International Programmes 2024/2025

Master of Science in Biotechnology (MBT) MSc in Biotechnology (MBT)

Offenburg University of Applied Sciences • Offenburg

Degree
Master of Science
In cooperation with

University of Warmia and Mazury (UWM) in Olsztyn, Poland

Teaching language
  • English
Languages

As the learning and teaching language of the study programme is English, German and/or Polish language proficiency is not required. However, knowledge of either or both of these languages is highly recommended for life outside the classroom.

If you plan to pursue a doctorate or work in Germany after receiving your Master's degree, good knowledge of German will be essential.

Programme duration
3 semesters
Beginning
Winter semester
Application deadline

31 March for the following winter semester (exception: 15 July for EU residents)

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
Varied
Additional information on tuition fees

Fees per semester:

  • 1,500 EUR state tuition fee for non-EU citizens

  • 650 EUR state tuition fee for a second degree (only for EU citizens who already obtained a Master's degree from a German university)

Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
Yes
Description/content

The English-taught Master's degree programme in Biotechnology (MBT) provides you with the qualification to participate in the development of solutions for crucial issues of our future. Biotechnology is regarded a key technology of the 21st century. It represents not only the necessary transition from an oil-based to a bio-based industry and sustainable energy supply but also ground-breaking advances in medicine and food security for a growing global population.

The focus of the programme is on bioeconomy and industrial and environmental biotechnology. It is designed for three semesters of full-time study and awards the title of Master of Science.

Students independently work on case studies and familiarise themselves with the field of bioproduction, including important security measures and authority management. The resulting specialists will be fully aware of the future trends and opportunities of the highly innovative biotechnology industry but also recognise potential conflict areas and ethical issues.

Additionally, the international orientation of the programme provides students with valuable intercultural skills and other crucial qualifications in the distinctly multinational field of biotechnology.

The MBT programme is organised jointly by Offenburg University of Applied Sciences and the University of Warmia and Mazury (UWM) in Olsztyn, Poland. It is the only internationally cooperative Master's programme in biotechnology in the state of Baden-Württemberg and offers the opportunity to earn a double degree from the two partner universities.

The UWM in Poland is a traditional university with a strong focus on research. Offenburg is a smaller-sized institution, and students here benefit from more personal attention from instructors and staff as well as comprehensive support services and close cooperation with the local industry and other business partnerships.

www.hs-offenburg.de/mbt

Course organisation

The English-taught, Master's degree programme in Biotechnology (MBT) usually takes three semesters to complete. It is organised jointly by Offenburg University of Applied Sciences and the University of Warmia and Mazury (UWM) in Olsztyn/Poland. The courses in the winter semester are held in Offenburg, and in the summer semester, the courses are held at our partner university in Olsztyn/Poland.

In case a student's Bachelor's degree (which is required) comprised less than seven semesters, an additional semester for a scientific project or equivalent courses from a defined course catalogue at Offenburg University has to be included as well.

Each of the partner universities offers a study semester in its respective field of study:

The Master's thesis can be written at either of the participating universities, or externally at a suitable company or institute of your choice.

The degree Master of Science is awarded as a double degree from the two partner universities involved.

PDF Download
A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • Language training provided
  • Training in intercultural skills
  • Courses are led with foreign partners
  • International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
Description of other international elements

The international student body creates a diverse and challenging learning atmosphere. Cultures from all over the world collide and students are exposed to an international field that is no different from the real globalised world.

Integrated internships

Applicants are supposed to already have some practical experience resulting either from an industrial internship completed during their Bachelor's programme or from a job.

The Master's thesis can be prepared at either of the participating universities, or externally at a suitable company or institute of your choice.

Special promotion / funding of the programme
  • Other (e.g. state level)
Course-specific, integrated German language courses
Yes
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
Varied
Additional information on tuition fees

Fees per semester:

  • 1,500 EUR state tuition fee for non-EU citizens

  • 650 EUR state tuition fee for a second degree (only for EU citizens who already obtained a Master's degree from a German university)

Semester contribution
  • 150 EUR service contribution
  • 160 EUR administration fees
Costs of living

Approximately 935 EUR per month to cover personal expenses. This includes accommodation at a cost of 400 EUR per month.

Funding opportunities within the university
Yes
Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

At Offenburg, a very limited number of partial scholarships are available; applications for these are only open to students enrolled in their second semester (or higher) who have shown high academic performance and a social commitment outside of class.

In addition, there are a few scholarships for international students. Through these scholarships, international students can be exempted from the 1,500 EUR state tuition fee for one year. To be entitled to apply, students must be enrolled at Offenburg University and be in their second semester (or higher).

Academic admission requirements

A first, job-qualifying degree of at least three years of study, such as a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Engineering, is required.

The programme is directed at graduates of Bachelor's courses such as bioengineering, bioprocess engineering, biochemical engineering, chemical engineering (focus biotechnology), industrial biotechnology, environmental biotechnology or food engineering, or comparable engineering programmes.

Additionally applicants should meet the following requirements:

  • Academic excellence: You should be among the top-third of graduates of your institution.
  • Proof of English proficiency (see below)
  • APS (only for applicants from India, China and Vietnam)
  • Willingness to integrate into an international environment in which different cultures, ideas, perspectives, and approaches will be encountered.

If you are interested in the international Master's degree programme Biotechnology, we invite you to enter your data into our HISinOne online application system.

The selection committee will then screen your online application. Within a few weeks, you will be notified as to whether or not you have been selected to provide a complete application. The selection committee will then make a final decision based on the scanned documents, which you are asked to send.

Please be aware that you will have to show your original documents at the registrar's office of Offenburg University after your arrival.

