Hey, Eric!

Your Master Fit List is ready 👍

I've selected programs that uniquely represent your personality and needs. Below every listing you'll find an explanation as to why I selected that specific program for you. I also recommend you keep digging into each selected college, city, and country for relevant information.

I really enjoyed working on this for you, and I learned a lot about your field in the meantime! This feels like a bit of a hodgepodge of options on your list, and you’ll certainly have some things to take into consideration. I’ve included a single MBA program, 3 programs in Italy in your field, and one in Belgium. Lucky for you, Italy seems to be rather saturated with programs in your areas of interest, and they are the most affordable options – hence, 3 programs in this country on your list. Belgium also had some stellar options for you and your category – I chose a single, highly-ranked university here to represent. It’s the more selective option for you, and you’ll have to decide if this kind of rigorous program is what you’re looking for. 

Honestly though, Eric, there are many, many options in your area of study, and its branches, that might be a good fit – I was stunned by how many options there are. Happy problems! I was deliberate in including programs that had a wider scope and/or included some of the sub-fields you discussed with me, including your interest in Business. And further, a few of your listings are universities that offer many options at the master’s level, in English, in your specific area of study. All of this for the benefit of giving you room to explore, and a degree of flexibility. With that in mind, some of the schools on your list also have a variety of Engineering programs at the master’s level to consider too. It’s probably not lost on you that there are so many applications and avenues that you can take with your Bioengineering background – ideally, you would find something to specialize in that is in demand, and will give you an edge. As important, when building your list, I really tried to prioritize location, since I know this is a significant factor for you and your experience while living/studying in Europe. 

Speaking of location, as I mentioned, many of the options on your list are located in Italy. I wanted to let you know that there may be some unique obstacles when applying to programs in Italy. Typically, there is a “pre-enrollment” procedure for international students. After you apply to the school, you are issued a pre-acceptance (or rejection letter); from here the student takes their pre-acceptance letter, along with many other required documents to the Italian embassy in their home country to continue pre-enrollment. Then this sets in motion the visa process, but the student is only officially enrolled once they are in Italy having then turned in the documents to the school. Just a reality check! There are often more detailed instructions on this process in the program’s site page online, but the school’s international admissions office should be able to help walk you through. Patience (and time) may be required. 

During our next 1:1 call we can discuss some of the other options on the shortlist, if you want to go there, but the programs selected for your list still stood out for me and seemed to meet much of your criteria. I had to let go of some really good, rigorous options for you at universities like ETH Zurich (Switzerland) and TU Munich (Germany), since these are highly selective and competitive schools, but in all honesty, these are two of the strongest universities to gain a degree in your category in Europe. For contrast, I think you should still browse their options. There are reasons I left other options off your list, even if their programs were a good fit, such as when their enrollment caps were so low for non-EU students (which is common), etc. We can discuss the curation of your list further when we meet. Also, I did look briefly at the schools you made reference to in an email, I noticed that a couple of them were already either on this list or on my shortlist, or they were excluded since they were well outside of your budget. 

Once you’ve spent time digging into each of these programs, go ahead and schedule your next 1:1 with me. We’ll discuss your list, and next steps!

Okay, let’s go!


Details

#1 Zagreb School of Economics and Management

School image
General Business Administration

Zagreb , Croatia

€10,400 Yearly Tuition

Why I selected this for you

We discussed the option of an MBA for you in Europe, and I do think it’s a wise idea to consider. However, MBAs are some of the most expensive English-taught programs in the EU, and so you should know that the pool of options within your budget is small. But I did find a few, and this one is in your first country of preference, Croatia, is just at the top of your budget, is only 1 year in duration, and has two separate start dates: March and September. (You could be studying in Croatia by March of 2024!) But most importantly, you meet their eligibility requirements, which is often a tricky matter when you don’t have a related academic or professional profile. ZSEM is a globally ranked school for 2023 in the QS Global Rankings, and importantly, is AACSB-accredited. 

