Master of Science in Biology Freie Universität Berlin

The programme is offered completely in English. All modules will be taught in English.

Students have the opportunity to specialise in one of the biological subject areas such as "Biodiversity Evolution and Ecology", "Genetics and Genomics", "Microbiology", "Molecular and Cell Biology", "Molecular Plant Sciences", or "Neuro and Behavioural Biology" of their choice through a flexible module selection and early specialisation options. Alternatively, they can acquire cross-sectional qualifications by participating in modules from various specialisations.

As a result of the wide range of research institutions in Berlin, the Master's programme in Biology offers a large scope of modules from different areas in biology. This is possible with the inclusion of scientists from research institutions in the course programme like Robert-Koch-Institut, Charité, Leibniz-Institut für Gewässerökologie und Binnenfischerei, Max-Delbrück-Zentrum für Molekulare Medizin, Botanischer Garten and Botanisches Museum, and Berlin-Brandenburgisches Institut für Biodiversitätsforschung. During the project phase and production of the Master's thesis, students also have the opportunity to cooperate with research institutions from the region of Berlin, e.g. MPI für molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, MPI für molekulare Genetik, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung, Leibniz-Institut für Zoo- und Wildtierforschung, and more.

Application and registration period: 15 April – 31 May
Please see this link.

A proof of 120 credit points is required for the Master's programme in Biology. It consists of the following fields:

1. Introduction area (15 CP)
2. Supplementary area (60 CP)
3. Project area (15 CP)
4. Master's thesis with accompanying colloquium (30 CP)

The introductory area includes two modules that enables students to get an overview of the different research areas at the Institute of Biology of FU Berlin and an introduction to advanced biostatistics. In the supplementary area, one can choose between a substantial numbers of module variants. Therefore, the field of specialisation in the course study can be made. In order to guarantee research-oriented teaching in keeping with current methods, there is a high fluctuation of module variants. Each current module variant can be found on the website. There is a broad spectrum of module variants offered each semester. The project field gives students the opportunity to be part of a research project in different working groups at the Institute of Biology of FU Berlin or at non-academic research centres located in Berlin. Students can participate in these research projects in up to two modules.

Our lecturers are characterised by the fact that they have experience abroad and lead international research groups that cooperate with many international partners. In our very research-oriented Master's programme, students come into contact with international and intercultural aspects in various ways in their courses, their research project(s) and their Master's theses.

In addition, we have many research contacts with partners in Germany and abroad, and we are increasingly integrating them into our Master's teaching. Among other things, we are developing joint events with partners from UNA Europe Universities.

We recommend and support students in taking periods of study or research projects abroad, such as by clarifying possible credits or recognitions in advance.

With the research project, a 15 ECTS internship is a compulsory part of the degree programme and with the 10 ECTS project, and a second internship can be included as an option.

No tuition fees

In total, the semester contribution amounts to 326.40 EUR. It includes a fee of 181.40 EUR for the transportation ticket contribution. This allows you to use local public transport in Berlin and nationwide for free. Other costs covered by the semester contribution include a 50 EUR enrolment fee, a 85 EUR semester contribution to the student support service ("studierendenWERK Berlin"), and a 10 EUR contribution to the student union.

Compared to other European countries, the cost of living in Germany is quite reasonable. However, the cost of living has also risen somewhat in Germany in recent years. The prices for food, accommodation, clothing, cultural events, etc. are slightly above the EU average. You will need around 900 to 1,300 EUR each month to cover your living expenses. The biggest expense is monthly rent, which is between 400 and 700 EUR in Berlin.

For admittance to the Master’s programme, applicants need to fulfil the following admission requirements:

A Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Freie Universität Berlin or other equivalent degree from a programme whose content and structure are commensurate with those of the above mentioned Bachelor’s programme

Proof of English and German language skills (details below)

Applicants whose first language is not English and who have not obtained their university degree at an educational institution where English is the language of instruction must provide evidence of English language skills at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Applicants who have obtained their degree from a foreign university or equivalent institution or have completed a non-German-speaking course of study must provide evidence of German language skills at the A1 level of the CEFR.

Platforms/programmes such as Webex, Blackboard and others are made available for studying and teaching.

Application and registration period: 15 April – 31 May
Please see this link.

The Deutschlandstipendium scholarship enables students at Freie Universität Berlin (FU Berlin) from all nations and walks of life to fully concentrate on their studies. The programme supports talented students with 300 EUR per month. To apply, you must already be enrolled and be within the standard period of time given to complete your degree during the funding period, or you must have a letter of acceptance to start a degree programme at Freie Universität Berlin.

