FOKUS Life Sciences

FOKUS Life Sciences is an international, research-oriented life-sciences master's taught in English and jointly supported by the faculties of Biology, Medicine, Chemistry and Pharmacy, and Physics and Astronomy. Its flexible structure also offers especially qualified students a fast-track route into doctoral work.

Academic requirements

Substantial relevant experimental research experience using state-of-the-art methodology is essential (minimum: experimental Bachelor's thesis, or comparable academic experimental research experience). Assessment is in three steps: Screening of documents, Exam, Interview.

Minimum GPA

No fixed minimum GPA is published on the current official programme page.

English requirements

English at CEFR C1 is required. The subject regulations list accepted proof including TOEFL at least 590 paper / 240 computer / 95 iBT, IELTS 6.5 or better, or Cambridge CAE.

German requirements

Students must prove basic competency in the German language before the start of the third semester. Complimentary courses at every level are offered.

Accepted bachelor fields

Applicants need a bachelor's degree or equivalent degree with a focus on life sciences, mathematics, physics, and chemistry.

APS Certificate

Yes

Thesis required

Yes

Mandatory internship

Yes

Tuition fee

None

Semester contribution

180.00 EUR per semester from Summer Semester 2026 onward.

ECTS credits

120

Funding info

Tuition: None Semester contribution: 180.00 EUR per semester from Summer Semester 2026 onward.

The programme is research-oriented and the official regulations explicitly describe a fast-track option that allows especially qualified students to begin doctoral research early.

• 1

  Neuroscience (International Graduate School) (IGSN)

  Ruhr-Universität Bochum

  Bochum · PhD · English

• 2

  International Giessen Graduate Centre for the Life Sciences (GGL)

  Justus Liebig University Giessen

  Gießen · PhD · English

• 3

  Graduate Programme in Cellular and Molecular Biology of Plants

  University of Tübingen

  Tübingen · PhD · English

• 4

  Graduate School of Life Sciences (GSLS)

  Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg

  Würzburg · PhD · English

• 5

  Marine Ecosystem and Fisheries Sciences

  Universität Hamburg

  Hamburg · Master of Science · English