This Graduate MBA program includes 2 executive concentrations (Global Executive MBA or Executive MBA), and 7 different specializations (Management, HR Management, Supply Chain Management, Marketing, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Finance and Banking, and Accounting, Auditing, and Taxes). I like this array and flexibility. Also, ZSEM allows you to study abroad (at no additional cost) and obtain an additional degree at one of their many partner universities, giving you the opportunity to gain a joint-degree. You can find their list of partner universities and courses on their website, along with much more in-depth information on their MBA options. 

Let’s talk about entry requirements for international students: beyond providing your undergraduate diploma and transcripts, you’ll need to submit two recommendations (academic or professional); for those applicant’s whose grade point average is lower than 3.5, a third recommendation is required (look for the recommendation template on their site page. You’ll also need to submit a Motivation Letter, and CV (Europass CV Template). Because you don’t have a background in business, you’ll be required to attend an online (available throughout the year) introductory semester ahead of the MBA program, where you’ll take these courses: Economics, Marketing, Business and Finance, Management, and Accounting – this just lays the foundation for you. Application deadlines for the March start (due by January 20), and for the September start (due by July 10). 

Zagreb School of Economics and Management

General Business Administration


#2 University of Genova

School image
Medical-pharmaceutical biotechnology

Genoa , Italy

€3,000 Yearly Tuition

Why I selected this for you

Here’s an ideal looking program for you – it covers a relatively large amount of territory in its program structure, including a number of your specific areas of interest in this category, plus it folds in a variety of business courses (including patenting) as well. And importantly… it’s in Italy, an ideal location, and is astonishingly affordable. 

This 2-year master’s degree in Medical-Pharmaceutical Biotechnology aims to provide an advanced scientific preparation on biotechnology topics oriented to medicine and pharmacology through the acquisition of integrated skills at the biochemical, biological-molecular and cellular levels. Extending beyond the fundamentals acquired during your bachelor’s degree, this course addresses the latest and advanced topics and techniques, teaching technologies such as deep sequencing, proteomics, genomics, nanotechnologies, cancer immunology, stem cells for tissue repairing, molecular pathology, developmental neurobiology, organ biochemistry and diagnostic technologies. The course also provides competencies for business creation and management.

Elements of this program are: next generation sequencing, neuroscience, regenerative medicine, nanotechnology, gene therapy, and cancer biology. Check out this extensive page of information on this program on their website – very unlike an Italian website to offer this much material to work with – a welcome sign for me. They also have a reference for the curriculum – it’s here

The University of Genoa (Italian: Università degli Studi di Genova, UNIGE) is a public research university located in Genoa, Liguria, Italy. It was founded in 1481 and is the largest university in Liguria, with over 33,000 students enrolled. The university is also home to a number of world-renowned research centers and laboratories, which are conducting cutting-edge research in a variety of fields. Conveniently located near the South of France, Genoa, Italy is the gateway city to the Italian Riviera. Ferries to Genoa operate from Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, Barcelona, and Tunisia. It is a popular port-of-call for cruise ships and is home to a large international airport. Frequent train service operates to Milan, Rome, and the south of France from Genoa’s two main train stations.

Admissions requirements and application timeline aren’t wholly clear on their site, and so I’ve reached out to them to get more info; I will let you know asap once I hear back on other details. One other bit of fine print I want to confirm is that they may have mandatory Italian language-learning classes as part of the curriculum; you should consider this. What I do see is that they require you to have certain coursework as part of your undergraduate degree/transcripts – I am making the assumption that you’ve taken these courses. As a minimal requirement to be admitted to Medical-pharmaceutical Biotechnology you need to be able to certify in your previous studies the following credits/hour in the indicated subjects:

  • 6 CFU (48 hours in total) Mathematics and Statistics
  • 3 CFU (24 hours in total) Informatics and computer science
  • 5 CFU (40 hours in total) Physics
  • 6 CFU (48 hours in total) Inorganic chemistry
  • 6 CFU (48 hours in total) Organic chemistry
  • 18 CFU (144 hours in total) General Biology, developmental biology, histology and genetics
  • 18 CFU (144 hours in total) Biochemistry and Molecular biology
  • 9 CFU (72 hours in total) Anatomy and physiology
  • 5 CFU (40 hours in total) Pathology and microbiology

University of Genova

Medical-pharmaceutical biotechnology


#3 University of Padova

School image
Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies

Padua , Italy

€2,622 Yearly Tuition

Why I selected this for you

I have to admit, this one was selected with the balance of its fitting program, easy price tag, and its incredible location, in Padova (aka Padua), Italy. 

