International Programmes 2026/2027

Bioinformatics Bioinformatics

University of Potsdam • Potsdam

Degree
Master of Science
Course location
Potsdam
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

Courses are held in English (100%).

Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter semester
Application periods
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the winter semester:
until 15 August
More information on application periods
Please find more details on this website.
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

Bioinformatics is considered one of the disciplines whose discoveries are expected to have a lasting mark on modern history. Without bioinformatics, the prospects of modern systems biology, systems medicine, and systems genetic would be unthinkable to achieve. These include: personalised and effective medicine, the development of new and efficacious drugs, and ensuring a high-quality supply of food. At its core, bioinformatics has the development of modern techniques for the analysis of large-scale biological data, which allows us to dissect the organising principles and functions of complex biological systems.

The English-language Master's degree programme in bioinformatics at the University of Potsdam provides the knowledge necessary to address the demands of the analysis of biological systems together with data gathered by various technologies. The programme is principally geared towards students with a Bachelor's degree in life sciences, computer sciences, mathematics, or physics – but is not intended for students studying chemistry, pharmacy or medicine. We assume that a thorough knowledge of the basics of natural sciences or computer sciences provides an advantage in mastering the cross-disciplinary science of bioinformatics.

For more information, please see here.

Current information

Join our online Master's Info Day on 12 March 2027 to learn about the Master’s programmes of the University of Potsdam, career prospectives, and life in Potsdam.

For more information about studying with us, please visit our website, where you can also discover the UP through our image film.

Course organisation

All information about the programme structure and course organisation can be found here.

PDF Download
A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • International guest lecturers
  • Specialist literature in other languages
  • International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
Description of other international elements

Possibility to write the Master's thesis abroad

Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester
None
Semester contribution

No tuition is charged for studying at the University of Potsdam (with the exception of a few continuing education courses). There is only an administrative fee, which is currently around 320 EUR. This semester contribution includes the "Deutschland Semester Ticket", which entitles you to free use of local public transport all over Germany.

Costs of living

The average monthly living expenditures of students at the University of Potsdam are 941 EUR, but this can vary between 600 and 1,100 EUR, largely depending on accommodation. A more detailed list of the average monthly expenditures of our students can be found here.

Funding opportunities within the university
No
Academic admission requirements

All information concerning the admission requirements can be found here.

German language skills
A2 required, please provide an official language certificate, e.g.:
  • UNIcert® Deutsch: UNIcert® Basis
  • telc Deutsch: telc Deutsch A2
  • ÖSD Zertifikat: A2
  • Goethe-Zertifikat: Goethe-Zertifikat A2
  • Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz (DSD): Deutsches Sprachdiplom A2
  • Reading: A2
  • Listening: A2
  • Speaking: A2
  • Writing: A2
English language skills
B2 required, please provide an official language certificate, e.g.:
  • IELTS Academic: 6
  • Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First
  • TOEFL iBT Home Edition (before 2026): 75
  • TOEFL iBT (before 2026): 75
  • UNIcert® English: UNIcert® II
Language requirements exemptions
Please find details on the course website.
Application periods
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the winter semester:
until 15 August
More information on application periods
Please find more details on this website.
Submit application via
Please check this website.
Possibility of finding part-time employment

Job opportunities for students alongside their studies are numerous. Depending on personal and professional skills, students can find jobs in the service sector (e.g. in restaurants, supermarkets, cinemas, museums, theatres, etc.) or work as student research assistants at the University of Potsdam or at one of the many non-university research institutions located in the area. Berlin, the capital city of Germany, is located just around the corner, and students can also find jobs there. Please see this website for further information.

Accommodation

There are several student dormitories in Potsdam. These are administered exclusively by Brandenburg's Association for Student Affairs ("Studierendenwerk West:Brandenburg"). You can apply for a room in one of these dormitories if you are under the age of 30. If you are a Master's student, you can only apply if the degree at the University of Potsdam is your first Master's programme. Additionally, there are also a few private dormitories in Potsdam, to which these conditions do not apply. However, many students prefer to find an apartment in Potsdam or Berlin, which they often share with fellow students. The housing market is very tight, so please start looking for an accommodation as early as possible.

For information on how to register for a dorm room or find accommodation elsewhere, please click here.

Career advisory services and programmes for future professionals

The Career Service of the University of Potsdam supports students and graduates who want to actively shape their careers. The aim is to ensure comprehensive career orientation and to provide opportunities for the development of professional skills. The Career Service offers workshops, seminars, and individual counselling. There are information pages on a wide range of occupational fields as well as a database of internships and jobs. Many of the services are also available in English. For more info, visit https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/career-service.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Buddy programme
  • Tutors
  • Specialist counselling
  • Visa matters
General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

The International Office and the Central Student Advisory Service support international students in preparing for and during their studies and life in Potsdam.
More information here

 

Support available to students with disabilities

More information here

Support available to students with dependants or children

More information here

University of Potsdam

University location

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.