Innovation in Bioengineering

Master's

2 January

Application system opens

15 March

Application deadline

30 April

Admission results

31 August

Academic year starts
Level of study
Master's
Study language
English
Duration and credits
2 years
120 ECTS
Form of study
Regular study
Location
Tartu
Student places
15
Tuition fee
€7,200 per year for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens
Tuition waivers
Free tuition for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and permanent residents
  • Learn to apply and develop cutting-edge technologies in the field of bioengineering.
  • Develop entrepreneurial skills and an entrepreneurial mindset to found your own technology start-up.
  • Study in state-of-the-art research facilities under the supervision of renowned professors and scientists.
  • Acquire practical experience in bioprocess automation in collaboration with the Estonian Biofoundry.
  • Broaden your international experience through a semester abroad.

The aim of the master's programme in Innovation in Bioengineering is to train specialists with a comprehensive understanding of automation technologies and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern bioengineering, synthetic biology, and biotechnology. The programme aims to educate professionals with an innovative mindset, as well as the knowledge and skills needed to develop and implement novel technologies, commercialise intellectual property, and acquire entrepreneurial competencies (such as business plan development, securing funding, and market analysis).

Graduates will have the necessary competencies to bring their developed products to both local and international markets. The curriculum's structure prepares students for future careers in diverse, international, and interdisciplinary work environments. The programme provides in-depth knowledge in the aforementioned fields and offers practical training in synthetic biology and bioengineering.

Estonia is emerging as one of the key hubs of synthetic biology in Northern Europe, with strong collaborations with top research centres (e.g., DTU in Denmark, the University of Heidelberg in Germany, the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, and Uppsala University in Sweden). The Estonian Biofoundry provides world-class research infrastructure for students, researchers, and bioentrepreneurs.

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Students and a teacher wearing white coats in a laboratory looking at a computer
Author: Marko Söönurm

Learning outcomes

Graduates of the master's programme in Innovation in Bioengineering have the skills to:

  • possess in-depth knowledge and practical skills in various research methods in the fields of bioengineering and biotechnology;
  • plan and carry out professional tasks by applying appropriate technologies and methods to solve practical problems;
  • apply automation technologies in bioengineering and related fields to develop new and innovative solutions;
  • use artificial intelligence (AI) tools in synthetic biology, molecular biology, bioengineering, and entrepreneurship;
  • analyse the development and application of new technologies in bioengineering, employing critical thinking and innovative approaches;
  • develop business strategies for marketing innovative products, including creating business plans, conducting market analysis, and securing funding;
  • assess the theoretical and practical value of the competencies acquired during the programme—considering scientific, societal, and ethical aspects—from both personal and societal perspectives, and formulate professional development goals for themselves and their colleagues;
  • operate in responsible, profession-specific roles by taking initiative, leading teams, and contributing effectively to cooperation within a team.

Synthetic Biology and Its Applications summer course

A great way to get to know the university and the city of Tartu is to take part in the UniTartu Summer School, which takes place during the first two weeks of August. In 2026, we are offering the Synthetic Biology and Its Applications course, taught by the same team behind the Innovation in Bioengineering master's programme. The course is suitable for upper secondary school students and beginner-level bachelor's students. Please note that the summer course has a separate application process and participation fee, and applying for the summer school is independent of applying for the master’s programme.

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Synthetic Biology and Its Applications Unitartu Summer School 2026 University of Tartu
Author: Undercliff Creative

The curriculum consists of the following modules:

  • Basic module (11 ECTS)
  • Specialisation module I: Scientific Data Processing (6 ECTS)
  • Specialisation module II: Development of Synthetic Biosystems (23 ECTS)
  • Practice module (15 ECTS)
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation Skills module (20 ECTS)
  • Estonian language module (0 or 6 ECTS)
  • Study abroad module (20 ECTS) – elective module
  • Elective subjects (6 or 12 ECTS)
  • Optional subjects (3 ECTS)
  • Thesis (30 ECTS)

Detailed course descriptions will be available shortly via our Study Information System and will also be displayed on this page under "Curriculum version".

Curriculum version:

This curriculum structure is the latest one confirmed by the university. Next year's version will be entered into the Study Information System by 15 April. Significant changes to the structure will be announced in advance on this website.
More info: Study Information System

Institute of Bioengineering

The Institute of Bioengineering was established in 2023 and commenced operations on 1 January 2024. Currently, 5 research groups have joined the newly formed institute:

  • Assoc. Prof. Ilona Faustova’s Lab
  • Prof. Andres Merits’ Lab
  • Prof. Hannes Kollist Lab
  • Prof. Kaspar Valgepea Lab
  • Assoc. Prof. Margus Varjak
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Visit us virtually

Explore Tartu, the Institute of Bioengineering, and the student dormitories through the university's virtual tour.

