Biotechnology is a specialised branch of science that combines both the aspects of biology and technology. It is an interdisciplinary field of science that studies the genetic and cellular structure of living organisms and uses biomolecular functions along with technological innovations to produce new products and technologies that will improve our quality of life and the environment.

Biotechnology covers a wide range of subjects and can be applied in the fields of agriculture, environmental studies, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, virology, food technology, energy conservation, etc. In recent years, biotechnology has played a crucial role in the discovery of life-saving drugs, the detection of infectious diseases and environmental damages, and reducing mortality rates mostly in developing countries.

Career scopes in biotechnology are vast. Studying abroad will open your mind to new discoveries and research breakthroughs and help you connect to some of the best faculties and programmes that are taught in some of the top universities across the world.

Today, there are a growing number of institutes that are offering courses in biotechnology worldwide. Choosing the right university can be a mammoth task. Here we have shortlisted some of the best universities abroad that teach various courses on biotechnology.

• Harvard University, United States of America

Harvard University, United States of America

Founded in 1636, Harvard University is known for its academic brilliance and has been developing future leaders who excel in their fields of work worldwide. It is one of the oldest universities in the USA and offers grants and financial aids to deserving candidates. They have undergraduate, graduate, and professional courses and enrol over 20,000 students every year.

Courses:

• MS/MBA in Biotechnology: This is a joint degree in Master of Science (MS) and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

MS/MBA in Biotechnology: This is a joint degree in Master of Science (MS) and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Duration: 2 academic years.

Eligibility:

1. A 4-year US Bachelor Degree or an equivalent 3-year Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences/Medicine for international students. A cumulative GPA (Grade Point Average) or a CGPA score of minimum 3.0 is required.

A 4-year US Bachelor Degree or an equivalent 3-year Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences/Medicine for international students. A cumulative GPA (Grade Point Average) or a CGPA score of minimum 3.0 is required.

1. Candidates with similar work experience in biotechnology/life sciences may also apply.

Candidates with similar work experience in biotechnology/life sciences may also apply.

1. For international students, they must submit English proficiency test scores of TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), and PTE (Pearson Test of English). TOEFL minimum score is 109 on iBT or more; IELTS should be equal to or more than 7.5; The PTE score should not be less than 75.

For international students, they must submit English proficiency test scores of TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), and PTE (Pearson Test of English). TOEFL minimum score is 109 on iBT or more; IELTS should be equal to or more than 7.5; The PTE score should not be less than 75.

1. Candidates must submit their recommendation letters during the time of admission.

Candidates must submit their recommendation letters during the time of admission.

• University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

The University of Cambridge has been ranked #1 in Guardian University Guides 2020 and is considered to be among the top 5 universities in the world. The university has been imparting state-of-the-art education since 1209 and has students coming from different backgrounds from more than 140 countries. The institute provides more than 300 graduate courses, has over 100 libraries, and about 31 colleges affiliated under the university.

Courses:

• MPhil in Biotechnology: The program was launched in 2018 and covers advanced technical and fundamental subjects in biotechnology.

MPhil in Biotechnology: The program was launched in 2018 and covers advanced technical and fundamental subjects in biotechnology.

Duration: 11 months (full-time).

• Ph.D. in Biotechnology: The Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology offers a full-time course in Ph.D. in Biotechnology.

Ph.D. in Biotechnology: The Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology offers a full-time course in Ph.D. in Biotechnology.

Duration: 3 to 4 years.

Eligibility:

1. Minimum eligibility of Honors degree in second class (2:1) from a university in the UK in Physical Science/Technology.

Minimum eligibility of Honors degree in second class (2:1) from a university in the UK in Physical Science/Technology.

1. For international students 3-4 years of professional Bachelor’s degree with an aggregate of 70% and a CGPA score of 7.3+.

For international students 3-4 years of professional Bachelor’s degree with an aggregate of 70% and a CGPA score of 7.3+.

1. English proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, C1 Advanced, and C2 Proficiency are accepted.

English proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, C1 Advanced, and C2 Proficiency are accepted.

• Columbia University, New York

Columbia University, New York

Established in 1754, Columbia University has a rich history and was founded under the patronage of King George II of England. Located in one of the prime locations in the City of New York, it is one of the oldest universities in the USA and boasts of providing world-class education and many graduate and undergraduate programmes to its students.

Courses:

• Master of Arts or M.A. in Biotechnology: The M.A. in Biotechnology has been designed specifically for careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

Master of Arts or M.A. in Biotechnology: The M.A. in Biotechnology has been designed specifically for careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

Duration: 1 year (full-time). A part-time course is also available.

Eligibility:

1. A Bachelor’s degree in biology.

A Bachelor’s degree in biology.

1. Minimum GRE scores under the guidelines of the university.

Minimum GRE scores under the guidelines of the university.

1. Letters of recommendation.

Letters of recommendation.

1. For non-English speaking students or international students, a TOEFL score is required.

For non-English speaking students or international students, a TOEFL score is required.

1. Other transcripts from past educational institutions or programs are to be submitted during the time of admission.

Other transcripts from past educational institutions or programs are to be submitted during the time of admission.

• The University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom

The University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom

The University dates back to 1583 and has produced some of the most influential and renowned writers and physicists like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and James Young Simpson respectively. The university has won several literary awards including the prestigious “James Tait Black Prizes” and Nobel prize for cloning “Dolly the Sheep”.

Courses:

• MSc. in Biotechnology: The MSc. in Biotechnology is a full-time course and students need to complete the research dissertation to obtain the degree.

MSc. in Biotechnology: The MSc. in Biotechnology is a full-time course and students need to complete the research dissertation to obtain the degree.

Duration: The degree course is of 12 months. A diploma course of 9 months is also available.

Eligibility:

1. An Honors degree from a UK university with a 2:1 score with a background in biotechnology/biochemistry/chemistry/pharmacy/molecular biology/genetics/chemical engineering, etc. An equivalent degree course with a minimum score of 60% for Indian students is accepted for admission.

An Honors degree from a UK university with a 2:1 score with a background in biotechnology/biochemistry/chemistry/pharmacy/molecular biology/genetics/chemical engineering, etc. An equivalent degree course with a minimum score of 60% for Indian students is accepted for admission.

1. English proficiency tests like TOEFL-iBT, PTE Academic, IELTS, Trinity ISE (Integrated Skills in English), Duolingo English Test, CAE (Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English), CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English), etc. are accepted.

English proficiency tests like TOEFL-iBT, PTE Academic, IELTS, Trinity ISE (Integrated Skills in English), Duolingo English Test, CAE (Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English), CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English), etc. are accepted.