Life Science (Master of Science) University of Konstanz
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Language of instruction
- English
- Tuition fees
- Tuition varies
- Next application deadline
- 15 January 2027 (summer semester)
- Language level required
- English: B2German: None
Programme overview
Quick facts
- Degree
- MSc
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Full-time / part-time
- Full-time
- Intake
- Winter and summer semester
- Joint degree / double degree programme
- No
- A Diploma supplement will be issued
- Yes
- Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
- No
Language of instruction
Courses are held in English.
Programme description
Life Science is a joint study programme of chemistry and biology. The interdisciplinary and research-oriented study programme addresses students with a fundamental background in both chemistry and biology (both required; including organic and physical chemistry, cell biology, genetics and biochemistry). By studying Life Science at the University of Konstanz, you will acquire a sound, high-quality scientific education that equally builds on chemistry and biology. You will be equipped with particular competence in the field of modern biomolecular research. In addition to the focus areas of classical biology and chemistry, biology focus areas are: biochemistry, bioinformatics, immunology, biochemical pharmacology, molecular genetics, microbiology, and cell biology. Chemistry focus areas include: bioorganic chemistry, cellular chemistry, and proteomics as well as carbohydrate, protein, and nucleic acids chemistry.
The study programme includes obligatory theory and laboratory courses in both chemistry and biology.
Programme structure
Please follow the link to our website: Combinations of modules in the Master's programme.
Chemistry and biology courses: Master's courses
The study programme includes obligatory theory and laboratory courses in both chemistry and biology.
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)
Studying abroad for one semester (~ 30 ECTS) or a six-week /three-month internship in a research group abroad (9 / 18 ECTS) can be included in the study plan.
Integrated internships
An industry internship of three months can be completed during the Master's programme (18 ECTS) or an internship in a research group/university abroad (9 or 18 ECTS).
Application and admission
Application period(s)
Winter semester
| Applicants from | Applications begin | Application deadline | |
|---|---|---|---|
Non-EU countries
|
18 March 2027
|
15 April 2027
| |
EU countries
|
7 May 2027
|
15 June 2027
| |
Iceland
|
7 May 2027
|
15 June 2027
| |
Norway
|
7 May 2027
|
15 June 2027
| |
Liechtenstein
|
7 May 2027
|
15 June 2027
| |
Switzerland
|
7 May 2027
|
15 June 2027
| |
United Kingdom
|
7 May 2027
|
15 June 2027
|
Summer semester
| Applicants from | Applications begin | Application deadline | |
|---|---|---|---|
EU countries
|
25 November 2026
|
15 January 2027
| |
Iceland
|
25 November 2026
|
15 January 2027
| |
Norway
|
25 November 2026
|
15 January 2027
| |
Liechtenstein
|
25 November 2026
|
15 January 2027
| |
Switzerland
|
25 November 2026
|
15 January 2027
| |
United Kingdom
|
25 November 2026
|
15 January 2027
|
Academic admissions requirements
Entry requirements for the Master's Programme Life Science are:
- Documentation of a three-year (or longer) study programme at a state or officially recognised institution of higher education or Berufsakademie (vocational academy) in the subject Life Science (minimum degree Bachelor of Sciences) or a related subject that includes fundamental knowledge in both chemistry (physical, inorganic and organic chem.) and biology (cell bio., gentics, biochemistry), both including laboratory courses and a detailed transcript of records
- If the subject of your Bachelor's degree is a subject related to Life Science at the University of Konstanz, you have to have good assessments in the areas relevant for Life Science (organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology).
- Applicants with a higher education degree obtained in a country that is not a member of the Bologna Process have to take the GRE test (official score sheet; at least 150 points in Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning Score) or the GMAT test (at least 250 points in Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning Score).
Language requirements
German language requirements
English language requirements
Accepted certificates include
| Certificates | Minimum result |
|---|---|
TOEFL iBT (before 2026)
|
Total: 72 / 120
Reading: 18 / 30
Listening: 17 / 30
Writing: 17 / 30
Speaking: 20 / 30
|
IELTS Academic
|
Total: 5 / 9
|
Cambridge English Qualifications
|
Total: B2 First
|
How to apply?
Costs and funding
Tuition fees per semester
| Applicants from | Tuition fee | |
|---|---|---|
Non-EU countries
|
1,500 EUR
|
Semester contribution
Students currently pay the following fees per semester: administrative contribution + student welfare fee: 209 EUR
Please also check:
Cost of living
The good news is that studying at German public universities is not expensive. For your stay, you will require a budget for daily life and certain study expenses. The cost of living for students in Konstanz is approx. 760 EUR per month.
Example of the average monthly living cost in Konstanz:
Rent (including utilities): 352 EUR
Food: 168 EUR
Clothing, laundry, personal hygiene: 42 EUR
Learning materials (books, copies): 20 EUR
Health insurance, medical care, medicine: 80 EUR
Phone, Internet, broadcasting fees: 31 EUR
Leisure time, culture, sports: 61 EUR
Part-time employment
If you want to earn some extra cash while you study, you can get a student job. The university administration and many departments offer student assistant jobs. You can find a number of advertisements for jobs both on and off campus on online platforms (in German):
Jobbörse Seezeit: the job portal of our student services called Seezeit
Hilfskraftstellen an der Universität | Datenbank Career Service: our career service’s job portal
Jobs are also posted on the university’s notice boards in the foyer and canteen areas as well as in the departments.
Scholarships and financing information
Students with great academic credentials and community service experience can apply for scholarships in Germany. In cases of unexpected financial hardship, the university will try to help with emergency financial support. For an overview of financial support options, check out our websites:
https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/international-office/study-in-konstanz/degree-studies/fees-and-scholarships/#c219152
http://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/study/study-essentials/finances/financing-your-studies
For example, you may apply for the Deutschlandstipendium. The scholarship amounts to 300 EUR per month and is awarded without regard to income for a minimum of two semesters.
Living & services
Support for international students
- Specialist counselling
Support for specific needs
Accommodation
There are a number of possibilities for accommodation for students: in apartments, flat shares, or residence halls run by the university. Check out our website, where we provide an overview of the different options as well as general tips. You can also contact the team of our International Office for advice on housing.
Please note that it is important to begin your search for accommodation as early as possible since our city and surroundings are very popular not only with students but also with families and outdoor enthusiasts. Since both Switzerland and Lake Constance border Konstanz, the available living space is limited and not always inexpensive.