The teaching language is English. Applicants whose native language is not English are required to certify their proficiency in English. Knowledge of German is not required.

Applications for winter term only

All applications have to be submitted via the application portal of the University of Cologne, KLIPS2. The application period starts June 1^st and the deadline is July 15^th.

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^th. After receiving your VPD complete the application via the application portal of the University of Cologne, KLIPS no later than July 15^th.

Application for a higher semester is only possible with change of location or cross entry and requires sufficient acknowledgements certified by the admission committee.

Application deadlines:

• summer term (2^nd or 4^th semester): 15^th of September
• winter term (3rd semester): 15^th of March

Information on the tuition fee at the University of Cologne and about general living costs in Cologne is given on the webpage of the International Office here.
Helpful details concerning accomodation are provided here.

Options are listeted here.

Required is

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

• that has a strong focus on biological sciences (for details see the programme specific application form below)
• 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 programme 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 specific MSc programme.

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. programme 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 specific Master programme

• Master of Science in Computational Biology
• Master of Science in Ecology, Evolution, and Environment
• Master of Science in Genetics and Biology of Aging and Regeneration
• Master of Science in Molecular Plant and Microbial Sciences
• Master of Science in Neuroscience

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 programme, e.g. a different Master programme, 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 6.0.

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 programme 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.