In 2023, the global biotech industry was worth $412.2 billion, growing 12% from the previous year. Today, the industry is still growing strong and is expected to hit the figure of $465.9 billion.
The biotechnology field is growing and evolving strongly by using newer technologies like artificial intelligence, gene editing, and personalized medicine.
With using these technologies, the industry has revolutionized its research sector by investing in vaccine development, increased agricultural production, and sustainable biofuel production.
Some of the countries that house advanced biotechnology facilities and are at the forefront of research are the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany.
The courses that the better MS Biotechnology programs provide their students prepare them for a variety of jobs in research and development, quality control, and consulting. Some jobs that students can get with their degree include Clinical Research Analyst, Quality Control Analyst, Associate Biotechnologist, and Bioinformatic Analyst.
In this guide, we will walk you through some of the best countries and universities where you can study for an MS in Biotechnology. We have ranked the countries and universities based on the type of education they offer, their research capabilities, the job opportunities available to graduates, and the general quality of life.
Also Read: Study Abroad Guide for Indian Students 2024
Top countries to study a Master’s in Biotechnology program abroad
When considering where to pursue the Master’s in Biotechnology program abroad, you will find that several countries stand out for their educational quality, research opportunities, job industry, living costs, etc.
Here’s a list of top countries abroad for an MS in Biotechnology:
- United States
The USA is also home to world-class research facilities with advanced technology where you can stay at the forefront of innovation and even bag lucrative job offers within the R&D field.
Moreover, the USA is home to two of the best biotech centers in the world, located in (Boston and San Francisco which provide hundreds of internships and jobs to biotechnology majors offering excellent career prospects.
In 2018, there were 317.542 people employed in the USA. It rose to 431,633 persons by 2023, representing a 6.3% increase from the year 2018 to the year 2023, thus showing that the sector is slowly increasing employment prospects.
Some of the top universities in the USA that offer an MS in Biotechnology include MIT, Harvard University, Stanford University, the University of California San Francisco, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Pennsylvania.
After pursuing majors from these universities in the USA, students can easily land jobs as health informatics specialists, biostatisticians, bioinformatics technicians, biochemists, microbiologists, etc. Graduates can earn salaries as high as $165,000 per annum or even higher, depending on the university they graduate from, experience, location, and other relevant factors.
- United Kingdom
After the United States, the United Kingdom is the second best place to study an MS in Biotechnology. It is home to the biotech sector, which is growing at the rate of 9.2% from 2017 to 2022.
The number of biotech startups grew by 72% during these years, indicating a strong industry presence.
According to the Bioscience and health technology sector statistics, 2021 to 2022 showed a positive year-on-year growth in employment, with 304,200 people securing jobs in the Bioscience sector in the UK.
Moreover, a graduate with an MS in biotechnology can earn a starting salary of £30,000 to £40,000 yearly in the UK. This can increase to £60,000 or more with experience.All in all the UK has a strong biotech industry second only to the USA, and this can only grow in the future.
Overall, the UK is home to a thriving biotech sector lagging just behind the USA and is expected to only rise in the coming years.
- China
China is emerging as a global leader in Genomics, Gene editing, and Regenerative Medicine. The country has designated Biotechnology as a “strategic emerging industry” in its 14th five-year (2021-2025) national and scientific development plan, prioritizing investments and policies to accelerate its growth.
The country is at the forefront of research with cutting-edge laboratories, biotech firms, and world-class research institutions. Students can bag job offers like Research Assistant, Microbiology Analyst, and Agro-Biologist after completing an MS in Biotechnology in China. Almost one-third of professionals opt for research-based positions.
The top universities in China offering the MS in Biotechnology include the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, ranked as the 3rd best global university for biotechnology programs, per the U.S. News and World Report.
- Germany
Germany has a strong industry for biotechnology professionals. Its reputation for advanced engineering and innovation makes it an excellent hub for technological innovations. It has strong ties between academia and industry to ensure that curricula are relevant and updated. It is also home to leading biotech companies like Bayer, Novartis, Merck, Sanofi, and Evotec.
- Australia
Australia, with its expanding biotechnology industry and preeminent universities, is quickly emerging as a center for biotech education in the Asia-Pacific. Moreover, the country provides a different view of biotechnology with research possibilities in marine and agricultural biotech.
Australian universities also provide excellent support services for international students, such as academic support centers, career counseling, dedicated student advisors, and various activities for students to succeed in their studies.
