WAGENINGEN UNIVERSITY & RESEARCH · NETHERLANDS
Master's in Biotechnology
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€22k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Multidisciplinary approachLearn across gene technology, microbiology, biochemistry, and process engineering.
- Process designDesign and optimize processes for drugs, vaccines, food, or biobased materials.
- Diverse cell expertiseWork with various cell types including archaea, bacteria, yeast, fungi, algae, and plant, human, or animal cells.
- Industry collaborationGain experience with advanced tools and work on innovation projects with industry partners.
- Specialization optionsChoose from five distinct specializations to tailor your expertise.
- Research focusUndertake two research projects, including an external internship in the second year.
The Master's in Biotechnology programme at Wageningen University & Research focuses on applying biological systems and molecules to create innovative products and processes that benefit society and the environment. This multidisciplinary program integrates gene technology, microbiology, biochemistry, and process engineering. You will learn to design and optimize processes for developing vital products like medicines, vaccines, food, and biobased materials, utilizing a wide range of cell types and cutting-edge biotechnological tools. The curriculum emphasizes both fundamental scientific understanding and practical, industry-relevant skills, preparing you to tackle complex challenges in a collaborative, research-driven environment.
Curriculum
The two-year Master's programme in Biotechnology provides a strong foundation and allows for specialization in one of five key biotechnological disciplines or applications. You will gain comprehensive knowledge across different areas to foster interdisciplinary collaboration. The first year involves a mix of compulsory and optional courses, culminating in a real-life process design project in cooperation with an external stakeholder. The second year is dedicated to two research projects, including a master's thesis at Wageningen University & Research and an external research project.
- Year 1
- Compulsory and optional courses within specialization
- Real-life biotechnological process design project (interdisciplinary)
- Year 2
- Master's thesis research project at WUR
- External research project/internship
Careers
Graduates of the Master's in Biotechnology are equipped to pursue diverse career paths in research, development, and innovation across various sectors. Your expertise can contribute to advancements in fields such as food production, medicine, environmental solutions, and biobased industries.
- Biotechnology Researcher
- Process Engineer
- Product Developer
- Quality Control Specialist
- Innovation Manager
- Bioprocess Scientist
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for the Master's in Biotechnology programme?
- For the academic year 2026-2027, tuition fees are €2,694 per year for EU/EEA students and €21,900 per year for non-EU/EEA students. Fees may differ for contract students or those pursuing a second master's or online part-time study.
- What are the entry requirements for the Master's in Biotechnology?
- Applicants need a Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field with a strong academic record, typically equivalent to a First Class honours degree (e.g., GPA of 80% or higher). A strong command of English is also required.
- How long is the Master's in Biotechnology programme?
- The Master's programme in Biotechnology is a two-year program. The first year includes courses and a process design project, while the second year is dedicated to two research projects, including an external research project or internship.
- What are the application deadlines for the Master's in Biotechnology?
- The application deadline for the MSc programme is February 1, 2026, for the September 2026 intake. Scholarship application deadlines are April 1, 2026, for notification and May 7, 2026, for final results.
- Are there any scholarships available for international students?
- Yes, Wageningen University & Research offers the Excellence Programme, which can waive tuition fees for eligible non-EU/EEA students with unconditional admission and a high GPA. The Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP) covers tuition, living costs, and insurance for students from African countries.
- What career opportunities are available after graduating from the Master's in Biotechnology?
- Graduates can pursue careers as Biotechnology Researchers, Process Engineers, Product Developers, Quality Control Specialists, Innovation Managers, or Bioprocess Scientists in sectors like food production, medicine, environmental solutions, and biobased industries.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeA Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field, demonstrating a strong academic record (e.g., a GPA of 80% or higher, equivalent to a First Class honours).
IELTSNot specified, but a strong command of English is required.
TOEFLNot specified, but a strong command of English is required.
Specific requirements may vary. Applicants are advised to check the programme's detailed admission criteria. Note that this study does not include biomedical technology, human biology, or genetic modification of whole animals.
Fees
Tuition (international)€21,900 per year for non-EU/EEA students for the academic year 2026-2027.
Tuition (home)€2,694 per year for EU/EEA students for the academic year 2026-2027.
LivingNot specified.
Tuition fees are subject to change based on Dutch legislation and university policies. Fees for second master's programmes or part-time online programmes differ. Contract students have a different fee structure based on European Credits (EC).
How to apply
1. Check Admission RequirementsReview the specific academic and English language prerequisites for the Master's in Biotechnology.
2. Apply via StudielinkSubmit your application for the Master's programme through the Studielink portal.
3. Gather Required DocumentsPrepare necessary documents such as transcripts, diplomas, proof of English proficiency, and a motivation letter.
4. Submit Scholarship ApplicationsIf eligible, apply for scholarships like the Excellence Programme or Africa Scholarship Programme by the application deadline.
5. Receive Admission DecisionAwait notification regarding your admission status and any scholarship offers.
Scholarships
Excellence ProgrammeTuition fee waiver for the duration of the programme (24 months)
Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP)Covers travel, living allowance, tuition fees, visa, and health insurance for the duration of the programme (24 months)
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for the Master's in Biotechnology programme?
+
For the academic year 2026-2027, tuition fees are €2,694 per year for EU/EEA students and €21,900 per year for non-EU/EEA students. Fees may differ for contract students or those pursuing a second master's or online part-time study.
What are the entry requirements for the Master's in Biotechnology?
+
Applicants need a Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field with a strong academic record, typically equivalent to a First Class honours degree (e.g., GPA of 80% or higher). A strong command of English is also required.
How long is the Master's in Biotechnology programme?
+
The Master's programme in Biotechnology is a two-year program. The first year includes courses and a process design project, while the second year is dedicated to two research projects, including an external research project or internship.
What are the application deadlines for the Master's in Biotechnology?
+
The application deadline for the MSc programme is February 1, 2026, for the September 2026 intake. Scholarship application deadlines are April 1, 2026, for notification and May 7, 2026, for final results.
Are there any scholarships available for international students?
+
Yes, Wageningen University & Research offers the Excellence Programme, which can waive tuition fees for eligible non-EU/EEA students with unconditional admission and a high GPA. The Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP) covers tuition, living costs, and insurance for students from African countries.
What career opportunities are available after graduating from the Master's in Biotechnology?
+
Graduates can pursue careers as Biotechnology Researchers, Process Engineers, Product Developers, Quality Control Specialists, Innovation Managers, or Bioprocess Scientists in sectors like food production, medicine, environmental solutions, and biobased industries.