Highlights
Tuition fee
7000 EUR / year
3500 EUR / year
Unknown
Tuition fee
7000 EUR / year
3500 EUR / year
Unknown
Duration
24 months
Duration
24 months
Apply date
Unknown
Apply date
Unknown
Start date
Unknown
Start date
Unknown
Campus location
Lárisa, Greece
Campus location
Lárisa, Greece
Taught in
English
Taught in
English

About

The Dual MSc in Synthetic Biology by the University of Thessaly & McGill University is a high-impact, research-driven program designed for top-performing life science and engineering graduates who want elite training at the intersection of biology, engineering, and data, with exposure to both the European and North American innovation ecosystems.

Visit programme website for more information

Overview

The Dual MSc in Synthetic Biology by the University of Thessaly & McGill University focuses on the design, engineering, and construction of biological systems for innovative applications in health, biotechnology, and sustainable development. The program aims to train a new generation of scientists capable of integrating molecular biology, computational design, systems biology, and engineering principles to address complex scientific and societal challenges. Key topics include genetic circuit design, genome engineering, biomolecular modeling, biomanufacturing, bioethics, and responsible research and innovation.

Career Prospects

Graduates of a Synthetic Biology MSc can pursue impactful careers in research, biotechnology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, environmental sustainability, bioinformatics, biotech entrepreneurship, science policy, and industrial innovation. The program’s strong scientific foundation, quantitative training, and international exposure prepare students for both advanced academic pathways and leadership roles in innovation-driven sectors.

  • Research: Graduates can contribute to research in synthetic biology, genetics, and molecular engineering in academic or industrial settings.
  • Biotechnology: Careers in biotechnology include product development, genetic engineering, and sustainable industrial applications.
  • Healthcare: Graduates may support advances in diagnostics, therapeutics, and personalized medicine.
  • Pharmaceuticals: Opportunities include drug discovery, vaccine development, and biomanufacturing.
  • Agriculture: Synthetic biology can be applied to improve crop productivity, sustainability, and global food availability.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

  • Genome and DNA Engineering
  • Synthetic Biology Experimental Design Lab
  • Responsible Innovation & Biosafety
  • Protein & RNA Engineering
  • Metabolic and Bioprocess Engineering

Key information

Duration

  • Full-time
    • 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

More details

To be announced soon.

Language

English
TOEFL® IBT
OR
100
IELTS
7

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Credits

120 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus, Blended
  • Fully structured
  • Proactive tutoring and support
  • Online group works/assignments

Campus Location

  • Lárisa, Greece

What students do after studying

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA admission requirements GPA
3.3

Required score in a 10 point scale: 7.5

English requirements

TOEFL® IBT
OR
100
IELTS
7

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

E2 Language Test Prep
Trusted by 7M+ Students
Start Studying Today

Admission to your dream university starts with a high IELTS or PTE score. Earn your target score with E2's guided test preparation.

  • Study on your own schedule
  • Live classes with current and ex-examiners
  • Accurate score assesment, always
  • E2 Score Guarantee - Get your score or your money back!

Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants will be required to apply to both Universities at the same time, to enter the Program in the Fall semester of the following year.

International Applicants: The application deadline is January 15 (to allow sufficient time for visa processing).

Domestic/Internal Applicants: For Greek candidates tracking to begin at the University of Thessaly, and Canadian candidates tracking to begin at McGill University, the deadline is extended to March 15.

Selection Criteria & Weighting

  • Bachelor's / Diploma Degree Academic Record: 35%
  • Relevant Research Activity: 15% (e.g., participation in research projects, publications in scientific journals, conference presentations)
  • Letters of Recommendation: 10%
  • Admissions Interview: 40%

Technological requirements

Degrees must be from institutionally accredited universities. Preferential review is given to applicants from institutions ranked in the Top 500 of QS or THE World University Rankings.

Applicants must hold a BSc in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a strictly equivalent field, with demonstrated laboratory experience in genetic engineering or molecular cloning.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals 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 University of Thessaly and/or in Greece, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
  • International

    Non-residents
    7000 EUR / year
    ≈ 7000 EUR / year
  • EU/EEA

    EU/EEA Nationals
    3500 EUR / year
    ≈ 3500 EUR / year

Living costs

Lárisa

Greece
470 - 800 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Synthetic Biology.

Available Scholarships

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

Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

ServiceScape
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships

Read more about eligibility

ACES Education Fund
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships

Read more about eligibility

ACU (The Association of Commonweath Universities)
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2027
Voice Talent Online Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

Voice Talent Online
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
06 Jan 2027
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Diamant Gerstein
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
5000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Pinsky Law
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jan 2027
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Salvado Law
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Anonymous Hope Fund
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria
Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Leopold Figl Foundation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

IELTS from 6 to 9
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships

Read more about eligibility

European Commission
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
965 USD
Deadline
Anytime
Dr. Martin Blank – SYB Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Shield Your Body
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
11 Jan 2027
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme

Read more about eligibility

The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Novus Biologicals Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

Bio-Techne
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
R&D Systems Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Bio-Techne
Location not available

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