FOKUS Life Sciences Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg

The MSc FOKUS Life Sciences provides advanced training in the life sciences and is designed to prepare students for a research-oriented career.

The programme begins with two lecture series, Topics and Concepts in Life Sciences and Methods in Life Sciences, providing a broad overview of current research, modern techniques, and model systems. In the accompanying lab course, Research Concepts in Life Sciences, students join a research group and gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art experimental approaches.

Students who achieve excellent results may pursue a fast-track option, allowing an early start of an extended research project and the opportunity to continue towards a doctoral degree. Alternatively, the programme can be completed as a regular two-year Master’s degree.

Both pathways provide strong preparation for independent research and may be followed by doctoral studies.

Degree requirements
Applicants must hold (or be close to completing) a Bachelor’s degree of at least three years (equivalent to 180 ECTS credits). If the degree has not yet been completed at the time of application, proof of having obtained at least 5/6 of the required credits must be provided. Degrees obtained outside Europe will be assessed for equivalence.

Subject requirements
The Bachelor’s degree should be in biology or a closely related field with a strong focus on the life sciences (e.g. biochemistry, biophysics, biotechnology, pharmacology). Applicants are expected to have a solid background in fundamental biological principles and practical laboratory experience. Programmes with a predominantly applied or technical focus (e.g. nursing, laboratory technology, industrial biotechnology, fisheries science, agriculture) are generally not considered sufficient preparation. Medical degrees are also not typically considered equivalent unless complemented by a strong background in basic life sciences.

Selection process
Admission is based on a three-step procedure: (i) document screening, (ii) written entrance exam, and (iii) interview.

Further details on admission requirements and essential qualifications can be found on our programme website.

There are generally no tuition fees at the University of Würzburg. However, each semester, students are required to pay a contribution for enrolment or registration. This fee, approximately 180 EUR, not only supports various student services but also includes a semester ticket that grants you unlimited access to public transportation throughout the city of Würzburg.

Living in Würzburg is quite affordable compared to other German cities, making it an attractive option. While individual lifestyles vary, here is an estimate of typical costs:

• Food: 300 EUR
• Rent: 350 to 500 EUR
• Student health insurance: 140 EUR

Würzburg offers a vibrant student life with plenty of affordable options for dining, entertainment, and leisure activities. The University of Würzburg, its student representation and wider network of local partners help you manage your budget effectively, also by offering student discounts.

Finding part-time employment in Würzburg is a great way to gain experience, make new connections, and supplement your finances while studying. Students from EU and EEA countries enjoy equal terms in the labour market and can work freely during their studies. Students from other countries can work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year, including voluntary internships. If you wish to work more, you'll need permission from the employment agency ("Agentur für Arbeit") or the immigration office.

It's important to ensure that your studies remain your top priority, so choose a side job that complements your academic schedule. The University of Würzburg offers resources to help you find part-time work, such as the student job portal. 

FOKUS Life Sciences is a small programme with intensive individual advisory support provided by the study programme coordinators. In addition, the Service Center BioCareers is there to help.

Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) is an internationally acclaimed university offering a wide range of subjects. We are committed to continuing excellence in research and teaching across all branches of science. Established for the first time in 1402, the University of Würzburg now covers the humanities, social and natural sciences, life sciences, medicine, and selected areas of engineering. Our students work with renowned scientists from all over the world and, with the completion of their Bachelor’s, Master’s, or doctoral degrees, make their own contributions to science.

In addition to delivering research and teaching of international standing, we must never forget our ethics and responsibility towards society. Our motto – "Veritati", meaning devoted to the truth – also reflects this attitude. We fulfil our social responsibility by advocating for the basic rights of democracy, supporting humanitarian activities, and promoting the sustainable use of resources.

Many eminent scholars have studied, taught, and researched at our university. Among them was Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, who discovered X-rays in Würzburg, an achievement for which he received the first ever Nobel Prize in Physics. This was one of 14 prizes that went to researchers who have worked and taught here in successive years, including three of them since 1985: Klaus von Klitzing (physics), Hartmut Michel (chemistry), and Harald zur Hausen (medicine).

Our university, the city of Würzburg, and the entire region of Main-Franconia are attractive places for our students and staff members to live, learn, and work. Its architectural beauty, easily accessible geographic location, scenic surroundings, and wide variety of recreational activities make Würzburg a popular place among students and researchers alike. The Main-Franconia region is characterised by vineyards, the Main river, and a climate reminiscent of the Mediterranean. Many guests of our university who come from all over the world to research, teach, or study in Würzburg fall in love with the city.