Overview

Course Overview

Biotechnology is one of the crucial engineering sciences of the 21st century. With the advent of “-omics“ technologies we have insight into the functions of cells, tissues and organisms at unprecedented detail.

With novel methods such as next-generation sequencing, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, high-resolution imaging and miniaturization we have unique tools to understand and program cellular and molecular behaviour. In the Biotechnology program at ETH Zurich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, students are trained to utilise these novel developments for the study and re-programming of cells.

At the same time, students are endowed with the knowledge of how to exploit biological systems for applications in health and the pharmaceutical and chemical industry. Next to insights into the most relevant advanced topics of modern biotechnology, students can profit in classes and projects from the close industrial ties and insights into the entrepreneurial aspects of modern biotechnology.

The master’s degree programme in biotechnology provides a scientific education in biotechnology with a focus on systems biology and synthetic biology. The master's degree qualifies for advanced development activities in biomedical research and development, the pharmaceutical industry and diagnostics, the chemical industry, related areas such as food and feed industry, and the corresponding sectors of public administration, associations, and consulting.

Careers

Job perspectives of graduates from the ETH master's degree programme in Biotechnology are excellent. Typical careers include employment and entrepreneurship in the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industry, including the major global players headquartered in Basel and the strong Swiss start-up sector in the biotechnology field, but also in a broad variety of other sectors ranging from chemistry and chemical engineering via food biotechnology and consulting to insurance and the public sector.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Stem Cell Biology
Immuno-engineering
Bio-nanotechnology
Bioengineering
Mammalian Cell Biotechnology
Metabolic Engineering

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-14 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-11-30 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-04-30 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

IELTS

7

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Credits

120 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Basel, Switzerland

Disciplines

Biotechnology View 8 other Masters in Biotechnology in Switzerland

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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

IELTS

7

Free IELTS Mock Tests!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Other requirements

General requirements

Excellent students holding a bachelor’s degree in biology, biomedicine, biotechnology, natural sciences, and other disciplines with a strong theoretical-mathematical background are welcome to apply.
A minimum background in biology, mathematics, and computer science is mandatory for all students.

Students from non-biology-focused bachelor’s degree programmes, such as electrical, mechanical, or chemical engineering, chemistry, or physics, may be admitted with additional requirements of 30 ECTS in biology. In this case, the overall programme duration is extended by 1 semester.

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 ETH Zurich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and/or in Switzerland, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

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International

1460 CHF/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 730 CHF per semester during 24 months.
National

1460 CHF/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 730 CHF per semester during 24 months.

Living costs for Basel

1615 - 2332 CHF /month

Living costs

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

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 Biotechnology.

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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