English
Application for EU citizens
1 March to 15 June (winter semester)
Application for non-EU citizens
1 March to 15 June (winter semester)
The food industry is a highly complex environment. Besides the overwhelming variety of ingredients they contain, our food products are produced, traded, and processed globally. Quality assurance and quality enhancement must come to terms with this complexity, as must the legal framework and new technical innovations. Unique in Germany, the "Food Quality and Safety" Master's degree programme at the University of Bayreuth addresses some of the greatest challenges of the 21st century: the sustainable production and distribution of healthy food of the highest possible quality, feeding a steadily growing world population, and optimising existing supply chains while developing new ones. Complex problems require interdisciplinary solutions. This is where the scientific, legal, and economic skills you will acquire, thanks to this programme's interdisciplinary scope, will come to the fore.
In this two-year Master's programme, you will be introduced to problems, work on concrete case studies, and be included in current research projects. You will acquire skills in the following areas: Biology, Human Biology, Food Chemistry, Data Science / Bioinformatics / Statistics, Food Law, Trade Law, Safety and Risk Management Law, Quality Management, Food Supply Chain Management, and Science Communication.
The Master's programme in "Food Quality and Safety" (MSc) takes four semesters (full-time) and comprises 120 ECTS credits. In each semester 30 ECTS credits are earned. The programme is structured in modules.
The subject-oriented modules in the field of Biology and Biochemistry of Food, Human Biology, Food Chemistry, Data Science / Bioinformatics / Statistics, Law, Management and Science Communication will provide you with fundamental technical and methodological skills. Furthermore, the possibility to study in an interdisciplinary and intercultural setting as well as the successful completion of case studies and the mandatory internship will strengthen your communication and professional skills.
The study programme takes place at the newly-founded Faculty of Life Sciences: Food, Nutrition and Health in Kulmbach (around 25 km away from the main campus of the University of Bayreuth). Kulmbach is home not only to some globally recognised companies in the food industry but is also to the Max Rubner Institute, the Bavarian Control Authority for Food Safety and Veterinary Medicine, the State Technical College for Food Technology, and the Kulmbach Clinical Centre. In this dynamic environment, this new interdisciplinary and international campus is established, which brings together different perspectives of natural sciences, economics, law, social and behavioural sciences in a unique way. Be part of it and apply for the Master's programme! We are looking forward to welcoming you in Kulmbach.
Get a deeper understanding of the Faculty of Life Sciences upfront by enrolling in the University of Bayreuth’s Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) "Conscious Grocery Shopping: Sustainability, Nutrition, Health and Law". The free audit track is a great way to get to know the lecturers and the research at the University of Bayreuth. On top of that, you can earn a certificate after passing an exam (paid verified track).
A mandatory internship provides an inside view and experience that is crucial for an orientation in the job market. You will get the chance to apply your theoretical knowledge to practical issues and thus deepen your knowledge. You are free to choose the place that best suits your interests. If you need help in finding an internship, of course, we will give you adequate support.
In Germany, students at all higher education institutions pay a semester contribution. This payment (University of Bayreuth: 143 EUR per semester) has nothing to do with tuition fees; rather, it covers your contributions to student services and the student government. At the University of Bayreuth (which combines the campus in Bayreuth and our Faculty VII located in Kulmbach), it includes a "semester ticket" that allows you to use public transportation in the region.
The cost of living in Germany, e.g. accommodation, food, clothing and recreational activities, is about average compared to other European countries. Living expenses are significantly lower than in countries like Denmark, Luxembourg or Switzerland, but they are rather high compared to countries like Poland, the Czech Republic or Italy. Compared to other large German cities, such as Munich, Berlin or Hamburg, Bayreuth's low cost of living and affordable housing make the city and the region particularly attractive to young people and families. You can find an example what the monthly costs could be here: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en/cost-of-living.
Scholarships for international students: International students and doctoral researchers have the opportunity to apply for a study grant at the International Office. Limited funding from the State of Bavaria and the DAAD is available for this purpose. The application deadline for the winter semester is 31 August and for the summer semester 28 February. All grants can be awarded for up to two semesters.
Unfortunately, first-semester students cannot be funded, i.e. applications cannot be submitted until the second semester of study for funding starting in the third semester of study. Above all, academic achievements from the previous semester are decisive for the evaluation of the application.
The academic admission requirement is a university degree with a final grade of 2.5 ("gut") or better in the Bachelor's programmes Biology or Biochemistry, or a comparable degree in the field of Life Sciences.
Applicants from outside the EU who have obtained their degree abroad also have to upload the application documents via uni-assist and undergo a fee-based special procedure. Applicants can find the relevant information for the document checking process here.
There will be an aptitude test.
For further information on the application process, please visit our website.
Proof of English language skills: Test results proving CEFR Level C1 (IELTS: 7.0 or better; Cambridge: Certificate in Advanced English (CAE); TOEFL: 95 or better)
Proof of German language skills: Test results proving CEFR Level A1 (can be obtained during the first year of the programme)
Application for EU citizens
1 March to 15 June (winter semester)
Application for non-EU citizens
1 March to 15 June (winter semester)
Online application through CAMPUSonline
You can find further details via this link.
