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Faculty 2
Study programme Biotechnology Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Admission Requirements and Procedures

Please note: The international master's programme Biotechnology is a degree programme with limited admission (»numerus clausus«). Thus we have to wait with the publication of the evaluation results until all applications were processed (for international applicants including uni-assist's pre-check). Subsequently we have to create a ranking list.

Therefore, applicants should not expect to receive feedback before approximately the end of August and at end of February respectively (application deadline plus some further processing time).

All applications will be treated exactly as they were received in the application portal. Unfortunately, it is not possible to submit documents later or by other means.

Application Period for the Winter Semester 2026/27 – 4 Semester Version Only
  • for applicants with a foreign Master Entrance Qualification:
    20 April 2026 – 15 July 2026
    (via Uni-assist – you may switch to English in uni-assist by using the "Sprache" menu in the right upper corner)
  • for applicants with a German Master Entrance Qualification:
    20 April 2026 – 15 July 2026
    (via myBTU)
Application Period for the Summer Semester 2027 – 3 Semester Version Only
  • for applicants with a foreign Master Entrance Qualification:
    1 December 2026 to 15 January 2027
    (via uni-assist – you may switch to English in uni-assist by using the "Sprache" menu in the right upper corner)
  • for applicants with a German Master Entrance Qualification:
    1 December 2026 to 15 January 2027
    (via myBTU)
Subject-specific Requirements for Biotechnology
  • At least a bachelor's degree in the subject area or an equivalent degree with
    • 210 ECTS credits, equivalent to European 7 semester study (for the programme with a regular duration of 3 semesters) or
    • 180 ECTS credits, equivalent to European 6 semester study (for the programme with a regular duration of 4 semesters).
  • Relevant bachelor programs are in particular Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, and research-oriented Human or Veterinary Medicine (with focus on one of the previously mentioned subjects). Bachelor's (or other) degrees in other areas of Human or Veterinary Medicine and in Pharmacy are not accepted.
  • Degrees without a thesis or an equivalent publication are not accepted. Applicants have to submit the thesis/equivalent publication during the application process. (If the thesis/equivalent publication is not in English or German, you have to submit the paper(s) in the original language and to add a meaningful summary in English or German.)
  • At least 70 ECTS credits or 60 semester hours of biological, biomedical, biochemical or biophysical subjects in the bachelor's programme.
  • A proof of practical laboratory work of at least 18 weeks (e.g. during the preparation of the thesis, practical semester).
  • Applicants need a certificate of proficiency in English as described in this handout.
Where to Apply?
  • International applicants have to apply via uni-assist. Uni-assist verifies applications on their credentials – it does not grant admissions. If the verification of uni-assist is successful, the application is forwarded to BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg where we evaluate the application with regards to the admission to our programme. A submission of application documents directly to the university is not possible.
Application Documents
  • your fully completed and signed online application form (either BTU's Online Application Portal or uni-assist),
  • a simple copy of a document proving the completion of a bachelor's or higher level degree including a transcripts of records/list of subjects taken (if the original is not in English or German, then you need a translation to English or German from a sworn translator),
  • a simple copy of the higher education entrance qualification (a translation to English or German from a sworn translator is required if the original is not in English or German),
  • a concise up-to-date curriculum vitae with details about your educational history, lab experience, research interests, etc.,
  • thesis or equivalent publication (if the thesis/equivalent publication is not in English or German, you have to submit the paper(s) in the original language and to add a meaningful summary in English or German),
  • a proof of practical laboratory work (of at least 18 weeks),
  • a proof of English language skills (described in the handout, we do not accept "medium of instruction certificates" and any kind of expired tests, only valid certificates are recognized),
  • a simple copy of passport/official personal identification,
  • a simple copy of a valid residence permit for Germany, if available,
  • APS (Akademische Prüfstelle/Academic Verification Office) certificate for Chinese, Indian and Vietnamese applicants.

German language skills are not required for the application.

Changing Universities within Germany

For changing Universities within Germany you will additionally need a certificate of removal from the register of students (submit at the latest upon enrolment) and certificate of non-objection (proof of right to take examinations). Further information you may find here.