Life Science (Master of Science) University of Konstanz

Courses are held in English.

Life Science is a joint study programme of chemistry and biology. The interdisciplinary and research-oriented study programme addresses students with a fundamental background in both chemistry and biology (both required; including organic and physical chemistry, cell biology, genetics and biochemistry). By studying Life Science at the University of Konstanz, you will acquire a sound, high-quality scientific education that equally builds on chemistry and biology. You will be equipped with particular competence in the field of modern biomolecular research. In addition to the focus areas of classical biology and chemistry, biology focus areas are: biochemistry, bioinformatics, immunology, biochemical pharmacology, molecular genetics, microbiology, and cell biology. Chemistry focus areas include: bioorganic chemistry, cellular chemistry, and proteomics as well as carbohydrate, protein, and nucleic acids chemistry.

The study programme includes obligatory theory and laboratory courses in both chemistry and biology.

15 June for the following winter semester
15 January for the following summer semester

Students from a European Union (EU) member state or from the European Economic Area (EEA) are not required to pay tuition fees for their first degree in Germany.
Students from countries outside of the EU or EEA are required to pay 1,689 EUR in tuition fees per semester.

Please follow the link to our website: Combinations of modules in the Master's programme.

Chemistry and biology courses: Master's courses

The study programme includes obligatory theory and laboratory courses in both chemistry and biology.

Studying abroad during one semester (~30 ECTS) or a six weeks / three months internship in a research group abroad (9 / 18 ECTS) can be built into the study plan.

An industry internship of three months is to be completed during the Master's programme or an internship in a research group/university abroad.

1,689 EUR

Students from a European Union (EU) member state or from the European Economic Area (EEA) are not required to pay tuition fees for their first degree in Germany.
Students from countries outside of the EU or EEA are required to pay 1,689 EUR in tuition fees per semester.

Students currently pay the following fees per semester: administrative contribution + student welfare fee: 189 EUR

Please also check:

https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/international-office/study-in-konstanz/degree-studies/fees-and-scholarships/#c219152 

http://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/study/study-essentials/finances/financing-your-studies

The good news is: studying at German public universities is not expensive. For your stay, you will require a budget for daily life and certain study expenses. The cost of living for students in Konstanz is approx. 760 EUR per month.

Example of the average monthly living cost in Konstanz:
Rent (including utilities): 352 EUR
Food: 168 EUR
Clothing, laundry, personal hygiene: 42 EUR
Learning materials (books, copies): 20 EUR
Health insurance, medical care, medicine: 80 EUR
Phone, Internet, broadcasting fees: 31 EUR
Leisure time, culture, sports: 61 EUR

Entry requirements for the Master's Programme Life Science are:

1. Documentation of a three-year (or longer) study programme at a state or officially recognised institution of higher education or Berufsakademie (vocational academy) in the subject Life Science (minimum degree Bachelor of Sciences) or a related subject that includes fundamental knowledge in both chemistry (physical, inorganic and organic chem.) and biology (cell bio., gentics, biochemistry), both including laboratory courses and a detailed transcript of records
2. If the subject of your Bachelor's degree is a subject related to Life Science at the University of Konstanz, you have to have good assessments in the areas relevant for Life Science (organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology).

TOEFL test: 72 points or more; or Cambridge First Certificate in English; or IELTS: band scale 5.0 or better

Applicants with a Bachelor's degree from the following countries do not have to prove their English language skills: Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Malta, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa or the United States.

15 June for the following winter semester
15 January for the following summer semester

Students with great academic credentials and community service experience can apply for scholarships in Germany. In cases of unexpected financial hardship, the university will try to help with emergency financial support. For an overview of financial support options, check out our websites:
https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/international-office/study-in-konstanz/degree-studies/fees-and-scholarships/#c219152
http://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/study/study-essentials/finances/financing-your-studies
For example, you may apply for the Deutschlandstipendium. The scholarship amounts to 300 EUR per month and is awarded without regard to income for a minimum of two semesters.

If you want to earn some extra cash while you study, you can get a student job. The university administration and many departments offer student assistant jobs. You can find a number of advertisements for jobs both on and off campus on online platforms (in German):

Jobbörse Seezeit: the job portal of our student services called Seezeit

Hilfskraftstellen an der Universität | Datenbank Career Service: our career service’s job portal

Jobs are also posted on the university’s notice boards in the foyer and canteen areas as well as in the departments.

There are a number of possibilities for accommodation for students: in apartments, flat shares, or residence halls run by the university. Check out our website, where we provide an overview of the different options as well as general tips. You can also contact the team of our International Office for advice on housing.

Please note that it is important to begin your search for accommodation as early as possible since our city and surroundings are very popular not only with students but also with families and outdoor enthusiasts. Since both Switzerland and Lake Constance border Konstanz, the available living space is limited and not always inexpensive.