Bioinformatics (MSc) University of Tübingen

The Master's degree programme in bioinformatics encompasses courses in bioinformatics, computer science, and life sciences. The main objective of this degree course is to enable graduates to solve biological problems using high throughput technologies and bioinformatics methods in an interdisciplinary team. Students are taught algorithmic thinking, efficient and advanced methods of analysis, visualisation, and mass data storage, with the focus on research and on a hands-on approach. The wide variety of subjects offered in Tübingen includes genomics and transcriptomics, protein and drug design, microbiome analysis, systems biology, and many more.

The degree course offers the following three variants: variant A for students with a Bachelor's degree in bioinformatics, variant B for biologists and other life scientists, and variant C for computer scientists. Most of the courses are held in English. In variant A, it is possible to complete the entire course of study in English. Variant B and C students need to prove German proficiency on the GER level B2/C1. Students cannot apply for a variant, but – if eligible – will be assigned to a variant after application.

Bachelor's degree in bioinformatics, computer science, life sciences, or equivalent with a grade of at least 2.5 (German grading system)

Enrolment fees at the University of Tübingen are currently approx. 200 EUR per semester. This includes use of local public transport free of charge on Mondays to Fridays in the evening, at weekends and on public holidays. In addition, students may purchase a semester ticket for unlimited use of public transport in the city of Tübingen and the surrounding area (currently approx. 160 EUR).

Estimated basic student expenses are around 1,000 EUR per month according to the Tübingen Student Services organisation (“Studierendenwerk”), including rent for student accommodation. Rent for private accommodation will be more expensive.

Students may find jobs as graduate research assistants for projects of the Department of Computer Science as well as in the Biology or Chemistry departments for lab work assistants. Additionally, the nearby Max Planck Institutes regularly offer assistant jobs for students.

Accommodation is available through the Student Services organisation (“Studierendenwerk“) or on the private market. Rooms in student accommodation cost approx. 250–480 EUR per month. As Tübingen is a very attractive place to live, private accommodation is more expensive and can take some effort to find. To make sure you find a suitable place to live, you should start looking as early as possible.

We recommend you apply for student accommodation through the “Studierendenwerk” at the same time that you apply for admission to the Master's programme (please see: https://www.my-stuwe.de/en/housing/halls-of-residence-tuebingen/ and https://www.my-stuwe.de/en/housing/faqs/) and send in a copy of your notification of admission as soon as you have received it (your application won’t be finally processed before the “Studierendenwerk” has received proof of your admission). For further information check out the “Studierendenwerk” pages on housing in Tübingen (https://www.my-stuwe.de/en/housing/housing-infos/).