Further Information for Applicants to the Master`s Study
March 22, 2023 2025-12-09 10:50Further Information for Applicants to the Master`s Study
Application Procedure
Applicants need to have at least a bachelor degree in a subject related to bioinformatics. Additionally, we require that you provide evidence of
A strong background in computer science
Good mathematical abilities
A thorough education in life sciences documented by experimental and theoretical courses
Solid basic training in bioinformatics
Good knowledge of the English language
Please apply online using the following application platform. Be sure to choose the semester you are applying for.
The submission of these documents is mandatory: your cv, your bachelor transcript with course overview and a statement of purpose (please note the template).
Please note that we require the results of a standardised English proficiency test. A direct submission by the testing organisation is not required; you can upload a scan of your test results.
There are two deadlines per year: November 15 for the summer term and May 15 for the winter term. Applicants who require a student visa to pursue their studies in Germany are strongly encouraged to submit their application by 15 November for admission to the Winter Semester of the following calendar year, and by 15 May for the Summer Semester of the following calendar year (e.g., by 15 November 2026 for entry in Winter Semester 2027/2028).
While we make every effort to process applications promptly after these deadlines, we cannot guarantee that the timing will meet all visa application requirements, as these may vary by country and individual circumstances. The responsibility for securing a visa lies solely with the applicant, including ensuring that sufficient time is available for visa processing and travel arrangements.
The application committee tries to make decisions within two to four weeks after the application deadline. You will be notified through the application platform that the status of your application has changed.
Yes, we generally allow applicants who have been admitted to defer their starting date in the program by one semester. This may be helpful, e.g., if you have problems obtaining your visa for Germany in time, or if special circumstances arrive. In this case, please send us an email and submit a new application for the semester you wish to enroll in.
About the MSc Program in Bioinformatics
No, the Center for Bioinformatics does not offer fellowships or studentships. However, you may apply for admission to the International Graduate School of the Max Planck Institute of Computer Science or for the Graduate School of Computer Science. Bioinformatics can also be studied as part of these programs. You should also check the information of the German Exchange Service DAAD about their regulations for your home country.
The program is planned for four semesters including three semesters of lectures and one for the final master thesis.
No, all core courses of the master program are taught in English language. Some additional classes are given in German.
Exemplary schedules and further information about classes is given here.
You find these information on the website of each course. An interactive map of the campus is available here.
Yes, Saarland University offers German language courses for beginners. English language courses can be credited towards satisfying the free points requirements of the master’s degree.
Registration
You need:
The admission letter
The voucher for payment of the semester fee
A photo
A certified copy of your university diploma
A copy of your passport
The registration form
Certification of your health insurance
For further details, please see “Documents to be submitted for your enrolment”
The semester fee is 361,90€ (winter semester 2024/25) including the semester travel ticket that allows students to freely use public transportation in Saarland. There is no tuition fee for the master program. Further information is given here. Only bank transfer is possible, to be paid before registration.
Before the registration you need an obligatory health insurance contract available from any public health insurance company of about € 120 per month or a contract with a private company.
No, these checks are not required to get a health insurance contract.
This enrolment portal is available in English too.
General Information
Special information for foreign students is provided by the Centre for International Students at Saarland University.
Some information is available here and on the websites of our Welcome Center.
You can apply for an accommodation in a students´ residence right after having registered, see information about the students´ residences and private accommodations here.
For the first days, you can book a room in the International Youth Hostel that is near to the University.
No, these checks are not required to get a health insurance contracaAfter having registered as a student, you have to register online for the exams of the courses when the examination dates are known on HIS-Online-Portal. There, you also find the courses overview. Some lectures have additional regulations.t.