After graduation, you may continue your studies and pursue a PhD in either academia or industry, or launch your own technological startup. According to McKinsey & Company's report on Biological Innovations for Complex Problems, it is essential to strengthen the ability to translate scientific discoveries into practical solutions. Since the study programme focuses on developing the skills necessary to accelerate the incorporation of novel technologies into everyday life, graduates of the programme will be well-equipped to contribute to the so-called Bio-revolution and work in technological hubs anywhere in the world.

Moreover, synthetic biology is one of the ways to reach a sustainable bioeconomy in agreement with the European Union Green Deal, and alumni from the curriculum will be valuable assets on the EU job market. Additionally, the Estonian Development Strategy “Estonia 3035” prioritises technological businesses, so you have a good chance to build your company in Estonia. Therefore, programme graduates may contribute to sustainable development and have the knowledge and skills to bring innovative solutions to life.

Admission requirements for Innovation in Bioengineering

NB! Even if you graduate from Bachelor's studies only in the summer, you can still apply in the spring. If you are admitted, you are required to provide proof of your bachelor’s degree by 10 July if you graduate from a university in Estonia, and by 31 July if you graduate abroad.

NB! The restrictions for the citizens of the Russian Federation are specified here.

Applications are evaluated based on

  • the average grade of the previous study level (yields 50% of the final score)
  • the score of the motivation letter (yields 50% of the final score)

Please write a brief motivation letter (in English, maximum of 5000 characters with spaces) based on the following points:

  • Describe briefly your previous studies and work experience and how it will help you succeed in this program. Explain how your educational and professional background relates to the programme you are applying to.
  • Which elective courses corresponds the most to your study interests, so what electives would you like to take? (Elective courses need to be chosen from the list of courses of elective module of Innovation in Bioengineering programme).
  • How do you plan to implement the skills to be gained from the programme in your future career, in which role do you see yourself in your future job after completion of the programme Innovation in Bioengineering?

Evaluation criteria

In the evaluation of motivation letter, the following criteria will be considered:

  • fit between the student’s goals and the programme (40%);
  • analytical and argumentation skills (40%);
  • fluency of written English (20%).

The maximum score for motivation letter is 100 points and the result is positive only if the applicant gains 51 points or more.

Only those applicants who score 66 points or higher (out of 100) as a combined score from both the motivation letter and average grade of the previous study level, will be considered for admission.

Further information on assessing candidates´ academic performance and calculating admissions´ score.

How to apply

The following information applies to international students and Estonian students who graduated abroad:

The application system opens on 2 January and closes on 15 March. The following documents must be submitted electronically via DreamApply by 15 March:

  1. online application
  2. motivation letter
  3. official certified copy of the bachelor's diploma or its equivalent and Diploma Supplement (transcript) in the original language (must include description of the grading scale).
    NB! Applicants graduating in the upcoming spring/summer and having their diploma and final transcript issued later than the application deadline should electronically submit their most recent official transcript by the application deadline. The transcript should be supplemented by an official statement from the issuing institution indicating current enrollment and expected graduation date. Admitted candidates are required to post certified copies of their graduation documents as soon as these have been issued (must reach us no later than by the end of July).
  4. official translation of the bachelor’s diploma and Diploma Supplement (transcript) into English, translation certified
  5. proof of English language proficiency
  6. copy of the passport page stating the applicant’s personal particulars
  7. confirmation/receipt of application fee payment (if applicable). All international applicants are required to pay the application fee EUR 100, unless they have completed the previous study level in Estonia. An application will only be processed after the fee has been received by the UT.

Submitted applications can not be edited. It is only possible to upload new documents (e.g. graduation certificates). Applicants will receive feedback and notifications through the DreamApply system to their e-mail. Incomplete applications or those submitted by e-mail will not be considered for admission.

Guide to submitting an electronic application on DreamApply.

NB: The University of Tartu has no official partnerships with agents or educational representatives. We strongly recommend applying directly to the university without the help of unauthorised third-party entities. Should you use such a service, please ensure that your application's contact information is your personal details (your e-mail, phone number, etc.).

The evaluation of applications will be made based on the electronic copies added to DreamApply. A general ranking list will be formed based on the electronically submitted applications and admission results (including offers) will be announced to all applicants personally via DreamApply by April 30 at the latest. Admitted candidates are expected to accept or decline the offer in DreamApply in 7 days. If the decision is not communicated to UT via DreamApply by the stipulated deadline, UT reserves the right to withdraw the admission offer.

