

• # 106 in Best Universities for Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology  (tie)
• # 61 in Best Global Universities

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin is a public institution in Germany that was founded in 1810. The university’s campuses... Read More

• # 109 in Best Universities for Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology  (tie)
• # 182 in Best Global Universities  (tie)
• # 146 in Best Universities for Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology  (tie)
• # 199 in Best Global Universities  (tie)
• # 175 in Best Universities for Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology
• # 178 in Best Global Universities  (tie)
• # 189 in Best Universities for Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology
• # 226 in Best Global Universities  (tie)
• # 200 in Best Universities for Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology
• # 163 in Best Global Universities  (tie)
• # 211 in Best Universities for Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology
• # 47 in Best Global Universities

The University of Munich is a public institution that traces its roots back to 1472. It is situated in Munich – the... Read More