How to apply

Applications

Applications for the Master of Science in Biological Science study program are welcome from national and international graduates holding a Bachelor degree (or equivalent) with a strong focus on biological sciences and practical (hands-on) biological training.
The study program starts with the winter term in October of each year.

Applications will be assessed by a selection committee after the application deadline. Only complete applications submitted in English may be considered. A pre-assessment is not possible.
In case of questions please contact: mscbiol-applicationuni-koeln.de

General Information

Teaching Language

Application Deadlines

This year the application period at the University of Cologne starts in June only and the deadline is 31 July 2021

All applications have to be submitted via the application portal of the University of Cologne, KLIPS2. The application period starts mid-May and the deadline is July 15.

Applicants with a non-German degree preliminary review documentation (VPD) of their diplomas, certificates, and transcripts of records before submitting the document to the University. The VPD ensures compliance of your documents with German standards. Submit your application for the VPD to UniAssist no later than June 15. After receiving your VPD complete the application via the application portal of the University of Cologne, KLIPS no later than July 15.

Registration Fees & Housing

Fellowship & Funding

Instructions for Applicants

Requirements

Required is

(i) the certification of a Bachelor degree (or equivalent)

that has a strong focus on biological sciences
that includes practical (hands-on) training
that is graded 2.7 or better according to the German grading system

Note: The Bachelor degree must be completed before the enrolment date (Oct 1^st), while the completion of 80% of the Bachelor study program must be proven by the applications date.

(ii) proof of significant practical (hands-on) training in at least three of the following study areas: Biochemistry, Computational Biology, Plant Science, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology,
Genetics, Ecology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Neurobiology, Physiology, and Zoology.

(iii) proof of English proficiency (upper B2 level, as specified below)

(iv) a completed application form for the MSc in Biological Sciences program.

Step-by-Step Instructions

A. Applicants with a non-German Bachelor degree (or equivalent) apply for a preliminary review documentation (VPD) of their diplomas, certificates, and transcripts of records no later than June 15 at UniAssist.
Please note: There is only a VPD portal at UniAssist for all applications at the University of Cologne in gerneral. You do not have to select the specific M.Sc. Biological Sciences program during this step!

See the following screenshot and the website https://portal.uni-koeln.de/en/international/study-in-cologne/international-applications/master-students-prospective for further information.

B. All applicants

1. Complete the application form for the Master of Science in Biological Sciences.

2. Prepare a PDF-file that compiles copies of diplomas, certificates and transcripts of record, providing full details of the degree, the grades you have obtained, and the courses/modules you have taken. Module description maybe included to proof the biological content and practical training. Please bundle all documents related to the Bachelor degree (or equivalent) into one single PDF-file. Please note: at least 80% of the maximum Bachelor (or equivalent) credits must be certified as of the application deadline.

In case you have completed or started an additional study program, e.g. a different Master program, please prepare a second PDF-file that compiles all documents that certify the completion and/or study progress as well as the content of this program. Please note that applicants holding a Master degree in Biology that was issued by a German University cannot be admitted.

3. Prepare curriculum vitae (CV, in English). The CV should include your address, E-mail, education (including high school education and all University study programs, whether completed or not). Please include the contact details of two academic referees who are able to comment in detail on your capacity to cope with the academic demand of the program.

If applicable, the CV should include professional experience and other activities, publications, awards, and additional qualification, etc.

4. Non-native English speakers need to demonstrate upper level B2 English proficiency, according to European standard by submitting either

a. TOEFL, Paper-based 580 / Computer-based 237 / Internet-based 93

b. IELTS-Test: 6,5, level of each subcomponent at least 6.5.

c. Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First, Cambridge English Scale 175

d. TOEIC: 460 (listening), 425 (reading) / 170 (writing), 175 (speaking)

e. German Abiturzeugnis/Hochschulzugangsberechtigung, specifying at least 6 years of English classes.

f. evidence of having completed a High School or Bachelor program taught in English.

5. All applicants submit the application form, CV, PDF-files of study certificates, evidence of English language proficiency at the application portal of the University of Cologne: https://klips2-support.uni-koeln.de/en/. Applicants with a non-German degree must also submit the preliminary review documentation (VPD) which was obtained from UniAssist e.V.