NB! It is not possible to postpone the beginning of studies to the next academic year.

Terms and conditions of the admission offer

Admission offers are conditional. This means that there are conditions in the offer which the applicant needs to fulfil in order to be admitted (e.g. sending application documents by post; obtaining the required level of education). If the conditions are not met, UT has the right to withdraw the offer. Also, UT reserves the right to withdraw or amend any offer or revoke the matriculation of a student, if it becomes evident that the application contains fraudulent information, the qualification does not provide access to the chosen study programme or the student is found to have omitted key information from the application. Should such circumstances occur, UT will not be liable for any material or immaterial loss which the student may suffer as a result.

Once the admission results have been announced, all admitted students are required to send the application documents by post to: Student Admissions, University of Tartu, Ülikooli 18-133, Tartu 50090, ESTONIA.

The documents are expected to be mailed only by those receiving the admission offer (unless instructed otherwise by the admissions staff). The documents must reach the university within 3 weeks from the announcement of the offer. If the application documents do not reach us by the deadline, the university has the right to withdraw the admission offer. Applicants will be informed when their documents have arrived.

Requirements for educational documents

All copies of educational documents (diplomas and Diploma Supplements/transcripts) must be officially certified. By certified we mean that the copies should bear an original signature and seal of the authority certifying that these are true copies of the original document(s). The copies can be certified either 1) by an authorised official of the issuing institution, or 2) by a notary, or 3) with an Apostille attached. NB! Country-specific requirements may also specify the way documents from certain countries must be certified.

Please note that UT does not accept simple copies made on the basis of already certified copies (primary copies are needed).

All admitted students are required to present their original qualification certificates upon arrival (unless these were sent directly from the issuing institution).

Paying the tuition fee

  • Admitted non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are required to pre-pay half of the first semester's tuition fee. The invoice along with the pre-payment deadline and payment details will be sent to applicants via DreamApply after they have accepted the admissions offer and the University has received the hard copies of the application documents. Second part of the fee is due on 20 September. NB! The official admission letter (necessary for visa application) will only be issued once the University of Tartu has received the pre-payment.
  • By transferring the pre-payment to the university, you confirm that you have informed yourself about the process of the visa and temporary residence permit application and you are able to arrive in Estonia by the start of the academic year. If you have any questions please contact [email protected].

The official admission letter will be sent to admitted students electronically via DreamApply only after the admissions office has received and reviewed hard copies of the application documents, and received the tuition fee pre-payment (if a pre-payment was required, please see step 3 for more details).

NB! The electronic admission letter is also sufficient for non-EU students for applying for visa/residence permit at an Estonian embassy.

Once the admission letter is issued, accepted students may proceed further with arranging their arrival. All non-EU students should first consult information on the process of visa and temporary residence permit application to be sure, as where and when the relevant documents need to be applied. Note that housing at the UT dormitories can be applied during a limited period of time, unless specified otherwise on the website.

NB! Admitted students who are not citizens of an EU or EEA country or Switzerland need to make sure they obtain the Estonian long-term visa on time in order to be able to participate in the orientation programme for international students held in the last week of August. They are also required to visit the Admissions Office in person to complete their arrival registration by August 31, 2026, at the latest. Failure to do so will result in the revocation of their admission decision and visa.

For housing alternatives please find further information on Tartu Welcome Centre website. Travel information can be found here. Based upon common queries, the most important information has been summarised into a pre-arrival information website UT Getting Started.

Estonian applicants should apply via National Admission Information Systems (SAIS).

Tuition fee reduction

In selected programmes, the university offers tuition fee reductions of 25%, 50%, or 100% for one semester at a time.

For this programme, five admitted students will receive a 50% tuition fee reduction for their second semester, based on the weighted average grade of all results from the previous studied semester.

All students admitted in 2026 will be eligible to be considered for a tuition fee reduction based on their academic performance and the following criteria:

  • they study full-time;

  • are not on academic leave;

  • have not exceeded the nominal duration of the curriculum;

  • have cumulatively completed at least 30 ECTS credits per semester.

Tuition fee and scholarships

Practical info for new students

International Student Ambassadors

Ask about the programme content, courses, career opportunities, study environment
Ilona Faustova
PhD (Chemistry)
Faculty of Science and Technology
Institute of Bioengineering
Director, Associate Professor of Molecular Biology, Programme Director for Science and Technology bachelor, Programme Director for Bioengineering master
+372 5391 1270 (7270)
Nooruse 1-424

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