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How to apply

Applications for the winter term open on June 01. Application deadline is July 15.

Application Procedure

Applications are welcome from national and international graduates holding a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with a strong focus on biological sciences and practical biological training. Our Master programmes start every year in the winter term.

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.

1. Prepare your application

Inform yourself about the Master programme that interests you. In particular, read the information on admission criteria for the respective programme.

Collect all the documents you need for the application, explained down below.

VPD (only for applicants with non-german Bachelor degree)

If you have obtained your university degree outside Germany, you must submit a preliminary review documentation (VPD) issued for the University of Cologne from uni-assist.

Please note:

  • Experience shows that this process takes around six to eight weeks. Threfore, we recommend requesting the VPD as early as possible, not later June, 1st
  • Requesting a VPD to uni-assist does not count as an application for a Master program
  • You do not have to specify the study program of your choice in the application for the VPD. The VPD is valid university-wide for applications to all programs at the University of Cologne.
  • A VPD is only valid for one university, thus, you can only apply at the University of Cologne if the VPD is issued for the University of Cologne. For applications at other german Universities, you might need another VPD.
Application form

Complete the application form for your chosen master programme:

Diploma and Transcripts of record

Prepare one single 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 may be included to proof the biological content and practical training.

If you have not yet completed your Bachelor degree, at least 80% of the maximum credits must be certified as of the application deadline.

If 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 already holding a Master degree in Biology that was issued by a German University cannot be admitted.

CV

Prepare a CV (curriculum vitae) in English including 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.

Proof of English language proficiency

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

  • TOEFL: Paper-based 580 / Computer-based 237 / Internet-based 93
  • IELTS-Test: 6.5, level of each subcomponent at least 6.0
  • Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First, Cambridge English Scale 175
  • TOEIC: 460 (listening), 425 (reading) / 170 (writing), 175 (speaking)
  • German Abiturzeugnis/Hochschulzugangsberechtigung, specifying at least 6 years of English classes
  • Evidence of having completed a High School or Bachelor programme taught in English.
School leaving certificate

Submit your School leaving certificate (High School diploma, A Levels etc.).

2. Apply via KLIPS

All applicants have to submit their application documents via KLIPS. Applicants with a non-german Bachelor degree must also submit the preliminary review documentation (VPD) which was obtained from uni-assist via KLIPS.

Note: Bachelor students from the University of Cologne use their existing KLIPS account, external applicants have to create a new account.

3. Review

After the application deadline has passed, your application will be reviewed for formal and subject-related criteria. You can view the status of your application under the self-service view in KLIPS.

4. Admission

After reviewing the applications, the Admission Committee meets and decides how many admissions are granted. Subsequently, admission letters are sent out via e-mail.

Drei Holzblöcke nebeneinander auf einem Tisch positioniert mit dem Schriftzug FAQ. Jeder der drei Würfel hat einen der Buchstaben abgebildet

Do you have further questions regarding the application procedure?
Check our FAQ section!

In case of questions please contact: mscbiol-application(at)uni-koeln(dot)de

Application for a higher semester

General Information

If you already study in a Master's program and wish to change into one of our programmes, you can apply for an entry into a higher semester having previous courses acknowledged for your degree.

To apply for a higher semester, you need to have acquired knowlegde to a similar extent as you would have obtained in your desired Master program. Your achievements will be reviewed by the Examination Board deciding whether you are able to enter into a higher semester or not. Entry into a higher semester is only possible if places are available in the respective semester cohort.

Application deadlines:

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

The application portal for an entry into a higher semester will only be opened upon request after initial assessment of your previous achievements. Please contact the Examination Board well in advance if you are interested: mscbiol-office(at)uni-koeln(dot)de