Pharmaceutical Bioprocess Engineering

The Pharmaceutical Bioprocess Engineering program combines engineering sciences with the natural sciences. This program deals, for example, with the structure of microorganisms with which biotechnological products can be produced. On the other hand, the technical properties of an industrial plant in which several cubic meters of product are to be fermented every day are the subject of this course. Pharmaceutical bioprocess technology operates in a complex environment with numerous different requirements:

• safe methods of genetic engineering
• precise analytical methods for monitoring the process and the product
• individual adaptation of the fermentation and purification process to the organisms and products used
• careful conception of the production plants
• consistent application of quality management methods in the pharmaceutical industry
• formulation of a biotechnological active substance into a medicinal product

For a comprehensive description of the program, please refer to the degree program documentation:

• Degree program documentation for the bachelor's program in Pharmaceutical Bioprocess Engineering (PDF, German) 

Graduates of the Pharmaceutical Bioprocess Engineering Bachelor's program are able to …

• plan biotechnological production facilities
• produce biotechnological products, e.g. pharmaceutical drugs, in accordance with legal and hygienic requirements
• monitor production processes and organize them in accordance with quality management methods
• analyze and evaluate biotechnological products
• produce common dosage forms such as tablets and injections
• work safely and scientifically correct in the laboratory

Most students continue their studies with the consecutive Master's program in Pharmaceutical Bioprocess Engineering after completing the Bachelor's program. Graduates will find jobs in the biotechnological, chemical, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries as well as in plant construction. Possible tasks in the future career could be, among others:

• Monitoring, control, evaluation of biotechnological processes
• Quality assurance
• Planning and projecting of new plants
• Optimization of manufacturing processes
• Organization of operating technology
• Documentation of plant qualification and validation

The program is designed as a full-time study program. The standard period of study is six semesters (180 credits). Most of the modules to be completed are compulsory modules (148 credits). The Bachelor's program is divided into the following sections:

Basic and orientation examination (1st – 2nd semester): A sound scientific understanding is created in this training section. The basic subjects include biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics.

Bachelor's examination (3rd – 6th semester): In this section of the course, students specialize in engineering sciences and bioprocess engineering. Important subjects in the Bachelor's examination are e.g. technical mechanics, plant construction, bioprocess engineering, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biotechnology and pharmaceutical technology. Laboratory internships combine theory and practice.

Required language skills for admission:

You need sufficient German language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline. Learn more about recognized certificates and other ways to prove your German language skills.

This evidence of your language proficiency confirms that you comply with the minimum language requirements for admission to the program. Depending on the program and your individual background, it may be necessary for you to keep working on your language skills during your studies. Be sure to take a look at the services of our Language Center.   

Language of instruction:

The language of instruction for this program is German.

• Information on exams
• Information on studying abroad
• Information on internships

The tuition fees for international students from third countries for this degree program are 2,000 euros per semester.

Many international students can have their fees waived or receive scholarships to finance them. You can find all information on waivers and scholarships here.

Please note: The semester fee as a contribution to the student union must be paid additionally. It varies depending on where you are studying. You can find all information on the semester fee here.

How does the application process work? [Bachelor]

Admission requirements and the application procedure vary depending on the type of higher education entrance qualification you hold.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents.

If you receive an offer of admission, you will additionally have to submit individual documents as notarized hardcopies  by post to be enrolled.

Generally, applicants with an international higher education entrance qualification must have their documents reviewed in advance through uni-assist.

In detail:

• What are the steps of the application process?
• What admissions requirements do I need to fulfill?
• Important information about your application from the TUM school or department

• Higher Education Entrance Qualification
• Proof of German Language Proficiency
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Passport
• Preliminary Documentation (VPD) by uni-assist - for international applicants only

We may require additional documents depending on your educational background and your country of origin. Complete the online application to receive a comprehensive list of the required documents. 

• Application for Enrollment (signed)
• Higher Education Entrance Qualification (certified copy)
• Most Current Photo (as for ID)
• Digital notification of your health insurance status from a German public health insurance provider (requested by applicant)

We may require additional documents depending on the type of educational background you earned and your country of origin. After accepting an offer of admission in TUMonline, you will receive a list of documents you must submit to TUM in hardcopy for enrollment.

Application period for the winter semester: 15.05. – 15.09.

Information about applying for a higher subject semester

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents. Please be aware that we can only process your application if you upload all required documents within the application period.

We will review your application as soon as it is complete. Please check your TUMonline account regularly, to see if we have any queries to your documents or if you have to amend one or more documents.

After receiving admission, you will see in TUMonline which documents you have to submit for enrollment, and in which form. Please note that you always have to send the signed application for enrollment and all notarized hardcopies by post.

We recommend that you submit the documents for enrollment as soon as possible after receiving admission. If individual documents are not available by then, you can submit them up to 5 weeks after the start of the lecture period. You will, however, only be enrolled once we have received all documents.

You can check the status of your application at any time in your TUMonline account.

This is a program with unrestricted access. There is no selection procedure. You will receive confirmation of your application 

• after submission of the online application and all documents in a formally correct manner by the deadline
• and after your documents have been reviewed. 

Please note: This degree program requires that you have completed an internship before the start of the program. (More information is available under “Internship”). 

In detail:

• Unrestricted Admission