- No tuitionTuition
- Winter intakeIntake
- EnglishLanguage
- 4 semestersDuration
- 15 JulNext deadline
Save this course to your plan
- 5,000+ students guided
- 4.9 on Google (opens Google reviews in a new tab)
About the programme
Computational Biology is an English-taught M.Sc. at the University of Cologne over 4 semesters with 120 credits, starting in the winter semester. It tackles one of the major challenges in modern biology: understanding biological processes from the large data sets produced by high-throughput techniques such as genome or transcriptome sequencing. You learn computer-based methods that turn data into understanding, with attention both to methodological principles and to biological applications, so you can develop solution strategies for scientific problems or even contribute to new methods. Admission is restricted by a minimum Bachelor's grade. It suits biology graduates with credits in genetics or molecular biology and at least 24 credits in mathematics, statistics, physics or bioinformatics, including 6 in bioinformatics, plus English at B2 level.
Specialization
you have to select at least one more lectures from the following ones: Ecology, Evolution, and Environment (E) Molecular Plant and Microbial Sciences (P) Neuroscience (N) Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (B)
Fields of study
How to apply
uni-assist checks your papers first. Then the university decides on your application.
APS checks your degree papers. You need it if your degree is from India, China or Vietnam.
Will you get in? Check your eligibility.
Answer a few questions to see how you match this programme. Free, no email. Leave anything blank you are not sure about.
Requirements
What you need to apply for Computational Biology at University of Cologne
English language
German language
Academic requirements
View academic requirements detailsHide details
not required
Nil
APS verification
APS checks your degree papers. You need it if your degree is from India, China or Vietnam.
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a mathematical-scientific or engineering degree programme including at least
- 12 credit points from the subject areas of genetics and / or molecular biology,
- 60 further credit points from at least three of the subject areas biochemistry, botany / plant sciences, developmental biology, evolutionary biology, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, ecology, neurobiology / neurosciences, physiology or cell biology as well as
- 24 further credit points in fundamentals of mathematics, statistics, physics, bioinformatics and / or biomathematics, of which at least 6 LP in bioinformatics / computational biology.
Overall Grade: at least 2.7 according to the German grading system
If you have not yet completed your degree: You can apply if you have successfully completed at least 80% of the credit points and can provide evidence of the specific credit points (see above).
Please note: The last examination must be taken before the start of the first semester of the Master's programme, otherwise admission will be withdrawn.
Proof of significant practical (hands-on) training in at least three of the following study areas: Biochemistry, Computational Biology, Plant Science, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology,
Genetics, Ecology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Neurobiology, Physiology, and Zoology.
Please note that applicants holding a master's degree in Biology that was issued by a German university cannot be admitted.
Documents checklist
What to prepare for your application to Computational Biology
Programme-specific documents
Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and transcript of Records incl. overall grade and indication of the total credit points earned.*
Optional: Module description to proof the biological content and practical training.
Optional: If you have completed or started an additional study program, e.g. a different Master program, please prepare a second PDF-file that compiles all documents that certify the completion and/or study progress as well as the content of this program. Please note that applicants holding a Master degree in Biology that was issued by a German University cannot be admitted.
University entrance qualification*
In the case of a foreign Bachelor's degree (or equivalent): VPD (see above „Requirements for admission to the Master's degree“)
Curriculum Vitae (in english): The CV should include your address, E-mail, education (including high school education and all University study programs, whether completed or not). Please include the contact details of two academic referees who are able to comment in detail on your capacity to cope with the academic demand of the program. If applicable, the CV should include professional experience and other activities, publications, awards, and additional qualification.
Proof of English language proficiency
Application form provided in KLIPS completely filled in
*In case of a foreign degree: If the original documents were not issued in German or English, you must upload the documents in the original language and officially certified translations.
Applications with a degree not yet completed: You must submit a Transcript of Records showing the credit points required (see above „Requirements for admission to the Master's degree“) as well as the provisional overall grade, issued and certified by your Examination Office.
This programme applies directly to the university, with a VPD from uni-assist. Submit your documents through the correct channel before the deadline.
Open application portal (opens in a new tab)Apostille and notarization
Requirements vary by nationality and issuing country. Many German universities require certified translations and, in some cases, document apostilles. Verify current requirements directly with the admissions office, or use our document services for guided preparation.
Need help preparing your documents?
Our document preparation bundle covers SOP, CV, LOR, and translation coordination, reviewed by our team.
View document bundleHow to apply
Step-by-step guide to applying for Computational Biology at University of Cologne
Application quick facts
Apply via
uni-assist VPD, then direct
uni-assist checks your papers first. Then the university decides on your application.
Mode
online
APS
Required for Application
APS checks your degree papers. You need it if your degree is from India, China or Vietnam.
Application fee
75 EUR
Not admitted to this programme?
Germany has thousands of programmes across hundreds of universities. Use the compare tool to find similar programmes and see which fits your profile better.
Costs
Tuition
FREE
No tuition fees
Semester contribution
335.65 EUR
per semester
Application fee
75 EUR
per application
Estimated year-1 total cost
12,576 EUR
Includes tuition, semester contribution, and estimated living costs.
This programme has restricted admission (NC). Admission is competitive and based on academic performance.
Plan your total budget for Germany
Use the MS in Germany cost calculator to estimate living expenses, insurance, and your full year-one spend.
Open cost calculatorAdmission outcomes
Community-reported data from MS in Germany students (2018-2025)
Acceptance rate
0%
0 accepted out of 1 total applications
Grade benchmarksGerman scale (1.0 = best, 4.0 = passing)
1.72
Avg. rejected grade
German scale
Based on 1 applications from MS in Germany students 2018-2025.
Similar programmes
Other Mathematics programmes ordered by QS ranking
- MSc
Actuarial and Financial Mathematics
RPTU Kaiserslautern-LandauKaiserslauternNo tuition feesTaught in EnglishWinter and summer intake178 days left - MSc
Advanced and Computational Mathematics
No tuition feesTaught in EnglishWinter and summer intake73 days left - MSc
Applied Computer Science (MIN)
No tuition feesBilingual (English and German)Winter and summer intake73 days left - MSc
Applied Data Science
University of GottingenGöttingenNo tuition feesTaught in English4 semestersWinter and summer intake179 days left
Looking for more programmes at University of Cologne?
View university page