This English-taught Master’s programme in Biotechnology prepares you to contribute to solving some of the major challenges of our time. With biotechnology widely recognised as a key 21st-century technology, the course emphasizes the shift toward a bio-based economy and sustainable energy, alongside advances in medicine and food security. The curriculum concentrates on bioeconomy as well as industrial and environmental biotechnology, and is delivered over three semesters of full-time study leading to a Master of Science degree.
You will work independently on case studies and gain hands-on familiarity with bioproduction processes, including important aspects of biosafety and regulatory (authority) management. Graduates are trained to spot future trends and opportunities in an innovative biotech sector while also being mindful of potential conflicts and ethical considerations. The programme’s international orientation helps you develop intercultural competencies and other soft skills that are essential in the multinational biotech industry.
The programme is run jointly by Offenburg University of Applied Sciences and the University of Warmia and Mazury (UWM) in Olsztyn, Poland, and offers the opportunity to earn a double degree from both partner institutions. It is the only internationally cooperative Master’s programme in biotechnology in the state of Baden-Württemberg. UWM brings a traditional, research-focused university environment, while Offenburg offers a smaller campus experience with more personalised instruction, extensive student support services, and close ties to local industry and business partners.
Key facts and application pointers
This English-taught Master of Science in Biotechnology is a bi-national programme jointly run by Offenburg University of Applied Sciences (Germany) and the University of Warmia and Mazury (UWM) in Olsztyn (Poland). The standard completion time is three semesters. Instruction is split across the partners: winter-semester courses take place in Offenburg, while summer-semester teaching is delivered at UWM in Olsztyn. If your prior Bachelor’s was shorter than seven semesters, you will need to add an extra semester at Offenburg to complete a scientific project or take defined equivalent courses from the Offenburg course catalogue.
Each partner institution focuses on a distinct thematic semester, giving you exposure to complementary specialisations: Offenburg provides the Bioeconomy and Industrial Biotechnology semester, while UWM Olsztyn offers Food and Environmental Biotechnology. The programme culminates in a Master’s thesis, which may be completed at either university or—if preferred—externally at a suitable company or research institute. Graduates receive a double degree (Master of Science) issued by both partner universities, reflecting the transnational training and industry-relevant skills developed during the course.
Key learning outcomes
Program summary — practical points
This programme is intended for applicants who already hold a first, professional university degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline. It especially welcomes graduates from bachelor’s programmes with a strong biotechnology or engineering emphasis and expects applicants to be prepared for study in an international, multicultural learning environment. The admissions process begins with an initial online submission and includes a short screening step before you are asked to provide scanned supporting documents. If admitted and after arrival, you will be required to present your original documents to the registrar.
To apply, you must start an initial application in the HISinOne online system. The selection committee will review your online data and inform you within a few weeks whether you are invited to submit a complete set of scanned documents; the committee’s final decision will be made on the basis of those documents.
Admission requirements
Application steps (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
31 March 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are prepared for roles in the biotechnology and bioeconomy sectors — including bioprocess development, industrial biotechnology, environmental and food biotechnology, quality and regulatory affairs, and biosafety management. The programme’s practical training and industry links also make alumni attractive to companies involved in bioproduction, sustainable materials, and bio-based energy solutions.
For students interested in research or academia, the programme provides a pathway to doctoral studies; for those aiming to work in Germany, improving German language skills is recommended to broaden employment opportunities and ease professional integration.