Overview

At Desert Studies - Environmental and Aquatic Microbiology from the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev microorganisms are essential members of the arid soil environment. They shape the landscape through rock weathering and soil crust formation.

They are the most important organisms in the biogeochemical cycling of carbon and nitrogen, and they adapt to the rapidly changing environmental conditions of water availability, temperature, and UV radiation. Microorganisms possess enormous metabolic potential with biotechnological applications.

Education

The Environmental and Aquatic Microbiology track of study introduces the students to the latest developments in environmental microbiology research in arid environments, using advanced molecular, biogeochemical and isotopic tools.

This track of study includes an integration of classes and research activities that cover a wide range of environmental and ecological issues encompassing microbial activities. The Desert Studies - Environmental and Aquatic Microbiology program is offered by the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.

Programme Structure

Research Topics:

Nitrogen cycling in arid soils

The role of desert soil crust in nutrient cycling

The interrelationships between desert plants, soil bacteria and climate and their effects on biogeochemical cycling and desertification

The microorganisms in desert plants’ rhizosphere and phyllosphere

The effect of rain events in the desert on microbial diversity, abundance and activity

Bacterial diversity and its role in maintaining functional arid ecosystems

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-11-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-07-01 00:00:00
Starting 2026-03-16 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-01-01 00:00:00

More details

Applications open on February 11, with rolling admissions.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

85

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Credits

42 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Beersheba, Israel

Disciplines

Microbiology Environmental Sciences

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

85

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

For most specializations in Desert Studies, applicants should hold a B.Sc. degree in either science or engineering from an accredited institution. For the Environmental Studies specialization, applicants should hold a B.Sc., a B.A., or a B.Arch. degree from an accredited institution.

A TOEFL score of at least 85/120 or the equivalent score in an internationally recognized English proficiency exam is required. The English proficiency requirement is waived for applicants who received their Bachelor's degree in a program taught in English.

Applicants are expected to contact by e-mail one or more potential supervisors with whom they would like to work on their thesis

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and/or in Israel, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

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International

5000 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 5000 USD per year during 24 months.
National

4000 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 4000 USD per year during 24 months.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Desert Studies - Environmental and Aquatic Microbiology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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