At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€8k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Master of Science (M.Sc.)Degree Awarded
- 4 Semesters (2 years)Standard Duration
- 120 ECTSCredits
- Straubing CampusMain Location
- EnglishLanguage of Instruction
- InterdisciplinaryProgram Focus
The Master's program in Bioeconomy at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) prepares students to navigate and shape the global shift towards sustainable resource and technology management. With a focus on the climate crisis and raw material scarcity, this interdisciplinary program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to implement economically, ecologically, and socially sustainable transformation processes. Students will gain a deep understanding of economic processes, alongside biological, chemical-material, and technical principles, with a strong emphasis on environmental, behavioral, and innovation economics. Located at the Straubing campus, this full-time, English-taught program spans four semesters and awards 120 ECTS credits. It is designed for those committed to developing viable solutions for sustainable value creation, whether in academic research, biogenic resource-based companies, public administration, or international organizations. The curriculum addresses regional and global interactions between technology, ecology, society, and the economy, fostering the development of innovative solutions for utilizing renewable biological resources.
Curriculum
The Bioeconomy Master's program is structured across four semesters, encompassing 120 ECTS credits, including the Master's thesis. It includes six compulsory subjects and offers two major specializations: Social Sciences and Sustainability, or Natural Sciences and Engineering. Students with a combined background in economics with engineering and natural sciences from their Bachelor's can opt for a stronger technical-scientific specialization, while others may prefer a focus on economics and social sciences.
- Overall Program Structure
- Fundamentals in Economics and Sustainability
- Electives in Natural Sciences and Engineering
- Electives in Social Sciences and Sustainability
- Master's Thesis
- Key Compulsory Modules
- Advanced Empirical Research
- Operations Research
- Behavioral Public Economics
- Principles of Life Cycle Assessment
- Advanced Environmental and Resource Economics
- Electives in Natural Sciences and Engineering (Examples)
- Renewable Materials: Biogenic Polymers
- Enzymatic Biotransformations
- Energy Efficient Buildings
- Artificial Intelligence for Biotechnology
- Electives in Social Sciences and Sustainability (Examples)
- Advanced Development Economics
- Corporate Sustainability Management
Careers
Graduates of the Bioeconomy Master's program emerge as experts in sustainability transformation, equipped to analyze and resolve complex conflicts of interest across economic and social value-creation processes. They are well-prepared for diverse career paths and advanced academic pursuits.
- Doctoral Researcher
- Manager in Biogenic Resource-based Companies
- Public Administrator
- Analyst in National Organizations
- Analyst in International Organizations
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- International students from outside the European Economic Area are charged tuition fees of 4,000 euros per semester, totaling 8,000 euros per academic year. All students pay a semester fee of 82.00 euros per semester for the student union.
- How long does the Bioeconomy Master's program take?
- The Bioeconomy Master's program is a full-time program spanning four semesters, which is equivalent to two academic years. It awards 120 ECTS credits.
- In what language is the program taught?
- The Master's program in Bioeconomy is taught in English. Some courses may also be offered in German, and students can use the Language Center for language skill development.
- What are the main career prospects after graduating from the Bioeconomy program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Doctoral Researchers, Managers in Biogenic Resource-based Companies, Public Administrators, and Analysts in national or international organizations. The program equips students for sustainability transformation roles.
- How do I apply for the Bioeconomy Master's program?
- You need to apply via the TUMonline portal and may require a Preliminary Documentation (VPD) from uni-assist if your degree is from outside Germany. Ensure you meet the entry requirements and submit documents by the specified deadlines.
- When is the application deadline for the Bioeconomy Master's program?
- The application period for the Winter semester is from April 1 to May 31, and for the Summer semester, it is from October 1 to January 15.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeA recognized undergraduate degree (e.g., Bachelor's) relevant to the program.
Aptitude AssessmentSuccessful completion of the aptitude assessment procedure, evaluating individual talents and motivation.
Various CertificatesSufficient English language skills, demonstrated by recognized certificates or other approved methods. Evidence must be submitted by the application deadline.
Applicants with a qualification obtained outside Germany must have their documents reviewed in advance through uni-assist (Preliminary Documentation).
Fees
Tuition (international)International students from third countries (outside the European Economic Area) will be charged tuition fees of 4,000 euros per semester. This totals 8,000 euros per academic year.
Tuition (home)All students, including domestic and EEA students, are required to pay a semester fee which contributes to the student union. For programs located in Straubing, this fee is 82.00 euros per semester (164 euros per year).
Living—
Many international students may be eligible for fee waivers or scholarships to help finance their studies. The semester fee is an additional cost to tuition fees (for international students from third countries).
How to apply
1. Check Eligibility and RequirementsEnsure you hold a recognized undergraduate degree and review the specific admission requirements for the Bioeconomy Master's program, including English language proficiency.
2. Preliminary Documentation (VPD) via uni-assistIf your undergraduate degree was obtained outside of Germany, you must first have your documents reviewed by uni-assist to receive Preliminary Documentation (VPD). This is a mandatory step before applying to TUMonline.
3. Apply via TUMonline PortalDuring the application period (Winter semester: April 1 – May 31; Summer semester: October 1 – January 15), apply through the TUMonline application portal. Upload all required application documents directly to the portal.
4. Pay Semester Fees (for enrollment)Once admitted, pay the semester fee (and tuition fees if applicable for international students from third countries). For first-time enrollment, the deadline is March 15 for the summer semester and September 15 for the winter semester. Ensure payment is registered in your TUMonline account by the enrollment deadline. For the Straubing campus, the semester fee is 82.00 EUR.
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
International students from outside the European Economic Area are charged tuition fees of 4,000 euros per semester, totaling 8,000 euros per academic year. All students pay a semester fee of 82.00 euros per semester for the student union.
How long does the Bioeconomy Master's program take?
+
The Bioeconomy Master's program is a full-time program spanning four semesters, which is equivalent to two academic years. It awards 120 ECTS credits.
In what language is the program taught?
+
The Master's program in Bioeconomy is taught in English. Some courses may also be offered in German, and students can use the Language Center for language skill development.
What are the main career prospects after graduating from the Bioeconomy program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Doctoral Researchers, Managers in Biogenic Resource-based Companies, Public Administrators, and Analysts in national or international organizations. The program equips students for sustainability transformation roles.
How do I apply for the Bioeconomy Master's program?
+
You need to apply via the TUMonline portal and may require a Preliminary Documentation (VPD) from uni-assist if your degree is from outside Germany. Ensure you meet the entry requirements and submit documents by the specified deadlines.
When is the application deadline for the Bioeconomy Master's program?
+
The application period for the Winter semester is from April 1 to May 31, and for the Summer semester, it is from October 1 to January 15.