There are many ways for international students to earn money while they study, but there are some restrictions. For more detailed information, please visit the DAAD website.
The University of Bayreuth’s Career Services team provides a central interface between student and professional life. The team offers guidance and support to students of all subjects with regard to starting their careers.
Accommodation for students
Bayreuth and Kulmbach have a number of student dormitories (both private dormitories and dormitories offered by the Association for Student Affairs) and a vast array of private rooms available. Under no circumstances should you assume that you will be assigned a room in the student dormitories! You will need to actively search for a room on your own – either in a private dormitory or on the private market.
More information regarding accommodation for students is available here: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en/accommodation. Please also read the DAAD’s information.
Accommodation for international guests
All other international guests are requested to register via the Welcome Services Database (WelSe).
Accommodation for short visits
For short visits, we recommend searching for accommodation on Airbnb. In addition, a limited number of apartments are available in the Alexander von Humboldt Guest House.
Faculty-specific Study Service
Here you will find helpful information regarding studying in Kulmbach.
International, innovative, and interdisciplinary in research and teaching
Top-notch research, state-of-the-art teaching methods, international influences, diversity, and a springboard to a successful career – these are all things the University of Bayreuth stands for.
The University of Bayreuth is a dynamic campus university with currently about 13,000 students. Beyond the interdisciplinary research focus and excellence in teaching, the university has a clear vision of social responsibility and entrepreneurship. In the middle of Kulmbach, our new satellite campus unites the perspectives of natural science, economics, law, social sciences, and behavioural science in one place in a way that has not yet been seen in Germany.
We have a close network of strategically selected, international research partners, and we have strategic partnerships with universities around the globe. A wide range of innovative BA, MA and PhD programmes as well as our international summer schools are conducted in English. There are presently around 1,770 international students from more than 100 countries on the Bayreuth and Kulmbach campuses. Focus areas in research include Nonlinear Dynamics, Polymer and Colloid Science, Molecular Biosciences, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, New Materials, African Studies, High Pressure and High Temperature Research, Cultural Encounters and Transcultural Processes, Innovation and Consumer Protection, Food and Health Sciences, Energy Research and Energy Technology, Governance and Responsibility.
Our university has an outstanding staff-to-student ratio. Our high performance levels, multidisciplinary collaborations and scientific excellence result in high-ranking positions. In the 2021 THE ranking of “475 under 50”, the University of Bayreuth once again achieved a top position among the best universities in Germany. We have proven expertise in campus and curriculum internationalisation, which is confirmed by the results of the extended internationalisation audit conducted by the German Rectors’ Conference, a close and successful project cooperation with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and a number of Alexander von Humboldt Awards for our international management and service.
Welcome to our one-of-a-kind campus in Bavaria!
It is both the heart of our university and a source of inspiration. It is where friendships are made, collaboration is initiated, and ideas are conceived, ensuring that our university remains a beacon of innovation. Scientific exchange profits tremendously from the wide variety of disciplines our communicative campus brings together.
For a closer look at our university, have a look here: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en.
Welcome to Bavaria!
Seventy-six thousand people from 145 nations chose the city of Bayreuth as their new home, and those numbers are steadily rising. Because of its 13,000 students, Bayreuth is the third-youngest city in Germany. Living here means not getting stuck in traffic jams every morning. The short distances in Bayreuth allow you to leave your car at home and to walk or ride your bike to work and to campus.
Career & Networking
The Welcome Service at the University of Bayreuth is here to assist you with any questions regarding living and working in the region of Bayreuth. The team of our International Office provides guidance and support for all international students, scholars, and their families before, during and after their stay at the University of Bayreuth. The aim is to ensure a quick, trouble-free and thus successful start as well as an unforgettable stay on our friendly campus in Bayreuth and Kulmbach.
A good climate for your entrepreneurial spirit
The University of Bayreuth takes its role as a regional motor of innovation very seriously. The Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation was set up to help students gain the necessary qualifications in the area of entrepreneurial and innovative thinking and acting. In doing so, we nurture our students’ willingness and ability to start their own companies. Our Adviser for Start-Ups provides start-ups and prospective start-ups with confidential guidance and support. Strong innovation and research institutions combined with high-performance medium-sized companies make for a steady rise in workforce and a guarantee for job security.
Your new home away from home
Bayreuth and Kulmbach offer a fast variety of childcare services as well as affordable living space. Step outside your front door and enjoy the recreational activities. Scenic northern Bavaria is great for sports activities: cycling, hiking, mountain-climbing, canoeing, rafting, and skiing are all excellent ways to enrich your leisure time. However, if you do happen to crave the feel of a bigger city now and then, Nuremberg is only a one-hour train ride away and Munich is only two and a half hours away. You can reach Berlin in four hours by car or bus and Leipzig in half that time.
Why you should study in Bayreuth: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en/study-in-bayreuth
Have a great start. We look forward to meeting you!
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