This 2-year program focuses on modern pharmaceutical research, and is meant to prepare you for solid knowledge in the pharmaceutical and technological fields typical of biopharmaceuticals, combined with in-depth training in molecular biology, structural biochemistry, genetic engineering and protein engineering, recombinant DNA techniques and bioinformatics, with a solid background in chemistry, pharmacology and advanced pharmaceutical technology, as well as specific technical and regulatory expertise in problems related to research, development, control and advice about newly developed drugs. 

You can work in research laboratories or collaborate with public or private organizations in the biotechnological-pharmaceutical sector, dealing with research, design, production and formulation and analysis of innovative and biotechnological drugs, but also with quality control in the biomedical, diagnostic and nutritional fields. The Laurea Magistrale (Master of Science) focuses on ‘transferring’ knowledge, endowing students with strong technical skills (hard skills) and interpersonal skills (soft skills), building at the same time those competencies needed to face the changing pharmaceutical marketplace. The knowledge of the physico-chemical properties of molecules and macromolecules enable students to apply the analytical methods required for the identification, purification and characterization of biopharmaceuticals during production and quality control.

Founded in 1222, the University of Padova is the second-oldest university in Italy and one of the oldest in the world. It’is known for its strong focus on research, with its faculty members actively engaged in research projects in a variety of fields. The University of Padua is also a leading center for innovation, with its research centers and laboratories developing new technologies and products meant to have a positive impact on society. The school has a strong international reputation and its graduates are highly sought-after by employers in Italy and around the world. As well, the university has a strong focus on internationalization, with its students having the opportunity to study abroad and participate in international exchange programs.

Admissions require that you have a related undergraduate degree, which it appears you do, but they may scrutinize your courses taken to make sure they’re compatible with the contents of this program. You’ll also need to submit a CV and Motivation Letter. There are only 13 spaces for non-EU master’s students each year in this program, and so this may give you pause. Their application period is January 7 – March 7. Here is a pdf on their admissions requirements and info. 

Take a look at some of University of Padova’s other related master’s options in our database as well to get a view on what else is on offer at this research university.

University of Padova

Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies


#4 Tor Vergata University of Rome

School image
Biotechnology

Rome , Italy

€1,000 Yearly Tuition

Why I selected this for you

Okay, here is the only pure Biotechnology program on your list, and it’s a remarkably affordable one. It’s also in Rome, which is such an incredible, and cosmopolitan city. I found this option particularly appealing in that it claims to blend aspects of science, technology and business – an ideal balance for your goals.  

More precisely, this 2-year M.Sc in Biotechnology program combines biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, pharmacology and microbiology with business fundamentals and ecology — the essential background and depth of the biotech industry’s interface between research and development, business management and ethical manufacturing. Graduates will acquire the competence needed to work in the field of Research in gene manipulation and production of proteins; Creation and monitoring of genetically modified organisms (GMO); Pharmacology; Food industry and food control; Industrial and environmental quality control; and Molecular diagnostics. An internship is mandatory with this program, which is slightly unique when compared to other similar programs. There isn’t a lot on the program structure and curriculum on their site, but if this program strikes a chord you might email them asking for this information. Then you can compare it with other structures on your list. 

Let’s talk admissions: they write that prospective students must have “sufficient background in the following: Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics; Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Animal and Plant Physiology, Microbiology, Virology, Basic economy and Bioethics. And, therefore, should have a Bachelor’s degree in Biology or Biotechnology. In the event the official transcript of exams does not demonstrate the passing of exams related to all the subjects listed above, the applicant must contact the coordinator to evaluate the possibility to fulfill the requirements prior to enrollment. Admission of students in possession of other university degrees (Pharmacy, Chemistry …) is subject to an evaluation of the previous academic career by an ad hoc Commission. Such applicants are asked to provide documentation proving that they have a solid grounding in all subjects deemed essential. Priority will be given to the applicants who have obtained the bachelor’s degree in the last five years.” That last bit may not work in your favor, but I assume you meet their background requirements with your undergraduate and professional profile. Their admissions information isn’t up to date on their website, but if they mimic what they were for this current school year, then applications open in February for this program. Here is a link to their admissions page.

