Any applicants who have completed a relevant degree from a German university can apply directly through the university, regardless of whether or not they are German nationals. All other applications must be done via uni-assist.

The two sole criteria are:

1. suitable professional qualification (fachliche Eignung) and
2. English-language proficiency minimally corresponding to the B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Suitable professional qualification is typically given by having completed a Bachelor or higher-level degree in Biology or in a closely related field (e.g., behavioural biology, biodiversity, ecology, evolutionary biology, molecular genomics, neurobiology, or sensory biology).

Applying to start in the summer semester means that you are beginning the Master programme in a higher semester. As such, you must have unused credit points from Master-level courses that can be transferred to our programme. Note that a completed Master degree does not automatically permit you to apply in this case unless you indeed have the necessary leftover credit points.

Otherwise, the requirements are the same as for applying in the winter semester (i.e., suitable professional qualification and proof of B2 or better English-language proficiency). Acceptance is contingent on fulfilling all these requirements as well as there being available space in the higher semesters.

Yes. However, any extra courses needed for us to recognize suitable professional qualification (fachliche Eignung) in Biology must be completed and clearly documented at the time of application.

To be recognized as such, all additional qualifications must be independently documented in some form. Simply listing them in your CV does not count as sufficient verification.

No because the information contained in a letter of motivation cannot be used by us to rank the candidates. However, it can still prove useful in directing us to additional, relevant information in your application (e.g., additional qualifications).

Accepted tests include the following and must have been taken within the previous five years at the time of application:

• Cambridge English Language Assessment,
• IELTS,
• UNIcert,
• Pearson PTE Academic,
• TELC,
• TOEFL,
• TOEIC, or
• tests administered by the Language Centre of a German university.

Tests that we do not accept include:

• Duolingo English Test and
• EF Set.

No. But this proof must be provided to the Admissions Office by the start of the incoming semester (either September 30^th or March 31^st) at the latest.

Because the programme has a limited number of places (currently 30 per year), admission is done according to a ranked list of all candidates until all these places are filled. These rankings are based on a candidate’s grades (up to 6 points) and their additional qualifications (up to 5.5 points).

We strive to review all applications within three weeks after having received them all. Currently this equates to sometime during the first week of August. Thereafter, the Admissions Office of the university handles all further aspects of the admission process and will send out the first invitations within a few days of receiving the ranked list of candidates. Candidates that are qualified for admission but have not yet been offered a place are therefore on a waiting list.

Unfortunately not. Admission is done according to a ranked list of all candidates that can only be compiled after all the applications have been processed.

The status “valid” merely indicates that you are qualified for admission to the programme and not that you have been (or will be) officially admitted. Any offer of a place in the programme will come separately via an e-mail from the Admissions Office and is contingent on your ranking relative to all other candidates and the number of places still available for the upcoming academic year.

The offer of admission is valid for two weeks upon receiving notice of it. Should you not take up the offer in this time, the offer will be rescinded.

Yes. You can accept a place without having a valid visa and it is possible to defer your starting date should the visa not be ready in time for the start of the winter semester (beginning of October).

Yes. Deferral is possible until the beginning of April of the following year (= start of the summer semester). Applications for deferral must be made to the Admissions Office.

No. Because we can only admit 30 students per year, your acceptance of a place in the programme is valid for the upcoming academic year only. If you do not take up your place during this time, you will be removed from the programme and will need to reapply for the following academic year.