- South Korea
South Korea is a prominent player in pursuing an MS in Biotechnology. It houses world-class universities like the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and Seoul National University. They are renowned for their research and innovation in biotechnology and offer specialized bio and brain engineering programs.
The country is a global leader in stem cell research, gene therapy, and regenerative medicine. It has strong industry ties with leading biotech companies such as Samsung Biologics, Celltrion, and LG Chem.
Countries like Switzerland, Denmark, Canada, South Korea, and Australia also offer leading biotechnology programs. However, the leading countries listed above set the bar for students pursuing a Master’s program in Biotechnology.
Also Read: Masters in Management (MIM) in USA: Top Universities, Rankings, Fees, Eligibility & More
Top universities in the world for pursuing a Master’s in Biotechnology program
Here is a list of top universities offering an MS in Biotechnology program, as ranked by the U.S. News and Report 2024.
| Rank | University Name | Location |
| 1 | Harvard University | USA |
| 2 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | USA |
| 3 | Stanford University | USA |
| 4 | University of Chinese Academy of Sciences | China |
| 5 | University of Cambridge | UK |
| 6 | Johns Hopkins University | USA |
| 7 | University of California San Diego | USA |
| 8 | Shanghai Jiao Tong University | China |
| 9 | Zhejiang University | China |
| 10 | University of Pennsylvania | United States |
Course curriculum of the Master’s in Biotechnology program abroad
The curriculum of the MS in Biotechnology program varies in different universities and programs. Factors like regional biotech industry demands, emerging technologies, and research areas influence the curriculum. Therefore, there is no standardized or universal curriculum abroad for the MS in Biotechnology program.
We have reviewed the course curriculum for MS in Biotechnology programs offered by top universities in leading countries and have listed the common subjects below.
Core Courses:
- Advanced Cell Biology
- Molecular Genetics
- Biochemistry and Metabolism
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Biostatistics and Experimental Design
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
- Biotechnology Techniques and Instrumentation
- Bioethics and Regulatory Affairs
Specialized Courses:
- Genomics and Proteomics
- Recombinant DNA Technology
- Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine
- Industrial Biotechnology
- Environmental Biotechnology
- Agricultural Biotechnology
- Marine Biotechnology
- Nanobiotechnology
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
- Bioreactor Design and Bioprocess Engineering
Many universities offer research-focused programs in subjects such as:
- Research Methodology
- Scientific Writing and Communication
- Laboratory Rotations
- Master’s Thesis Research Project
- Biotechnology Entrepreneurship
- Intellectual Property and Patent Law in Biotechnology
Eligibility for studying a Master’s in Biotechnology program abroad
There are no specific criteria to pursue this program. However, you can check out some common requirements that universities in the USA put in place for students pursuing graduate programs. Here’s the list of these requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from STEM programs, preferably in Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or a related field.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 or 4.0; some universities require higher scores.
- Standardized test scores like GRE. Several universities have waived this exam requirement. Hence, check with the university before submitting.
- English language proficiency tests like IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, and TOEFL.
- Two to three recommendation letters.
- Statement of Purpose.
- Resume/CV highlighting relevant coursework and experience.
- Research experience (if any).
GMAT/GRE requirements for studying a Master’s in Biotechnology abroad
The GRE is relevant for pursuing an MS in Biotechnology abroad. However, GMAT scores are not relevant for pursuing science or engineering programs.
Although GRE scores are linked with science/engineering, they are not required by a lot of universities.
Even many of the best universities in the USA, UK, Singapore, Canada, Australia, and China do not require GRE scores for entry into their MS in Biotechnology program.
However, they expect applicants to have strong academic records, relevant research experience, and demonstrate proficiency in the English language through exams like the IELTS or TOEFL.
Also Read: Should you take GMAT or GRE ?
Scholarships to study a Master’s in Biotechnology abroad
Students who are worried about their college fees can choose from multiple scholarships. They are both merit and need-based.
Some of the common scholarships available in each country for international student are:.
United States
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- AAW International Fellowship
- National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Graduate Research Fellowship by the University of Delaware
United Kingdom
- Chevening Scholarships
- Cambridge-Nehru Scholarships
Germany
- University of Cologne International Doctoral Scholarships
- German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) scholarships
Other Countries
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
- University of Toronto, Canada
- University of Queensland, Australia
Also Read: Scholarship to Study Abroad for Indian Students 2024: A Complete Guide
Career Scope of Biotechnology
There are innumerable career opportunities abroad for graduates with a Master’s in Biotechnology. The sector is driven by innovation and technological advancements, opening avenues for core jobs and other jobs that fall under the aegis of biotechnology.
