Plant Sciences University of Bonn

With six departments and more than a dozen research groups dedicated to plant sciences, the University of Bonn is a great place to expand the frontiers of knowledge on fundamental and practical aspects of plant sciences. In this research environment, the MSc Plant Sciences was launched in the winter semester of 2008.

The MSc Plant Sciences programme aims to provide an integrated understanding of modern plant sciences across the full spectrum of current research, from molecules and physiology to biotic and abiotic interactions and global biodiversity. There is a strong emphasis on practical research experience in the laboratories of participating research groups. Compulsory courses in Plant Biochemistry and Physiology, Plant Cell Biology and Plant Biodiversity and Systematics, accompanied by elective laboratory courses in the first and second semesters, lay the foundation for the Master's thesis research projects. At the same time, students have the opportunity to focus their interests on one of these research areas or to choose from a wide range of courses covering topics such as plant molecular biology, plant molecular evolution and phylogenetics, plant proteomics, palaeobotany, phytochemistry, plant nutrition, plant physiology or bioinformatics.

For up-to-date information, please see: https://www.plantsciences.uni-bonn.de.

The MSc Plant Sciences programme is modularised according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). A total of 120 credit points (30 per semester) will be accumulated during two years of study. Integrated laboratory courses to be completed in successive time frames of up to five weeks are central to the concept. Morning lectures in the three core subject areas (A: plant biochemistry and physiology, B: plant biodiversity and systematics and C: plant cell biology) and a choice of accompanying seminars will take place over the course of the semesters. Students are free to integrate external lab coursework at non-university institutions into their course programme. This external lab coursework will be equally credited.

Internships that are usually of a six-week duration can be arranged according to the participants' preferences.
Internships and practical courses at institutions outside the university (plant research industry, Max Planck Institutes, Forschungszentrum Jülich, etc.) are very welcome and will be credited. Individual appointments for specialised lab courses in research groups at the University of Bonn will be accepted after prior notification of the programme coordinator.

• Academic admission requirements include a BSc in the life sciences (e.g. biology, biochemistry) or a related field (agricultural biology, biotechnology, forestry, etc.) Applicants with a BSc in pharmacy, chemistry, physics or geosciences will also be considered.
• English language proficiency (CEFR level B2)
• Minimum grade of 2.7 (German grade) or local equivalent
• Experience in practical laboratory work (20 ECTS or 600 hours)

The University of Bonn is a public university, meaning that it does not charge tuition fees. However, all students must pay the semester fee of about 350 EUR per semester, which covers a Deutschlandsemesterticket (student transit pass for public transport) and statutory accident insurance, among other things.

Students in Bonn can expect to pay around 1,000 EUR a month, with rent accounting for the largest share of their living costs.

https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/studying/application-admission-and-enrollment/costs

Students may arrange a job as teaching/laboratory assistants ("studentische Hilfskraft", e.g. in supporting experiments in practical courses of the BSc programmes). However, such job opportunities must be arranged by the students themselves.

The University of Bonn has a central Career Service (www.uni-bonn.de/careerservice), which provides a range of advice and support about choosing a career and applying for jobs. International students can also join the iStart career programme (www.uni-bonn.de/istart), which teaches participants tangible knowledge and valuable skills that will enable them to write successful applications for jobs in Germany. The programme is geared toward giving students a successful career path both during and after their studies and thus making it easier for them to enter the job market.

Accommodation in student dormitories/apartments may be available to a very limited extent in Bonn. Students at the University of Bonn can apply for a room in a dormitory owned by the Studierendenwerk Bonn (see www.studierendenwerk-bonn.de/en/accommodation for more details). Monthly rent is usually around 250 to 400 EUR per month.

For further information on housing in Bonn, please visit our website at www.uni-bonn.de/living-in-bonn.

International applicants who are admitted to a Master’s programme can apply for a dorm room through the programme coordinator. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that all students will be allotted a room as these are in short supply. About one out of five applicants obtains accommodation in student dormitories. Many students also find apartments with slightly higher rent elsewhere in the city.

As the former capital of Germany and the seat of the United Nations in Germany, Bonn is synonymous with internationality and diversity, and this also applies to the university in its capacity as a globally renowned research institution: In addition to research and teaching partnerships around the globe, it is characterised not least by its diverse student body with more than 5,200 international students and doctoral candidates from over 135 countries.

According to the Times Higher Education World University Ranking for 2026, the University of Bonn is one of the most international universities in the world and occupies the top spot within the diverse university landscape of North Rhine-Westphalia. This international orientation has a long tradition, as the university has maintained relationships with universities abroad for a long time. For example, it has interdepartmental cooperation agreements in place with almost 70 universities around the world.

In addition, the University of Bonn cooperates with more than 300 partner universities within the framework of student exchange programmes. The internationality of the University of Bonn is also reflected in its range of courses: There are now 46 international degree programmes, many of which are taught entirely in English or other foreign languages or lead to a double degree with a partner university.

Bonn is a beautiful and historic city located on the banks of the Rhine and is famous as the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. At the same time, it is a modern, lively and cosmopolitan city with a high quality of life. Bonn is also the German city of the United Nations, home to 27 UN institutions and many international organisations. With over 5,200 international students from more than 135 countries, the university contributes significantly to the international flair to be found in the city of Bonn.