There are many ways of earning money while you study, for example as waiting staff, academic assistants, or private tutors. Knowledge of German will improve your chances of finding a part-time job, but it isn’t necessarily required. However, it is important to be aware of the legal regulations.

The student support service at the university, called "studierendenWERK Berlin", and the local representative of the "Bundesagentur für Arbeit" (Federal Employment Agency) can provide information about jobs for students. When searching for a job, look at online job boards, notice boards on campus, and ads in local newspapers.

You have the option to stay in a public/private student dormitory or in a private (shared) apartment. Student dormitories are not administrated by the university itself, so Freie Universität Berlin does not have any on-campus housing. However, it works together with "studierendenWERK Berlin" regarding student accommodation.

If you do not wish to stay in a student dormitory, you can try to find a room or an apartment on the private housing market. Many students in Berlin live in shared apartments ("WGs"). You can find these offers online (e.g. WG-Gesucht or Kleinanzeigen) or on notice boards on campus.

Available rooms/apartments near the university are rare. Therefore, students mostly commute from other parts of the city. The commute via public transportation usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour, which is considered a normal travel time in Berlin due to the size of the city.

The Career Service of Freie Universität Berlin aims to support international students at Freie Universität by providing information, advice, and events related to career planning, internships, and job applications.

The International Student Support team at FU Berlin regularly offers information events that include Q&A sessions. While personal office hours are not available due to our team size, students can contact Info-Service Study for general inquiries or seek assistance from the General Academic Advisory Service or Psychological Counselling for more complex concerns. Additionally, the team continually enhances its expertise in international affairs, thereby contributing to FU Berlin's internationalisation process.

Freie Universität Berlin is a young, modern university offering a wide range of degree programmes across all academic disciplines. Today, approximately 33,000 students are enrolled in around 170 degree programmes spanning the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and life sciences. Economics, Law, Global History, Physics, English Studies, Biodiversity, and Cognitive Neuroscience are just a few examples of the wide variety of subjects offered at Freie Universität Berlin.

As a leading research institution, Freie Universität Berlin has held the status of a University of Excellence awarded by the German government for almost 20 years. It is part of the only University Consortium of Excellence in Germany – the Berlin University Alliance – which includes four prestigious partners: Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin.

Freie Universität Berlin is highly international in its outlook. It maintains partnerships with numerous universities worldwide and operates liaison offices in Cairo, Eastern Europe (Tbilisi, Georgia), New Delhi, and São Paulo. Around 22 percent of students in undergraduate and graduate programmes come from abroad, as do 42 percent of doctoral candidates. Many lecturers and professors also have international backgrounds. At Freie Universität Berlin, you will meet people from all over the world.

A variety of support services make it easier to begin your studies, especially for international students and those new to Berlin. Examples include orientation week, the mentorship programme, the peer programme, and the Student Services Center.

The university sports programme, ranging from Aikido to Zumba, is also very popular. Numerous cafeterias and dining halls across campus offer food and beverages, often including fair trade, organic, vegetarian, and vegan options.

Environmental protection and sustainability are key values at Freie Universität Berlin. There are many opportunities to get involved in related initiatives and student-led projects.

In addition, Freie Universität Berlin actively supports entrepreneurs. Through its start-up support network, students, researchers, and alumni receive guidance on turning innovative ideas into successful businesses – from the initial concept to market readiness.

Freie Universität Berlin is one of the leading universities in Germany’s capital. It is located in the leafy district of Dahlem, in the southwestern part of the city. Most of the university’s facilities are situated on the Dahlem campus, making it a central hub for academic life in a uniquely green setting. No other university campus in Berlin offers as much greenery and open space.

Just step outside the university buildings to enjoy the outdoors — have lunch on one of the many terraces or rooftops, or explore the green spaces nestled between the buildings. In the summer, you can cool off after class with a swim in nearby Krumme Lanke or head to Freie Universität’s water sports centre at Wannsee.

Dahlem is also home to one of the largest botanical gardens in Europe, offering a peaceful escape just a few steps from campus life.

Thanks to excellent public transportation connections, the heart of Berlin is easily accessible. The U3 subway line directly links Dahlem with popular central neighbourhoods such as Schöneberg, Kreuzberg, and Friedrichshain, and all other districts can also be reached quickly and conveniently.