FAQ for Applicants

This section will present some frequently asked questions on topics related to the program and the application process.

Any more questions?

If there are any more questions, do not hesitate to contact us. 

Arthur M. Lesk 
Introduction to Bioinformatics 
Oxford University Press; 3rd Revised edition (REV). (20/03/2008) 
ISBN-10: 0199208042 
ISBN-13: 978-0199208043 
432 pages

You are eligible, if you have earned a first university degree from one of the following areas: 

  • Computer science
  • Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Pharmacy
  • Medicine
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • or a degree from a related course of study

The focus of this program is clearly set on Computer Science (programming, algorithmic concepts) and Mathematics. These subjects will make up a substantial part of your studies and your chances to be elected will strongly depend on your past performance in both disciplines from school on.

If you are a life scientist and mathematics was not your favourite topic at your university studies you should re-consider your application for this program. If you are in doubt, please do not hesitate to contact us.

If you are a computer scientist or mathematician you should have a clear and dedicated interested in the Life Sciences. Again: If you are in doubt, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

Yes, you can. Please submit all the preliminary and/or intermediate transcripts you have.

There are two skill sets which are considered. These are the general skills and the specific skills.

General Skill Set

  • excellent learning skills 
  • substantial interest in science (with an emphasis in the natural sciences) 
  • highly motivated to learn
  • being curious and open-minded 

Specific Skill Set 

  • excellent record in the life sciences from school on 
  • excellent record of mathematics and/or computer science from school on 
  • excellent record in the life sciences on the university/college level
  • excellent record in mathematics and/or computer science on the university/college level

The Statement of Purpose is a first sample work with which you present yourself as an applicant to the review committee. You should describe your motivation for studying Life Science Informatics.

The Statement of Purpose should have a maximum of two pages, not more. You should demonstrate that you are able to meaningfully present scientific ideas and convey them in an appropriate scientific language to the review committee. 

Here are some ideas of topics that could be included in the Statement of Purpose: 

  • What brought you to Life Science Informatics? 
  • What interests do you particularly have in this research area? 
  • Do you have already any publications in this or a related field? 
  • Have you attended any courses/conferences focusing on Life Science Informatics? 
  • Do you have any particular scientific interests? If so, which are these and how are they related to Life Science Informatics and your previous studies?

The entire program is taught in English. We want to make sure that difficulties with English as medium of instruction are avoided. This will enable you to completely focus on the subjects taught. This master's program is aimed at centering on problems of Life Science Informatics and not on language problems.

Yes, you will have to. TOEFL and IELTS are the only tests we accept. The test result must not be older than two years. 

Here are the minimum requirements for the English tests:

TOEFL Test 
TOEFL paper-based: 550 
TOEFL computer-based: 213 
iBT TOEFL: 80 

IELTS Test 
6.0 in the overall band, and no single result below 6.0 

You need to take one of the two English tests mentioned above. 

Applicants who have graduated from universities/colleges from one of the following countries are exempted from an English test: 

  • United Kingdom
  • Ireland
  • Canada
  • United States of America
  • New Zealand
  • Australia

No, the GRE is optional. It can support your application.

No, there is no specific format or template that is required. But there are some issues that you could consider when you prepare your CV as it is another sample work that should recommend you.

Make sure that your CV contains relevant information for your application in the Master's Program of Life Science Informatics. Relevant topics may include: 

  • information about your education at school
  • information about your academic education at university or college
  • information about your activities to get in touch with the field of Life Science Informatics, such as the attendance of conferences/courses, internships etc.
  • list of publication(s) (if available)
  • list of talks you have given at conferences/meetings
  • your extracurricular activities

Make also sure that the information in your CV is clearly arranged and presented in a meaningful way. It should support your application for the Master's program of Life Science Informatics. Being able to convey biographical, educational and scientific information in a meaningful way is a skill that will speak for you and will recommend you to the review committee. 

The Letter of Recommendation has to meet the following formal requirements and to cover the following topics: 

Formal requirements:

  • Issued by a university professor
  • Written on paper with the institutional letter head

Topics to be covered:

  • How long has the issuer known you?
  • Which classes did he/she teach you?
  • When (in which year, semester) did he/she teach you these classes?
  • Assessment of your mastery of basic knowledge in the field
  • Familiarity with and ability to use laboratory techniques (if applicable)
  • Adaptability to new practices
  • Willingness and ability to work hard
  • Maturity
  • Potential for future growth in science