Chemical Biotechnology

To achieve ambitious climate and sustainability goals, transforming the chemical industry as a key industry for manufacturing an enormous number of products is essential. Students of the English-taught Master’s degree program in Chemical Biotechnology (M.Sc.), therefore, learn how to make biogenic raw materials and waste streams usable for innovative materials, products, and value-creation systems.

The program focuses on the in-depth study of the theories, methods, and applications of micro- and molecular biology, chemistry, and process engineering. Students learn to use natural tools such as optimized enzymes, cells, or microorganisms to develop and produce organic basic and fine chemicals as well as products based on them, and to make them usable in the industry. There is a particular focus on the development of environmentally friendly products, active ingredients, and processes, taking into account the various aspects of sustainability. Depending on their interests and talents, students can develop individual profiles and continue their education in areas such as electro-biotechnology or materials science.

Graduates of the program are experts with a sound understanding of chemistry and a broad knowledge of biological principles and molecular biological methods. They are able to develop, evaluate, and apply innovative technologies to produce and process chemicals in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way. They are, therefore, excellently qualified for responsible positions in the chemical, biotechnology, food, automotive, cosmetics, or pharmaceutical industries, as well as for continuing their scientific work within the framework of a doctorate.

• Degree program documentation for the Master’s program in Chemical Biotechnology (PDF, German)

• The first two semesters contain the compulsory courses reflecting the core competencies of chemical biotechnology, complemented by electives including internships
• The third semester offers the opportunity to pursue and deepen own interests with various elective modules to sharpen the specific competence profile
• The fourth semester is dedicated to the Master’s thesis

• Program structure (sample curriculum) (PDF 174 KB)
• Module catalog (German)

Required language skills for admission:

You need sufficient English language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline. Learn more about recognized certificates and other ways to prove your English language skills.

This evidence of your language proficiency confirms that you comply with the minimum language requirements for admission to the program. Depending on the program and your individual background, it may be necessary for you to keep working on your language skills during your studies. Be sure to take a look at the services of our Language Center.  

Language of instruction:

The language of instruction for this program is usually English. This means that most of the modules are offered in English. Some courses may, however, be taught in German.To learn more about the language of instruction for each module, contact the departmental student academic advisor of this program. 

• Information on exams
• Information on studying abroad

The tuition fees for international students from third countries for this degree program are 4,000 euros per semester.

Many international students can have their fees waived or receive scholarships to finance them. You can find all information on waivers and scholarships here.

Please note: The semester fee as a contribution to the student union must be paid additionally. It varies depending on where you are studying. You can find all information on the semester fee here.

Minimum requirements to apply for a Master’s program at TUM are a recognized undergraduate degree (e.g. a Bachelor’s) and the successful completion of the aptitude assessment procedure. Aptitude assessment allows the TUM school or department to which you are applying the opportunity to evaluate your individual talents and motivation for study.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents.

If you receive an offer of admission, you will additionally have to submit individual documents as notarized hardcopies by post to be enrolled.

Generally, applicants with a qualification for postgraduate studies (e.g. a Bachelor’s) obtained outside of the EU / EEA must have their documents reviewed in advance through uni-assist.

In detail:

• Applying for a Master’s program: Application, admission requirements and more

• Degree Certificate and Diploma or Subject and Grade Transcript of Studies to Date
• Transcript of Records
• Proof of English Language Proficiency
• Curricular Analysis
• Module Catalog
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Passport
• Preliminary Documentation (VPD) if the qualification for graduate studies (e.g. a bachelor’s) was obtained outside the EU/EEA (from winter semester 2025/26: outside Germany)

We may require additional documents depending on your educational background and your country of origin. Complete the online application to receive a comprehensive list of the required documents.

• Application for Enrollment (signed)
• Degree Certificate and Diploma (certified copy)
• Transcript of Records (certified copy)
• Most Current Photo (as for ID)
• Digital notification of your health insurance status from a German public health insurance provider (requested by applicant)

We may require additional documents depending on the type of educational background you earned and your country of origin. After accepting an offer of admission in TUMonline, you will receive a list of documents you must submit to TUM in hardcopy for enrollment.

Application period for winter semester: 01.01. – 31.05.
Application period for summer semester: 01.10. – 30.11.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents. Please be aware that we can only process your application if you upload all required documents within the application period.

We will review your application as soon as it is complete. Please check your TUMonline account regularly, to see if we have any queries to your documents or if you have to amend one or more documents.

After receiving admission, you will see in TUMonline which documents you have to submit for enrollment, and in which form. Please note that you always have to send the signed application for enrollment and all notarized hardcopies by post.

We recommend that you submit the documents for enrollment as soon as possible after receiving admission. If individual documents are not available by then, you can submit them up to 5 weeks after the start of the lecture period. You will, however, only be enrolled once we have received all documents.

You can check the status of your application at any time in your TUMonline account.

Selection takes place through an aptitude assessment procedure. The aptitude assessment is a two-part procedure after the submission of an official application to a program. In this procedure, the TUM school determines whether you meet the specific requirements for its Master’s degree program.

In the initial stages, the grades you obtained during your bachelor's program, as well as your written documents, will be evaluated using a point system. Depending on the amount of points accumulated, applicants are either immediately admitted, rejected, or invited to an a written online aptitude test. You can find detailed information on this online test here (PDF, 0.1 MB).

• Aptitude Assessment for Master
• Description of the Aptitude Assessment (Appendix 2, German) (PDF 407 KB)