Study Biology in Germany
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Erudera's Complete Guide to Studying in Biology in Germany
Germany is an excellent and affordable country to study. Almost 400,000 international students are currently pursuing their university studies in Germany. German higher education institutions provide world-class teaching and research. These universities offer internationally recognized qualifications and countless opportunities to advance in whatever career path you may choose as a Biology major. For non-German speakers, there is a wide array of English-taught master’s programs in several disciplines of Biology.
Here’s everything you need to know about studying Biology in Germany:
Reasons to Study Biology in Germany
An Increasing Number of English-Taught Programs
Due to the increasing number of international students wishing to study in Germany, there is also greater demand for English-taught programs, either at the undergraduate or postgraduate level. Many universities in Germany offer English-taught master’s programs in Germany, which is advantageous to prospective students who wish to study in Germany but can’t speak the German language. There are actually almost 150 master’s programs in the field of Natural Sciences in Germany, taught entirely in English.
Work Opportunities Through Post-Study Work Visa
Germany is a developed country, with one of the largest economies in Europe and the world, which is in itself one of the top reasons to study Biology in Germany. What makes Germany convenient to pursue your Biology degree is that Germany is a nation that strives to keep young talent close. Nationals of countries that need a visa to study in Germany have the opportunity to stay in the country for up to 18 months after graduation to look for employment in their field of study, i.e., biology, in this case. Securing an employment contract allows graduates to work and live in Germany for the duration of their contract.
Increasing Number of International Students
The ever-increasing number of international students in Germany makes Germany a multicultural and diverse country. If you decide to pursue your Biology degree in Germany, you will find yourself among a wide range of cultures and traditions, and connect with people from all around the world. Germany has a fascinating culture on its own; however, what is especially beneficial to international students is the cultural exchange and personal growth they experience during their studies in Germany.
Great Education and Healthcare System
What makes the higher education system in Germany excellent is not simply the fact that it provides world-class qualifications; but also the fact that it is accessible to everyone. Whether you are an international student or a national student, you will receive an affordable education. Most public universities in Germany abolished their tuition fees in 2014, asking students to pay only an administrative fee (of up to €250/$305 per semester). A perfect match to this regulation is the fact that Germany has a very high quality of healthcare. Due to its doctors, specialists, and facilities, it is actually one of the best healthcare systems in the world.
Requirements
Academic requirements to study for a bachelor’s degree in Biology in Germany include:
- Signed application form.
- University entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent).
- Current Resume.
- Letter of Motivation.
- Proof of professional experience/internships (if applicable).
- Proof of German language proficiency (for German-taught programs).
- Proof of English language proficiency (for English-taught programs).
- Preliminary Documentation (VPD) by Uni-Assist (for international applicants).
- Aptitude recommendation in the form of an interview (when applicable).
Note: Students whose university entrance qualification is not recognized by German universities (non-EU/EEA nationals) should enter a one-year preparatory course known as Studienkolleg in Germany. Passing an exam (Feststellungsprüfung) at the end of this course makes you eligible for entrance at German universities.
Academic requirements to study for a master’s degree in Biology in Germany:
- Bachelor of Science degree (usually a total of 180 ECTS-credits) in Biology or a related field.
- Proficiency in German or English (depending on the medium of instruction).
- Bachelor's thesis (at least 10 ECTS-credits) for some programs.
- Aptitude Assessment in the form of an interview (when applicable).
Application Process
National students and EU/EEA nationals usually apply through universities’ online portals for application. The only difference is that non-EU/EEA students have to initially send their documents for verification at the national service provider known as Uni-Assist. After having their documents verified by Uni-Assist, they should submit their documents (including the certificate issued by Uni-Assist) to the respective university’s online portal for applications.
Degree Duration: How Long Does It Take to Study Biology in Germany?
A bachelor’s degree in Biology in Germany takes six semesters to complete (three years of full-time study). Students learn anything from relevant biological disciplines to customized and interdisciplinary knowledge during this undergraduate program due to the wide range of electives offered. Master’s programs in Biology disciplines usually take no less than four semesters to complete, meaning two years of full-time study.
Tuition Fees: How Much Does It Cost to Study Biology in Germany?
Most German public universities do not charge tuition fees. Students must pay an administrative fee per semester (which is typically no higher than €250). Baden-Württemberg is the only one of the 16 German federal states where non-EU students pay tuition fees at public universities. Tuition fees at public universities in this state are €1,500 per semester. Private universities can charge up to €20,000 per year for Biology degree programs in Germany.
Biology Careers in Germany
There is a wide variety of career paths one can undertake with a degree in Biology in Germany. Such careers include employment in research, healthcare, environmental conservation, or even education or scientific publishing. Biology graduates typically choose to study at the postgraduate level as well, specializing in a related field. Germany’s strong economy ensures that there is a wealth of employment opportunities for young talents.
Plenty of companies in several industries are hiring for individuals with the skillsets learned through Biology education. Such sectors include Biotech & Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, Information Technology, and even Media. Depending on the job and professional experience, Biology majors tend to earn quite a lot financially. For example, a biologist in Germany earns an average salary of €7,600 (~$9,300) per month.
