How the fees work. EU/EEA and Swiss students pay no tuition within the standard duration plus two semesters, then EUR 363.36 per semester. Most other students pay EUR 726.72 per semester (about EUR 1,453 a year); nationals of a list of least developed countries are exempt. The compulsory student union fee (ÖH-Beitrag) is EUR 26.20 per semester.
About this programme
Master in Molecular Biology is a master’s programme at University of Salzburg in Salzburg, taught in English. It runs for 2 years (4 semesters) and carries 120 ECTS credits. The register gives Linz, Salzburg as the campus town. It lists the academic degree as Master of Science, MSc. University of Salzburg is a public university in Salzburg.
What you will study
Molecular Biology at master's level in Salzburg is a joint programme run by the University of Salzburg and the Johannes Kepler University Linz. You study at two institutions in two cities, and the degree is awarded as a Master of Science (MSc). The teaching language is English, and the programme asks for level B2. It runs over four semesters and 120 ECTS.
What you study
The programme builds on a natural sciences bachelor's degree and goes deeper into biochemistry, organic chemistry, biophysics, bioanalytics, structural biology, genetics, cell biology, system biology and molecular biotechnology. The curriculum is student-centred and uses modern equipment. You are trained in advanced research methods so you can understand molecular biology, cell biology and biotechnology at a research level.
The study plan lists these areas across the four semesters:
- Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics
- Biophysics and Molecular Analytics
- Molecular Analysis of Cellular Pathways
- Advanced Analysis and Biotechnologies for Biosystems
- Soft Skills
- Advanced Molecular Biology
- Autonomous Coursework/Electives
- Hands-On Training in Molecular Biological Research
- Master's Seminar and Final Master's Examination
- Final Master's Examination in front of the Examination Committee
How the programme is organised
The first semester is taught in Salzburg. The second semester is in Linz. The third and fourth semesters are split between Salzburg and Linz. The later part of the programme is where the hands-on research training, the master's seminar and the final examination sit. You can specialise individually, and the programme puts weight on applied learning. You also get the chance to carry out your own research on complex molecular and biomedical questions.
Who it suits
This suits someone who wants laboratory work and research rather than a purely theoretical degree. You should be ready to move between two cities and to work independently on experiments, while also taking new experimental designs from a supervisor. If you want expertise in how molecules and cells interact, across genetic, protein, organelle and tissue levels and in different model systems, this is the kind of programme that gives you that. It also suits students who want a degree that opens doors in Austria and abroad.
Admission, language and next steps
You need a bachelor's degree in Molecular Biosciences from the JKU, or a degree comparable in scope and content. You can apply for admission at either the University of Salzburg or the Johannes Kepler University Linz. The teaching language is English at level B2. Applications go directly to the institution, and its own page gives the application period. The admissions office handles questions about admission requirements. After the master's you can go on to a doctorate in natural sciences at the JKU.
What the register says
The program expands on the general education curriculum as part of the Bachelor's degree program in natural sciences, providing more in-depth studies in biochemistry, organic chemistry, biophysics, bioanalytics, structural biology, genetics, cell biology, system biology, and molecular biotechnology. The curriculum focuses on student-centered learning, applies state-of-the-art equipment, and educates students in advanced research methods to help them acquire a deeper understanding of areas in life sciences, such as molecular biology, cell biology, and biotechnology.
Text as the Austrian national register publishes it. Some entries are in German. For the current content and structure, use the official programme page.
Job opportunities after graduating
- Base-knowledge research at international universities, Austrian universities of applied sciences, private universities or other public and private research facilities
- Research or other roles in the pharmaceutical industry or at clinical and medical facilities
- Product management or marketing of chemical, pharmaceutical or biotechnological products
- Development, quality control and production at pharmaceutical and bio-pharmaceutical plants
- Work in molecular biology, chemical analysis and clinical laboratories, including bioanalytics and environmental analytics
- Public administration and testing laboratories in the chemical, environmental and medical sector
- Medical and health care prevention at public and private institutions
- Risk assessment and risk minimisation at public authority offices or chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies
- Trademark registration, product protection and patent affairs at companies or public institutions
Before you apply
There is no central application portal in Austria: you apply to the institution, here University of Salzburg. A public university sets the admission requirements and dates for this level, so read them on the programme page. Entrance examination, as the register states it: No. Entry requirements and language tests are set by the institution, so start from the official programme page. Our guides cover tuition fees, the student residence permit and housing.
Facts on this page come from the Austrian national register (BMFWF open data and studienwahl.at, which states the language of instruction). Fees are in euros as the register lists them. "Not listed" means the register has no figure, not that the programme is free. Always confirm requirements, fees and dates with the institution.
Quick answers
Is Master in Molecular Biology taught in English?
Yes. The register’s study finder lists English as the language of instruction at University of Salzburg. Confirm the language of the examinations and the thesis with the institution.
How long does it take?
The register records 2 years (4 semesters) of study and 120 ECTS credits. Sixty ECTS credits are one academic year of full-time study.
Where is it taught?
The register lists Linz, Salzburg as the campus town for this programme at University of Salzburg.
How do I apply?
There is no central application portal in Austria: you apply to the institution, here University of Salzburg. A public university sets the admission requirements and dates for this level, so read them on the programme page.
Is there an entrance examination?
The register gives: No. Details of any admission or aptitude procedure are on the programme page at University of Salzburg.
What does it cost?
EU/EEA and Swiss students pay no tuition within the standard duration plus two semesters, then EUR 363.36 per semester. Most other students pay EUR 726.72 per semester (about EUR 1,453 a year); nationals of a list of least developed countries are exempt. The compulsory student union fee (ÖH-Beitrag) is EUR 26.20 per semester. Fees are in euros as the register lists them; confirm the amount for your intake with University of Salzburg.
Is this programme officially listed?
It comes from the Austrian national register (BMFWF open data and studienwahl.at, which states the language of instruction). The OeAD, the Austrian agency for international education, publishes the official information for international students at studyinaustria.at. The programme page at University of Salzburg is linked from this page so you can compare.
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