Language requirements

English: TOEFL [550 and higher (PBT), 213 and higher (CBT), 79 and higher (IBT)] or IELTS (6.0 or higher in each band)

Enrolment for studies will not occur unless you submit the proof of English language skills before starting the study programme in October.

Application deadline

31 March for the following winter semester (exception: 15 July for EU residents)

Submit application to

Applications are only accepted via our HISinOne online application system.

Postal address:
Offenburg University
Graduate School - MBT Office
Badstr. 24
77652 Offenburg
Germany

Possibility of finding part-time employment
  • On-campus: A limited number of student assistant positions and tutoring jobs are available. Knowledge of English is usually sufficient for these positions.
  • Off-campus: Students are allowed to hold off-campus jobs for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the lecture period and to work a maximum of 240 half days per year (according to regulations for foreign students requiring a visa). At least a basic knowledge of German is usually required for off-campus positions.
Accommodation

In the International Student Barometer, the largest survey of international students worldwide, Offenburg University was rated number one among German universities for its arrival assistance for international students.

Before your arrival, the Graduate School team can arrange accommodation (student residence hall or private accommodation) for you. The rent is approximately 400 EUR per month.

Career advisory service

Offenburg University's Career Center offers you a personal advisory service, directing you through your contemplated or chosen career path.

Seminars on "Applying in Germany" will get you ready for successfully writing applications and presenting yourself to companies.

The Career Center will also help to correct and translate CVs and letters of motivation.

In addition, Offenburg University hosts a career day at the university and participates regularly in recruitment fairs in Cologne, Hanover, or other bigger cities. At these fairs, students can directly contact companies, make enquiries about available positions, and discuss any concerns that they may have.

Field trips to companies such as Daimler, SMART, etc., provide an excellent window of opportunity for students to gain insight into organisations' work environments and structures as well as get a first-hand overview of career opportunities.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Tutors
  • Specialist counselling
  • Cultural and linguistic preparation
  • Pick-up service
  • Help with finding accommodation
  • Support with registration procedures
General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

Extensive assistance in finding accommodation, senior buddy system (personal mentor for the first few weeks), information package and introduction events in English, assistance with immigration services and authorities, guided city tours in English, individual support and advice from the coordinator of the study programme, German summer language course, ongoing language courses during the lecture period, language exchange programmes ("tandems" and "Sprachencafé"), cultural and social programme (excursions, get-togethers, company visits, etc.), sports (sailing, mountain biking, dancing, etc.), and "Senior Service" (an initiative to bring local senior citizens and international students of Offenburg University together)

Offenburg University of Applied Sciences

Content Bild
Offenburg University © Offenburg University

Offenburg University is a research-rich, high-performance institution in the Black Forest, a German economic powerhouse. We are among the top five in applied research in the south-west and an active member of the European University Association. Offenburg is a highly-ranked university according to the CHE ranking, forming a thriving community with 4,000 students on two campuses.

The university is widely recognised for its international reach and was one of the first German universities with international Master's programmes.

Around 4,500 students study at its two campuses. International students account for 12% of the student body. They benefit from the advantages of a smaller institution with an excellent student-teacher ratio and personal attention from instructors. State-of-the-art media, electronic, and mechanical laboratories and facilities help students put their ideas into practice. Wi-Fi access is provided throughout the campus.

The university is known for its emphasis on practical skills and applied research. Its close ties to the regional business community include many world-renowned companies. It is also strongly committed to providing an internationally oriented education. In particular, the English-taught Master's programmes of the Graduate School have won a number of awards, including the DAAD's quality label "TOP 10 International Master's Degree Courses Made in Germany".

The Graduate School's staff offers ongoing support throughout the programme:

  • extensive assistance in finding accommodation
  • "senior buddy" system (personal mentor for the first few weeks)
  • assistance with immigration services and authorities
  • guided tours of Offenburg and Gengenbach
  • individual support and advice from the coordinators of each programme
  • individual academic advising
  • German language course in September
  • ongoing language courses during the lecture period
  • cultural and social programme (excursions, get-togethers, company visits, etc.)
  • "Senior Service" (an initiative bringing together local senior citizens and international students)

International students from all five continents choose to study at Offenburg knowing that their cultures will be respected and appreciated.

10–25 Number of students per batch
4th Research ranking of all universities of applied sciences in the state

University location

The friendly and safe town of Offenburg, population 60,000, is at the centre of the beautiful Ortenau region, situated between the Rhine Valley and the Black Forest and characterised by a comfortable climate with warm and pleasant summers and winter temperatures rarely dropping below zero.

With almost 900 years of history, Offenburg offers a historical centre with a baroque scenery, a variety of cultural events, hiking and cycling trails along the Kinzig River and the surrounding vineyards, and typical Baden gastronomy.

Although Offenburg is relatively small, it offers great cultural and recreational possibilities. There are various festivals and festivities throughout the year, including the famous German carnival season, wine festivals in autumn, and very popular Christmas markets.

Offenburg's city centre offers a variety of department stores and speciality shops as well as a farmers' market on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. Inexpensive groceries can be found at the major supermarket chains around town.

Nearby cities include Strasbourg (France), 25 km, capital of the European Union and seat of the European Parliament; Freiburg, 65 km; Karlsruhe, 75 km; Heidelberg, 110 km; Basel (Switzerland), 120 km; Stuttgart, 140 km; and Frankfurt, 200 km.

Offenburg is close (35/50/130 km) to the international airports of Strasbourg, Karlsruhe, and Basel-Mulhouse, which are mainly served by low-cost carriers (easyJet and Ryanair, among others). The main German airport hub in Frankfurt can be reached by high-speed train in around 90 minutes.

Activate map

To activate the map, click on the "Show map" button. We would like to point out that data will be transmitted to OpenStreetMap after activation. You can find out more in our privacy policy. You can revoke your consent to the transmission of data at any time.