Study Bioengineering in Germany

Courses in bioengineering are interdisciplinary and combine the fields of natural sciences and engineering. In addition to an understanding of biological processes and their technical application, these courses also convey knowledge of a broad spectrum of engineering tools and methods. Mathematics, chemistry, thermodynamics, and process technology are linked with a proficiency in genetic engineering and bioprocess technology as well as molecular and cell biology.

Biotechnology and bionics are areas in the bioengineering field of study. Especially in bionics, tricks from nature are imitated to develop novel technology, e.g., wind turbines that bend in the wind like blades of grass, or coatings that water rolls off of in a lotus effect.

Courses in bioengineering not only provide you with solid theoretical knowledge but often also include a large portion of practical education in the most modern laboratory methods.

Courses of study in bioengineering are offered both at universities and universities of applied sciences (a little more often at the latter). So you can choose between a more theory-focused approach to learning or a more practical approach. At both types of higher education institutions, the programmes follow a similar standard course of study. Completing a Bachelor’s degree usually takes six to seven semesters, while a Master’s degree most often lasts three or four semesters, including the semester for writing your thesis. You will almost always be required to complete an internship; sometimes before, sometimes during your studies. Internships can last from several weeks to months. Be mindful, when applying for an internship position (usually at a company or research institute in the field of chemistry, biology or biotechnology): picking the right place can be useful for your studies and your career.

To be eligible to study bioengineering requires a university entrance qualification or something equivalent. A numerus clausus (NC), i.e., a minimum grade, can be mandatory for entry into a bioengineering programme. To qualify for a Master’s programme you will need an undergraduate degree in bioengineering or a similar subject. At German higher education institutions, there are some programmes that conduct courses or the complete programme in English; proof of language skills will be necessary if you are interested in them. As requirements for entry into higher education institutions can vary, it’s always best to check them in good time before the application deadlines. If you still have questions, simply contact the relevant office at your higher education institution of choice – you can do this right here via My GUIDE.

Enrolling at a public higher education institution in Germany is most often tuition-free, so studying in Germany can be a relatively inexpensive experience. What you will have to pay is the so-called semester contribution. It usually ranges anywhere from 100 to 400 euros per semester – compared internationally, that is really not much. Sometimes your semester contribution covers a ticket for local public transport or you can purchase a discounted ticket. Depending on where you study, this may be valid for the city, the region or even for all of Germany. Ask your higher education institution whether such an offer is currently available. If you choose to study at a private higher education institution, it is very likely that you will have to pay much higher tuition fees, such as in the tens of thousands.

Housing expenses will claim a substantial part of your budget, although, if you research it up ahead, you can find ways to save money here. Depending on the city you decide to study in the price of housing can be above or below average. Larger cities are usually more expensive and it can be hard finding an affordable place to stay. Smaller and less well-known cities will come relatively cheaper. Either way, check out if you have the option of staying in a hall of residence of your local Studierendenwerk – that will probably be your cheapest option. As soon as you have decided on where you want to study, you should start looking, as halls of residence can fill up quickly. Here, you can find information on local halls of residence and the respective application process for most cities. Other costs are difficult to estimate as they depend on your lifestyle choices.

If your budget is something you worry about, you can check whether your higher education institution offers financial aid. To finance your studies in Germany, you should also find out about scholarships. There are many different scholarship programmes and excellent grades are not the only deciding factor. You can learn more about scholarships here and find suitable programmes directly on My GUIDE.

With a degree in bioengineering, you can expect a wide variety of opportunities due to the broad qualifications you will have. You can find work in the pharmaceutical industry, medical technology, environmental protection, or e.g. food production. If you plan to go into research you should complete a Master’s degree and maybe even add a PhD. Bioengineering graduates can expect to earn a starting salary in line with the average for the engineering sciences. With a Master‘s degree, the salary increases substantially.