Agrobioinformatics Justus Liebig University Giessen

Do you want to learn about cutting-edge tools and techniques to solve global challenges such as food insecurity and climate change? Are you interested in programming and analysing Big Data? Are you a Bachelor's graduate in Agricultural Sciences, Biology, (Bio-)Informatics or related disciplines? Then the new English-language MSc in Agrobioinformatics is the right choice for you!

Agrobioinformatics is a rapidly developing field of research that focuses on combining bioinformatics tools and methods with agricultural issues. It aims to bridge the gap between computer science, biotechnology and modern agriculture.

This degree programme provides students with a comprehensive computational training to analyse and interpret data from genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and other biological disciplines. We cover topics ranging from the basics of programming and quantitative genetics to the development of analysis pipelines.

Students will also gain insights into the areas of plant protection, seed production and agrobiotechnology services, such as genotyping, phenotyping, sequencing and double haploid production, which are in high demand by upstream production companies.

The study programme is organised in modules (courses). Each module comprises four semester hours per week and is completed with a final examination. The final grade of the study programme is calculated from the achieved module grades.

The course consists of ten mandatory modules (core modules), four optional modules (profile modules), a work placement (or two more profile modules) and the Master's thesis.

Having completed the core modules, the students are well equipped with a solid scientific education and ready to deepen their knowledge in specific research areas. By individually choosing their profile modules from a diverse range of study areas, students shape their individual competence profile.

Core Modules (mandatory):

• Applied Statistics
• Principles of Scientific Practice
• Analysis of DNA and RNA Sequencing Data
• Genetics of Crop Diversity
• Analysis of Diversity and Traits in Farm Animals
• Python Programming for Bioinformatics
• Gene Expression Analysis and System Biology
• Statistical Learning and Neural Networks
• Plant Breeding Principles and Methods
• Biodiversity Monitoring with Molecular Tools

Profile Modules

Students tailor their individual profile by selecting six modules and the work placement module or eight modules from the entire profile module catalogue of the faculty. For example, you can choose profile modules from the following subject areas:

• Population Genetics
• Practical Genome Sequencing and Bioinformatics
• Lab Course: Tissue Culturing and Genetic Transformation
• Molecular Plant Breeding
• Plant Breeding for Resistance and Quality Breeding
• Biodiversity Monitoring with Molecular Tools
• Plant Protection and Bioengineering

Recommended programme schedule:

The international "Agrobioinformatics" Master's degree programme offers a voluntary work placement that enables our students to gain an initial insight into the various areas of professional activity in which they hope to pursue in the future. The work placement also enables them to collect hands-on professional experience and establish contacts with potential employers. The work placement can be conducted in various areas such as the chemical industry, agricultural corporations, the food industry, government agencies or NGOs. The variety of contacts that our faculty possesses allows us to provide expert support to students seeking a work placement.

In general, students can apply for this Master's programme if they hold a Bachelor's degree with a duration of at least three years (180 Credits) or a comparable degree. The Bachelor's degree must be completed in a closely related scientific field. For example:

• Agricultural Biology ("Agrarbiologie")
• Agricultural Science ("Agrarwissenschaften")
• Biology ("Biologie")
• Bioinformatics ("Bioinformatik")

Applications with a Bachelor’s degree in another scientific field or with a Bachelor’s degree from abroad will be examined individually as to whether the study requirements are fulfilled. A specialist commission at Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) will then finally decide on the admission. Any information on the status of acceptance without having completed the application process is not possible.

Detailed information about the application process is provided here: https://www.uni-giessen.de/en/faculties/f09/studies/general.

403 EUR (summer semester 2026, varies slightly with each semester)

The current semester contribution can be found here: https://www.uni-giessen.de/en/org/admin/departments/b/5/studoffice/sc.

• Partial scholarships for international students at JLU in the closing phase of their degree: Partial scholarships are possible for three to six months and range between 300 to 450 EUR per month. More: https://www.uni-giessen.de/en/international-pages/study/grants/closingphase

• DAAD scholarships for more equity and opportunity: Possible funding duration of one to six months, ranging from 300 to 450 EUR per month for students who face special challenges during their studies (a disability, a chronic illness, a refugee background, single parenting and those caring for close relatives in Germany). More: https://www.uni-giessen.de/en/international-pages/study/grants/equalopportunities

Career Service and special opportunities for international students: www.uni-giessen.de/en/faculties/research-centers/zfbk/career_services/

The cost of accommodation in Giessen ranges between 400 and 500 EUR/month on average. Students usually live in halls of residence provided by the Student Union (Studierendenwerk Giessen) or in shared flats from the private housing market.

Accommodation in the halls of residence is available between 240 and 420 EUR per month. The rooms are fully furnished and equipped with gas, electricity, warm water and internet. Students may apply for a spot in the halls of residence or search for private accommodation, ideally three to four months before starting their studies.

More information via www.uni-giessen.de/en/international-pages/study/around-gi/accommodation/where-to-live-in-giessen

Founded in 1607, Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU), Germany, is a comprehensive university with a longstanding tradition which attracts around 25,000 students. JLU offers the full range of traditional and modern subjects with top-level teaching and research — extending from classical natural sciences, law and economics, social and educational sciences, linguistics and cultural studies to a unique selection of life science subjects such as human and veterinary medicine, agricultural, environmental and nutritional sciences and food chemistry. The leading personae who carried out research and taught at JLU include a number of Nobel Prize winners, such as Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen (Nobel Prize for Physics in 1901) and Wangari Maathai (Nobel Peace Prize in 2004). Since 2006, research at JLU has received continuous funding from the Excellence Initiative schemes and the Excellence Strategy of the German Federal Republic and Federal States.

With around 94,000 inhabitants, Giessen has one of the highest student densities throughout Germany. Four higher education institutions with altogether 40,000 students provide a unique university-town atmosphere. The city offers plenty of leisure options for students, such as canoeing on the Lahn river, walks and picnics in its multiple green areas, cinemas with student concession tickets, the municipal theatre with a programme consisting of plays, opera and ballet as well as swimming pools and sports facilities, and a variety of pubs, restaurants and night life venues. The great thing about Giessen is that it's an easy place to navigate and, when the mood takes you, to escape into the picturesque surrounding countryside or the metropolis of Frankfurt am Main, which is about 60 kilometres away.