Master of Science in Biotechnology (MBT)
Offenburg, Germany
MSc
DURATION
4 semesters
LANGUAGES
German, English, Polish
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
31 Mar 2027
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2027
TUITION FEES
EUR 1,500 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* 320 EUR administrative and service fees; Additionally for non-EU citizens: 1500EUR per semester
Key Summary
About: The Master of Science in Biotechnology (MBT) is an English-taught joint degree of Offenburg University of Applied Sciences and the University of Warmia and Mazury (UWM), Olsztyn. It covers bioprocesses, bioeconomy, food and environmental biotechnology and the shift to a bio-based industry. The programme lasts three semesters: winter in Offenburg, summer in Olsztyn; students with shorter Bachelor's add a semester. Master's thesis may be prepared at Offenburg, UWM, another university, a research institute, or an industrial company.
Career Outcomes: Graduates can work as bioprocess engineers, biotechnologists, R&D scientists, or in product development, quality control, regulatory affairs, sustainable energy and bioeconomy consultancy, or pursue doctoral study.
Master of Science in Biotechnology (MBT)
Join in on the transition from an oil-based to bio-based industry and sustainable energy supply or find, for example, an innovative solution to secure the food supply of the world's population!
The English-taught Master's degree program in Biotechnology (MBT) provides you with the qualification to participate in the solution development for crucial issues of our future. The focus of the program is on bioeconomics, especially in the field of environment and nutrition. It is designed for three semesters of full-time study and awards the title of Master of Science.
The MBT program is organized jointly by Offenburg University of Applied Sciences and the University of Warmia and Mazury (UWM) in Olsztyn/Poland. It is the only internationally cooperative Master's program in biotechnology in the state of Baden-Württemberg and offers the opportunity to earn a double degree from the two partner universities.
The UWM in Poland is a traditional university with a strong focus on research. Offenburg is a smaller-sized institution, and students here benefit from more personal attention by instructors and staff, comprehensive support services, and close cooperation with the local industry and other business partnerships.
Study Program
The English-taught, Master's degree program in Biotechnology (MBT) prepares graduates for the growing market of biotechnology with detailed expertise in the field of bioeconomics, particularly food and the environment.
The program usually takes three semesters to complete. The courses of the winter semester are held in Offenburg, the summer semester at our partner university in Olsztyn/Poland.
In case a student's Bachelor's degree (which is required) comprised less than seven semesters, an additional semester for a scientific project or equivalent courses from a defined course catalog at Offenburg University has to be included as well.
Each of the partner universities offers a study semester in its respective field of study:
- Offenburg - Bioprocesses, and Bioeconomy
- Olsztyn - Food and Environmental Biotechnology
The Master's thesis can be prepared at any suitable institution of your choice:
- University of Warmia and Masury/Poland
- Offenburg University/Germany
- Another suitable university
- Research Institute
- Industrial company
Program at a Glance
Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Language of instruction: English
Duration of program: 3 semesters
Beginning of study program: Winter semester (October)
End of Application: March 31
Internship: Professional experience preferred
Selection procedure: Yes
Accreditation: In preparation
ECTS: 90 credits
Studying at Offenburg University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule Offenburg) is a strong choice if you value practical experience over pure theory and want to be at the heart of Europe’s industrial engine.
Here are the primary reasons students choose Offenburg:
1. Strong Career Prospects & "Industry on Campus"
Located in Baden-Württemberg—Germany's industrial powerhouse—the university has deep ties with global companies like Herrenknecht, Hubert, and Burda Media.
- Practical Focus: Programs are designed with industry input, often involving mandatory internships and projects with local firms.
- Job Market: The "Southern Upper Rhine" region is home to many "Hidden Champions" (highly successful medium-sized companies), providing a direct pipeline for engineering and IT graduates.
2. Specialized International Programs
Offenburg is well-known for its Graduate School, which offers several Master’s programs taught entirely in English.
- Global Community: Over 13% of the student body is international, creating a multicultural environment that is welcoming to non-German speakers.
3. Location: The Heart of the "Trinational" Region
Offenburg sits in a unique geographic "sweet spot" near the borders of France and Switzerland.
- Cross-Border Opportunities: You are only 20 minutes from Strasbourg, France, and close to Basel, Switzerland. The university participates in the TriRhenaTech alliance, allowing for academic and research collaboration across three countries.
- The Black Forest: If you enjoy the outdoors, the Black Forest is essentially your backyard, offering hiking, skiing, and the famous Wine Hiking Day every September.
4. High Quality of Life, Low Cost
Compared to major German hubs like Munich or Stuttgart, Offenburg offers a more manageable cost of living.
- Affordable Housing: Student dorms (run by the Studierendenwerk Freiburg) are located right next to campus, with "warm rents" (including utilities and internet) often ranging from €300 to €500.
- Personal Support: As a smaller university (approx. 4,000 students), the professor-to-student ratio is excellent. You aren't just a number in a lecture hall of 500; you have direct access to your instructors.
5. Research & Innovation
Despite its size, the university is a leader in applied research.
- ChallengeEU: Offenburg coordinates a European University Alliance involving 9 partner universities, focusing on transforming higher education for future societal challenges.
- State-of-the-Art Labs: Because it is a University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule), the labs are equipped for hands-on technical training in robotics, renewable energy, and media production.