There are innumerable career opportunities abroad for graduates with a Master’s in Biotechnology. This sector is driven by innovation and technological breakthroughs constantly creating pathways for not only the core jobs but also in research and development.
Biotechnology is a broad field that encompasses many industries, including pharmaceuticals, food enterprises, research and development, textiles and cosmetics, and agriculture. In these fields, students can find opportunities in research, product development, and process improvement.
Some of the core job profiles and their salaries in the respective locations are mentioned below:
| Job Role | Salary (per annum) | |||
| USA | UK | Canada | Germany | |
| Biochemist | $60,610 | £61,522 | $141,268 | €83,636 |
| Biomedical Engineer | $97,410 | £41,659 | $88,491 | €81.206 |
| Biotech Product Analyst | $1,11,568 | £51,737 | $78,692 | €61,750 |
| Biomanufacturing Specialist | $61370 | £24,000 | $60,484 | €52,500 |
| Biological Technician | $42,105 | £37,099 | $49,116 | €51,690 |
| Microbiologist | $61,549 | £30,588 | $181,953 | €66,727 |
Biotechnology graduates can expect competitive salaries compared to other nations worldwide in the above countries. While seeking countries to study a Master’s in Biotechnology, one should consider and look into the R&D expenditures.
Countries such as China, South Korea, and Singapore are driven by significant investments in biotech research and development, boasting immense scope for this degree.
In addition, countries like the UK, USA, Australia, and Canada are home to large biotech hubs, offering numerous job roles in core and non-core fields of biotechnology, such as business development manager, marketing manager, and lecturer.
The global biotechnology industry is witnessing rapid advancements with key trends like gene editing, personalized medicine, and sustainability, opening new avenues for graduates after completing an MS in Biotechnology.
Top recruiters for graduates of MS in Biotechnology program
Graduates of an MS in Biotechnology are highly sought after across various industries. Here is the list of top recruiters within different industries for graduates with an MS in Biotechnology abroad:
- Pharmaceutical Giants
- Pfizer
- Novartis
- Roche
- Merck
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
- Johnson & Johnson
- Biotechnology Companies
- Amgen
- Genentech (Roche subsidiary)
- Biogen
- Gilead Sciences
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
- Agrochemical and Agricultural Biotechnology
- Bayer (including former Monsanto division)
- Syngenta
- BASF
- Corteva Agriscience
- Technology Companies with Biotech Divisions
- IBM Watson Health
- Google Health
- Microsoft Healthcare
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
- Welcome Trust
- Food and Beverage Companies
- Nestle
- Unilever
- PepsiCo
Job prospects and salaries for graduates of Master’s in Biotechnology abroad
The job prospects for students after completing an MS in biotechnology are evergreen. Biotechnology professionals don’t have to pursue a career as a technician or associate scientist strictly. A graduate can build their career in multiple specializations and areas like:
- Pharmaceuticals and Drug Development
- Process Engineering
- Bioinformatics
- Regulatory and Quality Assurance
- Environmental Biotechnology
The salary of a biotechnology professional depends on the location and the industry they are working within. Here’s a general overview of a biotechnology professional’s salary in different countries.
| Country | Salary Range |
| USA | $81,549 per year |
| UK | Early-level:£19,000 and £24,000.Mid or Senior-level:£19,000 and £24,000. |
| Germany | €103,352 per year |
| Australia | AU$61,826 per year |
| Canada | $78,692 per year |
So, overall, the job prospects and salaries are impressive for this program abroad.
FAQs
Yes, the program is worth it. The program holds extreme significance in developing Bioscience and expanding it across multiple fields. Many new fields, such as finance, environment, construction, and textile, are transitioning to newer innovations using biotechnology. Thus, the need for people in the biotechnology field is growing.
The best countries to go to for a Master in Biotechnology are the US, England, Switzerland, Germany, and Australia. These countries have world-renowned universities, advanced research facilities, and thriving biotechnology industries. These countries have leading bioscience industries offering students exceptional learning and career opportunities.
Some of the best universities that offer MS in Biotechnology are Harvard University, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, ETH Zurich, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Technical University of Munich, the University of Melbourne, and the University of Queensland.
The cost of studying this major depends on the type of university and location you chose to study. Like for example, the cost for this program is higher in countries like the USA and the UK than in Germany and Australia. On the other hand, China, Singapore, and Sweden are the least expensive countries in which to study this major.