Tor Vergata University of Rome

Biotechnology


#5 KU Leuven University

School image
Biochemical Engineering Technology

Leuven , Belgium

€6,600 Yearly Tuition

Why I selected this for you

This listing is more of a school feature – KU Leuven – than a specific program feature. Only because this university has many master’s programs in your field of interest. KU Leuven is a notable institution, and we’ve seen a number of BTS students attend happily. It catches my eye that they offer so many English-taught master’s programs in your area of study – I think this speaks to their degree of knowledge and resources in this sector. You should know however, KU Leuven is a highly ranked and selective school, and has challenging and dynamic programming, and will most-likely will be competitive at the admissions level, but they do uniquely offer a foundation year for those who don’t necessarily meet their requirements – a boon. This is a research-intensive university with over 100 research centers and institutions. It has a diverse student body with over 10,000 international students from over 100 countries, and its main campus is located in the heart of Leuven, Belgium, which is home to a variety of historical buildings and green spaces.

I chose to highlight their 1-year Biomedical Engineering Technology program here since it’s such a broad-based, multidisciplinary category, and it includes a variety of your interest areas, even how to manage scientific and technical processes in a business environment. But KU Leuven also offers English-taught master’s degrees, within your budget, in Biomedical Engineering: Cellular and Genetic Engineering; Bioinformatics; strictly Biomedical Engineering; Biomedical Sciences; Biomedical Sciences; Biophysics, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology; and many other relevant Engineering programs. Relatively, this is A LOT on offer, in English, in a single institution in the EU. I think that many of these branches will help you to gain additional knowledge and skills, and stand out in your industry. Head here to check out the university’s variety of other relevant master’s programs. 

This particular master’s program provides in-depth, interdisciplinary training in biochemical engineering as practiced in various contexts and sectors. Particular areas of focus include food science, biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences and environmental sciences. In addition to fundamental (bio)chemical/scientific coursework, the curriculum includes coursework in socio-economics and biotechnology. A flexible cross-campus elective package and a master’s thesis conducted in either a research-specific or an industrial context enable you to focus your studies according to your specific interests and career goals. Two option packages are available: Biomedical engineering: this option relates to biotechnological developments in the medical sector. Knowledge of human physiological systems and medical engineering techniques constitute the basis of developments in the area of artificial organs, tissue engineering, biomaterials, bioelectronics and new diagnostic techniques, or Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology: this option focuses on the use of microbiological and molecular (DNA-based) techniques to monitor and control desired and undesired microorganisms in various industrial processes. Examples include bio-ethanol production, malt production, food production and processing, water treatment and the use of biocontrol to beat plant diseases.

Admissions require you to hold a related undergraduate bachelor’s degree, which you do. Beyond this they state that you should “have a clear affinity with the major”, and have a robust background in science and mathematics. The affinity of the subject area of your previous degree will be evaluated based on your background in mathematics, engineering, chemistry and biochemistry, biotechnology, reactor technology, project management and communication, among others. They also strongly encourage applicants to submit a GRE test as it can be an asset to the overall evaluation of an application, although it is not mandatory. If the Board of Admissions evaluates the application as promising and relevant to the program, but thinks important elements are still missing in your educational background, you will be eligible to start a preparatory program. After successfully completing this program, you will be granted direct access to the master’s program. Since the master’s program duration is only one year (60 ECTS), there is no room to introduce courses to bridge with the undergraduate program the candidate has already obtained; therefore most applicants (90% apparently) need to follow a preparatory program. Application deadline is March 1 for fall start, but I encourage you to apply as early as you’re able. 

KU Leuven University

Biochemical Engineering Technology


Recommended Reading


Recommended Podcasts