Interfakultäres Institut für Mikrobiologie und Infektionsmedizin

Application requirements

What type of bachelor degree do I need?

Ideally, you have completed a bachelor degree in biology. Students with other degrees must provide evidence of at least 30 ECTS credits in relevant subject areas (e.g. molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry) and at least 12 ECTS credits of practical laboratory experience.

Can I apply if I haven´t completed my bachelor degree yet?

If you are in the last semester of your bachelor degree, you may apply with an English or German record of all courses taken including grades received up to that point and the preliminary average grade (e.g. a transcript with the preliminary average grade). For the application only the average grade submitted before the application deadline can be taken into account, i.e. we cannot adjust it afterwards as you complete more courses.

Do I need English language certificates?

Since the degree is completely in English, you will need very good written and spoken English. No formal certificate is required, if you are a native speaker, if your previous degree was taught in English or if your school-leaving exam gives evidence of a sufficient level of English. Evidence of English on your high school diploma (e.g. Abitur) will be sufficient for your application. Otherwise, submitting one of the typical English tests (IELTS, TOEFL) with your application is necessary.

Evidence of English language knowledge (level B2 minimum):

  • TOEFL (79 IBT or 550 PBT)
  • IELTS 6,5
  • IB Diploma with English as teaching language
  • Cambridge Certificate FCE, CAE, CPE, level B2 or higher
  • a recognized higher education entrance qualification obtained in English and in a country whose official language is English
  • BSc degree from a country with English as offical language
  • notification of English level B2 or higher on higher education entrance qualification, e.g. Abiturzeugnis

Why do I need German language certificates?

Although the course is taught entirely in English, we require German language skills at A2 level. Unfortunately, we can´t help you with daily-life tasks such as finding an apartment or opening a bank account, which is why we consider it important to speak at least a low level of German. If German is your mother tongue or you´ve studied a German bachelor degree before, of course you don´t have to proof German language proficiency.

Evidence of German language knowledge (level A2 minimum):

  • Goethe A2
  • Telc A2
  • ÖSD A2
  • German as native language
  • BSc degree with German as teaching language

Please note that other certificates cannot be considered!

Do I need a letter of recommendation?

No, a letter of recommendation is not necessary for application and should therefore not be submitted. Applications with a large number of non-requiered documents can delay the application process.

Application process

When does the application portal open?

The application portal usually opens in March or beginning of April. Unfortunately, an exact date cannot be given.

Until when do I need to apply?

The application deadline for a start in October is May, 31 of the same year. All necessary documents must also be submitted by this date. Documents submitted after this date cannot be considered and which may be a reason for rejection. See the application & admission page for all dates & deadlines.

What steps are necessary to apply?

  • If you choose to take the admission test, you must register at least one week before the test date (mail to mibi-master@med.uni-tuebingen.de)
  • You submit your information and documents online. The Alma portal will guide you through the application process.
  • Do NOT send your application and/or documents to the Master Microbiology office.
  • Once the application is completed you will receive an email confirmation from the students office.
  • After the application deadline we will consider all valid applications. Shortlisted applicants will be notified within about 2 weeks.

Selection criteria

How is my bachelors grade converted into points?

You can find the grade converting table here
grade 1.0 = 30 points
grade 2.5 = 0 points

What is the admission test about?

The admission exam is about basic microbiology and molecular biology. The majority of the questions will be at the level of bachelor biology courses.

Do I have to register for the exam?

Yes, if you want to take part in the admission test, please send an email to mibi-masterspam prevention@med.uni-tuebingen.de with the headline admission test and your full name and email adress in the text.

Is the admission test mandatory?

Participation in the test is recommended but you can apply relying only on your bachelor grade & bonus points.
Ths means you can score a maximum of 37 out of 57 points if you don´t take part in the test.

If you don´t take part in the Admission test you must have at least a 1.9 to be eligible for admission (without considering bonus points)!

Do I have to come to Tübingen for the test?

Due to legal restrictions, the test cannot be offered online or at other locations.
But, as mentioned above, the test is not a prerequisite for an application.

How are the 2 points for the quality of the completed program awarded?

The selection commitee decides on the awarding of these bonus points based on previously admitted degrees and their prospects of success in the Master of Microbiology and Infection Biology program.

International applicants

How can I find an accommodation?

It is very important that you search for an accommodation as soon as possible. Application for official student housing opens on the 1st of April for the fall term. Do not wait until you have received an offer (you can supply these documents later). It is very difficult to find a place in Tübingen. We recommend student housing to get you started here.

What are the tuition fees for international students?

The tuition fees for international students are 1,500.00 € per semester
Please find more information here

Are there study funding opportunities for international students?

In Germany scholarships are not offered by the universities themselves. Instead students have to search and apply for a scholarship on their own.
More information on study funding for international students can be found here