Biochemistry Dresden University of Technology
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Language of instruction
- English
- Tuition fees
- No tuition fees
- Next application deadline
- View details
- Language level required
- English: B2German: None
Programme overview
Quick facts
- Degree
- MSc
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Intake
- Winter semester
- Joint degree / double degree programme
- No
- A Diploma supplement will be issued
- Yes
- Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
- No
Language of instruction
The courses are offered in English.
Programme description
Biochemistry is a two-year full-time international Master’s programme that focuses on the molecular foundations of biological processes as well as the manipulation of biological pathways and biomolecules for technological applications. The programme is organised into two tracks – Chemical Biology and Technical Biochemistry – which cover a wide variety of topic areas including biocatalysis, natural product chemistry, molecular cell biology, genome engineering, and bioanalytics.
The coursework consists of five mandatory classroom and laboratory modules, a mandatory research internship, multiple elective courses, and a final experimental Master's thesis. Graduates earn the degree of Master of Science (MSc) in Biochemistry.
Mode of study
- Fully on-site
International elements in the curriculum
The curriculum of this study programme includes international elements that support global perspectives and cross-cultural learning:
- Integrated/optional study abroad unit(s)
The programme contains a mobility window in the second or third semester. This offers the opportunity to spend a semester abroad with one of our Erasmus+ partner universities. Coursework completed abroad can be fully recognised on the basis of learning agreements. There are no units integrated directly. But on the basis of learning agreements, the courses taken at the university abroad are included in the list of selected elective modules.
Integrated internships
The programme includes a mandatory research internship offered by the biochemistry groups at TU Dresden. In addition, a number of the programme modules include laboratory practicals. An internship at a company is not required.
Application and admission
Application period(s)
Application periods for international students with a first qualifying degree from a country outside the European Union:
- 1 April to 31 May, semester start 1 October
Application periods for international students with a first qualifying degree from a European Union country:
- 1 April to 15 July, semester start 1 October
Academic admissions requirements
Admission restrictions: open admission with aptitude assessment
To qualify, applicants must have completed their undergraduate degree (three-year Bachelor’s degree programme or comparable) in chemistry, biology, molecular biotechnology or a comparable scientific field. Furthermore, proficiency in English at the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (demonstrated with an official language certificate) are required.
The aptitude assessment is based on previous academic performance and proof of qualifications and is in accordance with the aptitude assessment regulations. If necessary, participation in an online interview may be required.
For further information on the admission requirements, please see the programme description.
Language requirements
German language requirements
English language requirements
Accepted certificates include
| Certificates | Minimum result |
|---|---|
IELTS Academic
|
Total: 6 / 9
|
TOEFL iBT Home Edition (before 2026)
|
Total: 79 / 120
Reading: 18 / 30
Listening: 18 / 30
Writing: 18 / 30
Speaking: 18 / 30
|
TOEFL iBT Home Edition (since 2026)
|
Total: 4 / 6
Reading: 4 / 6
Listening: 4 / 6
Writing: 4 / 6
Speaking: 4 / 6
|
UNIcert® English
|
Total: UNIcert® II
|
How to apply?
Costs and funding
Tuition fees per semester
No tuition fees
Semester contribution
Currently, students pay approx. 340 EUR per semester (i.e. for six months). This includes a ticket for public transport and regional trains in all of Germany ("Deutschlandticket"). Additionally, students can use a bike rental service all over the city for free for 30 minutes. The contribution also assures concessions in the university cafeterias and offers benefits (e.g. price reductions) for many cultural and leisure activities in Dresden.
Cost of living
Dresden offers high quality of living at very moderate costs. Currently, students should expect to pay around 850 EUR per month including rent, food, insurance and basic expenses. This figure is relatively low compared to other big German cities.
Part-time employment
In order to top up their budget, some students may want to look for temporary work in Dresden. If so, different regulations apply for students from EU member states, countries of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, and students from outside the European Union and the EEA area. In addition, restrictions on the duration of employment may apply. Professors, lecturers and group leaders involved in the Master's programme may offer students the possibility of working as academic assistants. However, living expenses can be financed only partially through a job as an academic assistant.
Scholarships and financing information
Information on scholarships and funding for students is summarised on a dedicated web page of the TU Dresden.
Living & services
Support for international students
- Welcome event
- Buddy programme
- Tutors
- Cultural and linguistic preparation
The ServiceCenterStudium is the right place for questions about application, enrolment and all course-specific questions. Your messages will be forwarded to the right contact person (e.g. international office, academic adviser, examination office) and you will receive prompt feedback.
The student representatives council of the faculty offers a mentee programme for all students new to TU Dresden.
Support for specific needs
Studying with a disability
The TU Dresden strives for a low-barrier design of the studies as well as the study environment. Numerous support and counselling services are available to help you participate in your studies on an equal footing. Please see: Studying with disabilities.
Refugee programme
Refugees can take up university studies regardless of their residence status. The prerequisite is a university entrance qualification and proof of the corresponding language skills required for the course of study. Please see: Study opportunities for refugees.
Studying with a family
The TUD Dresden University of Technology has been certified as a family-friendly university since 2007. Our aim is to support students and employees in reconciling work, studies and family life. Please see: Family-friendly TUD.
Course-specific language courses available
Career advisory services
TU Dresden offers plenty of counselling and training within its Career Service to help students with finding professional orientation. They offer workshops to equip students with professional skills and help optimise their CV.
Additionally, there are special workshops for international students to get to know the German and Saxon job market and network.
Accommodation
It is still relatively easy to find affordable accommodation in Dresden. Accommodation is available either via the "Studentenwerk Dresden" or on the private market. Rent for a single room in a student residence is approx. 250 EUR per month.
Private housing can be found online. We recommend that you move into a hall of residence at the beginning of your stay in Dresden. Subsequently, you can look for a place on the private market or in a shared apartment, which is known as a "Wohngemeinschaft" in German.